The Best Way to Install Curtains without Drilling (It's Rental-Friendly!)
If you’re looking for easy, inexpensive ways to hang curtains without drilling holes into your wall, there are lots of options. While some landlords are lenient about drilling holes to hang art and curtains, every now and then you meet a landlord who’s such a stickler you wouldn’t even dare bring a drill onto the premises, let alone use one. If you find yourself in such a situation, these damage-free ideas for hanging curtains will help you keep your privacy — and your security deposit.
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How to Dress Up Vertical Blinds
If you’re stuck with vertical blinds that you can’t take down, there’s a way to make them look a little less industrial. You’ll need some fresh curtains — either sheers to let in some light, or blackout if you want total privacy — plus a way to hang them. Some landlords might let you drill into the wall for curtain rods, but if you can’t then you can try a Reddit-recommended product called the No No Bracket.
Attach two (or more) brackets to the vertical blind headrail.
Place a lightweight rod across the brackets.
Hang your curtains. Be mindful of weight; because the brackets attach to the blinds’ headrail, you want to make sure that you aren’t putting too much pressure on it.
Push the vertical blinds all the way open so that they’re hidden behind the curtain panels.
Best for: Renters who can’t get rid of their vertical blinds, but want a homier look.
How to Hang Curtains Using Temporary Command Hooks
If you love the look of a real curtain rod — or have a penchant for decorative finials — then a simple tension rod probably won’t work for you. Instead, use a trick we often employ on photo shoots when we don’t want to drill holes in our studio walls: Pick up some Command hooks. They attach everything from picture frames to small shelves to the wall, yet one tug on the strip’s tab instantly releases the hold.
Command sells metal hooks designed specifically to hold curtain rods, and the brushed nickel finish works with a wide variety of curtains.
Use a level and ruler to determine the right placement for the Command Hooks (a cardboard template can help ensure they’re the right distance from the window on each side).
Peel the backing from the hooks and secure them in place.
Put the curtains on the curtain rod.
Place your curtain rod across the hooks.
Best for: Fans of real curtain rods and decorative finials.
How to Hang Curtains Using Tension Rods
If you have traditional paned windows with frames, tension rods that stretch from one side of the frame to the other are a subtle and sophisticated way to hang curtains. When hanging sheer, lightweight curtains, pair them with a thin curtain rod (no bigger than 7/16 inches) for a delicate style. Depending on the look you’re going for (and how much privacy you need), you can position the rod at the top of the window for maximum coverage or place it lower for a cafe-curtain style.
Unscrew the tension rod until it is slightly narrower than your window frame.
Place the curtains on the curtain rod.
Set one end of the rod in place against the window frame, then unscrew the rod until it is lightly pressed against the other side of the frame.
Use a level to adjust the rod so it is straight.
Unscrew the rod as much as possible to tighten it in place.
Best for: Those with windows with attractive frames or who want cute cafe curtains.
How to Hang Curtains Using Custom Compression Shades
If you plan to stay in your rental for several years and don’t mind spending a little more to get custom-cut blinds, there are several companies that offer blinds with a compression system (i.e., a drill-free installation).
Check out RediShade’s selection of Artisan Custom Shades. These fabric pull-down shades come in seven different degrees of light filtering, from translucent to blackout, to make both sunlight-lovers and vampires happy.
Be sure to choose an option that uses a “Simple Fit” compression system, rather than a long adhesive strip, which can harm the paint at the top of the window frame (but note these still use a small Command Strip of adhesive on each side to help secure them in place).
Clean the mounting surface with an alcohol pad and let dry.
Ensure the right side is in place inside the shades.
Place the blinds so the tab side of the adhesive strip is facing the window.
Put the left side of the shades into the proper position.
Position the right side of the shades and press the trigger inward to lock the shade in place.
Best for: Renters willing to pay a little more for shades that fit perfectly in their windows.
How to Combine No-Drill Brackets with a Traditional Rod
We have good news: If you love the look of a traditional curtain rod, you don’t have to opt for a more temporary tension rod and sacrifice your desired style. These temporary no-drill brackets from Amazon work with most standard curtain rods, securing them into place with spring snaps and adhering to the wall with tough (but damage-free!) adhesive. The best part? You can switch out the rod (or take it down for cleaning) as desired without even taking the brackets off the wall.
Use a level and ruler to determine where you want to hang the brackets.
Peel the backing away from the adhesive.
Secure the bracket to the wall.
Place the curtains on the rod.
Open one bracket with one hand while securing the curtain rod in place, then hang the other side of the curtain rod.
Best for: Anyone who wants a classic curtain rod that can easily be removed as needed.
How to Make Faux Roman Shades
By sewing a custom-sized curtain panel with pockets at the top and bottom for tension rods, you can create faux Roman shades. If you know how to sew a straight line or how to use iron-on hem tape, making this shade is a breeze, and DIY-ing it lets you customize the color and pattern of the window treatment. When it’s time to move out, you can pack up the rods and curtain and take them along to your next place.
Measure the length and width of the interior of your window frame, then add a few inches to each to account for the hems on each side.
Cut the fabric to your measurements, then hem the sides of the fabric and sew (or glue) a pocket at the top wide enough to go around your tension rod.
Place a tension rod about 8 inches or so from the top of the window, right in the middle of the frame. You may want to place it lower if your window is particularly large.
Slide the fabric pocket over one tension rod and secure it at the top of the window, as far away from the window as possible, while still keeping it secure.
Fold the fabric over the lower tension rod, letting most of it drape behind the rod, but leaving a few inches dangling over the front.
Pull fabric from behind the lower rod and carefully fold it over the other fabric still at the front.
Repeat and fluff until your Roman shade illusion is complete.
Best for: Crafty types who want something a little classier than standard tension-rod curtains.
How to Hang Curtains Using Twist & Fit Curtain Rods
Using the same concept as an ordinary tension rod, twist-and-fit curtain rods are secured across the window. Their design gives the impression of a hook and a separate rod, when in fact, it’s all one piece. Maytex makes a great option in the dark oil-rubbed bronze finish, but metallic designs are also available.
Using twist-and-fit rods is easy, and they even come with easy-to-understand, removable labels right on them.
Twist the inside of the rod (position 1) to unlock the mechanism.
Position the left end of the rod, then twist the end of the left side (position 2) until it fits tightly in your window frame.
Securely tighten the rod by turning the knob at the end (position 3).
Best for: Those who want the look of a traditional curtain rod with the convenience of a tension rod.
How to Suspend Curtain Rods from the Ceiling
If it’s dry, crumbly plaster, or a cinderblock wall that’s preventing you from drilling holes, consider hanging your curtain rod from the ceiling instead. If you have high-set windows, suspending curtains from the ceiling will look natural. Take a look at this Petra Mounting Bracket (set of two), which comes in seven finishes.
These brackets are installed like traditional wall versions, only they are hung in the ceiling.
Measure and plan for where to hang the brackets in front of your window.
Drill pilot holes through the holes in the bracket.
Gently hammer in drywall anchors one size bigger than the pilot holes.
Screw the brackets in through the bracket holes.
Slide one side of the curtain rod through one of the brackets.
Put your curtains on the curtain rod, then slide it through the second bracket.
Tighten the screws on the bracket to secure the rod in place.
Best for: Anyone who can’t drill into the wall or secure Command Hooks to it because it is too crumbly or thick.
Lastly, if you’re stuck on what curtains to buy, check out these stylish curtains and window treatments!
Further Reading
Everything You’ve Ever Wanted To Know About Article’s DTC Furniture
We Tested (and Rated!) All the Sofas at Pottery Barn — Here Are the Best for Every Type of Need
We Asked 8 Pro Travelers What They Never Pack in Their Carry-On, and Here’s What They Said
