How to Telescope Curtain Rods

Adjust telescoping curtain rods to accomodate the entire width of the window pane.

Telescoping curtain rods consist of two lengths of either rectangular-shaped or tubular-shaped tubing where one length is slightly larger in diameter than the other. The smaller-diameter tube slides through the full length of the larger-diameter tube, allowing you to adjust the rod to the needed length to span all the way across the tops of the windows where the curtains will hang. Telescoping curtain rods become weaker in the middle the farther you extend the inner tube, so you must support them properly to accommodate the weight of the curtains hanging on them.

Things You'll Need

• Curtain rod support brackets with mounting screws
• Screwdriver (standard or Phillips, depending on type of screw heads)
• Measuring tape
• Carpenter's level
• Partner

Instructions

1. Measure 1 inch above the far left top corner of the window and then 1 inch to the left. Mount the left curtain rod mounting bracket in this location.

2. Hold the curtain rod in the center, grasping with the left hand, then grasp the tip on the end and gently twist left and right while pulling slowly. Continue until the telescoping curtain rod is extended enough to hang on the left bracket and to reach the location where it will sit on the right-side bracket.

3. Measure 1 inch above the far right top corner of the window and then 1 inch to the right. Mount the right curtain rod mounting bracket in this location. Before putting the first screw into this right-side bracket, have a partner place the length of the bottom edge of a carpenter's level against the top of the curtain rod while you are holding it at the end with it sitting in the bracket. Have your partner observe if the bubble is between the center lines on the vertical glass cylinder. If not, move the end of the rod up and down slowly until it is level straight across. Screw the bracket into place.

4. Position an additional support bracket 1/4 of the way from the left bracket, measuring the distance with the tape measure, then another bracket at the halfway point between the two brackets, which will be the center of the full length of the telescoped curtain rod. Hang another bracket between the center and the right brackets.

5. Hang the curtains on the telescoped, supported curtain rod.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't overextend the curtain rod when pulling on the sliding portion. Should the two tubes pull apart completely, it may take some work to slide the smaller tube back into the wider tube, but it isn't overly difficult.

• When buying a telescoping curtain rod, measure the total length of the window, from where you will install the left bracket to where you will install the right bracket. Observe the maximum usable length of the rods, as listed on the packaging, while shopping for a suitable telescoping rod.

• If your curtain rod assembly came with only three brackets, use the third one in the exact center and don't concern yourself with buying additional brackets. However, do make use of all brackets if possible for added length of life for your curtain rod.

References

• Telescoping Curtain Rods: Patent Information

Resources

• YouTube: How to Hang a Curtain, by Barbara K.