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You will find all the information required for you to choose your curtain poles, as well as detailed instructions on measuring and fitting.
If you need any help or further information please use the Live Help button above or call us and one of our support team will be happy to assist you.
All Poles and Blinds products are shown in both units so you can choose either format. You must take care when you are measuring to stay in whichever unit you decide to use to avoid confusion.
Measuring Where There is an Existing Pole
To replace an existing pole with a new one, simply measure the total length of the existing pole excluding the finials. This will give you the total pole length you require to start shopping.
For example: Your pole measures 230cm (90 ½ inches), you would choose a 240cm (94 1/2"), as these are sold in set lengths, and cut to fit.
Start by measuring the recess width of the window (A) and note this measurement down.
Add to measurement (A) twice measurement (B), which depends on the width of the window recess. Normally (B) will be 15 to 20 cms for an average window and is the area where the curtains pull back to the side of the window opening. The table below is a guide to how much you should add either side especially where your window is very large.
|
Recess "A" |
Add the measurements below to each side of the recess measurement "A" |
|
100cm (39”) |
15cm (6”) |
|
180cm (71”) |
20cm (8”) |
|
240cm (95”) |
25cm (10”) |
|
360cm (142”) |
35cm (14”) |
|
480cm (189”) |
45cm (18”) |
|
600cm (237”) |
52cm (21”) |
This measurement gives you the length of the curtain pole minus the finial length, as shown in the diagram. Curtain poles are manufactured in set lengths, so if your measurement differs from a standard length, order the next size up from your measurement and cut to size if required.
Where curtain pole lengths are stated they do not include the finial length (the decorative pole ends), if you require to know the finial length, check the product specification tab when you select your pole and finials.
This is a standard guide for installing a curtain pole, your specific pole type will be supplied with full relevant instructions.
A tape measure (metal ones are best)
A pencil ( a pencil is better than a pen as you can remove the marks more easily) and paper
A pair of steps
An electric drill or a cordless drill (preferably with a hammer option)
A screw driver
A spirit level. This is not essential but is helpful to check your track is being fitted level. Alternatively you can always measure down from the ceiling or up from the floor or window sill to the holes as a double check, but this is not a guarantee as the ceiling may be slightly sloping. The most important thing is to make sure it visually looks right.
It is useful to have a length of string and a couple of nails (we use a pair of bradawls in our videos). This may be used to stretch between the bracket holes to check the level before the brackets are fitted.
If you already have your curtains, then to determine the height of the position of the curtain pole above the window (A) you will need to measure the drop of the curtains and add the measurement from the top inside of a curtain ring to the bottom outer edge for heading which will hang from the curtain rings.
For eyelet curtains your drop measurement should be taken from the top inside of the eyelet ring to the bottom of the curtain, adding an extra 1cm for full length curtains to allow for floor clearance.
For a short curtain use the drop length to measure from approx.12cms below the sill to mark the height (B) for the bracket location above the window recess, for curtains to sit on the sill measure from here instead, plus 0.5cm for clearance.
For a full length curtain use the drop measurement from the floor plus 1cm to mark the height (C) for the bracket location.
If you do not yet have your curtains, you may choose a bracket height of 5-10cm above the window recess. This will give the best visual appearance, but your final choice may be determined by the height of your ceiling.
Use a spirit level to mark the top line of your brackets from your measurements above the window recess.
Mark the position of the bracket, using your pencil, a minimum of 10cm or your calculated measurement according to the length of your curtain pole, from the side of the window recess. Do this for the rest of the brackets, usually just one either side of the window.
If you have an extra long pole you must fit a central bracket at the mid-point of the window shown in the diagram.
1. When you have your bracket positions marked on the wall use your pencil to mark the fixing holes as shown in the diagram below. If your bracket has a key hole fixing, then fit the top screw ( top of the key hole ) first, ensuring you have the bracket the right way up. Then you may fit the key hole bracket so that it drops down on this screw and then drill and fit the bottom screw to hold it in position.
2. If fixing to a wooden batten, drill 2mm pilot holes first. If fitting directly to a masonry or studded wall drill with the right size masonry bit, the instructions for your curtain pole will include this information. If you are unsure about electric cables or pipes in the wall, you can double check with a detector, although it is very unlikely that these will be placed close to the top of the window recess.
3. Insert rawl plugs into the holes you have drilled. You may need different plugs depending on your wall type, if you have a stud wall with plasterboard for instance.
4. Fix the bracket securely to the wall using the correct screws. Use wood screws if fixing directly to a wooden batten.
5. Repeat the fixing process for all the brackets required.
6. Ensure you have measured correctly the length of the pole needed to fit your window. The required length is usually the width between the brackets with an additional 5 - 6cms either end of the pole so that there is enough room for one curtain ring between the bracket and the finial.
7. If it is necessary to cut the pole to the correct length, then remove the finials first, using the allen key supplied and cut with a hacksaw for a metal pole or a wood saw for a wooden pole. Remember to check your measurement on your pole twice before cutting. If you are cutting down a two-piece pole, the join will be in the middle so always cut an equal length from finial of each pole.
8. You can now assemble your pole.
9. Slide the correct number of curtain rings onto the pole, remembering to leave two rings to place at either end between the brackets and the finials.
10. Place your pole on the brackets, you may need help with an extra long pole. Measure so you have an equal length of pole protruding from each end bracket, which will ensure that the pole will be centred.
11. Secure the pole to the brackets with the locking screws provided. The finials can now be fitted on the ends of the poles after placing a curtain ring between the curtain bracket and the finial, using the fixing screws provided.
12. You may now fit your curtains by slipping curtain hooks through the eyelets on the curtain pole rings.
Metal Poles
Metal poles are currently the most popular choice for hanging curtains, they are well suited to modern and contemporary interiors with a wide range of styles, finishes and colours to choose from.
Metal curtain poles are generally stronger than wood, so thinner diameters may be used when hanging medium to heavy weight curtains. We recommend a 28mm (1 1/8") diameter for general curtain use and for all heavy interlined curtains you should use no less than a 35mm (1 3/8") diameter or above.
Click here to view all Metal Curtain Poles.
Wooden Poles
Wooden poles are best suited to traditional window interiors and, depending on your style of décor, they can look fantastic in bedrooms, living rooms and dining rooms. Contemporary wood treatments will soften the overall feel of a room and compliment any wooden furniture in a similar finish. Available in many more colour finishes than you may imagine, the wooden pole should be considered as an excellent decorative choice.
Some of the most popular colours of stains available include mid oak, dark oak, black, mahogany, walnut, rosewood, light oak, light ash, antique pine, beech and many more. Our wooden poles are also available painted in many colours and styles including many shades and tones of white, cream, silver, gold and gilt and many more.
For hanging medium to heavy weight curtains we recommend a curtain pole diameter of no less than 35mm (1 3/8"). For heavy interlined curtains a 50mm (2") pole would be prudent.
Click here to view all Wooden Curtain Poles.
Bay Window Poles
There are three different types of poles for bay windows –
Standard kits - Usually made up for 3 sided bay windows, they can be cut to size to fit your bay and include all the necessary components and fitting instructions.
Made To Measure – These poles are made to the exact contours and size of your bay at the factory. They can be made to any length and are suitable for all sizes of bay windows.
The process is simple – download a Bay Window Measuring Form, fill it in and send it back to us. We will then check your measurements and angles are correct and before your pole is be made for you.
Create Your Own – Our selected range of "Create Your Own Curtain Pole" allows you to fabricate your own bay window pole by purchasing all the components you need, individually. Instructions for what components are required for your size bay can be found in the "Create Your Own Bay Pole" section.
Click here to view all Bay Window Poles.
Double Curtain Poles
Double curtain poles may be purchased as sets, or made up using components from the "Create Your Own Curtain Pole" range.
Double pole sets allow you to dress your windows with two pairs of curtains or voiles and curtains. The main set of curtains are usually located on the front pole, with nets or voiles fitted on the back pole. Great for privacy issues and will also camouflage an unattractive view while still allowing daylight into the room.
Click here to view all Double Metal Curtain Poles.
Eyelet and Tab Top Curtain Poles
Eyelet curtain poles are generally the same as standard curtains poles, the main differences are that eyelet poles are supplied with no curtain rings.
The other main difference is eyelet curtain poles are supplied with extendable brackets so the pole can be set to project further away from the wall, making space behind the pole to allow for the ‘S’ wave shape created by the heading of the curtains.
.The diameter of the eyelets used on eyelet curtains is 40mm (1 9/16") , but please check this before you buy your pole. For this size eyelet a 28mm (1 1/8") diameter pole is ideal, leaving enough clearance to easily open and close the curtains without snagging.
Eyelet curtains are very popular, but they do not work well in bay windows as the eyelets cannot pass over the support brackets.
Click here to view all Eyelet Curtain Poles.
Extra Long Poles
Poles & Blinds have a section devoted to curtain poles available in extra long lengths. These are specially designed for hanging curtains in large windows and patio doors.
Made to Measure poles, such as the Silent Gliss Metropole range, are ideal for large windows as the pole may be purchased up to 6 metres in one piece. This may be fixed to the wall or ceiling and is designed to allow the curtain to pass without hindrance along the full length of the pole.
Click here to veiw all Extra Long Curtain Poles.
Recess Window Poles
Recess window curtain poles allow curtain pole to be fitted between to walls or surfaces, ie in a window recess or dorma window. Simply choose the correct diameter and length curtain pole you require and then add the matching recess brackets which you will find in the related items to the main product.
Click here to view all Recess Curtain Poles.
Corded Poles
Corded poles allow you to open and close your curtains with a cord system within the pole and the control cord located at the end of the pole, much like a corded curtain track.
Delicate fabrics or light coloured curtains maybe marked or damaged over time if they are constantly being handled. In this case a corded pole is the ideal solution. Corded poles are also the answer to hanging curtains in a tall window, where operating by hand may be difficult. At the moment we do not sell corded curtain poles.
Extendable Poles
Metal extendable poles are available for use where you may not wish to use a permanent curtain pole fixing, that has been cut to size. A pole may be purchased in the size range for the length your require.
Using adjustable length curtain poles should be considered as a temporary fitting, for instance for tenants in a rented property, as they may be removed and reused in a different window, at a later date. Generally, a standard pole fitting is aesthetically the best option.
Click here to view all Extendable Curtain Poles.
Made to Measure Poles
Made in the factory to meet your specific requirements, they are made to an exact length, colour, or shape, even for a bay window.
Made to Measure poles are available to suit your exact requirements, so that whatever way you want to hang your window covering, this can be catered for. At the moment we do not sell these types of poles.
Mix and Match Poles
Poles & Blinds range of Mix and Match poles lets you purchase separate components, allowing you to customise the items needed for your particular windows.
Mix and Match poles and accessories give you complete freedom over your choice of pole. At the moment we do not sell these types of poles.
Pole Lengths Only
Lengths of wooden and metal poles maybe purchased separately in various colours and diameters. These are not supplied with brackets, curtain rings or finials.
This is a convenient way for you to replace an existing pole, or match up with specific numbers of brackets and components for your non-standard window.
Click here to view all Pole Lengths Only.
Portiere Rods & Drapery Arms
Portiere Rods – Portiere Rods - If you have draft excluding curtains in your doorway, portiere rods lift the curtain off the floor, as the door opens, to stop the curtain fabric catching under the door.
Drapery Arms – Drapery Arms or Dormer Rods are designed for hanging curtains in a small window area, where there is little or no space for the curtains to open without restricting the light.
The Drapery Arm swings away from the window with the curtains attached, rather than opening and closing the curtains on a conventional curtain pole.
Click here to view all Portiere Rods & Drapery Arms.
Net Rods and Net Wire
Net Rods are a modern solution for hanging light weight curtains and voiles. There is no need for cutting or drilling as the rubber ends hold the rod under tension against the window recess. Net rods can be used in windows decorated with any finish including tiled, painted and wallpapered, and are available in different lengths to fit windows up to 250cm.
Net Wire is the traditional way of hanging net curtains, available supplied with hooks and fittings, easy to install and can be cut to length with a pair pliers. At the moment we do not sell these types of poles.
