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Five easy steps to hanging curtains

I want simple curtains and have found a curtain rod that I like, which looks easy to install. How do I do it?

Wes Mininger

September 25, 2010

  • English
  • Arabic

I just moved into a new apartment with beautiful big windows but, while I love having the light, I also need some privacy. I want simple curtains and have found a curtain rod that I like, which looks easy to install. How do I do it? This is another of those countless jobs that involve measuring correctly and drilling holes into concrete walls. Curtain rods are normally sold with the necessary brackets and screws included. The rods chosen are from Pottery Barn and come in a package containing three mounting brackets (two ends, one middle), two rods, an Allen key to tighten the bolts that lock the rods in place, screws and, unfortunately, the wrong kind of plastic anchors for them. These white anchors are meant for drywall and in the UAE you will need anchors designed for concrete or cinderblock.

• a drill with drill bits • a screwdriver • a hammer • a step ladder • a spirit level • a friend with a good eye for straight lines

Step 3. Drill your holes and hammer the plastic anchors gently into them until they are flush with the wall. Screw the bracket into place. Move your step ladder to the opposite side of the window. Again, use the rod (without the curtain this time) by placing one end into the bracket and the other into the second end bracket. Using a spirit level to ensure that the rod is perfectly horizontal, find where the next fixture should go. Ask your friend to check how it looks from across the room. Repeat the step above, marking the position, drilling and screwing the bracket into place.

Step 4. When both end brackets are installed, you can put the rod into both ends and then measure to find the middle point where you will install the third bracket, following the same mark-drill-fix procedure as above. Step 5. Place one curtain on each side of the rod, with the middle bracket between them. Now screw on the end-cap decoration that keeps the rod from sliding out of the bracket. Once the rod is lined up to your liking, use the Allen key to screw the small bolt on the bracket tightly against the rod. This will keep it from sliding around when you open and close the curtains.

homes@thenational.ae

Pupils in Abu Dhabi are learning the importance of being active, eating well and leading a healthy lifestyle now and throughout adulthood, thanks to a newly launched programme 'Healthy Lifestyle'.

As part of the Healthy Lifestyle programme, specially trained coaches from City Football Schools, along with Healthpoint physicians have visited schools throughout Abu Dhabi to give fun and interactive lessons on working out regularly, making the right food choices, getting enough sleep and staying hydrated, just like their favourite footballers.

Organised by Manchester City FC and Healthpoint, Manchester City FC’s regional healthcare partner and part of Mubadala’s healthcare network, the ‘Healthy Lifestyle’ programme will visit 15 schools, meeting around 1,000 youngsters over the next five months.

Designed to give pupils all the information they need to improve their diet and fitness habits at home, at school and as they grow up, coaches from City Football Schools will work alongside teachers to lead the youngsters through a series of fun, creative and educational classes as well as activities, including playing football and other games.

Dr Mai Ahmed Al Jaber, head of public health at Healthpoint, said: “The programme has different aspects - diet, exercise, sleep and mental well-being. By having a focus on each of those and delivering information in a way that children can absorb easily it can help to address childhood obesity."

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