Hanging curtains should be easy. Mount some brackets, slide on a rod, done.

Then why do so many curtain rods end up sagging, pulling out of the wall, or falling down entirely?

Usually it comes down to three things: wrong anchors, wrong placement, or underestimating the weight. Let's fix all of that.

Planning Your Installation

Where to Mount: Height

The old rule of "mount at the window frame" makes rooms look short. Better approach:

Hang high: Mount the rod 4-6 inches above the window frame. This makes ceilings feel taller and windows look larger.

Even higher for drama: Mounting 2/3 of the way between the window top and ceiling creates an elegant look.

Ceiling mount: For the tallest feel, or for floor-to-ceiling curtains.

Where to Mount: Width

Extend the rod beyond the window frame:

  • Standard: 3-6 inches past each side
  • Better: 6-12 inches past each side

Why? When curtains are open, they stack on the rod ends, not covering the window. More light, windows look wider.

Measuring for Rod Length

Rod length = window width + (2 × extension on each side)

Example: 36" window + 6" on each side = 48" rod

Add a few inches for finials if applicable.

Choosing the Right Hardware

Rod Weight Capacity

Don't underestimate curtain weight:

  • Sheer curtains: Light — any rod works
  • Cotton/linen: Medium — need decent brackets
  • Velvet/heavy drapes: Heavy — need sturdy hardware
  • Blackout curtains: Often surprisingly heavy

Bracket Spacing

How many brackets do you need?

  • Up to 36" rod: 2 brackets (ends only)
  • 36-72" rod: 3 brackets (ends + center)
  • Over 72": Bracket every 24-36"

Skimping on brackets = sagging rod.

Rod Material

Hollow metal: Light and cheap, but bends under weight

Solid wood: Beautiful but heavy

Solid metal: Strong and lasting

Tension rods: No mounting needed, but only for light curtains in narrow openings

Wall Anchors for Curtain Rods

Into Studs (Best Option)

If your bracket placement hits a stud:

  • Use wood screws (2-2.5" long)
  • Most secure option
  • No anchors needed

Finding studs: See our picture hanging guide for detailed techniques.

Into Drywall (Most Common)

When you can't hit a stud (which is often):

Light curtains (under 5 lbs per panel):

  • Plastic expansion anchors can work
  • Self-drilling anchors are better

Medium curtains:

  • Toggle bolts recommended
  • Snap toggle anchors even better

Heavy curtains:

  • Toggle bolts into both brackets
  • Consider adding a center bracket even if rod length doesn't require it

Common Anchor Mistakes

Using the included anchors: Those plastic anchors in the hardware pack are garbage for anything but the lightest sheers.

Wrong size drill bit: Match the bit to the anchor. Too big = anchor spins. Too small = anchor won't seat.

Over-tightening: Toggle bolts can pull through drywall if over-torqued.

The Installation Process

Tools You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • Level (essential!)
  • Pencil
  • Drill
  • Appropriate drill bits
  • Screwdriver
  • Step ladder
  • Optional: laser level for perfect alignment

Step-by-Step

1. Mark your height

  • Measure up from the window frame
  • Make a light pencil mark for the bracket bottom

2. Mark your width

  • Measure out from window edges
  • Mark bracket positions

3. Check for level

  • Use a level between your marks
  • Adjust as needed
  • Don't trust the window frame — many aren't level

4. Mark screw holes

  • Hold bracket in position
  • Mark through the screw holes
  • Double-check level

5. Drill and anchor

  • Drill pilot holes
  • Install anchors (if not into stud)
  • Attach brackets

6. Mount the rod

  • Slide curtains onto rod first
  • Set rod in brackets
  • Secure any locking mechanisms

7. Final check

  • Step back and check level
  • Adjust if needed
  • Test by gently tugging curtains

Common Problems and Fixes

Sagging Rod

Causes:

  • Curtains too heavy for rod
  • Not enough brackets
  • Hollow rod bending
  • Brackets too far apart

Fixes:

  • Add a center bracket
  • Replace with sturdier rod
  • Upgrade brackets

Bracket Pulling Away

Causes:

  • Wrong anchors for wall type
  • Anchors in damaged drywall
  • Overloaded with heavy curtains

Fixes:

  • Move to a stud if possible
  • Use proper toggle bolts
  • Repair drywall before reinstalling

Not Level

Prevention is better than fixing. But if installed crooked:

  • Loosen one bracket
  • Adjust up or down
  • Re-drill if needed (fill old holes first)
  • Use a level this time

Finials Falling Off

Cause: Set screw not tightened or missing

Fix: Tighten set screw. If stripped, use a tiny dab of threadlock.

Special Situations

Bay Windows

Bay windows require:

  • Flexible track systems, or
  • Multiple rods with corner connectors, or
  • Custom bent rods

Standard straight rods don't work well.

Ceiling Mount

Some brackets are designed for ceiling mounting:

  • Find ceiling joists for best support
  • Toggle bolts in drywall ceiling
  • May need longer screws

Plaster Walls

Old plaster over lath requires:

  • Drill slowly to avoid cracking
  • Use masonry bit if necessary
  • Toggle bolts often work best
  • Be prepared for hard spots and soft spots

Over Tile

In bathrooms with tile around windows:

  • Use carbide or diamond bit
  • Drill slowly without hammer action
  • Switch to regular bit once through tile

See our bathroom fixtures guide for tile drilling tips.

Double Rods and Layered Curtains

Double Rod Brackets

Allow you to hang two layers:

  • Sheer on the inside rod
  • Drapes on the outside rod
  • Single mounting point

Considerations:

  • Heavier total weight — better anchors needed
  • Make sure bracket fits your chosen rods
  • Inner rod should be shorter (for clearance)

Curtains Plus Blinds

If mounting a rod over existing blinds:

  • Allow clearance for blind operation
  • Don't block the blind mounting
  • Consider outside-mount rod brackets

When to Call a Pro

DIY-Friendly

  • Standard curtain rods
  • Normal ceiling height
  • Drywall walls
  • Lightweight to medium curtains

Consider Help For

  • Very high windows (tall ladders)
  • Extremely heavy drapes
  • Multiple windows (consistency matters)
  • Bay windows or unusual shapes
  • Plaster or difficult wall materials
  • Damaged drywall that needs repair first

The Bottom Line

The secret to curtain rods that don't sag or fall: proper anchors, enough brackets, and taking time to level. Spend an extra 10 minutes on installation, and you won't be re-doing it in six months.

And don't use those cheap plastic anchors that came in the package.

Need Rod Installation?

We install curtain rods, blinds, and drapery hardware throughout Colorado. Single window or whole house — proper mounting and perfect level every time.

Check out our full Home Repair Services or see our Wall Mounting & Hanging service for details.

Related posts: