Curtain Pole Fitting - a step by step guide.

Curtain pole installation

Fitting a curtain pole is one of those jobs that sounds simple enough until you’re standing on a step ladder, pencil behind your ear, drill in one hand, and absolutely no idea whether the bracket you’ve just marked is even remotely level. The good news is that this is a genuinely doable DIY task, even if you’re not particularly handy. With a bit of planning, a few basic tools, and a calm approach (plus the occasional cup of tea break), you can get a curtain pole up neatly and securely.

The key is in the preparation: measuring properly, deciding exactly where you want the pole to sit, and making sure the brackets are aligned. Once that’s done, the drilling and fixing part becomes straightforward. In this guide, we’ll walk through the steps clearly and simply, demystify the tools you need, and cover a few tricks that make everything go more smoothly. Whether you’re giving a room a fresh feel or replacing an old pole that’s seen better days, you’ll be able to handle it confidently.

Tools & materials

• Curtain pole + brackets + finials + screws (usually supplied).

• Tape measure, pencil, spirit level (and/or laser level), masking tape.

• Drill + correct drill bit for your wall (masonry bit for brick/concrete, wood bit for timber).

• Wall plugs (rawl plugs) sized to the screws and wall type.

• Screwdriver or cordless driver, hammer (for plugs), step ladder.

• Masking tape, protective goggles, dust sheet, helper (handy for long poles).

Safety first

• Wear eye protection when drilling.

• Use a stable ladder on a flat surface.

• Check for hidden pipes/wires with a detector if available.

• If unsure about wall type or load-bearing fixings, consult a professional.

Quick overview (what you’ll do)

1. Measure window and decide pole overhang.

2. Mark bracket positions (left and right; centre support if needed).

3. Check level (spirit or laser level).

4. Pilot drill holes, insert wall plugs, screw brackets.

5. Fit pole and finials, hang curtains, adjust.

Detailed step-by-step

1) Measure and decide pole length & height

1. Measure the inside width of the window frame.

2. Add overhang so curtains clear the window when open — typically 10–30 cm per side depending on style. A common choice is 15 cm (6 in) each side. Example: 100 cm window + 30 cm total = 130 cm pole.

3. Height: position the pole 10–15 cm above the top of the window frame for a standard look (higher if you want a taller appearance). If you plan to sit curtains inside a recess, the pole will be inside the recess — measure differently.

2) Mark where brackets will go

1. On the wall, measure up from the top of the window frame the chosen height (e.g., 12 cm). Use a pencil to lightly mark a point roughly that high near the left edge where the bracket will sit.

2. Measure horizontally from the inside edge of the frame the overhang distance (e.g., 15 cm) and mark the bracket centreline.

3. Repeat on the right side. Make sure the two marks are the same height (see next step to check level).

4. If your pole or curtains are heavy or the pole is long (over ~180 cm / 6 ft), plan a centre support bracket (mark centre point and its height equal to the side brackets).

3) Check level (spirit level or laser level)

• With a spirit level: place the level along a straight edge connecting the two bracket marks. Adjust the pencil marks until level.

• With a laser level: set up the laser on a tripod or flat surface and turn on the horizontal line. Move the laser (or adjust marks) so the level line hits both left and right bracket tops. See the dedicated laser section below if you have one.

(If you don’t have a level, measure from a fixed point such as the top of the window frame to each pencil mark — the distances must match exactly.)

4) Mark screw positions on a bracket

1. Hold the bracket flat to the wall with its top aligned to your levelled pencil mark and mark through the bracket's screw holes with a pencil.

2. Use masking tape on the wall under the marks if the surface is soft so pencil marks are clearer.

5) Pilot drill, insert wall plugs, and fix brackets

1. Choose a drill bit that matches the diameter of the wall plug (and is appropriate to the wall material).

2. Drill the pilot holes at your marked points. Keep the drill straight and steady. For plaster over brick, drill deep enough to accept the plug completely.

3. Clean dust from holes, gently tap in wall plugs flush with the wall.

4. Align the bracket, screw in the screws until secure — do not overtighten into plaster without plugs.

5. If using a centre support, install it now.

6) Hang the pole and fit finials

1. Place the pole onto the brackets (slotted brackets make this easy). If the pole is long, have a helper support the other end while fitting.

2. Slide the curtain rings or eyelets onto the pole before fitting finials if your pole design requires that.

3. Secure any locking screws on the bracket to stop the pole sliding.

4. Fit finials at each end. Trim or adjust if your curtain touches the window or floor as desired.

7) Final checks

• Open and close the curtains to check for smooth movement and balanced hang.

• Re-check that the pole is level and brackets are tight.

• Touch up any pencil marks on the wall.

Using a laser level (if you have one)

A laser level makes getting brackets perfectly level quick and accurate.

1. Place the laser level on a tripod or a stable surface roughly centered in front of the window and switch on the horizontal beam. Most consumer lasers self-level; wait until it indicates level.

2. Raise or lower the laser (or the tripod) until the beam hits your chosen height above the window frame. You can stick small strips of masking tape on the wall at the beam height left and right and mark the beam line with a pencil.

3. With the beam as your reference, mark the bracket screw positions as described earlier. This ensures all bracket tops are on exactly the same horizontal plane.

4. If you have a rotating or cross-hair laser, use the horizontal line; if the laser produces a dot only, use a spirit level instead or reposition for each mark and measure distances carefully.

Tips:

• If the laser is battery powered, check battery life first.

• Avoid aiming the laser at other people’s eyes.

• For very wide windows, set the laser close to the middle so the beam is strong on both sides, or use a second person to read off the beam at the far side.

Troubleshooting & common issues

• Pole droops in the middle: add a centre support bracket or check bracket spacing.

• Screws won’t hold in plaster: use appropriate wall plugs or toggle anchors for hollow plaster. For masonry, use masonry plugs and bits.

• Pole can’t be short enough: use pole extenders or trim to size if the pole allows (some metal poles can be cut; follow manufacturer guidance).

• Curtains scrape the floor or window sill: adjust bracket height or hang rings/eyelets differently.

Quick checklist (before you start)

•  Correct pole length and style for window.

•  Brackets and fixings appropriate for your wall type.

•  Drill bits, wall plugs, screws and tools ready.

•  Level (spirit or laser) charged and working.

•  Helper available for long/heavy poles.

If this all looks a bit daunting or you just have better things to do with your time, then give me a call, I'll have your curtains up in no time!

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