A step-by-step tutorial on how to create DIY curtain rods and brackets for a fraction of the cost of buying them.

Adding curtains to a room can make the room feel more inviting and cozy. It’s something I have been dreaming about adding to my living room. So I decided to create these DIY curtain rods and brackets using materials found at the hardware. Additional bonus this project will take less than 2-hours of work time.

Also, welcome to this months At Home DIY challenge! Every month I am participating in a different challenge, and this month it’s “2-hour DIY challenge”. After my how-to tutorial there is a link to 30+ other DIY home bloggers projects, so be sure to check those out.

Now back to the DIY curtain rods.

What does it cost to create DIY curtain rods?

Like always, the cost will depend on the size of your window that you want to hang a curtain.

To give you an idea, a standard 4ft window will cost about $10 for the materials. But guess what, with this cost, you have the supplies to make more curtain brackets.

If you need to purchase a metal pipe cutter, the cost will be closer to $28.

A curtain rod and brackets at the store will cost about $40 so you are saving about $30 per window by making the curtain hardware yourself.

Cheap DIY curtain rods and brackets

Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience, click here to read my full disclosure policy. 

This DIY tutorial was inspired by Lovely Etc, and I had to give her tutorial a try plus she shares how to add finials to the DIY curtain rod.

STEP 1: Determine the size of the curtain rod

Before jumping into making your homemade curtain rod, you need to decide how wide you want your curtain rod to be.

To help you decide, I have some suggestions.

It’s a fantastic idea to hang a curtain tall and wide. So you will want the rod to be wider than the window.

But how wide should the curtain rod be?

I would suggest the curtain rod bracket to be placed 6″ to 12″ away from the window opening. This example is spaced 12″ because I wanted the window to feel bigger.

Once you decide on the placement of the brackets, take that measurement, times by two then add how wide your window opening is. But don’t stop there add 2″ more inches if you plan on having no finials. If you want to use finials only add 1″.

For example our window, the brackets will be 12″ wider than the window opening. I then took 12″ + 12″ plus the window opening, 36″, giving me a total of 60″. Then add 2″ because I do not plan on using finials. The width of my curtain rod will be 62″ for this window.

Complete this step of each window.

STEP 2: Create the curtain rod brackets

Creating the brackets is simple. To make one bracket (you will need at least two brackets per window), take one 3″ corner brace, one 3/4″ strap, and one flat head screw with nut.

Side Note: If a window opening is wider than 48″, I would recommend you should plan on using an additional bracket.

Place the corner bracket on top of the 3/4″ strap, aligning the holes. Then insert the machine screw into the aligned hole and secure in place with the nut.

TIP: Use a wrench to hold the nut in place while tightening the screw.

Complete this process for the number of brackets you need.

STEP 3: Cut the conduit pipe

After the brackets are made, cut the conduit pipe to the length you determined in the first step.

SIDE NOTE: If you need a curtain rod longer than 10ft use 1/2″ set-screw coupling to attach pieces of conduit pipe together. This fitting is a fantastic way to save money on a long curtain rod.

To cut the conduit pipe, use a metal pipe cutter or a hacksaw. I would recommend the metal pipe cutter because it gives you a straight, smooth cut.

TIP: Use a metal file after to make the pipe not so sharp.

Now the pipe is ready to paint.

STEP 4: Spray paint the curtain hardware

Next spray paint the curtain rods, brackets, and anchor screws (the ones to secure the bracket to the wall) on an old sheet or cardboard box.

SIDE NOTE: You will need two screws per bracket.

TIP: Use an egg carton, pushing the screws through, to hold them in place while spray painting.

Also, I like to use a spray grip accessory, and I recommend two coats of paint per side. Remember to follow the instructions on the can.

Now you’re ready to install the curtain rod brackets to the wall then place the curtain rod in place.

If you are not sure exactly how to hang a curtain or the hardware, see my post on how to hang a curtain which explains everything.

And that’s how to create DIY curtain rods and curtain rod brackets. I hope this tutorial helps you update the feel of your room and boosts your home decor.

Be sure to take a peek at the other DIY bloggers 2-hour projects.

See more 2-Hour DIY Projects

Interested in more? You will love these other home decor projects of ours:

• Modern Floral Hoop Wreath
• How to hang pictures without nails
• Make decorative pillow covers

And don’t forget you can see before and afters in our full house tour by clicking HERE.