As we already established in ‘Smart Ways To Dress Up Your Windows’, the way you decorate your windows can make or break your home’s overall aesthetic. And if some of you took our tips to heart, then you may now find yourselves considering getting curtains for your home. Of course, a key part of this mini-project is dealing with curtain poles.

While it may seem simple at first, there are a lot of ways to do it wrong and only a few ways to get it right. So, for those of you who are tempted to go down the DIY route, be warned.

Read on for a brief guide on how to choose and install curtain poles.

How to Choose Curtain Poles

Although it may seem straightforward, choosing curtain poles can make or break the entire process of decorating your windows. The specifics of the curtain pole you end up choosing can significantly impact the look of your room. Case in point, the different finishes on the curtain poles listed on Screwfix are a testament to just how complex the selection process can be. There are wooden, metal, brass, and even chrome poles. They can be trimmed to size or extended to fit depending on the exact measurements of where you’re installing them. When choosing your curtain poles, consider the following finishes:

Metal Poles

These types of poles are suited for modern homes with a minimalist design. Metal poles are rather sturdy, so it’s best to opt for the thinner variety even when hanging curtains that are on the heavy side. For metal poles, you’ll want something along the lines of 28mm diameter for regular curtains and at least 35mm for heavier ones. One key thing to be wary of when using metal poles is rust. The BBC details that metal is prone to rust when exposed to moisture and air. One way to prevent this is to freshen up the pole’s coat of paint when needed.

Wooden Poles

Wooden poles are better suited for more traditional and rustic home designs. What’s great about using wooden poles is the fact that you can choose from a variety of wood coloured palettes depending on the overall design of your interiors. Since wood is a little less sturdy than metal, you’ll want to go a little thicker. So, that will be at least 35mm diameter for regular curtains and 50mm diameter for curtains on the heavier side.

Double Curtain Poles

Double curtain poles are usually sold as a set. They allow you to put two different kinds of curtains on your windows. While putting two curtains is certainly an option, what most people do is put a main curtain on the front pole, with a lighter fabric on the other. This is perfect for when you want to maintain your privacy while still letting a little sunshine in.

Installing Your Curtain Poles

Now that you have an idea of what type of curtain pole to get for your home, it’s time to learn how to install them. Here’s a quick guide on what you’ll need to do to ensure that installation goes as smoothly as possible:

What You Need

Before you can start the installation process, be sure you have all the tools required: A drill, tape measure, screwdriver, and spirit level. For the spirit level, a carpenter’s or line level will work well to show you the horizontal level of where you’re drilling the holes. Remember to be careful when using the drill as the Telegraph reports that there are 200,000 accidents recorded annually due to DIY projects.

Get the Measurements

Most curtain poles come with specific measurements regarding how far outside the edge of the windows they should be placed. A good rule of thumb here is to double or triple check the measurements before you start drilling so you don’t cause any unnecessary damage to your walls. You’ll also want to use the spirit level to ensure that the hangers for the poles are level.

Install the Poles

Once you’ve got all the measurements down, all that’s left is to install the poles. You’ll need to drill a hole right where you measured with the spirit level to ensure that the poles will be level once you screw in the hangers. Do this on both sides and you should be good to go. Double-check if the hangers are screwed in properly before placing the poles and curtains on them.