9 Ways to Hang Curtains Without Drilling

Hanging curtains without drilling is a must-have skill for renters who want privacy but don't want to sacrifice their damage deposit. Plus, no-drill curtain hanging methods can come in handy for surfaces like brick, tile, stone, and plaster. In most cases, drilling and mounting traditional curtain hardware is the best method, so reach out to your landlord and ask if this is possible before attempting alternative curtain-hanging methods. If all else fails, we have you covered with 9 easy methods for hanging curtains without drilling.

1. Self-Adhesive Hooks

Self-adhesive hooks are one of the best temporary ways to hang curtains. These days, you can buy heavy-duty, self-adhesive hooks that are easily removable but can hold much more weight. They even make hooks big enough to hold curtain rods. To install, simply prep the wall as advised on the packaging, remove the adhesive backing, and press the hook onto the wall at your desired location.

2. No-Drill Curtain Brackets

No-drill curtain brackets are similar to self-adhesive hooks, but they're made specifically to hold a curtain rod. Some options feature a locking tab at the top that keeps the curtain rod in place while opening and closing the curtains.

3. Ceiling-Mounted Curtains

If your search for no-drill curtains is less about a stubborn landlord and more about a stubborn wall material like brick or stone, the choice is clear: Mount your curtain hardware on the ceiling.

Hanging curtains close to the ceiling makes your room look taller, so this method is a win-win. Just swap traditional curtain hardware for ceiling-mount curtain hardware.

4. Tap-In Curtain Brackets

Maybe you're opposed to drilling because you don't own a drill or don't want to make a dusty mess. In this case, tap-in curtain brackets are the way to go. Most tap-in brackets feature small nails that you hammer into the top of the window trim, creating a stronghold for curtain rods in only a few taps.

5. Peel-and-Stick Shades

Try peel-and-stick window shades for a quick privacy solution that requires absolutely no hardware. These shades fit inside the window frame and stick to the top of the window.

For most peel-and-stick shades, you only have to trim them to fit inside the window, clean the surface with alcohol to promote better adhesion, and press the shades in place for 30 seconds.

6. Magnetic Curtain Rods

If you're hanging curtains on a metal surface, there's a much better option than drilling holes. Magnetic curtain rods are perfect for metal doors or windows with metal frames. There are plenty of magnetic curtain-hanging options for both lightweight curtains and heavier curtains.

7. Tension Rods

The easiest way to hang curtains without drilling into your walls is to swap traditional curtain rods for tension rods, like shower curtain rods. However, this requires two parallel flat surfaces for the ends of the tension rod to rest against. For windows with deep jambs, this shouldn't be an issue.

8. Twist-and-Fit Curtain Hardware

If your window jamb is suitable for a tension rod but you prefer the aesthetic of a traditional curtain rod with brackets, look no further than twist-and-fit curtain hardware.

This clever no-drill curtain hardware mounts inside the window jamb using the same design as a tension rod, but it features all the visual attributes of traditional curtain hardware. Plus, it sticks out from the window jamb, allowing you to overlap the window frame rather than placing the curtain only on the inside of the jamb.

9. Custom Compression Shades

Compression shades are renter-friendly window treatments with a tension rod already built in. They can be custom-ordered to fit inside a window jamb and mounted without hardware, brackets, or a curtain rod.

Shades aren't the same as curtains, but they may be the next best thing. Plus, custom compression shades lend a bespoke look that is a serious upgrade to most no-drill curtain hanging methods.

Tips for Hanging Curtains Without Drilling

• Buy lighter curtains. If you're worried that your no-drill curtain-hanging method will fail due to the curtains’ weight, swapping them for lighter curtains is the best option.
• Use thinner curtain rods. Self-adhesive hooks can support more weight than you think, but they still have a limit. In some cases, a thinner and lighter curtain rod may improve their performance.
• Talk to your landlord. If you're a renter looking to improve your home's privacy, talk to your landlord about installing curtain rods. Landlords are often flexible if what you propose improves their property.