What You Need

  • Curtain rod with brackets and hardware
  • Spirit level
  • Tape measure and pencil
  • Drill and drill bits
  • Wall anchors (for plasterboard)
  • Screwdriver

Step-by-Step Installation

  1. 1

    Measure and mark bracket positions

    Standard placement: hang the rod 15–20cm above the window frame (higher makes the window look taller and more elegant — floor-to-ceiling curtains hung high are the interior design standard). Extend 15–20cm on each side of the window frame (wider placement makes windows look wider and creates more light when curtains are open). Mark these positions with a pencil.

  2. 2

    Check the marks are level

    Hold a spirit level (or a long ruler with a level app on your phone) across both bracket marks. Adjust until both are at exactly the same height — even a small difference becomes very obvious once curtains are hung. Re-mark if needed.

  3. 3

    Check for studs or use wall anchors

    Use a stud finder at your marks. If you hit a stud — great, screw directly in. If not (plasterboard only), you need wall anchors. The bracket screws are typically 35–50mm — choose wall anchors rated for at least 10–15kg each (curtains are heavier than they look, especially lined curtains).

  4. 4

    Drill pilot holes

    Drill pilot holes at your marks — slightly smaller than the screw diameter for studs, the exact size specified for your wall anchors in plasterboard. Tap anchors in flush with a hammer.

  5. 5

    Screw brackets in place

    Hold the bracket over the holes and screw in firmly. Pull the bracket to test it is secure before loading curtains onto the rod. A bracket that pulls out under a gentle tug needs a larger or different type of anchor.

  6. 6

    Thread curtains, slot rod into brackets and tighten

    Thread the curtains onto the rod before placing it in the brackets. Slot the rod into both brackets and tighten any bracket locking screws. Centre the rod and adjust so an equal amount extends beyond each bracket.

For heavy curtainsAdd a centre support bracket for rods longer than 120cm — without it, heavy curtains cause the rod to bow in the middle. Centre brackets slot onto the rod and attach to the wall at the top of the window frame.

Frequently Asked Questions

As high as practical — ideally halfway between the top of the window frame and the ceiling. The higher the rod, the taller the window appears and the more dramatic the curtains look. For low ceilings, mount as close to the ceiling as possible. The absolute minimum is 10cm above the frame; 15–20cm is the standard recommendation.
The brackets are not holding in the wall. If you are in plasterboard without studs, upgrade to heavy-duty toggle bolt anchors (Molly bolts or Snap-Togglers) which grip far better than standard plastic anchors. If the holes have been stripped, fill with wall filler, let fully dry and re-drill. Alternatively, screw a small timber batten to the wall first and screw the brackets into the timber.