Curtain track or pole help please.

xxdeebeexx

Hi I want to put up a curtain on the hall window - 130 x 120 cm. There is a concrete lintel and brick work surrounding the window. However, there is a wooden frame so I wanted to attatch the rail/ pole to the window frame to save drilling the wall.

However, the window is recessed by 14 cm.

How can I make this work?

TIA

dx

Innys

You could attach the pole/rail to the inside of the window frame, on the uppermost surface. I think that's called the "reveal". That would ensure the curtain is closer to the window.

Frankly, though, I wouldn't bother - it's easier to attach the curtain rail to the wall in which the window is sited. Yes, the curtain would be at least 134cm from the window but so what?

xxdeebeexx

Innys wrote: »

You could attach the pole/rail to the inside of the window frame, on the uppermost surface. I think that's called the "reveal". That would ensure the curtain is closer to the window.

Frankly, though, I wouldn't bother - it's easier to attach the curtain rail to the wall in which the window is sited. Yes, the curtain would be at least 134cm from the window but so what?

Ah, I didn't explain very well.

I have things on the window sil and therefore want the curtain flush with the wall and not close to the window. I sort of, want to put the rail/pole on stalks.

dx

Innys

I'm still a little confused.

The things on the cill - do you want them visible or not when the curtains are closed? That will make it clear to me where you want the curtain to fall.

xxdeebeexx

Innys wrote: »

I'm still a little confused.

The things on the cill - do you want them visible or not when the curtains are closed? That will make it clear to me where you want the curtain to fall.

Hi I want them to be hidden by the closed curtains.

dx

Nan_Dingle

sort of, want to put the rail/pole on stalks

I can't recall ever seeing a set-up like this. The weight of the curtain would surely pull the whole thing down.

Leif

Why do you not want top drill the wall above the window inset? Even if it is concrete, a good drill will make a hole. Ebay is good for cheap and good drill bits, not B&Q etc.

xxdeebeexx

Leif wrote: »

Why do you not want top drill the wall above the window inset? Even if it is concrete, a good drill will make a hole. Ebay is good for cheap and good drill bits, not B&Q etc.

It's very high, and I'm a bit worried that it will crack the plaster and create even more work.

I have found these and wonder if they might do the job.

dx

Innys

The brackets you have linked could easily be used.

However, you still run the risk of drilling into the plaster, messing up, having to drill new holes thereby leaving your error (s) visible.

Have you considered using a batten? It's a smooth strip of wood screwed to the wall above the window and the brackets are attached to that. If you mess up drilling the holes attaching the batten to the wall, when you are successful, the batten will cover your errors.

Once the batten is in place, it is easy enough to drill/screw your brackets or posts to. The batten is often sanded and painted to match the colour of your walls, though it doesn't have to be.

Nan_Dingle

I came across Swish Modal track, on standoffs. It's pricey though!

Leif

xxdeebeexx wrote: »

It's very high, and I'm a bit worried that it will crack the plaster and create even more work.

I have found these and wonder if they might do the job.

dx

You will need some sort of trestle table or ladder. A trestle table is best in my opinion, and will be useful for future jobs such as painting the ceilings. An example:

http://www.screwfix.com/p/hop-up-work-platform-600mm/44555

There is probably cheaper elsewhere. Or borrow one from a friendly neighbour. When you drill, use a wood drill with a sharp pointy bit in the middle to start the hole. The pointy bit ensures that it is positioned and the bit does not wander. Then switch to a masonry bit. Others here will I hope tell you the best bit to use. As I've said, B&Q and Homebase are a rip off for drill bits. Ebay, toolstation and screwfix are much cheaper. Plaster is not that brittle, so you won't get it cracking outwards from the drill hole, unless it has blown which is easy to check, just knock on it, and if it sounds hollow, it has blown. I doubt it has. I positioned my poles about 4"/10cm above the top of the window inset, and the supports are 6"/15cm from each side of the inset, as instructed by the shop.

Innys wrote: »

Have you considered using a batten?

That would look a bit naff, and you still have to drill into the walls. Isn't it better to just do it properly in the first place?