Curtain Poles: Measure These 4 Things Before You Buy
A curtain pole, also called a curtain rod, is screwed to the wall or ceiling on brackets and holds curtains on rings, eyelets or tabs. It only works well if it is long enough for the curtains to stack clear of the window, fixed into a wall that can take it, and strong enough for the curtains. Use these checks before choosing one. This guide is a planning aid, not a compatibility guarantee.
Jump to the products to check against this list (affiliate links)
Download the original checklist image
1. Pole length
Measure the width of the window or recess, then add room at each side so the open curtains can stack back clear of the glass; one pole listing we checked suggests 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in) each side. Extendable poles list a shortest and longest length: IKEA's BEKRÄFTA curtain rod set is 120 to 210 cm. Check which length the listed price is for, and how many brackets a long pole comes with.
2. Wall and fixings
Find out what the wall above the window is made of, such as brick, concrete, plasterboard or timber, and check for cables and pipes before drilling. Screws and plugs are often not included: IKEA lists BEKRÄFTA with "3 wall fittings", and a reviewer on IKEA's UK page noted "that it doesn't come with wall screws". Buy fixings that suit your wall, and use every bracket supplied.
3. Bracket space
Measure from the top of the window frame to the ceiling or coving, and how far the pole must stand off the wall to clear window handles, the sill and any radiator. Compare these with the bracket's height and projection: one listing we checked gives a projection of 9.75 cm and a bracket height of 4 cm. IKEA says BEKRÄFTA is "Easy to place close to the ceiling as the brackets are assembled from underneath."
4. Diameter and load
Check the pole diameter against your rings, eyelets or tab tops: BEKRÄFTA is 19 mm, and on an extendable or screw-together pole the rings must slide over the joins. Weigh the curtains, especially lined or blackout ones, and compare them with the listed load: BEKRÄFTA is listed at 5 kg maximum. A double pole needs brackets deep enough for two curtains. If no load is listed, ask the seller.
Before you order
Keep the window width plus stack-back room, the wall type and space above the window, the clearance needed in front and the weight of your curtains next to the pole's length range, number of brackets, fixings included, bracket height and projection, diameter and load. After fitting, hang the curtains and check that the pole stays level and the brackets stay tight. If a figure is missing, ask the seller.
Products to check against this list
The links below are affiliate links. If you buy through one, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Specifications are as listed by the seller on the date shown; we have not measured, tested or approved these products for your space.
- Extendable 5/8 in curtain pole with brackets, from 42-132 cm to 42-391 cm. Seller-listed: Images: 5/8 in pole of screw-together 19.5 and 39.5 cm rods; 42-132 or 42-169 cm (2 brackets), 42-243 cm (3), 42-391 cm (4); bracket projection 9.75 cm, height 4 cm; suggests 10-15 cm overlap each side. A "30lbs" icon without detail. (checked 2026-09-28). View on AliExpress (affiliate link)
- Double curtain pole set, 152 to 374 cm. Seller-listed: Images: front rod 1.9 cm, rear rod 1.6 cm; bracket 15 cm deep, 5.5 cm tall, rods 7 cm apart; 152, 189, 263, 337 or 374 cm from screw-together pieces; 5 in overlap each side shown; guide shows screws for wood walls, plugs for other walls. Load not listed. (checked 2026-09-28). View on AliExpress (affiliate link)
Your fit worksheet
Use centimetres or inches consistently. These cells are intentionally unfilled: we have not measured your space or approved a product for it.
| Check | Your space or equipment | Product requirement | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pole length | Record your measurement or observation | Confirm with the maker | Not checked |
| Wall and fixings | Record your measurement or observation | Confirm with the maker | Not checked |
| Bracket space | Record your measurement or observation | Confirm with the maker | Not checked |
| Diameter and load | Record your measurement or observation | Confirm with the maker | Not checked |
Reference and evidence limits
Retailer example: IKEA BEKRÄFTA curtain rod set, Ireland listing.
The linked retailer page and its public customer feedback supplied research leads, not independent performance evidence. Comments can reflect individual experiences. We have not independently reproduced them or verified compatibility, stock, price, load limits or current numerical specifications. Check the product page and instructions for your market before buying. Source reviewed on 2026-09-29.