DIY

How to Put Up a Curtain Pole

Photograph of pink curtains hung in a bay window in a green and pink bedroom

Whether you’re looking for ways to make your home instantly cosier, searching for energy-saving tactics ahead of the cold season, desperate to block out prying eyes or eager to introduce some plushness into your space, curtains are the best way to do it.

However, installing a curtain pole or track can be a bit of a daunting prospect. Making sure the measurements are spot on and that the pole sits straight is the key to a pair of flowing, perfectly hung curtains. To give you a helping hand, we’ve composed this guide to show you how to measure windows for curtains and how to hang them.

How to Put up a Curtain Pole

Measuring up for curtain poles and tracks may sound like a tricky job, but all you need is a precise and stable hand. Follow the steps below to transform your home into a snug sanctuary, safe from nosy neighbours and chilly drafts.

Before you get started on any of our ‘how to’ guides, please take a moment to read through our DIY safety tips.

What do You Need to Put up a Curtain Pole

Step One: How to Measure Windows for Curtains and Tracks

Before you start drilling, make sure you take the time to accurately measure up your windows. Curtains should nicely frame your window when pulled open but also need to have enough material to close fully.

How to Measure Windows for Curtain Poles and Brackets

  • Your pole should extend beyond the edges of your window surrounds by 15-20cm (6-8″). When you’ve measured the width of your window, add an extra 30-40cm (12-16″).
  • While most poles can be cut down to size, we offer a range of extendable poles to ensure a perfect fit.
  • If you’re wondering how high to hang a curtain pole, it should be mounted 5-15cm above the top of the window and its supporting brackets need to be fixed 50mm in from each end of the pole.
  • Larger poles will come with an extra central bracket for support.

How to Measure Windows for Curtain Tracks

  • Your curtain track needs to extend slightly beyond your window’s edges, so when you’ve measured your window’s width you should add an extra 30-40cm (12-16″) to give you a 15-20cm (6-8″) overlap either side.
  • We offer a range of tracks which can be cut down to size for a perfect fit. The brackets should be fitted 25mm in from each end of the track and at least 50mm above the window recess.

Top Tip: If you’re battling with your blinds, master their installation with our handy measuring and fitting guide.

Step Two: How to Put up a Curtain Pole

Now you’re all measured up, let’s start installing your curtain poles and tracks. Fitting curtain poles can be a fiddly job, but with patience and precision, you’ll get them installed in no time.

How to Install a Curtain Pole

  • Using a pencil, mark where you’ll be fixing your brackets to the wall, including indications of where you’ll be securing them in place with screws.
  • Drill your holes, fit with wall plugs and carefully screw in the wall brackets.
  • Slip your curtain rings or looped curtain fabric over your pole before fitting it into the brackets, making sure that there’s a ring or loop between each bracket and end finial to keep the curtain in place.
  • Screw or fix your pole to make it secure, then finally attach the finials.

How to Fit a Curtain Track

  • Mark up the position of the screw holes for the support brackets. The number of brackets you’ll need depends on the length of your track.
  • Drill the hole and fill them with wall plugs before screwing your brackets securely into place.
  • Cut your track to the length required using a junior hacksaw, cleaning the rough edges with sandpaper.
  • Fit the track to the brackets, then slot in the end stops. Finally, attach the gliders to your curtain track. We recommend 1 glider every 10cm for ultimate stability.

How to Fit a Curtain Track Inside a Bay Window

  • Angled tracks are available to fit within bay windows. Count the sides in your bay window, a side counting as any flat section, so that you know your bay window style, e.g. 3 sided or 4 sided.
  • Measure from one end to the first angle of the window, then repeat for all sections.
  • Add these measurements together to give you your total track length.

Photograph of a blue living room with oak floors, teal sofas and pale pink curtains

How to Look After Curtain Poles and Tracks

Like everything else in your home, poles and tracks collect dirt and dust which can affect the smooth movement of your curtains. You can regularly wipe your poles and tracks clean using warm water to keep them gliding smoothly.

And there you have it! Now you know how to put up a curtain pole and install a track, why not discover some of our other DIY guides and step-by-step walkthroughs? Explore our Ideas & Advice hub for more inspiration and be sure to share your creations with us @Homebase.



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