How to install a bay window curtain rod

Never put mounting brackets on both sides of a corner or angle or you wont be able to slide your curtains into the corner. Also, the mounts will conflict with each other and look cluttered. It is important the the mounting bracket goes only on one side of each angle, usually the longer wall. This way, the rod follows the wall to the bracket, then turns and follows the other wall very naturally. Most bay windows will require two mounting brackets on the back wall and one bracket on each side wall at the end of the rod next to the finial.

To avoid marking up the wall, tape some paper up on the wall where the curtain rod mounts will go, You can pull these protective paper sheets out just before you tighten down the mount screws. If you want to utilize the ends of the rod to stack the drapes, it is usually best to locate the mounts close to the ends of the drapery rod right before the finials.

Hold one curtain rod mount up and make sure it is high enough so that the curtains will cover the top of the window. Higher than the top of the window by a few inches may look better, and block out more light. Using a pencil, mark the location of the bottom screw hole on the wall and set the curtain rod mount down.

Pre-drill a hole into the wall just deep enough to make it easy to drive the screw straight into the wall. Holding the curtain rod mount in one hand at a slight angle so you can easily drive the screw in without interference from the arm of the mount, using your screw gun with extension screw holder tip, drive the bottom screw into the wall.

Level the curtain rod mount as it begins to snug up against the wall, then drive in the top screw. If your screws do not tighten securely, you may not have hit a stud or adequate backing. When installing wrought iron curtain rods or any other hardware to your wall, you will need wall anchors see below. Take the bay window curtain rod apart and place one end of the rod in the mount you just installed. Lay the magnetic level on top of the curtain rod while holding the curtain rod and the curtain rod mount together and raise them up so that the curtain rod is level.

When the rod is level, repeat step 4 and 5. The idea is to hang all four or more mounts level and in the right places. Assemble the bay window curtain rod, slide the rings onto the curtain rod, install the finials onto the rod and be sure to secure every rod section and finial on with the self drilling set screws.

Drop the curtain rod into the mounting brackets. Hook your curtains into the curtain ring eyelets. Stand back, pat yourself on the back, and admire the quality and beauty of your wrought iron bay window curtain rod made especially for you by Paso Robles Ironworks. How to install an extra long curtain rod: If you are installing an extra long curtain rod with a center connector and center mount, mark the center of the window, and install exactly as above, one side at a time.

How to join curtain rods together using internal connector: Slide the connector halfway into one side of the curtain rod you might need to tap it in with a wooden block. How to install wrought iron finials: Slide the finial into the end of the rod you might need to tap it in with a wooden block.

You can remove a switch plate to measure the edge of your drywall or use a bent wire in one of the holes you have created for the mounting brackets. They are available at most hardware stores.

If no tool has been provided with the anchors, a 6d nail may do the trick, try it on an anchor before you put it in the wall. Yes No. Log in Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. No account yet?

Create an account. Edit this Article. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article parts. Things You'll Need. Related Articles. Article Summary. Part 1. Choose tension curtain rods if you want something easy to install.

Tension curtain rods are straight curtain rods that go inside of window frames as opposed to above them.

The ends of the rod will push against the sides of the window frame so the rod stays in place. Tension rods come in different size ranges, like 40—60 inches — cm. Measure the width of your window frames and make sure the width falls within the range of the tension rods you buy.

Buy a bay window curtain rod if you want to use 1 long curtain rod. Bay window curtain rods are rods designed specifically for bay windows. Bay window curtain rods are convenient because of how simple they are, but they only work if your bay window has 3 sections. Alternatively you can use a metal curtain track that will bend around the window. This will be compatible with curtains with heading tapes. They are simple to bend around the contour of the bay window. You can adjust the size of a bay window curtain rod so it fits your bay window.

Get multiple straight curtain rods if your bay window has more than 3 sections. Straight curtain rods are regular curtain rods that go in brackets above windows. If your bay window has more than 3 sections, get 1 straight curtain rod to go over each individual window in your bay window. Most straight curtain rods have adjustable sizes, but it's still a good idea to measure the width of your windows and choose rods that are close in width.

Use single brackets if you want 1 layer of curtains over each window. Single brackets are regular, wall-mounted brackets that hold up curtain rods.

A pair of single brackets can hold up 1 straight curtain rod. Go with single brackets if you want just 1 layer of curtain panels over the windows in your bay window. Use double brackets if you want 2 layers of curtains. Double brackets are wall-mounted brackets that have 2 hooks for curtain rods to sit in.

With double brackets, you can install 2 rows of curtain rods and have 1 set of curtains in the front and another set behind them. Double brackets will work for straight curtain rods and bay window curtain rods. Choose brackets that can hold and support your curtain rods.

Measure the diameter of the rods you picked out before you buy brackets. Then, look for brackets that are slightly larger. If you get brackets that are smaller, your curtain rods won't fit in them. Also, if your curtain rods are heavy, choose sturdy brackets with multiple screw holes in them so they can support the weight of the rods.

Make sure screws are included with the brackets you buy. If they're not, you'll need to buy them separately. Part 2. Measure 4—6 inches 10—15 cm above the window frames. Hanging your curtains higher than the window frames will make your bay window look bigger. Mark your measurement on both sides of each window frame using a pencil. Don't worry about this if you're using tension curtain rods. You can install tension rods in your window frames without brackets.

Mark where you want to mount each bracket above the window frames. One at a time, hold the brackets up to the wall and mark on the wall where the screw holes on the brackets are. You should have 2 brackets above each window frame in your bay window, with one on each end. Use the height marks you made earlier to make sure all the brackets are the same height.

Make the holes deep enough that the screws will go all the way into the wall. Screw the brackets into the wall with a screwdriver. Hold the brackets up on the wall so the screw holes are lined up with the drill holes you made.

Then, tighten the screws into the holes until the brackets are secure against the wall. Part 3. Separate your curtain panels into pairs. A panel is just 1 single curtain.