How to Hang Curtains Around a Bed Without Drilling

Curtains around your bed can give you a luxurious canopy look for a low price. However, if you live in a rental or don't want to use power tools, then you won't be able to drill holes in the ceiling. Luckily, you can still complete this...

Attaching Sticky Hooks to the Ceiling

Wipe down the ceiling surfaces above the bed corner with alcohol. Dust or dirt on the ceiling could prevent adhesive hooks from sticking properly. Pour some rubbing alcohol into a paper towel and wipe down the ceiling above each corner of the bed.^{[1] X Research source}
1. Don't use a wood or glass cleaner. These products leave behind residue that make the adhesive strip weaker.
Make a pencil mark on the ceiling above each corner of the bed. Place a tape measure on the floor touching a bed corner. Then extend it straight up to the ceiling. Make a pencil mark in the spot that the tape measure touches. Repeat these steps for each corner of the bed.^{[2] X Research source}
Attach an adhesive strip onto the ceiling over each pencil mark. Adhesive hooks come with sticky strips. Peel the non-stick paper off one side of the strip and press it down onto the pencil mark you made. Hold it down for 30 seconds so it sticks completely. Do the same for all 4 marks.^{[3] X Research source}
1. Always read and follow the directions that come with the product you use. Different products might have specific directions.
Press an adhesive hook onto each strip for 30 seconds. When all the strips are attached, peel the non-stick paper off the other side. Take a hook and press it down onto the strip. Hold it for 30 seconds. Repeat this process for the other strips.^{[4] X Research source}
1. If you're using heavy curtains, make sure to get adhesive hooks that can handle a lot of weight. The product packaging should state how much weight the hook type is designed for, so use this to guide what kind you buy.
Wait 1 hour before hanging anything on the hooks. This gives the hooks enough time to adhere to the ceiling. If you start hanging the curtains too early, the hooks might fall.^{[5] X Research source}
1. If you recently painted, wait 7 days after the paint dries to hang adhesive hooks on the ceiling.

Mounting the Curtains

Add up the distance between the hooks. Use a tape measure and take the distance between each hook. Add up those distances to get the total length you'll need for your curtain string.^{[6] X Research source}
Cut a piece of string or twine to fit around all the hooks. Unroll the string or twine until it's as long as the distance between the hooks. Add a few extra inches so you have room to tie the string. Then cut the string off the roll.^{[7] X Research source}
1. It's okay to have extra string. You can cut off any excess when you're finished.
2. If you're hanging a heavy curtain, then you might need something more heavy-duty like wire.
Tie the string tightly around the hooks. Slide the string into each hook and pull it tight. Then tie both ends of the string together and cut off any excess at the end.^{[8] X Research source}
1. You might need to use clear tape to lock the string in place if the hooks aren't tight enough.
2. Working with a partner will make this job easier. One person can hold the string in place while the other loops it through the hooks.
3. If you're going for more of a canopy look, then you can leave the string looser. This gives your curtains a crescent shape.
Insert hooks into all the spaces on top of the curtains. The curtains should have holes for hooks along their top edges. Insert a hook into each hole. Make sure you don't miss any holes or the curtains will sag.^{[9] X Research source}
1. If the curtains don't come with hooks, you can buy a set of hooks online. You can also get clips instead, which means you don't need holes in the curtains.
2. Using hooks makes sliding the curtains easy, and also makes replacing them very simple.
Hang a curtain set on each string section. Lift the curtains up and hang each hook onto the string. Slide them back and forth a few times to make sure the hooks hold. If you want to cover your whole bed, put a curtain set on all 4 sides.^{[10] X Research source}
1. You can also only put the curtains in one or two sections if you don't want to cover your whole bed. This will still give you a nice effect.