4 Easy Ways to Install Shower Curtain Rods Without Drilling

Shower curtains are a necessity to keep water inside the bathtub and the bathroom dry and clean. So don’t mention the importance of installing shower curtains.

But when installing a shower curtain rod, are you tired of the constant drilling and damage caused to your bathroom tiles? Well, fret no more! It is not only possible but also hassle-free to install shower curtain rods without drilling. Today, we’ll list 4 easy ways for you to install shower curtain rods without drilling. In this article, we’ll guide you through step-by-step tutorials, helping you enjoy a functional, elegant, and damage-free bathroom.

4 Easy Ways to Install Shower Curtain Rods Without Drilling

Now let’s talk about the 4 ways to install shower curtain rods without drilling one by one, to choose the best solution for your bathroom.

Install Shower Curtain Rods Without Drilling by Tension Rods

One of the simplest, most popular, and most inexpensive ways to install shower curtain rods without drilling is using tension rods. Tension rods are a type of spring-loaded rod that can be easily adjusted between two walls. On average, a tension rod can hold 10–16 pounds. According to different curtains, you can choose a thin tension rod or a thick tension rod. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to install a shower curtain tension rod.

Step 1: Measure and identify the location

Use a measuring tape to determine the height of the rod. Generally speaking, you need to add an extra 15cm for the rod installation, which is higher than the curtain itself. But the number may not be accurate, so you can use the tape and the curtain to identify your ideal height. Use a marker to mark the height.

Most tension rods are adjustable, allowing you to customize them. So for rod length, you don’t need to measure it precisely. But don’t forget to choose a rod that can extend to your ideal length.

Step 2: Prepare the installation area

Before installing, clean the surface of the walls. Make sure the walls are dry and dust-free to prevent possible damage.

Step 3: Twist the rod to lengthen

Twist the rod to its maximum length to equal the wall width, or slightly wider than the wall width. Extending the rod can ensure a tight, strong, and secure fit.

Step 4: Locate and test the rod

Place one end of the rod against one wall, then place the other end against the opposite wall. Gently press and twist the rod before it fits in place. In this process, you can test and adjust the rod as needed. If the rod fits securely, you can remove it.

Step 5: Hang your shower curtain

Slide your shower curtain rings or loops onto the rod. Install the rod as before. After installing, you can adjust the curtain to make sure the curtains are along the rod evenly for a neat and balanced look.

Install Shower Curtain Rods Without Drilling by Tension Wire

If you’re looking for an adjustable way to install shower curtain rods without drilling, tension wire may be a good choice. But it’s more suitable for lightweight curtains instead of heavy curtains, like plastic or vinyl curtains. Now let’s read the detailed instructions.

Step 1: Prepare the needed materials

First, we need to prepare some materials, including tension wire, curtain clips or rings, and a rod. The rod should be compatible with the clips or rings.

Step 2: Measure and cut tension wire

Measure the width between the two walls and mark the height. Then cut the tension wire to the measured length.

Step 3: Install shower hooks or eyelets

Place hooks or eyelets on the walls, and ensure they are secure and sturdy. According to different lengths and different curtains, the number of hooks or eyelets will change.

Step 4: Attach the tension wire

Slide curtain clips or rings onto the tension wire, leaving some space at the ends. Then attach the tension wire to the hooks or eyelets. Pull the tension wire straight to make sure it’s fastened to the points.

Step 5: Hang the curtains and test their stability

Thread the curtains onto the curtain rod through clips or rings. Then place the rod on the tension wire. After all these steps, you can tug on the curtains to test the wire’s stability and change as you need.

Install Shower Curtain Rods Without Drilling by Self-adhesive Brackets

If you prefer a more permanent solution for your curtain rod, it’s your best choice to install shower curtain rods without drilling by self-adhesive brackets. These brackets have strong adhesion to attach to the walls securely. Most bathrooms are tiled with ceramic or porcelain, which means the surface is very smooth. In such a bathroom, self-adhesive brackets are perfect because they’re specially designed for smooth surfaces. After knowing the benefits, let’s start to learn how to install a self-adhesive bracket.

Step 1: Measure and choose the brackets

To begin with, measure the width between the two walls and your desired height. Choose a type of self-adhesive rod bracket that is suitable for the width and weight of your shower curtains. Make sure the brackets have strong adhesive liners.

Step 2: Prepare the surface

To stick the bracket properly, you need to clean the surface for installation first. You can use a clean cloth or a sponge to clear any dust or dirt. A clean surface will help the adhesive bond tightly.

Step 3: Position the brackets and test their stability

Put the adhesive liners on the back of the two brackets. Peel off the liners and position the brackets on the wall at your desired height. Press them firmly to make a secure attachment. Then test the stability of the brackets. They shouldn’t loosen easily. If the brackets aren’t stable, remember to position them again or use extra adhesive strips for stability.

Step 4: Attach the curtain rod

Since the brackets are set well, you can now attach the shower rod. Slide the rod through the brackets and make sure the rod is level and firm.

Step 5: Hang the shower curtains

Now it’s time to hang your shower curtains. Slide through the curtain loops or rings onto the rod. Adjust the curtains to make them look neat and balanced.

Similar to adhesive brackets, there is another thing called adhesive hooks. Using these hooks is much easier, but they’re really temporary and unstable. But if you have little time and want a temporary solution, you can try these hooks. To begin with, you have to prepare a curtain rod that is suitable for the width. The other installation steps are similar, so you can follow the above steps.

Install Shower Curtain Rods Without Drilling by Command Hooks

Before we mentioned unstable adhesive hooks, there is another kind of adhesive hook called command hooks, which are much more stable but also temporary to install shower curtain rods without drilling. They can be both attached and removed easily without damaging the walls. You can make the rod installation secure and adjustable with command hooks. Here’s the step-by-step tutorial.

Step 1: Measure and choose your curtain rod

Similarly, measure the width of the two walls and your desired height for curtains. Choose a right rod.

Step 2: Prepare the surface

To stick the hooks properly, you need to clean the surface first. You can use a clean cloth or a sponge to clear any dust or dirt. A clean surface will help the adhesive bond tightly.

Step 3: Position the hooks and test their stability

Peel off the strips and position the command hooks onto the walls at your desired height. And try to make the two hooks at an even level. Press them again firmly to make a secure attachment. Then test the stability of the hooks. You can put the rod into them. The rod shouldn’t loosen easily. If the rod isn’t stable, remember to reposition the hooks or use extra adhesive strips for stability.

Step 4: Hang your curtains

Since you’ve tested the stability, you can now slide the curtain loops or rings onto the rod and attach the rod. Adjust the curtains to create a clean look.

Conclusion

The above 4 ways to install shower curtain rods without drilling are the easiest and most common ones. They are great choices, especially for people who live in rental spaces or change shower curtains regularly. Therefore, choose your preferred one and give your bathroom a clean look!

More Ways to Install Normal Curtains Without Drilling

There are still 2 ways to install curtains without drilling, but they are not quite suitable for shower curtains. We hope these ways can help you install your curtains without drilling on windows or doors.

1. Magnetic Curtain Rods

Using a magnetic curtain rod is a very convenient and easy way. But they’re not suitable for shower curtains. Because they need to be installed on metal walls or frames, which most bathroom walls are not. So if you have metal-framed windows or doors, you can use a magnetic rod. Here’s a simple instruction.

Step 1: Measure and choose a magnetic rod 

Measure the width of the space where you want to hang the curtain. Choose a magnetic rod that has a suitable length, making sure the length matches the width.

Step 2: Clean the metal surface

This is an indispensable step before installing. You can use a clean cloth or a sponge to clear the dust, grease, or dirt. This can help the installation process go more smoothly.

Step 3: Attach the rod and adjust it

Place one end of the magnetic rod against the metal surface. Slide the rod to the other end slowly to ensure the magnets attract and secure in place. After attaching, you can use a level to test whether the rod is straight.

Step 4: Hang your curtains

Now you can hang your curtains. After hanging, you can tug on the curtains to test the rod’s stability.

2. Tap-in Brackets

Instead of creating holes in front of the windows or doors, why not shift them to the top, where nobody will see them? Using tap-in brackets will cause almost no damage, though you need a hammer.

Step 1: Clean the surface

Use a clean cloth or a sponge to clear any dust or grease on the surface.

Step 2: Place the brackets

A set usually comes with two brackets, one left and one right. You may need a ladder to stand on to place the brackets. With a hammer, tap the brackets into the surface. Remember not to tap too hard, or the surface might crack.

Step 3: Hang the rod and curtains

Slide the curtains onto the rod with loops or rings. Then place the curtain rod on the two brackets. You can also test the stability and make changes as needed.

FAQs

1. Are curved shower rods better?

It’s true that curved shower rods work better. Because the curved shape creates more space and allows more movement during showering. And the curved shape can also make the bathroom look bigger.

In addition, curved shower rods usually have an adjustable design. So they can be installed and removed easily. The cleaning and maintenance are much more convenient than traditional straight shower rods. Considering decor, curved rods have many designs with fashionable and modern finishes.

On the market, some of the curved shower rods are now can be installed without drilling. Maybe next time you can try one!

2. Will tension rods damage the walls?

In most conditions, tension rods won’t damage the walls because of the soft brackets at the ends of the rods. However, if the wall is made of materials like wood, concrete, or metal, you need to use wall anchors to ensure the walls won’t be damaged.

In conclusion, you need to choose a way that is best for your own bathroom.

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