The best way to do this is to install the brackets with longer screws or longer nails. The extra length helps distribute the weight of the curtains further into the plasterboard, making it the joint sturdier than the screws used in traditional window installation.
Well, you do NOT need a stud to hang a curtain rod, but you will need a special type of wall anchor to hold the weight. There are two different types I like to use: a drywall anchor or toggle bolts. Because my exterior walls are plaster (similar to drywall) with brick behind, I am going to use the drywall anchor screw.
A tension rod can hold between 10-45 pounds, depending on its material. However, the average tension rod can handle about 20 pounds. Whether you want to suspend curtains or clothes, a tension rod makes an excellent addition to your home.
Toggle bolts are the types of drywall anchors that can support up to 50 pounds, while steel hollow-wall anchors have a drywall anchors weight limit of up to 100 pounds.
You'll need to use plastic wall anchors to provide proper support if you're installing in drywall. Fasten the brackets to the walls using your drill or screwdriver. Having a hand tool ready often makes this job easier, since it can be hard to use a larger electric drill when mounting curtain rod hardware to the wall.
The real struggle starts when you try to hang heavy drapes. Their weight alone makes hanging them a two-person venture. It's also important to have the right curtain rod. The wrong rod will not only look bad with your luxurious curtains, but if it can't support the weight, it can fall and damage the wall.
Instead, use a threaded drywall anchor to securely hold objects between 10 and 25 pounds such as heavy picture frames, bulletin boards, mirrors, and light-weight shelving. No power tools are required for this self-drilling fastener. Use a screwdriver to screw it in until it's flush with the wall.
Hanging curtains on drywall is not as simple as it looks. Drywall will not hold a screw because it's not solid. If you mount a curtain rod with a screw, over time you will end up with a sagging curtain and hole. Using drywall anchors is the only solution.
The Command hook is perfect for hanging heavier items on your curtain rod. The adhesive is incredibly strong and can hold up to 5 pounds, making it perfect for heavier drapes or curtains. The hooks are also simple to install just peel and stick!
Purchase 2-3 jumbo command hooks per window. Pick a finish that is the same as the curtain rods you will be hanging. Clean wall surface where you will be applying hooks with rubbing alcohol and clean cloth or paper towel. Clean gently, rubbing too hard can remove the paint.
As a general rule, drapes will be open during the day, so make sure the curtain rod extends at least four inches on each side of the window's inside frame. To create the illusion of a wider window, extend the rod up to 10 inches beyond the window's frame.
Knowing which to use is very important — without a drywall anchor, a screw alone will not hold the weight of the curtain and rod. And if you try and use a drywall anchor in a stud, you're just in for a world of frustration.
Best Drywall Anchors Heavy-Duty—RIFAA
When you're in need of reliable, strong wall fixings for securely hanging items of up to 50 pounds, RIFAA's self-drilling drywall anchors are the solution. They are made from heavy-duty durable nylon and have a unique design that once in place, will not budge.
In most situations you can use a hollow-wall anchor, which is designed to attach to the wall in the hollow spaces between the studs. Hollow-wall anchors come in a wide range of sizes and styles for use on virtually any wall, including drywall, plaster, and even hollow concrete block.
Since the purpose of a drywall anchor is to stabilize a screw, it must be at least one size bigger than the screw.
If you really wanted to just use anchors, they make metal anchors that can be driven into a stud but the description of them is: No pre-drilling necessary - drills directly into drywall even if you hit a wood stud.
Without weights, they will look messy. It's a bit like ironing clothes in order to make sure they look really good. The bottom line is that for your curtains (even outdoor curtains) to look good, you need to add weights.
Though these curtains will never weigh much more than 4 lbs each, you might be surprised at how much curtain weight can make a difference on how your drapes look and how much stress they are putting on the curtain rod.