Cost of Fitting Curtains

Planning to hang new curtains?

This guide explains how much it costs to hire a professional curtain fitter and what the job involves, from installing a curtain pole or track to how prices vary by curtain type.

Looking for a quote? Use MyJobQuote to find curtain fitters near you, who can provide a free, no-obligation estimate for your project.

We break down all the labour charges and separate supply costs so you can budget accurately and avoid surprises.

Keep reading to learn more

How Much Does It Cost to Have Curtains Fitted?

If you’d rather not hang your own curtains, you can hire a professional curtain fitter or handyperson to do it for you. The average rate is £40 to £70 per hour, though prices are often higher in London and the South East.

Most fitters take around 20 minutes per window for a simple pole and bracket setup, or up to 45 minutes per window for a track system that needs more precise alignment.

On average, the total cost to hang curtains, including the pole or track, fittings, and labour, ranges from £40 to £400 per window, depending on the style, size, and materials used. Simple ready-made curtains with standard poles will be at the lower end of this range, while large or custom installations cost more.

Curtain Fitting Cost by Job Type

The table below shows average labour-only rates for common curtain fitting jobs. Prices will vary depending on wall type, window size, and whether the pole or track is supplied.

How Much Does Curtain Pole Installation Cost?

The labour cost to hire a fitter for a standalone curtain pole or rod installation is typically £60 to £90. This often reflects a minimum call-out fee and includes the time to professionally drill, level, and securely mount the brackets for one or two windows.

However, if you are hiring a fitter for a larger job (like hanging multiple curtains), the additional charge to also install the new pole or track is much lower, typically just £15 to £25 per window.

Key Cost Factors for Curtain Fitting:

• Wall Type: The cost can increase slightly for difficult surfaces like hard masonry or tiled walls, which require specialist drill bits and more time.
• Window Type: A complex bay window pole, which requires precise angles and multiple brackets, will cost significantly more to install than a standard straight pole.
• Job Size: The price per pole will almost always be lower when you are having multiple poles or tracks fitted at the same time.

How Much Does Curtain Track Installation Cost?

The labour cost to fit a standard curtain track is often slightly higher than for a pole, averaging £75 to £125 per room. This is because tracks can be more time-consuming, sometimes requiring ceiling mounting or assembly of corded mechanisms. Curtain tracks are a popular choice for their discreet, modern look and are essential for heavy curtains and bay windows.

Key Cost Factors for Curtain Tracks:

• Bay Windows: This is the biggest cost factor. Fitting a track to a bay window is a specialist job that requires precise measuring and bending the track to fit the angles. The labour cost for a bay window curtain track is typically £120 to £200+, depending on its complexity.
• Mounting Surface: Ceiling-mounted tracks can be more difficult and time-consuming to install than wall-mounted ones, especially into concrete ceilings, which may increase the labour cost.
• Track Type: A simple, uncorded plastic or aluminium track will be the cheapest to fit. More complex systems, like corded tracks (which need to be set up correctly) or custom-bent metal tracks, will take longer and cost more.

Additional Costs and Considerations

When budgeting for your curtain fitter, the hourly rate or per-window price forms the base of your cost. However, be aware of these common additional charges that can affect your final bill, especially for non-standard jobs.

• Minimum Fee / Call-Out Charge: Most fitters won't charge for just 20 minutes of work. Expect a minimum call-out fee, which often covers the first hour of labour. This typically ranges from £50 to £80.
• Bay Windows: As detailed in our section on tracks, fitting a curtain track or pole to a bay window is a specialist job that costs significantly more. Expect labour costs of £120 to £200+ for this specific task.
• Difficult Surfaces: If your walls are very hard (e.g., masonry, engineering brick, or have a steel lintel exactly where the brackets need to go), the job will take longer and require specialist drill bits. Most fitters will factor this into their hourly rate by simply taking more time.
• Extra-High Ceilings: If your windows require the fitter to use extra-tall ladders or scaffolding, this will increase the time, complexity, and risk, which will be reflected in the price.
• Removal and Disposal: If you have an old, broken track or pole that needs to be removed first, this will add to the labour time. Some fitters may also charge a small fee (e.g., £10 - £20) to dispose of the old items.
• Material Sourcing: If you ask your fitter to supply the pole or track, you will be charged for the item itself, as well as potentially their time for sourcing it.
• Parking and Congestion: In city centres like London, any parking fees or congestion charges will be added to your final bill.
• VAT: Always ask if the quotes you receive include VAT. A sole trader may not be VAT-registered, but a larger company or handyman service almost certainly will be, adding 20% to the final cost.

Curtain Supply Only Costs

The prices below cover materials only, labour for fitting is not included. Costs vary depending on the type of window, the size, and the fabric quality.

Average Curtain Material Costs by Window Type

Average Curtain Material Costs by Fabric

Curtains come in many fabrics, from budget options such as nylon and acrylic to exclusive high-end alternatives, such as velvet and hand-printed silk. The material choice will heavily influence the average cost of the job.

The table below shows common fabric types with the associated average costs without installation (supply only):

These tables provide a realistic guide to budgeting for curtains based on window type, size, and fabric.

Curtain Rods and Tracks: Material Costs

Before hiring a fitter, it helps to know the material cost for your curtain rods or tracks. These costs are separate from labour mentioned in the curtain pole and track section, and depend on size, style, and quality:

For heavier, decorative, or custom rods and tracks (such as bay windows), material costs will be higher. Labour costs for installation are covered in the sections above:

• Curtain Pole Installation Cost
• Curtain Track Installation Cost

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How Curtain Types Affect the Fitting Cost

While the material of your curtains (like silk or velvet) doesn’t usually change the fitter’s hourly rate, the heading style, weight, and window type do. Fitting time drives cost, and more complex setups require more time and care.

Curtain Heading Style

The heading is the top of the curtain. Simple headings are faster to fit, while complex pleats take longer and require more skill.

• Easy (Lowest Cost): Eyelet/Grommet curtains. These slide directly onto the pole, making installation quick.
• Medium (Standard Cost): Pencil Pleat curtains. The fitter attaches hooks (if not pre-attached) and “dresses” the pleats so they hang evenly.
• Complex (Highest Cost): Pinch Pleat, Goblet Pleat, or Wave Headers. These require specialist hooks or tracks, precise spacing, and careful dressing to achieve a crisp, uniform look.

Curtain Weight

Heavier curtains require more care and robust installation:

• Lightweight (e.g., Voile, Sheer): Simple to fit with standard brackets and poles.
• Heavy (e.g., Interlined Velvet, Blackout): Requires heavy-duty wall fixings and potentially extra brackets. Takes more time to install safely, increasing labour cost.

Window Type

The size and shape of the window directly affect installation complexity:

• Standard Window: Baseline cost.
• Bay Window: Most complex. Needs angled poles or bendable tracks. Labour can range from £120 - £200+.
• Skylight: Curtains are rarely used; fitting specialist skylight blinds is a separate task.

Curtains vs Blinds: Which is Cheaper to Fit?

While blinds are a popular alternative to curtains, the cost of installation can vary, depending on the type. Simple blinds like roller or Venetian blinds usually cost £60 to £115 per blind for labour, whereas hanging curtains typically costs £60 to £125 per window, for a new pole or track curtains.

However, the total cost for curtains is often higher. Heavy, floor-length curtains on a complex bay window track will require more time and skill to install, pushing the labour cost alone to £120 to £200+.

Curtains: Pros and Cons

• Pros: Offer a wide range of fabrics, styles, and insulation options; can create a cosy, luxurious feel; suitable for large or multiple windows.
• Cons: Complex headings (pleats, wave, pencil pleats) increase labour costs; heavy or lined fabrics take longer to fit; large or bay windows can significantly raise installation costs.

Blinds: Pros and Cons

• Pros: Quick and easy to install, generally cheaper for labour; suitable for smaller or simpler windows; ideal for bathrooms and kitchens; minimal floor space required.
• Cons: Limited insulation compared to curtains; light may leak through gaps; some materials may warp or break over time; less flexibility in style and fabric choice.

Overall, curtains tend to be more expensive due to material, size, and installation complexity, while blinds are typically faster and easier to fit, making them a cheaper alternative in many cases. For a full breakdown of blind costs, see our fitting blinds guide.

What's Involved in a Professional Curtain Installation?

When you hire a professional, you're paying for their expertise and efficiency. A typical installation for a new pole or track involves several key steps:

• Measuring and Marking: The fitter will measure the window and mark the exact height and width for the brackets. They will use a spirit level to ensure the marks are perfectly horizontal, guaranteeing your curtains hang straight.
• Checking the Wall: They will check the wall type (e.g., plasterboard, masonry) and may use a stud/pipe detector to ensure they are not drilling into any hidden pipes or live wires.
• Drilling and Fixing: The fitter will drill the holes and insert the correct heavy-duty wall plugs (fixings) for your wall type. This is a critical step to ensure the pole can hold the curtain's weight without pulling loose.
• Assembling and Mounting: They will assemble the curtain pole or track and securely fix it to the brackets.
• Hanging and Dressing: Once the pole is fitted, they will hang the curtains and "dress" them—arranging the pleats or folds so they hang neatly and look their best from day one.

Can I Fit Curtains Myself?

Fitting curtains is a popular task, and it can be tempting to try it yourself to save on the £40 to £70 hourly labour cost. While a simple job might seem straightforward, it's a task where mistakes can be costly or unsightly.

The main challenge isn't just getting the pole level, or the track secure; it's what to do when you run into a problem. Many DIYers are stopped by hitting a concrete or steel lintel (RSJ) above the window, which requires a heavy-duty SDS drill and specialist drill bits. Drilling into modern plasterboard walls without the correct heavy-duty fixings is the most common reason for a curtain pole to be pulled from the wall, leaving you with a bigger repair job.

Hiring a professional ensures peace of mind. They have the tools and experience to identify the wall type, use the correct fixings, and handle any unexpected challenges. They guarantee a level, secure installation that can safely hold the weight of your new curtains for years to come.

Checklist: Hiring a Curtain Fitter

To find an experienced fitter and ensure you get a high-quality, level installation, we recommend following these steps:

• Get at least 2-3 quotes in writing to compare prices. You can get free quotes from local curtain fitters right here on MyJobQuote.
• Check their experience. Before hiring, review their MyJobQuote profile to see photos of past work and read verified reviews from recent customers.
• Confirm if they charge a minimum call-out fee or an hourly rate, and if that rate includes VAT.
• If you have a bay window, ask specifically if they have experience fitting angled poles or bendable tracks, as this is a specialist job.
• Ask for confirmation of their public liability insurance, which protects you in case of any accidental damage to your property.
• Agree on a payment schedule. Never pay the full amount upfront before the work is completed to your satisfaction.

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