How to Put Up A Curtain Pole

Follow our advice, with step by step instructions in our guide to help you put up your straight curtain pole - whether you have a metal, wooden, eyelet or extendable pole.

Where to start:

The best place to start when fitting your curtain pole, is by reading and understanding the instructions on this page and having a clear plan as to what you need to do. We have written this guide with the aim of making it as precise and easy to follow as possible.

What you’ll need:

  • A tape measure – metal ones are best
  • A pencil
  • Drill with drill bit - to make holes for the brackets to be screwed into
  • A screwdriver
  • Small hacksaw
  • Small step ladders or footstool

Tips:

  • Allow yourself some time - about 30 minutes
  • Do not remove the plastic coating from the poles just yet
  • Have a second person at hand to help with the positioning and fitting of the brackets and pole
  • You can use a metal file to smooth the edges of the pole after cutting
  • We recommend fixing the brackets to a wooden batten for extra strength
  • Use wall plugs if you are drilling into bricks. If you are drilling into wood, these are not needed.

Fitting a Curtain Pole

Check you have all your components:

  • correct length of curtain poles – your pole may be in 2 pieces depending on the size you have ordered
  • 2 or 3 x brackets depending on the size of the curtain pole
  • 2 x finials
  • rings – optional

Step 1 - Cut your curtain pole to length
Using our 'How to Measure your Window for Curtain Poles' guide, write down the length of pole that is required for your window. If the pole that you are fitting is longer than this measurement, mark the pole at the length that you require. If your pole is in 2 pieces, divide the length of pole needed by 2 and mark both poles at this measurement.

Using a small hacksaw, cut the pole or poles to length.

Image of fixing end and center brackets

! Tip: If your curtain pole is in 2 parts and you need to cut these poles, ensure that you cut equal amounts off each, so that the joint remains at the center.

Step 2 - Measure the height where the curtain pole is to be fitted
Measure 10-15cm above the window or according to your preference and the space available. This is the height that the brackets will be fitted at. Make a mark on the wall at this point. Double check the height from the floor to this bracket fixing point to ensure it is enough for the curtain fall.

Image of measuring the height where the curtain pole is to be fitted

! Tip: Most of our fixing brackets are adjustable, allowing you to set the distance the end of the bracket will sit from the wall. This feature is especially useful when working with obstructions in the window such as window handles, window sills and radiators. Moving the brackets to the most outward position will allow your curtains to fall past these obstructions. We recommend setting the adjustment of all the brackets before fixing to the wall. That way you can ensure that they are all set to the same setting by sitting them next to each other. Once you have fixed them to the wall, finer adjustments can be made.

Step 3 - Fix the brackets
Mark fixing holes for the brackets at the height marked in step 2. If you have 3 brackets, the 3rd bracket wants to go in the center of the main window. The end brackets want to go towards the ends of the curtain pole - approx 10cm in from the ends. Drill pilot holes using the appropriate bit for the type of material you are drilling into. If you are fixing into masonry, add the wall plugs ino the holes. Fix the brackets in place using screws and your screwdriver.

Image of fixing end and center brackets

Step 4 - Position the curtain pole to the brackets
Next, sit this pole on top of the brackets. If you have a center bracket, make sure that the center of the pole sits directly above the center bracket. Tighten the grub screws in the 3 brackets to hold the pole in place.

If your pole include rings, add the rings to the pole before placing the pole onto the brackets.

Image of measuring and cutting longest pole

Step 5 - Connect the finials to the pole ends
The final task is to fit the finials to each end of the curtain pole. Slide the finial onto the pole and secure into place using the grub screw and allen key if needed.

Image of connecting the finials to the pole ends

! Tip: Tighten all grub screws in the brackets now that everything is place.

Now, sit back, relax and enjoy your new window dressing!

If you're still looking for a curtain pole for your window, why not browse our stunning collection of wooden curtain poles, metal curtain poles, eyelet curtain poles, or extendable curtain poles.

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