How to Drape Window Scarves

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

A window scarf, smartly hung, can highlight an entire room. It is like that final accessory that sets off the whole outfit. Use a window scarf to cover up a curtain rod, or install scarf hooks to hang a window scarf and accentuate a window. Add extra details by layering different scarves or tying on accessories like bows and ropes.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Draping Window Scarves on a Curtain Rod

1
Measure from the curtain rod to where you want the ends of the fabric to hang. Use a tape measure and place the end on the curtain rod. Pull the tape measure down to where you want the ends of the window scarf to hang and write down the number.^{[1]
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- You could make your window scarf reach down to the bottom of the window only, all the way to the floor for a more dramatic effect, or somewhere in between.
2
Measure across the window and double the number. Stretch your tape measure across the window from frame to frame. Double the number to allow for enough fabric to create a draping effect with your window scarf and write down the number.^{[2]
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- If the window is 60 in (150 cm) wide, then your 2nd measurement will be 120 in (300 cm).
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3
Add the measurements together to determine the length of fabric to purchase. Add the first number you got for the length of the window scarf to the second number you got that was twice the width of the window. This will tell you how long a piece of fabric you need to create your window scarf.^{[3]
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- For example, if you want the window scarf to hang down 30 in (76 cm) on each side, and the window is 60 in (150 cm) wide, then you should buy 180 in (460 cm) of fabric.
- 22 in (56 cm) is a good width for a curtain scarf, but it is completely up to you and the look you are going for.
4
Hook the scarf over the ends of the curtain rod on each side. Let the middle of the curtain scarf hang down in a “U” shape in the middle of the curtain rod and window. Make sure each side has an even amount of fabric and let the ends flow majestically down.^{[4]
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- Try folding your fabric in half before you drape it and mark the middle with a clothespin to make it easier to find the center of the curtain scarf when you hang it.
- You can pin the curtain scarf together in the corners where the front part overlaps with the sides hanging down behind the curtain rod to secure the window scarf in place.
5
Loop the scarf around the middle of the rod for an extra decorative touch. Thread the fabric underneath and behind the curtain rod in the middle, then back up over the top to create a wavy drape in the middle. Hook the scarf on each end of the curtain rod and let the sides hang down evenly.^{[5]
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- You can pin the window scarf together on the parts in the middle where it overlaps to keep the shape you created in place.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Hanging Window Scarves with Hooks

1
Install scarf hooks at both corners of the top of the window. Measure 3 in (7.6 cm) past the corners of the window frame and make a mark with a pencil. Hold the hooks in place over your mark and mark where the holes will go, then place a screw in 1 hole and screw it in with a drill. Repeat this for each hole, making sure the holes are lined up over your marks, to secure the hooks in place.^{[6]
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- Installing the hooks 3 in (7.6 cm) past the corners of the window frame will allow the scarf to drape down over the sides of the window.
2
Install 1 scarf hook in the middle at the top of the window. Measure across the window with a tape measure from 1 side of the frame to the other and make a mark with a pencil right in the middle. Hold a scarf hook over the mark you made and mark where the holes will go, then screw it into place as you did with the corner hooks.^{[7]
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- You could install more than 1 hook above the middle of the window frame if you want to create more drapes in the window scarf. It is completely up to you and the style you want to end up with.
3
Measure the length of the window to decide how much fabric you need. Place the end of a tape measure at the top of the window in a corner. Measure from the corner of the window down to where you want the ends of the curtain scarf to reach.^{[8]
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- It is totally up to you and the effect you want to create to determine how long you want the ends of the curtain scarf to be.
4
Measure across the window from 1 corner hook to the other. Stretch a tape measure across the window after you install the scarf hooks. Double this number so you get enough fabric to create drapes.^{[9]
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- If the window is 60 in (150 cm) wide, then double that to get 120 in (300 cm) for your 2nd measurement.
5
Add the numbers together to determine the length of fabric to purchase. Take the 1st measurement you got for the length and add it to the 2nd measurement you got by doubling the width. This number is how long a piece of fabric you need for your window scarf.^{[10]
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- If you want the window scarf to reach down 30 in (76 cm) from the top of the window on each side, and the window is 60 in (150 cm) from corner hook to corner hook, then get a window scarf that is 180 in (460 cm) long.
- Use fabric that is at least 22 in (56 cm) for a curtain scarf to create wide enough drapes.
6
Hang the window scarf over the middle hook and the corner hooks. Find the center of the fabric and hang it over the middle hook first. Then hook the fabric over the 2 hooks in the corners and let the sides dangle down.^{[11]
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- If you have more than 1 hook in the middle, always start with hanging the center of the fabric over the center hook first so that each side is even.
- You can knot the window scarf around the corner hooks to secure it in place.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Adding Extra Details

1
Layer different window scarves to add regal elegance to your windows. Stretch a scarf straight across the top of the window from hook to hook or along a curtain rod. Drape another scarf as you normally would from hook to hook, or wrapped around a curtain rod in front of the shorter scarf, to create a layered look.^{[12]
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- Play with different fabrics to get the look you want. Try a delicate fabric of a lighter color in the back, and a heavier, darker fabric for the front scarf.
2
Fold and tie your scarf to add details. Lay your window scarf out flat with the front side facing down. Fold the fabric lengthwise in 6 in (15 cm) - 8 in (20 cm) folds toward you. Tie the folds loosely into place at regular intervals with contrasting ribbons or ropes.^{[13]
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- Drape the window scarf with the tied parts hanging down so they stand out.
3
Play with patterns and colors that provide contrast between fabrics. Mix patterned scarves with solid-colored scarves when you layer them. Add patterned or brightly-colored ribbons or ropes that stand out from the window scarf.^{[14]
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- For example, you could use gold ropes to tie a dark blue or purple window scarf, or layer a floral-patterned scarf behind a solid white scarf.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I keep the scarf from falling off rod?

Gavin Donnelly

Community Answer

You can pin the back part and the front part together, or loop it around the rod to hold it in place. You can also tie knots at the corners.
Question

How would I hang a window scarf when there is a vertical blind?

Gavin Donnelly

Community Answer

You can install scarf hooks that protrude out past the vertical blind so that you can hang a scarf in front of it.
Question

How do I hang a scarf over curtains

Gavin Donnelly

Community Answer

The best way would be to install scarf hooks above the window frame and the curtain rod, just make sure they stick out far enough that you can drape the scarf in front of the existing curtains.