How to hang curtains the right way

Materials needed

• Curtain pole or track — allow 15–30cm of extra length each side of the window so curtains stack off the glass when open
• Brackets — add a centre support if the span is over 1.5m
• Wall plugs — brown for masonry, self-drive metal anchors for plasterboard (cheap plastic toggles will let you down)
• Pole rings or glide hooks matching the pole diameter
• Finials, end caps, and curtain hooks — eyelet curtains slide on directly; pinch-pleat needs tape and hooks

Tools required

• Cordless drill, masonry & wood bits
• Spirit level or laser level — essential, eyes lie
• Tape measure, pencil, hacksaw if cutting a pole to length
• Step ladder rated for your weight
• Detector — pipes and cables hide above windows more often than people think

Step-by-step

1. Mount the pole 10–15cm above the window frame for a taller-room illusion. In rooms with low ceilings, take it almost to the cornice.
2. Mark bracket positions equidistant from the window centre, then check level across the marks.
3. Drill, plug, fix the brackets. Add a centre support if your pole is over 1.5m or if curtains are blackout-weight.
4. Thread the rings — one extra outside each bracket holds the curtain fully open against the wall.
5. Hang the curtains, hem so they kiss the floor or break by 1–2cm for a softer finish. Puddling is fine for full-length silk; otherwise keep it crisp.
6. Train the pleats: tie loosely with fabric strips for 48 hours so the folds fall properly when released.

Pro tips

• Concrete lintels need an SDS drill and a long masonry bit — standard kit will burn out.
• Plasterboard with a void behind needs spring-toggle anchors rated 20kg+. Don't use plastic rawl plugs.
• Heavy blackout curtains? Centre support is non-negotiable. The pole will bow over time without it.
• Bay windows need either a flexible pole (specialty item) or three short straight tracks angled into corners. Plan the corners first.

When to call a pro

Bay windows, bow windows, ceiling-mounted tracks, anything over 3m of span, or heavy interlined drapes — these are jobs where bracket spacing and anchor choice make the difference between curtains that glide and curtains that sag. Send me a photo of the window and I'll usually quote within the hour.