How to Measure and Hang Curtain Poles & Tracks 

It is easy to pick out stylish designs and get excited about a new addition to your home. However, the fun will be over if you end up getting the measurements wrong and your curtains don’t fit right. Measuring a window ready for a new curtain pole or track can be a complicated task, especially if you have never done it before. To help you along the way, we have put together a simple guide to assist you… 

How do I choose the right curtain pole or track?

This will be the first decision you need to make – whether you want the more traditional option of a curtain pole or the more modern option of a curtain track. Alongside this, you will need to choose how you want to operate your curtains – by hand, a cord or electrically. 

 

Take a look at our guide to buying  Silent Gliss curtain tracks  to find out more.

 

How do I select the right colour?

You’ll want to choose a colour suitable to your existing home décor to ensure a consistent, sophisticated style. Certain products may offer multiple colours and finishes whereas others may have limited options. It is important to consider this beforehand as it may affect the type of pole or track you choose if you have a specific colour in mind. 

 

What if I need a pole for a bay window?

If you are shopping for a more unique window in your home, such as a bay window, you will need to ensure you select the correct option for this. There will be varying pole types available for either straight windows or bay window styles.

 

Check out our article on how to choose the right pole for your bay window for further hints and tips.

 

How do I make sure that I measure my window correctly?

This can be where it gets slightly complicated, but by following our simple guidelines, we can assure you that it won’t be too overwhelming and the results will be worth it.  

 

Once you have selected the appropriate window shape, you will need to let us know the window’s exact measurements. Boxes will appear when ordering for you to insert the relevant dimensions with a guide of which parts to measure and send.  

 

Obviously, the curtains should not be the exact same size as the window so you need to take into consideration the gap you wish to allow and the extra measurements for this.

 

Curtain poles tend to extend the edge of a window by around 15-20cm. Therefore, to achieve this at both ends, around 30-40cm will need to be added to the overall width. The pole should also sit between 5-15cm above the top of the window with supporting brackets fitted 50mm in from each end of the pole.

 

Curtain tracks follow similar measurements. They will need to extend beyond the edges of the window at around 15-20cm each side, so approx. 30-40cm altogether. Brackets need to be fitted at least 25mm in from the edge and 50mm above the window recess.  

 

Once you’ve measured and input all this information, there may be some additional questions to ensure we have all the details that we need to accurately create your poles or tracks.  

 

How do I hang my curtain poles and tracks?

Before you start, you will need: 

 

  • Pencil 
  • Drill
  • Rawl plugs
  • Saw 
  • Tape measure 
  • Screwdriver 
  • Spirit level 

 

Step 1

Start by marking out on the wall exactly where you want your pole or track to sit.

 

Step 2

Drill the holes where you have made the markings and fill with the rawl plugs. This will allow you to then screw the brackets in place.

 

Step 3

When fitting curtain poles, you will need slide on the curtain rings and fabric before attaching the pole. Once you have done this, you can fix the pole to the brackets and attach the finials.

 

Top tip

With regards to fitting a curtain track, you may need to saw it down to the correct size before fitting. Once it is correctly sized up, you can fit the track to the brackets and add the end stops. Finally, attach the gliders to your track to allow for the material to hang and glide efficiently.  

 

Find out more

If you find you need any further help or guidance along the way, our team are always happy to help. From how to measure up to fitting and styles, don’t hesitate to get in touch today for further help and assistance.