Curtain rods from conduits complement a modern decor.
Fancy curtain rods are beautiful, but they can be expensive, especially if you choose polished wood or metal rods with decorative finials. Go minimalist instead. Browse your local hardware store for steel electrical conduit and fittings, which will look so modern you'll think you are in a big-city loft. Mount long, sheer billowy white curtains to enhance the effect. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Find the wall studs to the left and right of the window with the stud finder and make light marks on the walls to identify the studs. The curtain rod will be heavy, so it should be attached to studs, if possible.
2. Make a mark on the wall about 4 inches to the right and 2 inches up from the corner of the window trim on both sides. This is the standard placement for curtain brackets, but you might attach the flanges at other locations if desired, such as closer to the ceiling. Place a plumbing flange -- a round fixture with a flared base -- so its inside edge is at the mark, and make marks with a pencil at each screw location. If possible, position the flange so that at least one screw is over a stud.
3. Drill pilot holes at each screw location and screw the flanges in place. For any screws that are not over studs, insert plastic anchors first.
4. Insert the elbows into one end of each nipple and the other end into each flange, turning the elbows so they point toward the ceiling.
5. Measure the distance from the outside of one elbow to the outside of the other, and add 2 inches. Cut the conduit to that length with a hacksaw and smooth the ends with wet/dry sandpaper. Thread your curtain casing or curtain rings over the conduit and rest one end on each elbow. To keep the rod in place, you can add a small amount of mounting putty between the rod and elbow.
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