How to Hang Curtains on a Pole – The Ultimate Guide

Nobody wants to become an accidental exhibitionist by hanging their curtains incorrectly — whether in the living room, bedroom, or anywhere else. The good news is, with the right tools and a clear plan, hanging curtains on a pole can be simple, satisfying, and transform the look of your room.

If you want to block out sunlight, add privacy, or simply give your space a polished finishing touch, a well-installed curtain pole and the right curtain fabric can work wonders for your windows.

1. Use a Wider Curtain Pole

Always choose a curtain pole that is wider than your window. This ensures there is enough space for the curtain panels to stack neatly on each side of the window when open, and to cover the entire window when closed.

A good rule of thumb is to select a pole that is 20–30cm (8–12 inches) wider than your window in total — 10–15cm on each side. This will make your window appear larger and provide a more luxurious finish.

2. Hang the Curtain Pole Closer to the Ceiling

For a taller, more elegant look, install your curtain pole higher than the top of the window frame — ideally 10–15cm (4–6 inches) above. This draws the eye upwards, making the window and the room feel more spacious.

3. Choose Your Curtain Heading Style

The way you hang your curtains depends on the header (top section) design. Popular styles include:

Eyelet Curtains – The pole simply threads through the metal-rimmed openings at the top of the curtain.
Tab Top Curtains – Fabric loops are spaced evenly along the header, and the pole is passed through each loop.
Pleated Curtains – The curtain fabric is shaped into neat, structured pleats, which are hung from rings or hooks.

4. Decide on Hook Placement

If your curtains require hooks, decide where to position them.

Placing the hook near the top of the heading tape allows the curtain to hang just below the pole.
Positioning the hook in the middle means the heading covers the track or pole slightly.

5. Tie the Cords Before Gathering

Before pulling the cords on the heading tape to gather your curtains, tie them securely at one end to prevent the tape from unravelling. Most people tie them at the leading edge — the edge where the two curtains meet in the centre when closed.

6. Check the Curtain Width

Measure the curtain width to ensure it’s suitable for your pole. Having slightly more width than required allows for a fuller appearance and means you won’t have to cut down the sides for the curtains to meet neatly in the middle.

7. Tie Off the Curtains

Once the correct width and gather are achieved:

Tie the cords without cutting them off, so they can be loosened later if needed.
Wrap any excess cord neatly around your hand and tuck it away, or pin it to the lining with a safety pin to keep it hidden.

8. Insert the Hooks

For evenly gathered curtains:

Count the number of rings or gliders on your pole and divide by two to work out how many hooks each curtain needs.
Attach hooks to the heading tape at even intervals.
Place a hook at the outer edge to keep the curtain securely in place when closed.
For poles, use the top row of pockets on the heading tape so the curtain hangs just below the pole.
For tracks, use the middle or lower row to conceal the track completely.

9. Hang the Curtains

Slide the hooks into the rings or gliders, making sure the final hook sits between the bracket and the finial (or at the end of the track). Adjust the folds until they are even and pleasing to the eye.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it — hanging curtains on a pole is not as difficult as it may seem. With the right measurements, a good curtain pole, and a bit of patience, you can create a polished, stylish look that elevates your entire room.

Now, put the kettle on, enjoy a cup of tea, and admire your perfectly dressed windows.