Which one?
A tension rod or a drilled curtain pole?
Updated
It depends on where the curtain goes. Speedy makes its tension rods for use inside a window recess only; a curtain pole goes on brackets screwed to the wall.
A tension rod
- Where it goes
- Inside a window recess only. Speedy says:
Ideal for nets, voiles and lightweight curtains. Can only be used within a window recess.
- What it needs
- No drill. To fit one, Speedy's catalogue says
twist to the desired length and fit into place
. It adds:Wall supports are only included in the 200-250cm tension rod packs.
- How it comes down
- Speedy's pages that we hold give no steps for taking a rod down, so we give none.
- Which maker's figure applies
- None that we can show. Speedy gives lengths, not weights, and lightweight is its word, so our curtain pole guide gives no maker rating for a tension rod.
Source: Speedy, Speedy catalogue PDF, page 117 Retail products: 10-13mm Tension Rods. Checked .
A curtain pole on brackets
- Where it goes
- Above the window, on brackets screwed to the wall. Dunelm says:
We recommend that your curtain pole sits 10cm above the window, and is longer than the length of your window by 10cm on either side.
- What it needs
- A drill, plugs where the wall needs them, and a check for cables and pipes first. Dunelm adds:
If fitting heavyweight curtains or a pole over 180cm, you will also need a central bracket.
- How it comes down
- The pole lifts out and the brackets are unscrewed; the holes stay. Shelter lists
holes in walls or doors
among the things a deposit can be charged for in England. - Which maker's figure applies
- The pole maker's figure for its brackets, where it gives one, and the wall fixing's recommended load for one fixing; the lower of the two applies. A bracket stands out from the wall, so choose “Sticks out from the wall” in What's my wall?.
Sources: Dunelm, How to put up curtain poles and curtain tracks. Checked ; Shelter England, Damage and missing items (deposit deductions, last updated 6 May 2024). Checked .