5 Renter-Friendly Ways to Hang Curtains Without Drilling

There are plenty of reasons to avoid putting holes in your wall. You could be renting, commitment-phobic, or worried about your own ability to wield a drill. And in any case, you’re right to be reluctant, because there’s often a temporary alternative to screws and nails. 

When hanging curtains, your options aren’t limited to installing brackets and mounting curtain rods. You can take advantage of magnets, adhesives, or natural tension to get the job done. In fact, there are so many ways to hang curtains without drilling that you can simply pick your favorite of the bunch. And just about all of them sound easier than using a drill. 

How to Hang Curtains Using Adhesive Hooks

Adhesive hooks stick to your wall, come in a variety of styles, and you can pair them with most straight curtain rods. Here is the process for hanging curtains using adhesive hooks.

Step 1: Buy the Right Adhesive Hooks

You’ll need two adhesive hooks for each window. Adhesive hooks can support different weights and styles, so snag a set strong enough to hold curtains and sleek enough to display on your walls. 

Step 2: Stick the Hooks on Your Wall

Follow the instructions that came with the adhesive hooks. Peel the backing off your adhesive hooks before carefully sticking them on your walls.

Step 3: Let the Hooks Sit

Let the hooks sit for 1 hour (or whatever amount of time the instructions recommend). If you hang your curtains too soon, your adhesive hooks may fall off your wall.

Step 4: Hang Your Rod and Curtains

Slide your curtains onto your curtain rod, and place the curtain rod on the hooks.

How to Hang Curtains Using a Tension Rod

A tension rod sits inside your window. They don’t require hooks or hardware and are limited in terms of style.

Step 1: Buy the Right Tension Rod

Tension rods come in different sizes, so measure the inside of your window. Since the tension rod needs to sit between two protruding surfaces, you’ll want to measure the distance from one surface to the next.

Then, look for a tension rod that will fit inside your window. As they are adjustable, be sure to check the rod’s minimum and maximum length.

Step 2: Adjust the Rod

Hold the tension rod up to your window. Then, adjust the rod until it’s about 1 inch shorter than your window.

Step 3: Tuck the Rod Inside Your Window

Place one end of the tension rod where you want it. Then, lengthen the tension rod until the other end is where you want it. 

Step 4: Hang Your Curtains and Tighten the Rod

Gently slide your curtains onto your tension rod and put the tension rod back inside your window. To make sure there’s enough pressure to hold the rod in place, lengthen the rod a little more. You want the rod to be tight enough to stay inside your window, even when you let go of it.

How to Hang Curtains Using a Magnetic Rod

Magnetic rods adhere to metal walls and surfaces. They’re available in a variety of styles, and some come with adhesive strips, which can attach the rods to other materials.

Step 1: Buy the Right Magnetic Rod

Find a magnetic curtain rod long enough to frame your window, strong enough to hold your curtains, and striking enough to display on your wall.

Step 2: Mount the Rod on Your Wall

Place the curtain rod where you want it, and make sure it sticks to your wall.

Step 3: Hang Your Curtains 

Remove the rod so you can slide your curtains over it. Then, reattach the rod to your wall.

How to Hang Curtains Using a Stick-On Rod

Stick-on rods stick to your wall. They're available in a variety of styles, and some come with hardware, which you can use to install the rods more permanently.

Step 1: Buy the Right Stick-On Rod

When shopping for stick-on curtain rods, consider size, strength, and style. Look for a curtain rod that’s wide enough for your window, strong enough for your curtains, and sleek enough for your space.

Step 2: Stick the Rod on Your Wall

Check the installation instructions your curtain rod came with. Odds are, your curtain rod has two adhesive brackets. You can likely install those brackets by peeling away their backing and sticking them to your wall.

Step 3: Let the Rod Sit

Leave your curtain rod on your wall for 1 hour (or the amount of time the instructions recommend) before hanging your curtains. This should keep the rod from falling off your wall right after you’ve installed it.

Step 4: Hang Your Curtains

Slide your curtains onto your curtain rod. To do this, you may need to remove one end of your curtain rod or lift the curtain rod out of the bracket. (Your installation instructions should point you in the right direction.)

How to Hang Curtains Using a Twist-and-Fit Rod

Like tension rods, twist-and-fit rods sit inside your window. But, they’re designed with decorative flourishes that make them look like traditional curtain rods.

Step 1: Buy the Right Twist-and-Fit Rod

Measure the inside of your window. Then, find a twist-and-fit rod that’s long enough to fit there—and sleek enough to display in your space. Since twist-and-fit rods are adjustable, you’ll want to check the rod’s minimum and maximum length when assessing size.

Step 2: Adjust the Rod

Place the twist-and-fit rod inside your window. And adjust its length until it’s almost long enough to stay put.

Step 3: Hang Your Curtains and Tighten the Rod

Slide your curtains onto your curtain rod. Then, place the rod inside your window, with one end touching one side of your window. Extend the rod until the other end reaches the other side. Then, keep lengthening the rod until it's tight enough to stay in place.