Installing Curtain Rods for Bay Windows

It is easy to install curtain rods for bay windows to accessorize and draw attention to them. Although installation of these types of rods can be a greater challenge than regular curtain rods, it can be done if you have the right supplies. Follow the simple steps below to do this project yourself.

Tools and Materials

• Measuring tape
• Stud finder
• Pencil
• Drill
• Curtain Rods
• Carpenter’s level
• Nail punch
• Hammer

Step 1 – Preparing to Install Your Rods

Before beginning the actual process of installing the curtain rods, decide if you prefer a single rod or 3 separate rods to hang your curtains or valances on. With a single curtain, you'll need a single rod that has an adjustable track that you will bend to make it conform to the window’s contour. For a three-rod system you should plan to install the rods with a middle rod and two outside rods, with the middle rod 3 to 4 inches higher than the outside rods.

Step 2 – Determine Screw Hole Locations

Once you have decided which type of rod you'll be installing, locate the place on your window where you'll want to install your rod. You'll need to decide on both length and height. If there are already screw holes in the wall from previous rods being located there, determine if it is possible to use these.

Step 3 – Mark New Screw Hole Locations

Measure the wall to determine where you'll need to make holes that will match the locations of holes in your curtain rod brackets. Use your carpenter’s measuring tape and a pencil to mark where the holes for your bracket screws should be located on the wall. Then, use your stud finder to determine if there are studs in the wall behind any of these screw hole locations. Try to locate the holes, if possible, where there are no studs you'll need to drill into. If you need to locate them over studs, be prepared to use a different type of screw to fasten the brackets to the wall.

Step 4 – Making Bracket Screw Holes

If your screw holes are in drywall, hold your curtain rod bracket against the wall and place your pencil point into the screw hole of your bracket so that the pencil point is resting against the drywall. Make a mark at each bracket hole, then remove the bracket and screw into each of these marks a drywall screw. At locations where you'll be drilling into a wall stud, use your drill and a bit and make a hole through the drywall and into the stud. Be sure your drill bit is smaller in diameter than the screw you'll be inserting into this hole.

Step 5 – Attaching Your Rod Brackets

Hold each wall bracket against the wall, lining up the bracket holes with the holes you have made in the wall. Insert the screws through the bracket holes and into the wall. If your holes are made only through drywall, avoid excessive tightening of the screws as this can strip the screws from the holes. Once your brackets are attached to the wall, you can then mount your rods on these brackets.