Curtains add style, privacy, and light filtration options to any window frame. Installing a curtain rod is the first step to achieve a more stylish and practical space. With so many ways to mount a curtain rod, we've outlined all of your options for you. In this guide, we go over how to mount a curtain rod – whether you want to mount one to the wall, to the ceiling, to a novelty-shaped window frame, or without drilling.

1. Choose an Installation Spot
2. Measure for the Curtain Rod
3. Decide on the Best Type of Curtain Rod
4. Choose a Method for Curtain Rod Installation

• Drill-Free
• Wall-Mounted
• Ceiling-Mounted
• Specialty Window

1. Choose an Installation Spot

(Shop this image: beige curtains, white single curtain rods, wooden blanket ladders, and abstract wall art.)

The first step for how to mount a curtain rod is to choose the location where you want to hang up curtains. This is important for the next step, as you'll need to measure the width of the window to determine the best size curtain rod.

2. Measure for the Curtain Rod

With a window picked out, it's time to determine the best curtain rod size. This will ultimately determine how much of the curtain rod extends out from each side above the window frame and how many curtain panels you'll need – plus whether the curtains can fully clear the window when pulled back, allowing the maximum amount of light through.

For this step, you'll need a stepladder, tape measure, pencil, and an extra pair of hands to hold the other end of the tape measure. To measure a window frame for a curtain rod, start by measuring the width of the window frame. Record this measurement, and then add 8" – 12" to that measurement (essentially adding 4" – 6" on each side). Review How to Measure for Curtain Rods for more helpful tips to complete this step. Wondering how high to mount a curtain rod above a window frame? Check out our guide on How High to Hang Curtains in Your Home.

Tip!

Considering a drill-free tension curtain rod? Measure the width of the inside of the window frame (where the tension rod will be installed). Most tension rods are spring-loaded and come with adjustable pieces you can add or remove to ensure they fit your window. When shopping for tension rods, you'll notice they have size ranges (28" – 48" for example) that outline the minimum and maximum width they can be. For the best results, choose a tension curtain rod with a minimum width that matches the width of your window. This way, you can always lengthen the rod to increase the tension and make the rod more secure.

3. Decide on the Best Type of Curtain Rod

(Shop this image: gold curtain rods and sheer floral curtains.)

Once you have an idea of the right curtain rod size for your window, consider which type of curtain rod works the best. Our guide on Types of Curtain Rods goes over all of your options, from single to double configurations to tension rods – and more.

4. Choose a Method for Curtain Rod Installation

Now for the fun part – deciding on an installation method! Whether you're looking for a drill-free installation method that's renter-friendly, wanting to learn how to mount curtain rods to walls or ceilings, or wanting to determine the best method for hanging a curtain rod on a specialty-shaped window frame, we've got you covered. In this section, we outline every curtain rod mounting option, and include tips for success.

How to Hang Curtain Rods Without Drilling

(Shop this image: black tension curtain rods, white grommet curtains, and blue abstract wallpaper.)

This is the quickest and easiest way to mount a curtain rod! Tension rods mount to the inside of the window frame and stay in place due to an internal spring mechanism that helps the rod expand or retract to accommodate the size of the window frame. Most tension rods come with an extra rod that you can add or remove to help the tension rod fit the space, and they have a minimum and maximum size range. As mentioned in step two, we recommend you choose a tension rod that has a minimum width that matches your window's total width. This way, it can expand to provide the maximum amount of tension to hold the rod securely in place.

Just make sure you attach your curtains to the rod before you mount it to the window. Once you have the tension rod in place, use a level to ensure it's not mounted at an angle.

Here's what you'll need:

• Stepladder
• Level
• Tension curtain rod
• Curtain rings/hooks (for tension curtain rods paired with curtains that don't have built-in grommets)
• Curtains

Review How to Hang Curtains Without Drilling for more tips and alternative drill-free methods.

If you want more control over where you mount a curtain rod, check out the next option.

How to Hang Curtain Rods on the Wall

(Shop this image: silver single curtain rods, silver mounting brackets, and blue solid-color wallpaper.)

This is the standard method for hanging up curtain rods. For this method, you'll need:

• Stepladder
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Level
• Drywall anchors (for how to hang curtain rods in drywall without wall studs)
• Mounting brackets & screws (for wall installation)
• Screwdriver or power drill
• Curtain rod (for wall installation with brackets)
• Decorative finials (set of 2) (to decorate the ends of wall-mounted curtain rods)
• Curtain rings/hooks (for wall-mounted curtains rods paired with curtains that don't have built-in grommets)
• Curtains

Our guide on How to Hang Curtains gives an in-depth overview of installing curtain rods using wall-mounted brackets.

How to Mount a Curtain Rod to the Ceiling

(Shop this image: curtain tracks and blue/green curtains.)

This curtain rod installation method gives your room the appearance of high ceilings while making a statement. When it comes to hanging curtain rods from the ceiling, you have two options – ceiling-mounted brackets to hold the curtain rod in place, or a ceiling-mounted curtain track with built-in curtain hooks.

Here's what you'll need to mount a curtain rod to the ceiling:

• Ladder
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Level
• Power drill
• Curtain track (If you aren't using brackets)
• Ceiling brackets (If you aren't using a curtain track)
• Curtain rod (for ceiling installation with brackets)
• Decorative finials (set of 2) (to decorate the ends of ceiling-mounted curtain rods)
• Curtain rings/hooks (for curtain rods mounted to the ceiling with brackets if curtain panels don't have built-in grommets)
• Curtains

Follow the steps in How to Hang Curtains from the Ceiling to achieve this look!

How to Hang Up Curtain Rods on Specialty Windows

(Shop this image: bay window curtain rods, patterned curtains, and glass flush-mount lighting.)

If you have bay windows or another specialty-shaped window, the best thing to do is go with the flow! Luckily, there are specially-shaped bay window curtain rods designed to outline their unique shape. If you have showstopping arched window frames, you can either hang a curtain rod slightly above or below the top of the arch. You can also mount a tension rod to the inside of the window frame, lower down. Here's an overview of what you'll likely need to complete these types of installations:

• Stepladder
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Level
• Drywall anchors (for wall installation where there aren't wall studs)
• Mounting brackets & screws (for bay windows and arched window curtain rods)
• Screwdriver or power drill
• Bay window curtain rod (for placement along the top of a set of bay windows)
• Curtain rod or tension curtain rod (for arched windows)
• Decorative finials (set of 2) (to decorate the ends of wall-mounted bay window or arched window curtain rods)
• Curtain rings/hooks (for wall-mounted curtain rods paired with curtains that don't have built-in grommets)
• Curtains

For mounting curtain rods to bay windows, check out: How to Hang Bay Window Curtains

For mounting curtain rods on arched windows, read: How to Hang Curtains on Arched Windows in 6 Simple Steps

Tip!

Now that you know how to mount a curtain rod, check out Your Guide to Styling Curtains.

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