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How to install a curtain pole

This step-by-step guide provides detailed information on how to complete a task.

It includes a list of tools and materials needed for the task.

Please be advised that this is only a guide and I cannot accept responsibility for any work undertaken. If you are not confident undertaking electrical work then you should have this work undertaken by a qualified electrician. 

Tools and Materials

  • Curtain pole
  • Curtain pole brackets (usually included with the pole)
  • Pencil
  • Measuring tape
  • Appropriate screws and fixings for your wall and weight. Do not use the supplied screws and fixings as they are cheap, rubbish and do not know what type of wall you have.
  • Drill
  • Impact driver or screwdriver
  • Ladder
  • Family member or friend to help (weight and size dependant)

Step by Step Guide

1

Measure the window

Using a measuring tape, determine the width of your window where you want to hang the curtain pole. Typically, the pole should extend 15-25cm beyond the window frame on each side to allow the curtains to open fully and not block any light. Based on this make necessary adjustments to you curtain pole, using manufacture instructions.

2

Height of pole

To get the desired height of your curtain pole you need to consider the drop of your curtains and how high/low they sit off the floor. When you have decided, measure from the bottom of the curtains (lay curtain out) to where the curtain pole will sit then add (if curtain off floor) or subtract (if bunch at bottom) or do nothing to sit flush to floor. This will differ for eyelets, rings, etc. so be sure to get the correct measure.

3

Mark the brackets

  • Measure the full height of the wall to ceiling/coving then subtract the pole height from step two to understand the distance down from the ceiling/coving you need your brackets to be. However, you may need to make adjustments to your measurement depending on if a screw hole sits in line with the pole or not.
  • Ceiling/coving are never straight so using a level only makes the curtain pole look bent even when straight. By measuring down the same distance from the ceiling/coving gives the impression its straight and a better finish.
  • You usually have three brackets one in the centre of the window and one at either ends of the pole. Using your measurement from ceiling/coving down to pole/screw hole mark a cross at the centre of window and at either end about 5-10cm in from end of pole to allow for 1-2 ring eyelets to sit the end side of the bracket and end caps.
  • Align the bracket to the screw hole you have been measuring from and mark the other screw holes on the bracket.
4

Drill holes

  • Using an appropriate drill bit, drill holes into the marked spots about 6-10 cm deep. If you are unsure about drilling into plasterboard or solid walls, please refer to my guides ‘How to hang on plasterboard’ or ‘How to hang on solid wall’.
  • If you are drilling and after about 2-4 cm you may find your drill cannot drill any further this is because you have hit the lintel. To drill through the lintel, you are going to need a stronger drill called an SDS drill.
5

Wall fixings

Once your holes are drilled, check that the appropriate screws you are using will go all the way in by poking into the hole. Then insert your appropriate wall fixing.

6

Attach brackets

Hold brackets to align with your wall fixings then using an impact driver to drill screws in until tight. Pull down on the bracket to ensure secure to hold curtain pole and weight of curtains.

7

Place curtains and pole

Place your curtains onto the pole then with help lift the curtain pole onto the bracket making sure it is in the middle, you have 1-2 hoops/eyelet between the end of the pole and the bracket to ensure the curtain can’t pull all the way across. Secure pole to brackets to stop it from moving, usually a screw at the back of the bracket – manufacturers instruction will show how.

8

Attach finials (if applicable)

If your curtain pole has decorative finials on each end, now is the time to attach them. Simply screw or push them onto the ends of the pole.

To learn how to install a blind – click here

CONGRATULATIONS YOU HAVE COMPLETED IT!