Corner windows add beautiful natural light and architectural interest but figuring out how to hang curtains on corner windows can feel a little intimidating. With the right prep work, the right curtain rod setup, and the right curtains, your corner window can look intentional, seamless, and stylish. Here’s how to approach the process step-by-step.
Step 1: Prep Work — Measure and Plan Before Anything Else
Before deciding on curtains, you’ll want to measure the window sections that meet at the corner. Carefully note:
- Height of each window
- Width of each section
- Space above the trim
- The angle and depth of the corner
Because the hardware determines everything that follows, your first goal is to visualize how one continuous line of curtains will wrap the corner. That’s why most professionals start with the rod, not the curtains, when tackling a corner window.
Step 2: Choose Your Corner Window Curtain Rod or Curtain Pole
When learning how to hang curtain rods on corner windows, the most important choice is the rod itself. Corner windows require hardware that can connect or bend at the angle where the two walls meet. Popular options include:
- Two straight rods connected with an elbow or corner connector
- A continuous corner window curtain rod or curtain pole designed specifically for angled walls
- Flexible connectors that allow curtains to glide smoothly around the corner
Your rod choice determines how the curtains will function, how far they will extend, and where brackets must be installed. It also influences the overall look: modern, minimal, decorative, or traditional.
For more style inspiration, you can explore our article on curtain rods for corner windows.
Step 3: Select the Curtains — Style Matters for Installation
Before drilling anything, decide which corner window curtains you’ll be hanging. Curtain style affects both the type of rod you need and the exact placement of your brackets. For example:
- Heavy blackout or lined drapes may require a thicker, more supportive rod
- Sheer panels may work beautifully on a lighter, more minimal pole
- Grommet and ring-top curtains need enough clearance to slide around the corner smoothly
- Rod-pocket curtains may bunch at the corner unless the rod connection is seamless
Think about how the curtains need to move. Do you want them to pull completely off the windows, meet in the corner, or stay partially fixed? These choices impact how high and wide the rod should be installed.
Step 4: Install the Rod System on the Corner Window
Once you’ve chosen your rod and curtains, it’s time to install. Here’s the general process:
- Mark your bracket placement on both adjoining walls. Keep them level so the rods meet neatly at the corner
- Install the outer brackets first, then work inward toward the corner
- Attach the corner connector or position your pre-made corner rod
- Test the alignment before tightening everything fully — the rods should form a clean, continuous line
- Hang your curtains and make sure they glide smoothly around the corner or meet naturally at the angle
Properly installed, a corner window curtain rod or curtain pole allows the curtains to create a soft, uninterrupted frame around the entire window area.
Final Tips for a Polished Look
- Treat the corner window as one unified feature so the curtains feel continuous
- Mount rods slightly higher to visually elongate the window
- Extend rods past the outer edges so curtains can stack back fully
- Match the rod finish to your room’s decor for a cohesive look
With the right prep work and hardware choices, learning how to hang curtains on corner windows becomes a straightforward process, and the finished look will feel custom, effortless, and beautifully tailored to your space.
Upgrade with the TonyView™ Structural Corner Window System
If you’re updating an existing space or dreaming of transforming a standard corner into a dramatic architectural feature, the TonyView is a powerful upgrade. This fully patented, load-bearing corner window solution makes it possible to add or retrofit a corner window without the complexity or cost of cantilever beams. It’s engineered to open up interiors, bring in more natural light, and create those sweeping indoor-outdoor sightlines that homeowners love. Even better, it installs seamlessly, meets code requirements, and comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame and window assembly—so you gain both beauty and long-term confidence in your home’s structure.
