Fit a curtain pole without drilling using a tension rod
Fit a spring-tension curtain rod inside a window reveal, no drilling, screws or wall fixings needed.
TR-01Check the reveal is suitableTension rods grip between two solid, parallel surfaces such as the sides of a window recess. They need flat, sound plaster or masonry to press against, not flaking paint or a soft plasterboard edge. If the reveal is crumbly or badly out of square, the rod may slip, so check both sides feel solid when you press on them.
TR-02Measure the recessMeasure the width of the window reveal at the top, middle and bottom, since older openings are rarely perfectly square. Use the smallest measurement as your target length. Also measure the depth of the recess to check your curtains will clear the window and any handles.
TR-03Buy a rod sized for the gapTension rods list a minimum and maximum extended length. Choose one where your measured width sits comfortably in the middle of that range, not right at the limit, so there's enough spring force to hold it firmly. Check the pack for a maximum curtain weight and make sure your curtains are lighter than that.
1 each · Spring-tension curtain rod (sized to reveal)
TR-04Protect the wall surfaceFit the rubber or plastic end caps that come with the rod, or add self-adhesive felt pads if the rod ends are bare metal. This stops the rod marking or chipping the paint where it presses against the reveal, especially on softer emulsion finishes.
TR-05Thread on the curtainsSlide your curtains onto the rod before fitting it, using the pole pockets, rings or tabs the curtains are made with. It's much harder to add curtains once the rod is under tension in the recess.
TR-06Extend and fit the rodTwist or slide the rod to extend it slightly longer than the reveal, then angle it into place and let it spring back to grip both sides. Push firmly on each end to seat it, then let go and check it stays put without you holding it.
TR-07Load test before you trust itOnce fitted, pull down and outward on the rod with the weight you'd expect from opening and closing the curtains. If it shifts, slides down, or the tension feels weak, extend it a touch further for more grip, or check the reveal surfaces are sound.
TR-08Level check and final adjustmentStand back and check the rod looks level and the curtains hang evenly. Small level differences are common on older window reveals that aren't perfectly square, so nudge one end up or down within its grip range if needed.
TR-09Tidy upWipe down the reveal and windowsill to remove any dust or fingermarks, and check the paint hasn't been scuffed where the rod presses. Keep the packaging in case you need the sizing details again for another window.
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