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

When you’re tired of the “just moved in” look and want a bare room to look cozy and inviting, curtains are the quickest way to feel at home.

Whether it’s soft, flowing curtains that let in a glimmer of light or heavy drapes that set a more formal tone, window curtains improve any room.

And you don’t need complicated or expensive hardware to hang them. 

I decided to create these DIY curtain rods and brackets using materials found at the hardware store. 

You are one step closer to dressing your windows in style with this tutorial. Additional bonus: this project will take less than 2 hours to complete!

WHAT DOES IT COST TO CREATE DIY CURTAIN RODS?

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

To give you an idea, a standard 4 ft window will cost about $10 for the materials. And you have extra 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.

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This DIY tutorial was inspired by Lovely Etc. I had to give her tutorial a try she also shares how to add finials to the DIY curtain rod if you want to take it up a notch.

STEP 1: DETERMINE THE SIZE OF THE CURTAIN ROD

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

It’s a good idea to hang a curtain tall and wide so when the panels are pulled aside, they won’t block the window. To achieve this, you will want the rod to be wider than the window.

But how wide should the curtain rod be?

I suggest the curtain rod bracket to be placed 6″ to 12″ away from the window opening. This example is spaced 12″ because it makes the window feel larger.

Once you decide on the placement of the brackets, take that measurement, multiply by two and add the width of your window opening. 

But don’t stop there – add 2 more inches if you don’t plan on having finials. If you want to use finials, only add 1″.

For example, our 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, I added 2″ because I do not plan on using finials. The width of my curtain rod will be 62″ for this window.

Complete this step for 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 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 10 ft, use a 1/2″ set-screw coupling to attach pieces of conduit pipe together. This fitting is a great 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 smooth out the sharp edges of the pipe.

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 that secure the bracket to the wall) on an old sheet or cardboard box.

SIDE NOTE: You will need two screws per bracket.

TIP: Using an egg carton, push 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.

Finally, you can install the curtain rod brackets to the wall and set the curtain rod in place.

Now that your rods are ready for decorating, it’s time to get creative! If you have some basic sewing skills and a sewing machine, try to sew your own curtains.

And if you are not sure how to hang a curtain or the hardware, see my post on how to hang a curtain to guide you through the next step.

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.

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.