How to Fit Bay Window Poles
Fitting a bay curtain pole doesn’t have to be difficult—and with a little guidance, it’s something many homeowners can tackle confidently. This general guide is designed to help you fit bay curtain poles around multiple-sided bay windows, whether you’re working with a flexible pole or a fixed-angle design.
While the exact steps may vary depending on the product you’ve chosen, the principles in this guide apply to most bay curtain pole kits. If you need extra help, please reach out. We’re here to help your bay window look its best!
Tools You'll Need
How to Fit a Bay Curtain Pole. Steps.
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Fit the brackets.
Establish the height. Aim for 10–15 cm (4-6 ″) above the window. This creates visual height and avoids window obstructions. If you do not have enough wall space, consider ceiling fix brackets.
Where to position the brackets? Place the centre support bracket at the middle of the front-facing window (see the diagram). Evenly space side brackets, avoiding corner joints (see the diagram). Use a string and spirit level between bradawls to check alignment.
Drill & Fix
- Mark and drill holes (A, B).
- Put the rawl plugs into the holes and screw into position (C).
- Many brackets are adjustable, allowing you to control how far the curtain pole will extend from the wall. Resize all the brackets to your required length before you put them up.
- Measure them against each other to ensure they are all the correct length.
Pro Tip: If you're unsure about hidden wires or pipes, use a cable detector before drilling.
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Assemble the bay pole
Cut the pole to size (if required): Cut evenly from both ends so joints stay central. Account for curved or hinged corner connectors. Deburr the inside of the cut to ease fitting.
Connect the pole: Use a joiner bar for longer lengths. Insert elbow joints firmly with the screws facing downward.
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Fit the bay pole onto the brackets.
Drop the assembled pole onto the brackets. Fine-tune with the bracket adjustment screws (on top). Tighten the grub screw underneath with the included Allen key. Check spacing from window frames for curtain clearance.
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Fit the curtain rings and finials
Fit passing rings along the pole for smooth curtain flow. Place solid rings just after the last bracket on each side to stop curtains sliding off. Attach your chosen finials to complete the look.
Well done! You can now hang your curtains!
How to Fit a Bay Pole FAQ
Can I trim a bay pole to size?
Yes, you can trim pre-packed bay poles using a fine hacksaw to fit your bay window. Cut equal lengths from each end to maintain balance and smooth any sharp edges inside the pole to prevent damage to curtain rings.
What types of bay windows are suitable for curtain poles?
Bay window curtain poles work with:
- 3-sided bays (classic box or angled bays)
- 5-sided bays
- Curved bays (with flexible PVC hand bendable tracks, or made-to-measure bay window poles or tracks).
Not all bay poles suit every bay shape, so always check the product specifications before purchasing to ensure compatibility with your specific bay window configuration.
Where should I position bay window curtain pole brackets?
Fix wall brackets at least 10cm (3.9″) above the window frame.
- Place the centre bracket above the middle window where curtains meet.
- Position side brackets evenly across left and right sections.
- Fix passing brackets before and after each corner bend to ensure smooth curtain ring movement around corners.
If you have low ceilings (or window recess) less than 10cm above the window, consider bendable tracks that you can fix straight to the ceiling and avoid any light leakage.
Do bay window poles work with eyelet or tab top curtains?
Bay poles are best with pencil or pinch pleat curtains using passing rings. Eyelet and tab tops don’t work well with corner brackets unless the system is specially designed for them.
What are passing rings, and why do I need them for bay windows?
Passing rings are specially designed curtain rings that glide smoothly over passing brackets in bay pole systems, allowing curtains to move around corners seamlessly.
Solid rings are used at pole ends to prevent curtains from sliding off. Passing rings are essential for proper bay window curtain operation.
Can bay window curtain poles be wall or ceiling mounted?
Yes, many of bay curtain pole sets are available in both wall-fix and ceiling-fix options. Wall mounting is the most popular choice.
For ceiling installation, ensure the surface is strong and secure enough to support the full weight of your curtains and pole system.
Do bay poles work on Victorian and Georgian bay windows?
Absolutely. With accurate measuring and a high-quality bay pole system, even large or deeply angled Victorian and Georgian bay windows can be beautifully dressed with curtains.
The key is choosing the right pole system and measuring precisely for your specific bay configuration.
How do I install bay poles with window sills or radiators?
For floor-length curtains, bring the pole forward with extendable brackets, so the curtains hang in front of the sill or radiator.
For sill-length curtains, fix the pole closer to the window to match the curtain drop and maintain a neat appearance. This ensures proper curtain operation while accommodating obstacles.
For window cill-length curtains, the pole can be fixed closer to the window to match the curtain drop and maintain a neat appearance.
Can you bend a bay curtain pole?
Depends on the type of pole. Normally, you can bend the separate corner joint only, and then fit it onto the straight pole. However, some of the bay poles have bendable corner joints installed in them. For example, Speedy Crown 19mm Bay Pole.
Learn more about
Bay Poles Types.
What's Next?
Now you know how to fit a bay curtain pole, explore our full range of bay pole kits designed for 3 and 5-sided bay window shapes. Still not sure? Send us the image of your window and discover possible solutions for your bay — just reach out!
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