Curtains are one of the easiest and most effective ways to transform the look and feel of any room. However, it's not just the pattern or color of your curtains that can make a difference, but also the hardware that you use to hang them. This is where a swing arm curtain rod comes in handy. With the ability to swing out and away from the window, this type of rod allows you to fully open your curtains without blocking any of the natural light that comes through. While there are plenty of store-bought options available, DIYing your own swing arm curtain rod is also a great idea, as it can be customized to your specific needs and style preferences.
Before you begin, you'll need to gather a few materials for your DIY swing arm curtain rod. These include:
- Curtain rod brackets
- Wood dowels
- Saw
- Drill
- Wood screws
- Paint or stain (optional)
- Curtain rings
1. Measure your window to determine the length of your wood dowel. You will want to add a few extra inches to allow for the swing arm movement. Once you have your measurement, purchase your wood dowel and cut it to size using a saw.
2. Next, drill a hole at each end of the dowel with a drill bit that matches the size of your wood screws. This will be where you attach the curtain rod brackets to the dowel.
3. Position the curtain rod brackets on the wall where you want them to be. Make sure they are level and drill pilot holes through the brackets into the wall.
4. Attach the brackets to the wall using wood screws and a drill.
5. Thread the curtain rings onto the dowel before attaching it to the brackets. This will save you the hassle of having to remove the rod later to put on the rings.
6. With the rings on, insert the dowel through the drilled holes in the brackets and secure it in place with the wood screws. Make sure the dowel is level and that both sides are securely fastened to the brackets.
7. Once your swing arm curtain rod is securely installed, you can choose to paint or stain it to match your room's decor.
- Choose wood dowels that are thick enough to support the weight of your curtains without bowing or sagging.
- If you don't own a saw, you can also have the wood dowel cut to size at your local hardware store.
- To make your swing arm curtain rod even more customizable, you can add finials to the ends of the dowel for a more polished look.
- If you want to completely remove the rod from the brackets, make sure to tilt it up and out rather than pulling it straight out to avoid damaging the brackets.
Creating your own DIY swing arm curtain rod is a great way to add functionality and style to any room. With just a few materials and some basic tools, you can easily make your own customized rod that swings away from the window for easy opening and closing. Whether you want to save money or just enjoy the satisfaction of creating something yourself, a DIY swing arm curtain rod is definitely worth considering.
