Drape escape Make your windows wonderful with a new curtain rod

TOP TIP

Measure from the floor up to the top of the window frame, then check the nearest standard length readymade curtain to determine where the brackets for the rod will be positioned

New curtains are a quick and easy room update. Choose a rod at least 200mm wider than the actual window, measuring from outside the frame or trim, so the full window is exposed when the curtains are open. Check the brackets are deep enough to hold the curtains away from the wall so they can be drawn easily, and the fabric can hang without creasing. Some kits have adjustable rods and brackets. 

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Refresh your windows

Drape escape

Dressing your windows for success (and warmth and privacy) is as easy as installing a rod for readymade curtains. Here’s how

Top tip Curtains should be about double the width of the window and just skim the floor

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TOOLS & MATERIALS  Safety equipment (eye and ear protection)  Step ladder  Stud finder (for plasterboard)  Tape measure and pencil  Small level  Screwdriver  Drill with a 3mm bit and extended

Phillips head driver bit  Curtain rod kit with brackets and fasteners  Curtains

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Your DIY toolkit

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1 Windoware 75mm-100mm wrought iron curtain rod bracket, $9.86/pack of 2, I/N: 0413537. 2 Stanley ‘Fatmax’ stud finder, $68.95, I/N: 5660419. 3 Windoware ‘Admire’ 210cm-300cm ball finial expandable curtain rod set in Black, $69.90, I/N: 8903935. 4 Home Style ‘Como’ 2.3m-3m width x 2.05m drop triple weave eyelet curtain, $75, I/N: 0037799 (rod not included). 5 Fuller 250mm aluminium torpedo level in Yellow and Black, $21, I/N: 0309725. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Which wall? Before drilling, you need to know what sort of wall you’re working with.  Hollow plasterboard Plasterboard anchors provide a solid grip against the back of the wall. Choose anchors that can hold the combined weight of rod and curtain and check they suit 8G screws, which will be supplied with the curtain rod brackets.  Masonry Use masonry anchor grips, checking they are appropriate to the weight and size screws provided with the brackets. Fit drill with a masonry bit in the size recommended on the packet to pre-drill holes for anchors.

STEPS

Safety tip

These instructions are for installing into plasterboard with studs. There is usually a support stud either side of a window, but use a stud finder to check there is a solid surface to support the brackets.

Before drilling into walls, use a stud finder to check for wiring and pipework, and turn off the power while working

1Mark the top of the brackets either side of the actual window frame, at least 75mm above and 150mm to the side. Tip: If the window is wider than about 1200mm, or the curtains are particularly heavy, centre a third bracket above the window. Most curtain rod kits include a third bracket with fasteners. 2With a bracket as the template, mark the holes either side of the window, using a small level to double-check they’re vertically lined up.

3If the curtain rod kit has adjustable brackets, assemble them using the supplied link screws with a screwdriver, adjusting the projections to be the same length. Tip: It’s easiest to assemble the brackets before affixing them to the wall, rather than after. 4Pre-drill holes into the studs with a 3mm bit, then position the brackets and secure with supplied screws. Use a long screwdriver or extended driver bit with a drill to tighten screws. Tip: If the wall is masonry or hollow behind the plasterboard, secure screws using appropriate anchors (see ‘Which wall?’, below left).

5If the rod is adjustable, expand it to fit across the window and twist to lock. Remove one finial from the rod by unscrewing or using the supplied hex key to loosen the grub screw. Thread the rod through the curtain eyelets, tabs or pockets. Tip: For eyelets, ‘concertina’ the curtains so the end rings face outwards. 6Replace the finial, winding it back onto the rod or tightening the grub screw. Even out the curtains so one eyelet or tab is on the outside of the brackets, then position the rod, securing it to the brackets with the supplied screws to prevent sliding. ◆