Updated at: 03-06-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

3M Command hooks are your best bet. Yes, the same hooks that you use for displaying photos, keys, mugs, and plants can be used for this project. To transform them into a curtain rod support, a simple hack can transform them into a flash of color, a sun shade, or a little privacy.

If you’re renting an apartment or a house, or even if you live in a dorm, this is a great project for you. It’s also not easy to make holes in the wall. Many of these tools are required to get the job done correctly. A power drill and drill bits are also commonly required to get the job done. A piece of cardboard, scissors, and a pencil are all you’ll need as far as “tools” are concerned for this home improvement project.

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This tiny life hack was introduced to us by Nikki Egdamin on YouTube more than seven years ago, and we still find ourselves using it today because it works with almost any narrow traditional curtain rod.

What You’ll Need

As previously said, the tools required for this DIY project, provided by HomeAdvisor, are simple and likely already in your house:

  • a piece of corrugated plastic; (any box)
  • scissors
  • pencil

There are two huge “Forever Classic” brushed nickel brushed nickel metal hooks that can handle up to five pounds of weight for the hardware in this project. Additionally, there’s an oil-rubbed bronze version that will go well with darker rods. There are hooks expressly designed for outside use, such as wreaths, although these can be used indoors as well.

In addition, depending on the length of your window (or door, alcove, etc.), you may need a third hook to distribute the weight of the rod more evenly. Two hooks are more than plenty for this particular hack.

A curtain rod is also required. Consider a non-adjustable rod with a high load capacity, which suggests it’s solid. However, if it’s too thick, the Command hooks won’t be able to hold it in place. Small, medium, and large metal hooks are available, and we recommend going with the large one because it will be simpler to find the proper rod, which should be less than 3/8 of an inch wide.

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Step 1: Get the Cardboard Ready

To properly hang a curtain, make sure the curtain rod is level with the supports. Use a pencil to outline the wall and a piece of cardboard cut at a straight angle to mark the location of the cutout.

The corner of the window frame should be lined up with a right angle cut out of cardboard. If your window doesn’t have any trim, the concept is the same as seen in the image below.

Step 2: Mark Your Hook Placement

To hang your curtain, place your 3M Command hook on the cardboard and determine where you want it to go. Then, with your pencil, draw a line down from where the hook is attached to the cardboard (at the bottom).

Step 3: Mark on Wall & Repeat

Once you’ve created your mark, use your pencil to pierce the cardboard in that spot with the tip. Make it all the way to the first hook’s wall and make a mark there. After that, flip the cardboard over and make a mark on the other side of the window frame.

Step 4: Apply the Hooks to the Wall

Remove the paper backing from the adhesive strips on one of your 3M Command hooks and align the hook with the pencil mark on the wall. Press it firmly on the surface for at least 30 seconds, then leave it for at least 30 minutes. The other side should be done in the same manner. Don’t be a slave to time. Stay with the hooks in for at least an hour to be safe.

Back of package instructions state that hook should be slid up and off, then base should be firmly pressed for 30 seconds. To ensure that you’re putting the correct amount of pressure, slide the hook back on before using it.

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Step 5: Test Out Your Rod

Adding your fishing rod is a good idea after you’ve waited for the right amount of time (between 30 and an hour). There isn’t a lot of work involved in this procedure.

Done! Your curtain rod is now ready to be used with a window covering. It’s a breeze, and there aren’t any gaps in sight.

Step 6: Start Hanging Curtains/Drapes

Everything is in order now. In the end, there isn’t anything further to say. You won’t have to bemoan how bland your window or wall appears anymore. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to make holes in things? You don’t have to, of course! 3M Command hooks are your answer.