Plan before drilling

Pole Placement and Stack-Back

Good hardware placement can make a window feel taller and preserve daylight when curtains are open.

Pole dimensions above and beyond a window

Start with practical ranges

When space permits, begin by testing a pole 15–25 cm (6–10 in) above the frame and extending 15–38 cm (6–15 in) past each side. These are planning ranges, not universal rules.

  • Keep enough room for rings or eyelets below the ceiling.
  • Locate solid fixing points and follow bracket instructions.
  • Check coving, trim, vents, switches and nearby walls.
Open panel stack occupying side wall space

Estimate stack space conservatively

Thicker fabrics, blackout/interlining, higher fullness and some headings create a wider stack. Use the 15–38 cm (6–15 in) extension as an initial design allowance, then verify against the exact fabric and heading.

For doors, ensure the open stack does not block the handle, walking path or opening leaf.

Return
The curtain wraps from the face toward the wall to reduce side light.

Overlap
Centre panels pass each other or meet with extra coverage.

Projection
Bracket distance from wall must clear handles, trim and layers.

Support
Wide/heavy systems may need centre or additional brackets.

Use the hardware manufacturer’s fixing and weight requirements. For masonry, metal framing, weak substrates or unusually heavy curtains, use a qualified installer.