How to Install a Curved Shower Rod

By
Bob Formisano
Bob Formisano
Bob Formisano is a licensed architect and builder with nearly 40 years of experience building new homes and restoring older homes. One of his specialties is repairing old systems dating back to the 1920s, including galvanized water pipes, knob-and-tube wiring, and more. His home repair articles for The Spruce span more than 10 years.
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Updated on 07/05/22
Reviewed by
Deane Biermeier
Deane Biermeier
Reviewed by Deane Biermeier
Deane Biermeier is an expert contractor with nearly 30 years of experience in all types of home repair, maintenance, and remodeling. He is a certified lead carpenter and also holds a certification from the EPA. Deane is a member of The Spruce's Home Improvement Review Board.
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Project Overview
  • Working Time: 1 hr
  • Total Time: 2 hrs
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $25 to $50

Installing a curved shower rod can add a touch of elegance to your bathroom. The same type of curved shower rods found in hotels has become common in homes, and they can be purchased at any home center and many online retailers.

Curved or crescent-shaped shower rods come in either adjustable or fixed-length models. Their installation is the same, except that with a fixed-length rod you have to get the rod ordered to size or cut to meet your specific needs. Our example shows the installation of an adjustable shower rod since they are more common for home use, easier to install, and less expensive.

Instinct might tell you that if you are installing a curved shower rod, the end brackets should be set inward slightly on the end walls for your shower or tub to compensate for the outward bow of the rod. In reality, this is not necessary, as the curve of the shower rod does not bow outward enough to cause problems. In fact, it's best to position the mounting brackets for the new curved shower rod at exactly the same position used for the old rod.

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What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Screwdriver
  • Eye protection
  • Drill and bits
  • Hammer
  • Putty knife or drywall knife (as needed)

Materials

  • Curved shower rod
  • Screw/wall anchor packet that came with the rod
  • Expandable plastic wall anchors
  • Wall patching materials (as needed)

Instructions

Directions as to how to installing a curved shower rod
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  1. Remove the Old Shower Curtain Rod and Brackets

    Remove the old shower curtain rod from the end brackets that secure it to the walls. This usually involves removing a side or top screw that holds the shower curtain rod to the bracket.

    Remove the brackets from the walls by unscrewing the mounting screws. If the brackets have been caulked, you may need to cut through the caulk bead with a utility knife to free them. Clean away any remnants of caulk from the walls.

    Tip

    Some pressure-fit shower curtain rods do not have permanently attached wall brackets. These can be removed by twisting the telescoping rod until it loosens enough to remove it from between the walls of the tub or shower alcove.

  2. Mark the Position for the New Wall Brackets

    Using the bracket of your new curved shower rod as a template, hold the bracket up to the wall in the desired position. Where possible, align the new bracket with one or more of the existing holes for the old bracket, so you can reuse them. Use a pencil to mark the location of the new screw holes on the wall. Make sure the brackets are at the same height on both walls.

  3. Drill and Install the Wall Anchors (Where Needed)

    Shower curtain brackets need to be firmly anchored, either into wall studs or with expandable plastic anchors embedded in drywall or tile. Follow the manufacturer's directions for the recommended size for wall anchors.

    Drill an appropriate-sized pilot hole at each mounting screw location. If you are mounting the brackets to ceramic tile, use a special ceramic tile bit to drill the holes for the plastic anchors.

    Insert plastic anchors where necessary. They won't be required where the brackets can be screwed directly to wall studs.

  4. Install the Mounting Brackets

    Once the plastic wall anchors are in place, fasten the mounting brackets for the new curved shower rod, using the screws provided with your shower rod kit.

    Tip

    The curved shower rods used inside clawfoot or pedestal tubs often use top-mounted brackets and drop rods to suspend the shower curtain rod from the ceiling. These brackets are installed much the same way as wall-mounted brackets—anchoring them directly to ceiling joists, where possible, or to plastic anchors or toggle bolts where necessary.

  5. Install the Curved Shower Rod

    Clip one end of the curved shower rod into one bracket, as instructed by the manufacturer. The method may vary by manufacturer; it may use spring-loaded clips that fit into holes in the bracket, or screws that secure the rod to the bracket.

    Extend the adjustable curved shower rod as needed until it is the correct length, then install the other end of the rod into the bracket on the opposite wall.

  6. Make Wall Repairs (if Needed)

    If the new shower bracket left exposed some of the holes where the old bracket was attached, patch them over with spackle or drywall taping compound. Allow the patch to dry, then paint the repaired area to match the wall.

  7. Install the Shower Curtain and Liner

    Install the shower curtain and liner onto the rod. The shower is now ready for use.