Seeking Advice on Durable Curtain Hanging Solutions for STR Units

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Seeking Advice on Durable Curtain Hanging Solutions for STR Units

Leon Lee
Real Estate Investor · Atlanta, GA · Member since 2016 · 286 posts · 67 votes

Hi Fellow STR Investors,

I'm reaching out to see if anyone has found effective solutions for durable curtain installations. In our units, we use rods with two or three brackets to support thermal/blackout curtains. However, these brackets are frequently pulled off by guests, leading to high maintenance costs. We even used that white spiral plastic anchors and obviously they are still not strong enough for guests. Any recommendations for more robust or guest-proof options would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Lee

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Toni Escuder
Interior Decorator · Charlotte NC · Member since 2022 · 48 posts · 32 votes
2y

It's all about bolting and anchoring into the wall. If not done correctly, they will pull out since black-out drapes are rather heavy. Those plastic anchors are awful. Use toggle bolts or metal spiral anchors. If you can get a stud, even better. 

I can also assume that the curtains aren't gliding properly if guests need to use more force to pull them over. Source custom-cut 1.5" minimum diameter rods that are continuous length (not the expandable ones as there is usually a gap in the metal that fabric can get caught on). Finally, use drapery rings so they glide on the rod easier.  These should be the kind that requires drapery pins, not the little clip ones. Ikea has decent drapery panel options that allow the pin to be inserted. 

DM me if you need help sourcing contract-grade drapery rods. 

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  • Chai Xiong
    Investor · Orlando, FL · Member since 2012 · 312 posts · 165 votes
    2y

    yikes those are 50lb pull on those plastic things.. what are your guest doing lol

    0Reply
  • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    2y

    Hold your tenants financially responsible for the damages. 

    It takes effort to pull those down. If it has happened more than once, then I have to assume they were installed improperly or you have a lot of low-quality renters.

    Hire a contract to install. Charge the renter for any damages and have a contractor repair.

    The DIY Landlord Book4.7248 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
  • Lauren Kormylo
    Rental Property Investor · Phoenix, AZ and Rehoboth Beach DE · Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y

    If you’re not going into a stud, you need some kind of toggle bolt. I’ve used these and they work well. 
    https://www.homedepot.com/p/E-Z-Ancor-Toggle-Lock-100-lbs-Ph...

    0Reply
  • Leon Lee
    OP
    Real Estate Investor · Atlanta, GA · Member since 2016 · 286 posts · 67 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Lauren Kormylo:

    If you’re not going into a stud, you need some kind of toggle bolt. I’ve used these and they work well. 
    https://www.homedepot.com/p/E-Z-Ancor-Toggle-Lock-100-lbs-Ph...


     Lauren

    Thank you for the update! I've drafted a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for attaching brackets directly to studs, which should provide enhanced stability. Previously, we utilized white spiral anchors for drywall, but they haven't been strong enough for our guests. lol

    Thanks

    Lee

    1Reply
  • Todd Goedeke
    Contractor · Sheboygan, WI · Member since 2016 · 917 posts · 266 votes
    2y

    @Leon Lee Research commercial applications of curtains in hotels.Duplicate or replicate their attachments/fixtures.

    0Reply
  • Toni Escuder
    Interior Decorator · Charlotte NC · Member since 2022 · 48 posts · 32 votes
    2y

    It's all about bolting and anchoring into the wall. If not done correctly, they will pull out since black-out drapes are rather heavy. Those plastic anchors are awful. Use toggle bolts or metal spiral anchors. If you can get a stud, even better. 

    I can also assume that the curtains aren't gliding properly if guests need to use more force to pull them over. Source custom-cut 1.5" minimum diameter rods that are continuous length (not the expandable ones as there is usually a gap in the metal that fabric can get caught on). Finally, use drapery rings so they glide on the rod easier.  These should be the kind that requires drapery pins, not the little clip ones. Ikea has decent drapery panel options that allow the pin to be inserted. 

    DM me if you need help sourcing contract-grade drapery rods. 

    1Reply
  • Leon Lee
    OP
    Real Estate Investor · Atlanta, GA · Member since 2016 · 286 posts · 67 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Toni Escuder:

    It's all about bolting and anchoring into the wall. If not done correctly, they will pull out since black-out drapes are rather heavy. Those plastic anchors are awful. Use toggle bolts or metal spiral anchors. If you can get a stud, even better. 

    I can also assume that the curtains aren't gliding properly if guests need to use more force to pull them over. Source custom-cut 1.5" minimum diameter rods that are continuous length (not the expandable ones as there is usually a gap in the metal that fabric can get caught on). Finally, use drapery rings so they glide on the rod easier.  These should be the kind that requires drapery pins, not the little clip ones. Ikea has decent drapery panel options that allow the pin to be inserted. 

    DM me if you need help sourcing contract-grade drapery rods. 


     Toni

    Those are really solid tips! Will update our protocol on installing and fixing curtain rods. 

    Lee

    0Reply
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