How to install curtain rods

A well-hung curtain rod frames your window and makes the room feel taller and finished. This walks you through measuring, marking, and mounting the brackets so the rod sits level and holds the weight of your curtains, plus a no-drill option for renters.

Step by step

1. Decide the rod height and widthFor a taller look, mount the rod 4 to 6 inches above the window frame and extend it 6 to 10 inches past each side so curtains clear the glass when open.
2. Mark the bracket positionsMeasure the same height on both sides and make a pencil mark for each bracket. Use a level or measure from the ceiling to keep them even.
3. Find studs or plan for anchorsRun a stud finder along the marks. Where there is no stud, you will need wall anchors rated for the weight of the rod and curtains.
4. Drill pilot holesHold each bracket on its mark, mark the screw holes, then drill pilot holes. Tap in wall anchors where needed until they sit flush.
5. Screw the brackets inFasten each bracket firmly. Rest the level or the rod across both to confirm they line up before final tightening.
6. Hang the rod and curtainsSlide the curtains onto the rod, set it into the brackets, and add finials or end caps. Tug gently to check everything holds.

Measuring and marking the bracket height and width

The most-liked look comes from hanging high and wide. Place the brackets 4 to 6 inches above the window frame (or higher, toward the ceiling, to make the wall feel taller), and set the outer brackets so the rod extends 6 to 10 inches past each side of the window.

Get both sides even by measuring the same distance down from the ceiling or up from the floor rather than from the window frame, since frames aren't always level. Mark each bracket in pencil and check the marks with a level before you drill.

Mounting into studs vs using drywall anchors

Curtain rods pull outward and down, so a solid hold matters. If a bracket lands on a wall stud, screw straight into it for the strongest fix. Most window brackets fall on drywall, though, so where there's no stud you must use wall anchors rated for the combined weight of the rod and curtains.

Skipping anchors in drywall is the usual reason a rod later tears out of the wall. Match the anchor to the wall type and to how heavy your curtains are — light sheers need far less than lined blackout panels.

Hanging heavy or floor-length curtains

Long or heavy curtains can make a rod bow in the middle over time. Add a center support bracket for spans wider than about four feet or for thick, lined panels, and choose a thicker rod that resists sagging.

Installing curtain rods without drilling

If you rent or want to avoid holes, a tension rod wedges inside the window recess using an internal spring — no brackets or screws needed. It suits light to medium curtains only. There are also adhesive or no-drill bracket kits, but check their weight rating before trusting them with heavier panels.

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