Find out how much it costs to install curtains in the UK, including curtain pole and track fitting prices, labour costs and what can affect the final quote.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Someone to Install Curtains?

Putting curtains up can look like a simple job, but getting the pole or track straight, secure and in the right position is not always easy. This is especially true for large windows, bay windows, heavy curtains or walls that are difficult to drill into.

So, how much does it cost to get someone to install curtains in the UK?

For a straightforward job, you can expect to pay around 

£60 to £90 to have a curtain pole fitted

. Fitting a curtain track is generally more expensive, with a typical cost of around 

. These are installation costs rather than the price of the curtains themselves.

Another current UK pricing guide puts the average labour cost for hanging curtains at around 

, with a simple installation taking roughly 

The exact amount you pay will depend on the size and number of windows, the type of fitting, the wall, access to the window and how complicated the job is.

How much does it cost to fit a curtain pole?

A curtain pole is one of the most common ways to hang curtains.

For a standard installation, the average cost is around 

 also gives current UK ballpark prices for curtain pole and track installation.

The job normally involves measuring the window, positioning the brackets, drilling the fixing points, attaching the brackets and then putting the pole and curtains into place.

A basic window with easy access is usually much quicker than a large window requiring several brackets or stronger fixings.

The price can also change if the wall needs special fixings. For example, plasterboard, brick and concrete can all require different types of fixings.

How much does it cost to fit a curtain track?

Curtain tracks are a popular alternative to poles, particularly where a cleaner or more discreet look is wanted.

According to current UK cost guidance, fitting a curtain track costs around 

Tracks can take more time to install because the fitter has to make sure the rail is correctly positioned and securely fixed along its length.

If the track is particularly long, curved or fitted to a bay window, the price can increase.

Motorised tracks can also require a more specialist installation and may cost considerably more than a standard manual track.

Usually, the installation price is for the labour and fitting rather than the curtains themselves.

This is an important point when comparing quotes.

You may already have your curtains, pole or track and simply need someone to install them. In that situation, you are generally paying for the fitting service.

If you need the installer to supply the pole, track, brackets or other parts as well, those materials will normally be added to the final cost.

Made-to-measure curtains are another expense altogether. Current UK cost guidance suggests made-to-measure curtains can start at roughly 

, while premium or designer options can be much more expensive.

So a complete curtain project can cost much more than simply paying someone to put up a pole.

What affects the cost of curtain installation?

There is no single price because every home is slightly different.

. Fitting curtains to six standard windows will take much longer than fitting one small bedroom window. Some installers may offer a better overall rate for several windows because the work can be completed in one visit.

A standard rectangular window is usually straightforward. Bay windows can be more complicated because the pole or track may need to follow several sections or a specific shape.

 matters too. Curtain poles, straight tracks, curved tracks and specialist systems do not all require the same amount of work.

. Brick, plaster, plasterboard and other surfaces may need different fixings.

 can affect the price. Current UK guidance notes that prices can be higher in places such as London and parts of the South East compared with some other areas.

How much does it cost to install curtains in different rooms?

The room itself does not normally determine the price as much as the window and fitting do.

A bedroom with one normal-sized window may be a relatively simple job.

A large living room with wide curtains, a long pole or a full-width track may take considerably more time.

If a property has several bedrooms and living areas requiring curtains, an installer may quote for the whole job rather than charge separately for every window.

For larger jobs, it is worth asking for a 

 as well as a price per window or room. This makes it easier to see whether a multi-window job is being priced fairly.

How much does a curtain fitter charge for a day?

Some handypeople and tradespeople charge by the job, while others may work on a day rate.

Checkatrade reports that a handyman working on larger curtain installation jobs may charge around 

A day rate can make sense when several curtain poles or tracks need to be installed at once.

For one straightforward window, however, a fixed price may be easier to understand because you know exactly what you are paying for.

per window, per room, hourly or for the whole job

How long does it take to install curtains?

A simple curtain installation does not normally take very long.

Checkatrade's guidance says a complete curtain or blind installation can take around three hours depending on the job, while more complicated or larger projects can take longer.

The difference comes down to what is actually being installed.

Putting curtains onto an existing pole is very different from measuring, drilling, installing a new track and fitting curtains across several windows.

Is it worth paying someone to install curtains?

For some people, fitting curtains is an easy DIY task.

For others, paying a professional is worthwhile.

A curtain fitter can make sure the brackets are level, the fixings are secure and the curtains hang correctly. This can be particularly useful with heavy curtains or awkward windows.

Professional installation can also save time.

If you are not confident using a drill, finding the correct fixing for the wall or working safely at height, paying someone to do the job can be a sensible choice.The same type of professional help can also be useful for other items that need to be securely mounted, such as 

It is also useful if you have a large number of windows and do not want to spend a weekend fitting them yourself.

What can make curtain installation more expensive?

Some jobs are more difficult than they first appear.

, for example, can require careful measuring and specialist poles or tracks.

 may need stronger brackets and more secure wall fixings.

 may require a longer ladder or additional equipment.

If the wall is damaged or unsuitable for normal fixings, some preparation may be needed before the fitting can be completed.

The price can also rise when the installer is asked to remove an old pole or track, dispose of existing materials or make changes to the wall.

Before accepting a quote, ask whether these extras are included.

Should you install the curtain pole or track before buying curtains?

It is usually better to know what type of curtain fitting you are going to use before ordering curtains.

The pole or track affects the way the curtains hang, how wide they need to be and where they will sit around the window.

If you already have curtains, the installer can work around their existing size.

If you are starting from scratch, getting the measurements right is especially important.

For made-to-measure curtains, accurate measurements can prevent expensive mistakes.

You do not necessarily need a specialist curtain company for a straightforward curtain pole or track installation. A suitably experienced handyman can often carry out this type of work.

Checkatrade currently lists both curtain fitters and handypeople offering curtain, pole and track installation.

The important thing is to check that the person you hire has experience with the type of installation you need.

A standard bedroom curtain pole is one thing. A heavy track over a large bay window is another.

What should you ask before hiring someone?

It is worth getting the details clear before the work begins.

Check whether the quote includes labour, brackets, fixings, removal of an old fitting and any call-out charge.

Also explain the type of wall and window you have.

If you need several windows done, tell the installer the total number before they give you a quote. This may result in a more useful whole-job price.If you are also organising other areas of the home, you may want to consider a professional 

Getting more than one quote is also a good way to understand the going rate in your local area.

What is the cost of installing curtains in Yorkshire?

For homeowners in Yorkshire, the same basic factors apply: the number of windows, the type of pole or track, the walls, access and complexity of the job.

Curtain and Blind Installation Service in Yorkshire

. The site specifically targets curtain and blind installation in Yorkshire.

For a simple local job, homeowners may want to compare the price of a standard pole installation with the cost of a track or a multi-window installation.

The best way to get an accurate price is to give the installer the number of windows, their approximate size and whether you already have the curtains and fittings.

What is the cheapest way to get curtains installed?

The cheapest option is usually to have a straightforward fitting with easy access and use an existing pole or track.

If you already own the curtains, pole and brackets, there may be fewer materials to pay for.

A standard window is also less likely to require specialist work than a bay window or unusual opening.

That said, price should not be the only thing you consider.

Curtain fittings need to be secure. A poorly fixed pole can come away from the wall, particularly when heavy curtains are being used.

Paying a little more for a properly installed fitting can avoid having to repair the wall or replace damaged curtains later.

A simple UK curtain installation price guide

Type of jobTypical UK installation costCurtain pole fitting£60–£90Average curtain pole fittingAbout £75Curtain track fitting£100–£150 per roomAverage curtain track fittingAbout £125Average labour cost for hanging curtainsAbout £90Larger multi-window jobsPrice varies by number of windows and complexity

, not fixed national prices. The final quote can vary according to location, materials, window type and the difficulty of the work.

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