Curtain and blind hanging: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What curtain and blind hanging is

Curtain and blind hanging installs curtain rods, track systems and blinds, measured accurately for width and height, with brackets fixed into framing or rated anchors and adjusted for smooth operation. People hire it when the window is wide or high, the wall is hard to fix into, or a blind must run smoothly on its track.

Signs you need it

  • The curtain rod or blind is wide, heavy or set high on the wall, and the brackets are hard to level
  • The window trim, the recess or the ceiling makes the measuring hard to get right
  • The brackets have pulled loose, or a rod sags in the middle
  • A blind or track does not run smoothly, or it catches at the top or the ends
  • You want cordless or motorized blinds fitted and set up safely

What the pro does

  • Measure the window width and height, and decide where the brackets and blind head will sit
  • Mark the bracket positions level across the window, checking for studs and wiring
  • Drill pilot holes and fix each bracket into framing or rated anchors
  • Hang the rod, track or blind, and check that it runs smoothly from end to end
  • Adjust the center brackets, stops and end caps so the curtain or blind does not sag or catch
  • Set up any cordless or motorized operation, and show the owner how to adjust or operate it safely

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Number of windows, and the width and height of each one
  • Type of rod, track or blind, such as a curtain rod, a ceiling track or a motorized blind
  • Wall or ceiling type, and whether brackets can go into framing
  • Whether a motorized blind needs a power outlet or a licensed electrician
  • Window recess, trim and the space needed for the blind head
  • Whether old hardware must be removed and the holes patched

What a written quote should spell out

  • Each window listed by width, height and the hardware type for it
  • Bracket and anchor types, listed by quantity
  • Any motorized or powered blind work, listed for the licensed electrician where required
  • Patching of old holes, if included
  • Adjustment and operation check, shown as its own line

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Will the rod or track be level across the whole window?
  • How do you fix the brackets, and into what?
  • Is this blind cordless, and how do you keep cords out of a child's reach?
  • Will the blind run smoothly from end to end?
  • Do you need to drill into the trim or the ceiling, and how is that patched?
  • Can you set up a motorized blind, and who handles its power?
  • What warranty covers the hardware and the labor?

Red flags

  • They fix a heavy rod into drywall with no anchor or stud
  • They leave a cord loop within a child's reach on a corded blind
  • They skip the center bracket on a long rod, which lets it sag
  • They do not check that the blind runs smoothly before they leave
  • They measure once and do not confirm the width and height on site

What you can do yourself

A homeowner can measure each window carefully, choose the rod or blind, and check the bracket positions with a level before drilling. Check for wires and pipes before drilling, and fix brackets into studs or rated anchors. Call a pro for a heavy rod or track, high ceilings, motorized blinds, or any window with a power or wiring question.

Licenses and permits

Curtain and blind hanging is not commonly a licensed trade. Motorized blinds that need a power connection, and any wall work near wiring, can need a licensed electrician or a permit. Check with your state or local licensing agency before that work.

Curtain and blind hanging questions

How do I make a corded blind safe for children?

Keep cords out of reach, use cord stops or cord tensioners, and tie cords up high and out of loops. Cordless blinds remove the cord hazard. Ask the installer to set up the safety devices for the blind you choose.

How high should the curtain rod go?

Many people mount the rod above the window frame to make the window look taller, but the right height depends on the window and the curtain length. Ask the installer to mark the height with you before drilling.

Why does my curtain rod sag in the middle?

A long rod without a center bracket sags under the weight of the curtains. Add a center bracket, and check that the end brackets are fixed into studs or rated anchors.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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