How To Hang Curtains Without Middle Support [What To Do When The Middle Bracket Is Not An Option]

Do you have a large window that you're trying to dress, but it can't accommodate a center support bracket? Well, you've come to the right place. We've put together this guide to help you find the perfect solution to your window woes.

Here are some ways to hang curtains without middle support:

1. Wooden rod
2. Industrial pipe rod
3. Tension rod
4. Ceiling mounted
5. Casement brackets
6. Bypass bracket
7. Magnetic curtain rod

So which option is right for your windows? And are there other options that can be used instead? Keep reading to learn about each option and how they function.

Do Window Rods Always Need A Center Bracket?

A lot of curtain rods require a bracket to brace them every 30 to 36 inches, but this ultimately depends on the material the rod is made from and how sturdy it is. For instance, aluminum curtain rods are generally too flimsy to span a large distance without center support.

How To Hang Curtains Without Middle Support

Here we'll talk more about the different options you have for hanging curtains when a middle bracket isn't an option.

1. Wooden Rod

Curtain rods made of wood are strong enough to span long distances without center support. If you chose a thick, sturdy rod, it won't sag in the center. You also need to make sure that the brackets you use on the ends are heavy duty so that they'll be able to support the weight of the rod on their own.

8-Foot Wood Curtain Rod

This curtain rod has a 1 3/8-inch diameter, and it's available in different lengths and colors. It's made from solid wood for strength and durability.

Click here to see this curtain rod on Amazon.

2. Industrial Pipe Curtain Rod

Curtain rods made from steel industrial-style pipe fittings are an incredibly strong and unique way to hang your curtains. This method will allow you to span greater distances without additional support from center brackets. The stiff steel piping won't sag and is able to hold heavy-weight fabrics easily.

1-Inch Curtain Rod

This industrial pipe-style curtain rod is available in four different length ranges to meet your specific needs. The industrial rod look is great for a rustic look and is sure to draw attention.

Click here to check out this rod on Amazon.

3. Tension Rod

A tension rod is a great way to avoid the use of any brackets at all. These rods are placed inside the framing of the window and extended until the tension holds them in place.

While they don't require any brackets, they can't usually hold very heavy curtain material without sliding over time. They also tend to allow more light leaks around the curtain than rods that cover more of the window.

Amazer Spring Tension Curtain Rod

This tension rod extends from 54 to 90 inches in length to cover large distances. It's also available in a variety of finishes to easily match the rest of the hardware in your home.

Click here to take a look at this rod on Amazon.

4. Ceiling Mounted

If you can't use brackets on the walls, consider using ceiling-mounted curtain rod brackets. These will allow you to use as many brackets as you need without having to put any on the walls.  They're available in all kinds of materials, finishes, and styles, so you'll be sure to find the perfect fit for your home.

Amazon Basics Ceiling Mount Curtain Rod Brackets

These brackets are available in three different finishes and in packs of two or four. They work with rods up to 1 inch in diameter and support 11 pounds of weight per bracket.

Click here to see these brackets on Amazon.

5. Casement Brackets

These brackets don't require any fasteners of any kind—no screws, nails, or drilling required. They are designed to hang off the trim or casing of your window or door, sliding snugly between the wall and trim. You can use as many as you need to span the desired length.

Kenney Fast Fit Curtain Rod Brackets

These brackets fit rods up to 5/8 of an inch in diameter, and they're available in four different finishes. They're the perfect solution for an easy-to-install, worry-free curtain rod bracket.

Click here to check out these brackets on Amazon.

6. Bypass Brackets

These brackets are used with c-rings to create an unobstructed path for your curtains to travel on. If you are avoiding center brackets because of the inconvenience they cause when they hold up your curtains, bypass brackets may be exactly what you need.

The gap in the c-rings used with bypass brackets allows the curtain to slide along the rod without getting caught on the brackets.

Bypass Brackets

This bracket is designed to be used with c-rings that will pass right over it without issues. In addition, it's available in an assortment of finishes and accommodates rods between 1 and 1 1/8 inches in diameter.

Click here to take a look at this bracket on Amazon.

7. Magnetic Curtain Rod

Magnetic curtain rods are another great way to get a no-drill window treatment solution. Find strong magnets with adhesive backing to stick to the wall instead of brackets. Magnetic rods can make for the perfect damage-free window rod solution.

Magnetic Curtain Rod

This rod extends from 28 to 48 inches to fit medium to large openings without the need for brackets. In addition, they're available in seven different finishes and are made from alloy steel for durability.

Click here to take a look at this rod on Amazon.

Do You Need A Stud To Hang Curtain Rod Brackets?

No, if you have the proper anchor hardware, you can install your brackets safely and effectively without hitting a stud.

Sinking a screw into a stud will provide a more stable solution, but it's not a requirement. Most brackets will also come with anchors that will provide a stable fixation into most interior wall materials.

Where Should Curtain Rod Brackets Be Placed?

First, brackets should be positioned roughly 4 to 6 inches from the edge of the window or door frame. Next, for the height, you can hang them just above the top of the window frame, or go closer to the ceiling to create the feeling of a higher ceiling.

If you decide to use a center bracket, find the exact center between the end brackets, and install it there.

Double Curtain Rod Bracket

This set of wooden brackets will hold two curtain rods, so you can dress up your window with multiple curtains. They hold rods up to 2 inches in diameter and can support up to 5 pounds per bracket.

Click here to take a look at these brackets on Amazon.

Are There Alternatives To Curtain Rods?

Yes, you can use adhesive hooks, straight metal pipes, or even tree branches to improvise a working curtain rod without paying a fortune.

For instance, a rope can be used for a coastal feeling home, or for a rustic-themed home, try using a natural wood tree branch. Furthermore, don't be afraid to get creative and try new things, and don't forget to check yard sales and thrift stores for inexpensive solutions too.

Can You Join Curtain Rods Together?

Some curtain rod manufacturers have made collections that can be joined together to achieve desired lengths, although this is not a very common option.

The screw that the finial would normally be twisted onto would be inserted into a female piece on the other piece of rod. Moreover, curtain rod connectors are also available to create a 90-degree elbow in some rods, but this won't work on all types.

Curtain Rod Connector Elbow

This curtain rod connector fits rods 1 1/8 inch thick and creates an elbow for hanging curtains on inside corners. And it's available in a variety of finishes to meet your needs.

Click here to see this elbow on Amazon.

Do Bypass Brackets Work?

Yes, and while they are most commonly used for complex window treatments, like complicated bay window setups, they can also make a great solution for more common window products. When used with c-rings, they will allow any curtain to move freely along the rod without obstruction.

In Closing

Now that you know all of your different center bracket options, you're ready to decide which option will work best for you. Don't forget to consider casement brackets for center support if you can't risk fasteners in the center of the opening. Now, have fun redecorating, and enjoy your new curtain and rod set.

For more information on window treatments that don't need brackets, read this article: How To Hang Curtains Without A Rod [DIY Creative Ideas For Both Sheers And Curtains]

To learn more about how high you should hang your curtains, read this article: How High Should You Hang Curtains? [By Ceiling Height]