Professional curtain installation is about more than just aesthetics; it ensures your window treatments are level, secure, and operate smoothly. For UK homeowne...
While hanging a simple pole might seem straightforward, challenges often arise with heavy velvet drapes, complex bay windows, or drilling into tough steel lintels. A professional fitter ensures that fixings are appropriate for your wall type, preventing the common frustration of poles pulling away from the plaster.
What Does the Work Involve?
- Site Survey: Confirming measurements, checking for hidden pipes or cables, and identifying wall construction (masonry, plasterboard, or timber).
- Fixing Installation: Marking levels, drilling, and securing brackets for poles or tracks using heavy-duty wall plugs.
- Track & Pole Fitting: Cutting tracks to size, assembling bay window kits, or mounting motorised systems.
- Hanging & Dressing: Attaching the drapes, adjusting header tape cords to achieve the correct gather, and ensuring an even drop.
- Finishing Touches: Steaming out transit creases, installing tie-backs or hold-backs, and testing the draw mechanism.
Typical Costs
Prices vary based on the number of windows, the complexity of the track (e.g., bay windows), and your location in the UK. The following estimates include VAT and reflect 2025/26 market rates.
| Item / Service | Low £ | High £ | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Call-out (1 window) | £70 | £120 | Covers travel and first hour of labour. |
| Labour per additional window | £40 | £75 | Standard straight windows; bays cost more. |
| Standard Pole/Track Materials | £30 | £180 | Varies by brand and material (metal vs wood). |
| Bay Window Track (Specialist) | £150 | £400 | Includes high-quality bendable tracks. |
| Motorised Track System | £250 | £600+ | Excludes electrical spur installation if needed. |
Factors affecting the final price include the height of the ceiling (requiring scaffolding or tall ladders), the weight of the fabric, and whether you require the fitter to supply the hardware or just provide labour.
How Long Does It Take?
- Single Straight Window: 45 – 90 minutes for a standard pole and lined curtains.
- Three-Sided Bay Window: 2 – 3 hours, including track bending and precise levelling.
- Whole House (6-8 windows): 1 full day for a single fitter.
- Motorised Systems: 2 – 3 hours per window to allow for calibration and remote setup.
DIY or Professional?
If you are confident drilling into masonry and using a spirit level, a basic straight pole is a manageable DIY task. However, professional fitting is highly recommended for bay windows, where tracks must be bent perfectly to follow the masonry, and for heavy "interlined" curtains that require specialist anchors.
Safety Warning: In the UK, all internal blinds and curtains must comply with child safety regulations regarding cord lengths and safety cleats. Professionals will ensure these are fitted correctly.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
- Specialist Fitters: Look for members of the Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers (AMUSF) for high-end bespoke work.
- Equipment: Ensure they use dust extraction (to prevent soot/brick dust on your carpets) and laser levels.
- Insurance: Confirm they have Public Liability Insurance in case they accidentally drill through a pipe or cable.
Questions to ask:
- Do you provide the wall fixings, or do I need to supply them?
- What is your experience with drilling into steel lintels?
- Do you offer a steaming service to remove creases from the drapes?
- How do you ensure the curtains comply with child safety legislation?
UK Regulations
- BS EN 13120: The primary UK standard for internal blinds and curtain track safety, focusing on the prevention of strangulation from looped cords.
- Part P (Building Regulations): Only relevant if you are installing motorised curtains that require a new fused spur or electrical circuit.
- General Safety: All cords must be kept out of reach of children using safety clips or tensioning devices.
Common Problems
- Sagging Poles: Caused by using standard plastic wall plugs in hollow plasterboard; professionals use "umbrella" or "toggle" fixings.
- Steel Lintels: Many UK homes have steel beams above windows that standard drill bits cannot penetrate; specialist cobalt bits are required.
- Uneven Hems: Often caused by the track not being perfectly level or the header tape being pulled unevenly.
- Light Bleed: Occurs when the pole is fitted too close to the window frame or lacks sufficient "overlap" at the sides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you fit curtains to a bay window?
Yes, but it requires a specialist bay window track that can be bent to the specific angles of your window. These are much more reliable than "flexible" DIY tracks found in high-street shops.
My walls are "crumbly" — can I still have heavy curtains?
Yes, a professional can use resin anchors or a wooden "patress" board. This board is screwed into the solid parts of the wall first, providing a secure surface for the curtain brackets.
Do I need an electrician for motorised curtains?
Battery-powered motorised tracks do not require an electrician. However, if you want a mains-powered system hidden in the ceiling, you will likely need a qualified electrician to install a fused spur.
Why are my curtains not hanging straight?
This is usually due to the "dressing" process. Curtains need to be trained by folding them into concertina pleats and tying them loosely for 48 hours to set the memory of the fabric.
How high above the window should the pole be?
Typically, poles are fitted 15cm to 20cm above the window frame. This minimises light bleed and makes the window appear larger and the ceiling higher.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
