- Claire Douglas
How to put up curtain track: a simple DIY tutorial
Updated: 6 days ago
Looking for a straightforward tutorial on how to put up curtain track?
Then this post is for you! I decided to write this simple tutorial after I put up some curtain track and remembered what a quick and achievable DIY it is and thought it might be helpful for anyone who is nervous or unsure of what to do.
Curtain track is cost-effective and functional but fell a bit out of fashion over recent years as curtain poles have been having a moment because a curtain pole can be a style statement and an opportunity to add colour and texture to a space, whereas curtain track can be a bit drab. However, pelmets are back and are a great way to cover the curtain track and create a seamless, recessed area for your beautiful window dressings to hang from.
My plan is to install a DIY box curtain pelmet and I'll share the instructions once I've nailed it. In the meantime, here's how to put up curtain track.
Before you start
Curtain track isn't suitable for all types of curtains as you need to be able to attach the gliders to the back of the curtain, which rules out eyelet curtains and tab-top curtains as they need a curtain pole to be threaded through them. Pinch pleat curtains or pencil pleat curtains are ideal as the gliders can hook into the cords in the back of the curtain. You'll need to make the following decisions...
Decide if you want to mount the track along the wall or ceiling. I mounted the track on the wall rather than the ceiling, but the process would be the same for ceiling mounting except for using the other screw hole on the locking brackets.
Decide on the right height for the curtain track. This will be dictated by the curtains if you already have them. I find hanging curtains as high as possible helps add a feeling of increased height to the room. As our living room (where I was installing the track) has quite a low ceiling, I went for the maximum height and installed the track under the coving.
Decide on how far you want the curtain track to extend beyond the window frame. You'll need a minimum of 20cm each side from the edge of the window to ensure the curtains, once drawn, don't obstruct the window and block light or impede the view. If you have large, heavy curtains you'll want to allow extra track to ensure they can be pulled out the way.
Decide if you'll split the curtains evenly each side of the window, or if you'll draw them to one side only (perhaps if the window is positioned off centre in the wall, or there is furniture to one side that would obstruct the curtains). In this scenario, you'll need to double the length track to that side.
You might decide to run the track the full length of the wall to create a feature of the drapes giving the room a cosy, enveloping feel.
There are different types of curtain track systems so you'll need to decide between single or double tracks, depending on whether you'll use sheer curtains or heavier curtains like thermal or blackout curtains.
Curtain track is ideal if you have plasterboard walls and don't want the added weight of a large, heavy curtain pole, but you'll need to select the appropriate wall fixings to ensure the track stays in place.
How to put up curtain track: A step-by-step guide
To put up curtain track in your home, you'll need the following
You will need
Measuring tape
Spirit level
Drill with appropriate drill bits
Stud finder
Screwdriver
Wall plugs & screws
Pencil
Curtain track set (pictured)
1. Measure up
Considering all the points above, measure the window and confirm the length of track needed. Order a track of suitable length. I tried this super cheap one from Amazon as I had overspent on other aspects of this room makeover and I figured that as it was going to be hidden under a pelmet, it didn't need to be fancy. If you are installing the curtain track in a bay window, you'll want to make you that curtain track is bendable and can easily be moulded to the curved shape of the window.
2. Prepare the area
Clear the area around your window and ensure you have enough space to work comfortably and that you have a step ladder if required. I stupidly teetered on tiptoes on a small wooden coffee table rather than get the ladder from the garage - not a good idea and definitely not health and safety approved!
3. Mark the bracket positions
3.1 Mark the line
Measure the desired height of the track down from the ceiling in multiple locations and mark on the wall draw a line by connecting these points. Check the line is level with a spirit level. As I was butting the mounting brackets up against the base of the coving, I didn't mark an additional line.
3.2 Calculate required mounting brackets
You need to make sure you have sufficient brackets to support the weight of the track and curtains. For a small, narrow window, you'll need fewer mounting brackets than for a longer distance.
You want to install the mounting brackets evenly spaced along the wall, to calculate the distance, divide the length of the track by the number of mounting brackets available.
3.3 Mark individual bracket positions
Use a tape measure and pencil to mark where you'll install the mounting brackets along the line you marked.
Hold a mounting bracket against the wall at each of the locations you marked and mark where the screw needs to go by pushing the tip of a pencil through the wall-mounting hole.
If you are mounting on the ceiling, hold the bracket in place and push the pencil tip through the ceiling mounting hole as shown in the image below.
Ensure the marks are level and aligned properly.
4. Drill holes
4.1 Check wall
Before drilling into the wall, use a stud finder to check it is safe and there are no cables or wires in the way. Read my tutorial on how to use a stud finder if you are unsure.
4.2 Drill
Using the correct size drill bit for your wall fixings and screws, drill pilot holes into the wall at each of the marked locations.
4.3 Insert rawl plug
Insert the tip of a rawl plug into the drilled hole and gently tap with a hammer to insert fully into the wall.
5. Install Mounting Brackets
Secure the mounting brackets or ceiling track to the wall or ceiling, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Using mine as an example, place the screw through the mounting bracket and into the rawl plug in the wall.
Secure the mounting bracket by tightening the screw.
6. Attach the curtain track
My curtain track came wound up tightly in a coil and needed straightening out beforehand. Straightening the curtain track was easy to complete but took a bit of time and I must admit it was still slightly wavy after installation. I wasn't worried about this as the track will be hidden, however, if your curtain track will be on display it's worth spending a few extra minutes getting it perfectly straight.
Attach the curtain track to the mounting brackets by inserting them into the specific track on the back of the track and locking into place. Using mine as an example again, there is a catch on the bottom of the mounting bracket that locks it in place.
I found it easier to get help for this task because my track was three metres long, making it difficult to manoeuvre alone.
Ensure the track is level and securely in place.
7. Hang curtains
Thread the gliders into the back of your curtains
Slide the gliders onto the curtain track, starting from one end.
Don't try and clip them onto the track as this won't work, they slide on easily from the very end.
Test that the gliders move easily along the track drawing the curtains.
Ensure the curtains are evenly distributed along the track.
8. Install end brackets or stops
Install end brackets or stops at the end of the track to prevent the curtains from sliding off. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines.
Final touches
Trim any excess track length if needed.
Add any decorative elements or accessories like tiebacks.
Installing curtain tracks may seem like a daunting task, but with this step-by-step guide and the right tools, you can achieve a professional finish and enjoy your window treatments for years to come. I'll update this post once I have a link for the DIY curtain box pelmet.
Where next?
Below are some other curtain-related posts that you might enjoy...
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