Living in a rented apartment undoubtedly has its advantages – greater flexibility in adapting to changing life circumstances, and lower financial burdens regarding maintenance and utility costs. However, this freedom also comes with certain limitations, especially when it comes to personalizing one's home. One of the most frequent questions tenants face is: "Where do I mount a curtain rod if I live in a rented apartment and want to avoid problems with my landlord?"
Here on our blog, we'll explain the best way to install a curtain rod in your rented apartment without jeopardizing your security deposit. Using our step-by-step instructions and expert tips, we'll show you how to beautify your home with curtains while avoiding unnecessary problems with your landlord.
Installing a curtain rod – these five steps are important for tenants
Even as a renter, you want to make your living space more comfortable. What could be better and more flexible than decorative curtains or drapes ? With them, you can visually enhance your rooms whenever you like, while simultaneously adjusting privacy and lighting to your liking. Of course, this requires the careful installation of a curtain rod.
However, as a tenant, you should consider and take some important steps and steps into account:
Step 1: Know the legal basics
Before you start drilling and mounting your curtain rods, it's important to understand the legal framework. Generally, tenants in Switzerland are allowed to make minor alterations to their apartments, which can include installing curtain rods. However, it's advisable to check your rental agreement to ensure there are no specific regulations regarding structural changes.
Step 2: Checking the condition of the ceilings and walls
A thorough inspection isn't just important for a car; it also plays a crucial role in preventing damage when installing a curtain rod. Before you begin, carefully check your ceilings and walls for any signs of cracks, stains, or other irregularities. These could indicate structural problems that need to be addressed before you can install the curtain rod. If you encounter any issues during your inspection, don't hesitate to inform your landlord. This step is essential to ensure the curtain rod is securely and stably installed and to prevent any subsequent damage to the apartment.
Step 3: Choosing the ideal curtain rod
To minimize potential damage, even with intact walls and ceilings, it's advisable to choose lightweight mounting options such as extendable telescopic rods or adhesive systems. These systems are quick and easy to install, and you generally don't need any special tools or DIY skills. In our blog post about curtain rods without drilling, we've also listed many more advantages of these popular and practical curtain mounting methods.
Step 4: Properly mount the curtain rod with precise preparation
Carefully choose the spot where you want to mount the curtain rod. It should be stable and placed near the windows or doors where the curtains will be hung. Now measure the width of the window or door, the height of your curtains, and choose the optimal distance from the ceiling. It's best to use a laser level or a standard spirit level to ensure everything is straight and symmetrical. Mark the spots where the curtain rod should be mounted with a pencil and then attach it to the desired position.
Step 5: Using suitable wall fixings and tools
To avoid damage, always use the correct wall fixings suitable for the type of wall and the weight of the curtains. Using a stud finder is also recommended. This allows you to quickly and easily ensure that there are no electrical wires or pipes near the mounting points. This step is important because electrical wiring for switches, sockets, and lighting often runs directly from doors and windows.
Installing a curtain rod in a rented apartment – use these three professional tips
A home without curtains can often feel a bit dreary and unwelcoming. Curtains are what truly give a room its special and cozy atmosphere. However, installing curtain rods in a rented apartment can be a tricky business. The concern about damaging the walls and causing inconvenience to the landlord is understandable.
Therefore, we're sharing three professional tips here that will not only make assembly easier, but also ensure that you don't experience any unpleasant surprises when you move out:
- Pro tip 1: Use temporary fastening systems
To avoid damaging the walls, you should avoid permanent fixing methods such as drilling through the walls whenever possible. Temporary fixing options are ideal, especially for rented apartments, as they – if used correctly – do not cause any lasting damage.
Here are two example mounting options that make it easy to install a curtain rod: - Adhesive hooks:
Self-adhesive hooks or adhesive strips specifically designed for hanging curtains. These can be easily removed without leaving any residue. - Tension rods:
Telescopic or curtain rods that don't require drilling are a great choice because they can be easily and, above all, without leaving any residue, clamped into window frames or between walls. - Pro tip 2: Photograph the original state
Before you make any changes, it's best to quickly take photos of the original state of the walls and window frames. This will document the condition of the apartment before installation and provide a reference for later removal of the curtain rod. It will also show the landlord the exact location and how the curtain rod was mounted, should any disagreements arise later. - Pro tip 3: Careful assembly and disassembly
Once you've decided to install a curtain rod in your rented apartment, proceed with caution. Make sure to choose the right position by checking the wall structure. Always use appropriate wall plugs and screws, and ensure the curtain rod is securely and horizontally installed to avoid damaging the walls. When you move out, remember to carefully remove the curtain rod and repair any damage caused during installation. To fill any holes, use filler and paint over the affected areas.
CONCLUSION: Temporary curtain rods that don't require drilling are the best choice!
As a tenant, you have several advantages, but you often have to make compromises regarding room design and redecoration. Installing curtain rods in a rented apartment can be straightforward if you follow our tips. Once you've chosen your desired day, night, or blackout curtains , you should ensure that you mount the curtain rod or fixings properly and with as little damage to the wall as possible.
Curtain rods that don't require drilling are undoubtedly the best choice here, as they are easy to install without leaving any residue and just as easy to remove. This not only protects your security deposit but also maintains good relations between you and your landlord.
