How to Anchor Curtain Rods in Drywall

Position the curtain rod temporarily against the drywall. Mark the locations on the drywall for the curtain rod brackets, which are on the left and right ends of the curtain rod. Use a pencil to make the marks.

Tap a brad, which is a thin wire nail with a tiny head, into the drywall at the spot where you plan to install the rod bracket. Determine whether the brad penetrates the drywall into open space, instead of into the wood framing. If there is no stud found, you will need the anchors.

Drill two holes into the drywall for the rod's mounting bracket, using a power drill equipped with an appropriately-sized drill bit.

Tap a plastic wall anchor into the bottom hole, using a hammer, until the anchor sits flush with the drywall surface.

Remove the wing-like toggle from a toggle bolt screw. Insert the screw through the top hole of the curtain rod bracket. Thread the toggle back onto the screw. Position the bracket over the drywall holes, and push the toggle bolt into the top drywall hole, until you hear the toggle snap open inside the wall.

Tighten the toggle bolt screw, using the power drill. Install a screw through the bottom bracket hole and into the drywall anchor, using a screwdriver.

Repeat the same process to fasten the bracket for the opposite end of the curtain rod onto the drywall.

Slide the curtains onto the curtain rod. Hang the ends of the curtain rod onto the brackets.