How to Put up a Curtain Pole

Curtains allow you to customize any room uniquely. This step-by-step guide will show you how to put up a curtain pole in no time!

Tools for the Job

Step 1

Check the wall you are working on. Check to see if it's a solid or plasterboard wall. The best way to do this is with a simple knock. If the wall is plasterboard, fix the brackets directly to a wooden stud behind the plasterboard. If the wall is solid you will need to use a drill with a masonry bit and suitable Rawl plugs.

Step 2

Hold your curtains up to the window to decide on the height the pole needs to be. Poles should be fitted at least 75mm above the window frame. Mark this height on the wall.

Step 3

Use a multi-purpose detector to determine if there are any hazards behind where you are drilling. If fixing to a plasterboard wall also locate studs to fix the brackets to.

Top Tip

If drilling into masonry, use a masonry drill bit and select hammer action on your drill. Mark the depth of your plug on the drill bit with masking tape so you know when to stop.

Step 4

Hold a bracket at the height you want your pole and mark the drill/ screw holes. If you are fixing the pole to studs in a plasterboard wall, secure the bracket to the stud using wood screws. There will always be studs on either side of the window and fixing your brackets to these will ensure they can take the weight of the pole and curtains.

Man's hands attaches a plastic bracket with screwdriver to fix a roller blind on a window.

Step 5

Check the bracket is level before final tightening.

Man's hands holding level for installation the bracket correctly.

Step 6

Use a spirit level to mark the position of the second bracket. Lightly mark underneath with a pencil until you have a straight line where you need to place the bracket.

Step 7

Double-check your markings are level with those of the first bracket. Secure the bracket to the wall using the same method as you used for the first.

Top Tip

If the pole is for a wide window you may also need to secure a third bracket in the centre of the pole. If possible secure this bracket to a stud. In case there isn't a stud in the centre of the window, secure using suitable plasterboard fixings.

Step 8

Once the brackets are firmly secured, they are now ready to take the weight of the pole and the curtains. Secure the pole by tightening the little screws underneath each bracket.