If you live in one of those houses that has the baseboard heater next to the window, you can’t avoid the dilemma of whether to hang curtains above baseboard heaters or not.
When it comes to hanging curtains above baseboard heaters, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure safety and proper heat distribution throughout the room.
Here are some tips:
Leave a gap:
The curtains should be hung at least 2 inches above the top of the baseboard heater. This allows a free flow of heat into the room. By doing this, it stops the drapes from touching the heater and perhaps catching fire.
Use non-combustible materials:
Select curtains made of non-flammable materials like cotton or polyester. Do not use curtains made of wool or silk, which are very combustible materials.
Install additional insulation:
It would be worthwhile to consider installing additional insulation behind the curtains. Without a doubt this helps prevent the loss of heat, especially if the windows are not well insulated. For sure, no one wishes to end up with extra charges on energy bills if it can be avoided!
Consider using a pelmet:
A pelmet is a decorative cover installed over the top of the curtain rod to conceal it and can also help block cold air from entering the room through the windows.
Use a fire retardant spray:
The curtains can be treated with a fire-resistant spray that helps prevent them from catching fire. However, you shouldn’t count on this to entirely prevent fires.
In general, it’s crucial to apply caution when hanging curtains over baseboard heaters to make sure that they don’t create a fire hazard and that heat can still circulate easily through the space.
How To Hang Curtains With Baseboard Heaters
- Measure the distance between the bottom of the baseboard heater and the bottom of the window frame, this will give you an idea of how long your curtains should be.
- Choose curtains made of fire-resistant materials such as cotton or polyester, and avoid using heavy or thick fabrics that may obstruct the airflow.
- Install the curtain rod above the baseboard heater, being sure to position it high enough to keep it away from the heater.
- Use brackets to attach the curtain rod to the wall, making sure they are securely anchored.
- Hang the curtains by threading them through the curtain rod, and adjust the length to ensure they hang just above the baseboard heater.
- If necessary, use tiebacks to keep the curtains away from the baseboard heater when it is in use.
- Ensure that the curtains do not touch the baseboard heater, as this can create a fire hazard.
- Regularly check the curtains for any signs of wear or damage, and replace them if necessary.