How to Assemble a Bay Curtain Rod

Bay windows add architectural interest to your home.

Hanging draperies in a three-paned bay window seems tricky until you take a look at the ingeniously designed hardware for hanging bay-window curtains. You can install the three rods supported by hinged brackets simply with common carpenter's tools.

Things You'll Need

• Bay-window curtain rod assembly (includes rods, brackets and screws)
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Drill with drilling and driver bits

Instructions

1. Mark the desired position of the curtain rod on or above the window frame. Measure the distance from the edge of the frame to the mark. Transfer this measurement to mark positions of the brackets on either side of the window and interior angles so the rod will be parallel to the upper edge of the window.

2. Mark screw holes by holding the brackets flush on the wall or molding at the level of the marks, then put a pencil tip through each of the screw holes. Take bracket off the wall. Drill pilot holes through each of the screw-hole marks.

3. Mount the outer fixed-position brackets first. Make sure that the bracket is right-side-up, position the screw holes of the bracket over the pilot holes in the wall or molding and screw securely in place. Referring to your marks, mount the hinged support brackets to the interior angles of the wall or molding.

4. Thread the casing of the curtain onto the left, right and center portions of the rod. Hang the center portion of the rod by sliding the holes at the ends of the rod over the inside pins of the corner-mounting brackets. Hang the left and right rods by sliding the hole on the rod over the outside pins of the corner bracket and the other end on the bracket near the edge of the window. Adjust the curtain casing to conceal the mounting hardware.

Tips & Warnings

• If the center window is more than 36 inches wide, the central rod may have two parts, joined by a spreader and supported by an additional bracket.

References

• Curtain Rods: To Install 1" (2.54cm) Bay Curtain Rod