A curtain rod or roller blind looks like a simple two-screw job. In practice, a few details determine whether the window looks tidy and the mechanism works smoothly for years — or jams within a week.
Mounting Options: Decide Before You Drill
There are four common ways to mount a curtain rod or blind:
- Wall mount above the window: the most common; requires wall plugs in plaster or concrete.
- Ceiling mount — good for recessed windows or low lintels; brackets face upward.
- Inside the window frame (no wall drilling): suits day-night blinds and venetian blinds; screws go into the wooden or PVC frame.
- No-drill (clamp or adhesive): temporary solution for light blinds or during renovation.
What to Prepare
- Tape measure and pencil
- Spirit level
- Drill with the correct bit
- Wall plugs and screws (often included in the kit, but check their quality)
- Screwdriver or power driver
Installing a Curtain Rod — Step by Step
- Measure and mark. The rod should extend 15–20 cm beyond each side of the window so the curtain does not block the glass. Mark both bracket positions.
- Check the level. Both brackets must be at the same height. Measure down from the ceiling on both sides or use a spirit level across both marks.
- Drill and plug. Usually two holes per bracket. Aim for at least 40 mm depth in a load-bearing wall.
- Attach the brackets. Screw them in loosely, recheck level, then tighten fully.
- Fit the rod and hang the curtains. The rod should slide freely in the brackets. If it feels stiff, loosen the locking screw slightly.
Roller Blinds: What Is Different
Roller blinds use flat brackets mounted to the ceiling or inside the reveal. Key point: check which side the control mechanism is on: cord or chain. In narrow rooms or windows close to a side wall, it is easy to overlook this before buying and impossible to change afterwards.
When mounting inside a PVC frame, use plastic-specific self-tapping screws. Standard wood screws can crack the profile.
Common Mistakes
- Brackets too close to the window — the curtain rubs against the sill or radiator.
- Brackets at different heights: the rod sits crooked and the curtain slides to one side.
- Weak plugs in drywall: the blind falls off within weeks.
- No centre bracket on a long rod (over 180 cm) — the pole bends under the weight of heavy curtains.
When to Book a Handyman
If you have several windows to sort at once, uncertain wall condition, or non-standard measurements, order it in the app. Handymen on the platform work across Warsaw, and pricing depends on the number of windows and fixing type.