How to hang curtains at home, step by step

Hanging curtains at home is not difficult: it takes some preparation, the right tools and a little patience. This guide covers what you need to know for a result that looks professional.

What you will need

• —A drill with the right bit (for concrete, brick or plasterboard)
• —A spirit level (laser or bubble)
• —A tape measure
• —A pencil for marking
• —A screwdriver, or a drill with screwdriver bits
• —A stepladder or a stable platform
• —Wall plugs and screws (often supplied with the pole)

Step 1: decide where the pole goes

Fix the pole 10–15 cm above the top of the window. This gives an illusion of height and lets the curtains hang freely without blocking the light when they are open.

The pole should extend 20–30 cm beyond the window on each side. That lets the curtains clear the window completely when they are open.

Step 2: mark the fixing points

Hold the brackets against the wall where you want them and mark the screw holes with a pencil. Check with the level that both sides are at the same height.

If the pole is longer than 2 metres, use an extra centre bracket so that the pole does not sag.

Step 3: drill the holes and insert the wall plugs

Choose the drill bit to suit the wall: concrete, brick or plasterboard. Drill at the marks and insert the wall plugs.

Step 4: fix the brackets

Screw the brackets to the wall. Check the level once more: this is the last chance to adjust before the pole goes up.

Step 5: thread the curtains onto the pole

Before you put the pole on the brackets, thread the rings or hooks with the curtains onto it. This is easier than trying to do it with the pole already fixed.

Step 6: put the pole on the brackets

Lift the pole, with the curtains on it, carefully onto the brackets. If the pole has a locking mechanism, lock it. Check that the pole sits firmly.

Step 7: check and adjust

Draw the curtains open and closed a few times and check that they move freely. Arrange the folds so that the curtains fall evenly.

Common mistakes

1. 1A pole hung too low makes the room look smaller and the curtains look less finished.
2. 2A pole that is too short: the curtains cannot clear the window completely.
3. 3A level that was not checked: even a 1 cm difference is plainly visible.
4. 4Wall plugs that do not suit the wall: the curtains can come down with the whole pole.
5. 5Folds adjusted too early: let the fabric settle first.

When is it better to call a professional?

• —The window is high and you do not have a ladder tall enough
• —The wall is unusual (stone or metal, for example)
• —The pole is heavy or complicated to put together
• —You do not have the tools and do not want to buy them for a one-off job