How to Hang a Curtain Rail From a Drop Ceiling

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Things You'll Need

  • Curtain track

  • Ruler or measuring tape

  • Curtain track ceiling cartridges

  • Curtain track ceiling clamps

  • Screwdriver

  • Hooks

  • Curtain

Although you cannot drill into drop ceiling tiles, you can still hang a curtain track from a drop ceiling. In some cases, attaching a curtail rail to a suspended or drop ceiling may be more simple than attaching the rod to a wall. Special clamps and cartridges mean you don't have to use any power tools to hang the rail. The clamps attach to the metal frame that holds the drop ceiling tiles in place. The frame provides enough support to hold the curtain rail up.

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Step 1

Measure the curtain track to determine how many clamps and cartridges you'll need. Use at least one clamp and cartridge every 10 inches for the most support.

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Step 2

Loosen the screw in the center of each ceiling clamp. Place the cartridge underneath the screw hole on each ceiling clamp, lining up the hole on the cartridge with the hole on the clamp. The clamp and cartridge need to face the right way. The sides of the clamp should fold upward, so that the clamp can clip onto the drop ceiling rail. The opening of the cartridge should point down so the track can clip onto it.

Step 3

Lift the drop ceiling tiles gently and clip the first clamp onto the metal rail of the ceiling. Repeat, clipping each clamp about 10 inches apart along the rail.

Step 4

Push the curtain track into the opening on the underside of each cartridge.

Step 5

Attach curtain hooks to the track if you haven't already. Hang the curtain from the hooks.

Tip

The clamps make it easy to move the rail later if needed.

Warning

Do not attach the clamps to the tile on the drop ceiling. The tile is not strong enough to hold up the curtain rail and is not designed to hold the clamps.

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