Eyelet curtains offer a clean, modern look that works in almost any room—but only if they're hung correctly. Poor installation can leave them sagging, misaligned, or looking amateurish, which defeats the purpose of investing in quality fabric. Whether you're tackling this yourself or hiring a professional, understanding the process and costs upfront saves frustration and money.
Why Installation Matters for Eyelet Curtains
Eyelet curtains hang from a pole that threads directly through metal or plastic rings sewn into the heading. This design looks sleek and allows the fabric to glide smoothly, but it puts all the weight on those eyelets and the pole's support. A poorly installed pole will sag under even moderate fabric weight, and inadequate wall anchors can fail entirely, especially on plasterboard or older walls.
Getting the height, depth, and positioning right the first time prevents costly fixes later. Most homeowners regret DIY installations that end up 2–3 inches too low or positioned unevenly relative to windows.
DIY Installation: What You Need
If you're hanging eyelet curtains yourself, start by assessing your wall type. Solid brick or plaster allows for simple rawl plugs and screws; plasterboard and stud walls require heavy-duty anchors rated for the pole and fabric weight combined.
Essential tools and materials:
- Drill with masonry or wood bits
- Spirit level (essential for straight alignment)
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Curtain pole and brackets rated for your curtain weight (typically 5–10 kg capacity for standard living room curtains)
- Wall anchors appropriate to your wall type
- Fixing screws (usually M8 or M10)
- Stud finder if walls are plasterboard
For a single window, budget 2–3 hours for marking, drilling, fixing, and hanging. Mark bracket positions at least 300 mm beyond the window frame on each side to maximize privacy and light control.
Measuring and Positioning
Measure from the center of your window to at least 15 cm past the frame edge on both sides—longer if the room allows. The pole should sit 100–200 mm above the window frame; higher placement makes windows appear larger. Use a spirit level constantly while fixing brackets; even slight tilts become obvious once curtains are hung.
Test-fit the pole before securing brackets permanently. Some poles are telescopic and require careful alignment at the overlap point.
Professional Installation Services
Hiring a professional makes sense if you have awkward window configurations, heavy fabrics, or plasterboard walls where incorrect anchoring could damage the surface. Most curtain retailers and home textile specialists offer installation services starting at £50–£150 per window, depending on region and complexity.
Professional installers typically include:
- Site survey and assessment
- Bracket fixing using appropriate anchors for your wall type
- Pole hanging and leveling
- Testing the glide and operation
- Cleanup
Some offer combined packages: purchasing curtains from a retailer and having them installed for an additional fee (often 20–30% of the curtain cost). This approach is practical if you're buying multiple sets or dealing with non-standard windows.
Get quotes from at least two installers. Ask whether they supply their own poles and brackets or use yours, and confirm they're using anchors rated for your curtain weight. Turnaround is typically 5–10 working days from measurement to completion.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Undersized brackets or poles are the leading cause of sagging. Check weight ratings carefully: a 5 kg rated pole cannot handle two lined curtains weighing 4.5 kg each. Under-drilling into the wrong anchor type or failing to locate studs on plasterboard walls leads to failure within weeks.
Positioning brackets too close to the window frame reduces the opening width and looks cramped. Avoid placing brackets directly above radiators, which can warp plastic eyelets over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will eyelet curtains damage my plasterboard walls if I install them myself? Heavy curtains on plasterboard require expansion anchors rated for 8–10 kg minimum; standard Rawlplugs will fail. Use a stud finder to locate timber studs if available, and fix into those instead.
Q: How much should I expect to pay for professional eyelet curtain installation? Expect £50–£150 per window for installation alone, or 20–30% markup on curtain purchases if included as a package deal through a retailer.
Q: Can I reuse my eyelet curtains if I move house or change windows? Yes, but only if the pole diameter matches and your new windows allow for similar bracket positioning. Eyelets don't deteriorate, though you may need a new pole if dimensions differ.
Compare quotes from local installers and retailers on Mercoly to find trusted bed, bath, and home textile providers in your area who offer both quality curtains and professional fitting.