How to Fix a Curtain Rod in Drywall: Curtain Rod Hole Repair
Curtains can be functional, practical and beautiful. And while curtain rod brackets can be challenging to install, the result is worth it. That is, until your curtains fall out of the wall, leaving gaping holes.
It happens more often than you might think. Here are a few common reasons:
- You didn’t secure your curtain rod properly.
- You’re using the wrong type of curtain rod that can’t support the weight of your curtains, causing it to sag and fall out of the wall.
- Kids or pets yank or pull on the curtains, bringing them down.
Besides leaving annoying holes, falling curtains can damage your wall to the point where it’s impossible to re-hang them in the same spot. So how do you fix this problem?
Read our step-by-step guide on curtain rod hole repair to fix curtain rod holes. Plus, we’ll share a way to secure your curtains and prevent holes in the future.
How to Fix Curtain Rod Holes Without Patching Drywall
If the damage isn’t too severe, you might not have to patch the drywall. Follow these simple steps to hang your curtains after they’ve fallen out of the wall.
1. Get the right tools
You’re going to need:
- Hammer
- Screwdriver
- Power drill with a 3/16-inch drill bit
- Needle-nose pliers
- Small plastic drywall anchors
- Screws
2. Remove the curtain rod
Remove the rod from the brackets. Tap the brackets with a hammer on a flat surface to straighten them (if they’re malleable, use a rubber mallet to prevent damage). To straighten bends in the curtain rod, use needle-nose pliers to bend it back in place.
3. Fix curtain rod holes
Drill the top and bottom hole locations where the bracket was previously attached to the wall. Tap an anchor into each hole with a hammer.
4. Attach the curtain mount
Position the bracket over the anchors. Insert screws through the holes of the bracket into the anchors. Secure the bracket by tightening the screws with a screwdriver.
5. Repeat
Repeat the steps with the bracket on the opposite side of the window. If you have a center bracket, follow the same instructions to hang your center support bracket.
6. Rehang the curtains
Center the curtains on your curtain rod and place it on the brackets.
How to Fix Curtain Rod Holes With Patching Compound
Sometimes the damage to your wall is too significant to get away with re-drilling the holes. If it’s larger than an inch, you’ll need patching compound and some extra support to ensure the rod will stay in the wall.
1. Get the right tools
You’re going to need:
- Screwdriver with a flat head
- Newspaper
- Small bowl
- Patching compound or spackle paste
- All-purpose drywall joint compound
- Putty knife
- 4-inch drywall knife
- 120-grit sandpaper
- Primer for drywall
2. Clear out the hole
First, use a flat-head screwdriver to clear out the hole and scrape out any drywall remnants.
3. Stuff the hole with newspaper
Next, stuff a piece of newspaper into the hole (this will help support the patching compound). Make sure the paper sits tightly in the hole. Add more if it seems loose.
4. Mix patching compound with water
Mix about a half a cup of mixing compound with water in a bowl. You want the mixture to be stiff but spreadable. Try to lift some with a knife. If it runs off it, add more powder.
5. Fill the hole with patching compound
Use a putty knife to trowel the patching compound into the hole. Make sure it fills the gap evenly and don’t bulge out. Give it about 20 to 30 minutes to harden.
Follow up with a coat of drywall joint compound to the patch and spread it. Use a four-inch drywall knife to scrape it flat. Leave it to dry overnight before applying another coat.
6. Sand and paint the patch
When the second coat dries, sand it with 120-grit sandpaper. Apply a coat of drywall primer, and repaint the wall.
7. Measure and rehang your curtains
Now, it’s time to rehang curtains. To make sure they don’t fall out this time, use our guide on how to hang curtains. Or, read on to find a better solution that doesn’t require making holes in the wall.
Hang Curtains Without Damaging Walls
With Kwik-Hang curtain rod brackets, you don’t need to worry about your curtains falling and leaving holes in your wall.
Installing Kwik-Hang doesn’t require drilling – place them on your window trim and tap them in with a hammer. Plus, Kwik-Hang curtain rod brackets hold up to 20 lbs., strong enough to hold your heaviest drapes.
Forget about annoying holes in the wall – try Kwik-Hang today!
