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Curtain poles buying guide

Whether your home has bay windows, recessed windows or surface-mounted windows – we have the appropriate brackets, as well as the information you need to successfully dress every window.

Read on for expert advice as well as a step-by-step guide to using our mix and match curtain pole range. If you’re still at the stage of picking your curtains, voiles or blinds - read our guide to choosing curtains and blinds.

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How to measure your windows for a curtain pole

Measure the recess width of the window and then add at least another 15cm for each side. Your new pole length will be the recess width + 30cm. If you’re planning to hang heavyweight or wider curtains, consider adding further allowance on either side as the fabric may be bulkier. If you’re unsure of how much allowance you’ll need, consider extendable length poles and track. And you can always buy a larger pole and cut it to size.

Scratch resistant

Our curtain poles have a good resistance to scratching – when sliding rings or curtains with eyelets multiple times they won’t leave a mark on the pole.

Adjust the daylight and privacy levels to your needs

Use a double bracket to layer two types of curtain opacity and adjust the daylight and privacy levels to your needs. (Available for wall and ceiling configurations. Double brackets are only available online.)

Choose from a variety of curtain poles, brackets and finials – all developed for any window type, size and placement to the wall. From the classical surface-mounted to more specific, such as bay or roof windows.

Follow our four easy steps and create the perfect combination to cover your window.

Step 1: Measure your window to get your required pole length

Measure your window/s to find out the length of your new curtain pole/s.

We have three standard lengths to choose from;

If you need a longer measurement, use our easy to install metal connectors to extend the length of your pole.

Step 2: Pick your curtain pole diameter

Consider the weight and type of curtains you will be hanging. The heavier the curtains (such as lined, or long length curtains) the wider the diameter of pole you will require. Lightweight curtains can be hung on a 16 mm pole, medium weight curtains with a 19 mm pole and heavyweight curtains will require a 28 mm pole.

  • 16mm – suitable for voiles (light weight)
  • 19mm – suitable for unlined curtains (medium weight)
  • 28mm – suitable for lined and blackout curtains (heavy weight)

Each pole can be easily mixed and matched with dedicated brackets and finials of the corresponding diameter. Or, they can even be mixed with universal brackets compatible with all diameters.

Three different-sized chrome curtain poles laid down on a flat surface.Three different-sized chrome curtain poles laid down on a flat surface.Three different-sized chrome curtain poles laid down on a flat surface.Three different-sized chrome curtain poles laid down on a flat surface.

Step 3: Choose your brackets

Work out how many brackets you’ll need - we recommend one bracket for every 1-1.5m.

Standard brackets:

If the space between the window and wall is greater than 15cm use a wall bracket.

Browse wall brackets

If there is no space between the window and wall use a recessed bracket.

Browse recessed brackets

If the space between the window and wall is less than 15cm use a ceiling mounted bracket.

Browse ceiling mounted brackets

Specific brackets:

An illustration of a curtain pole bay bend bracket, highlighting a section that is easy to bend, allowing the curtains to curve around a bay window.An illustration of a curtain pole bay bend bracket, highlighting a section that is easy to bend, allowing the curtains to curve around a bay window.An illustration of a curtain pole bay bend bracket, highlighting a section that is easy to bend, allowing the curtains to curve around a bay window.An illustration of a curtain pole bay bend bracket, highlighting a section that is easy to bend, allowing the curtains to curve around a bay window.

Bay bend bracket

Joins two poles of the same diameter. Bay bend brackets are easy to bend by hand, making them ideal for curved windows. The curved design allows curtains to pull easily. When using bay band brackets for bay windows, make sure to use a metal connector to connect the bay bend to the pole.

An illustration of a curtain pole elbow connector, installed between two poles, with an adjustable angle to allow the curtains to fit a bay window.An illustration of a curtain pole elbow connector, installed between two poles, with an adjustable angle to allow the curtains to fit a bay window.An illustration of a curtain pole elbow connector, installed between two poles, with an adjustable angle to allow the curtains to fit a bay window.An illustration of a curtain pole elbow connector, installed between two poles, with an adjustable angle to allow the curtains to fit a bay window.

Elbow connector

Joins two poles of the same diameter. They have an adjustable angle making them just right for hanging curtains on bay windows.

An illustration of a curtain pole angle bracket, connected to the wall, with a 90-degree turn that allows the curtains to be installed away from the wall.An illustration of a curtain pole angle bracket, connected to the wall, with a 90-degree turn that allows the curtains to be installed away from the wall.An illustration of a curtain pole angle bracket, connected to the wall, with a 90-degree turn that allows the curtains to be installed away from the wall.An illustration of a curtain pole angle bracket, connected to the wall, with a 90-degree turn that allows the curtains to be installed away from the wall.

Angle bracket

An angle bracket wraps your curtains around the corners at the end of the pole - so your curtain meets the wall. If you are a light sleeper, you’ll benefit from angle brackets as they make the room darker. Available in 19mm and 28mm diameter.

4. Finish the look

It’s time to complete the look. We’ve got a selection of finishing accessories available in a range of colours and finishes. Choose from our finials, tiebacks, rings and rings with clips. Whatever look you’re going for; we will have something to suit your style. Don’t forget to purchase your fixings.