How to Fit a Regular Bay Window Curtain Track (Step-by-Step Video Guide)
Fitting a regular bay window curtain track is much easier than you might think — once you’ve seen it done. In the video below I show you each step, including how to position the brackets, join the two track halves, and get everything lined up neatly with the front edge of your window sill.
This guide walks you through the whole process with simple steps you can follow along with at home. Most people find they can fit a bay track confidently with just basic DIY tools.
Watch the Fitting Video
In the video above, I show the fitting process in real time so you can see how the regular bay track sits in the bay, how the return brackets support it while you work, and how to judge the final position before tightening everything fully. If you’re fitting one of these for the first time, these are the parts worth watching closely.
Checking the shape before you lift anything up
Right at the start you’ll see how I sit the track on the sill for a quick shape check. It’s a simple reassurance step — you’re just confirming the curve matches your bay before you start drilling.
Return brackets as your “anchor points”
The video makes it clear why the return brackets are fitted first. Once those are in place, you’ve got solid anchor points at each end, and the track can be offered up with far less effort.
Two-part (overlapping) tracks – why the ceiling marks help
On an overlapping two-part track, the video shows why a couple of pencil marks on the ceiling can be a lifesaver. They give you a simple visual reference for where the track should sit before you commit to fixing all the ceiling brackets.
What “temporarily held” looks like (and why it’s fine)
You’ll notice I’m not trying to make every fixing perfect straight away. The early goal is simply to get the track held up and positioned correctly — then you revisit anything that doesn’t feel solid. That approach keeps the job moving and avoids overthinking the first few fixings.
Seeing the plug-and-refit method in action
The video also shows the quick method for improving a fixing that doesn’t feel secure: remove the screw, slide the bracket slightly, drill and plug, then refit. Watching this once makes it much easier to recognise when a bracket needs that extra bit of support.
Centre overlap and smooth glider movement
If you’ve chosen the overlapping option, the video helps you visualise how the two halves meet in the middle. Once everything is fixed, you can check the gliders travel smoothly across that centre area before you start hanging curtains.
Overall, the video is there to give you confidence that what you’re seeing on your own bay window looks the same as what’s shown here — especially when positioning a two-part track before final tightening.
Tools & Materials You’ll Need
- Drill plus 6mm masonry drill bit
- Rawl plugs & screws (included with your track)
- Tape measure
- Pencil for marking positions
- Step ladder
- Screwdriver
This fitting guide relates to our standard glider regular bay window curtain track, which is custom made to match your bay and designed to be fitted in the way shown above.
If you’re still deciding which of our regular bay tracks you need, you can view full details, prices, and ordering information here:
Regular single bay window curtain track
Regular double bay window curtain track
Regular wave bay window curtain track
Step-by-Step Fitting Instructions
1. Unpack and check the track shape
Your track arrives pre-bent to the shape of your bay. Sit it on the window sill first and check you’re happy with the curve before fixing anything.
If you’ve ordered an overlapping track, you’ll have two halves — the left overlaps onto the right. You can also order a two-piece track with a heavy duty joining splice (nothing like the store bought versions) if you prefer.
2. Fit the brackets on the returns
Start with the two brackets on the outside return walls. Because the track is being fitted to the ceiling inside the bay, you’re using that ceiling line as your reference.
- Measure around 14–15cm in from the external corner (for a 20cm return, adjust as needed).
- Use the top of the track as a height guide and mark a small pencil line for bracket height.
- Hold the bracket in place and mark through the screw hole.
- Drill using a 6mm bit, plug the hole and fix the bracket with the screw provided. Most houses you will be drilling into brick.
3. Mark the ceiling position inside the bay
Because this is a two-part overlapping track, it’s useful to put a small pencil mark on the ceiling first so you know where the back edge of the track should sit.
- Use the front edge of the window sill as your reference line (assuming curtains hanging in front of the sill).
- Transfer that depth up onto the ceiling with pencil marks.
- These marks give you a guide for where the back edge of the track should sit once it’s clipped up.
If you have a two-piece track with joining splice instead, you would join the tracks together then clip both ends to the return brackets first, then make sure the gaps at each side of the bay are equal before fixing the ceiling brackets.
4. Clip the track onto the return bracket
Take one half of the track and connect it to the wall-fixed bracket on the return:
- Offer the track up in front of the bracket and tap it gently until it clicks into place.
- Lift the rest of that half up to the ceiling and line it up with your pencil marks from Step 3.
- Put one screw into the nearest ceiling bracket to hold that half of the track temporarily.
Repeat the same with the second half of the track on the other side of the bay, clipping it into the return bracket and loosely fixing the ceiling bracket.
5. Secure the ceiling brackets properly
Once both halves are sitting correctly, work your way around the bay and secure each ceiling bracket:
- Check that the track follows the pencil line that represents the front edge of the sill.
- Make sure each bracket feels solid as you tighten the screws.
- If a bracket doesn’t feel secure (for example, if the screw has only gone into plasterboard), remove the screw, drill a 6mm hole, insert a plug, slide the bracket back over it and refit the screw.
Repeat this for any brackets you’re not completely confident about, so the track is firmly supported all the way round the bay.
6. Final checks and movement
When all brackets are fixed securely:
- Give the track a gentle pull to make sure everything feels solid.
- Check the overlapping centre (if you chose that option) and make sure the gliders run smoothly across the join.
- Walk along the bay and visually check that the front edge of the track follows the line of the sill.
At this point your track is fitted securely and you’re ready to hang your curtains.
7. Hanging your curtains
Add your curtain hooks or draw rods if you’ve ordered them, hang the curtains and slide them back and forth a few times to make sure you’re happy with the movement. Any small tweaks to hook positions can be done now.
No. A basic DIY kit is usually enough — a drill, 6mm bit, plugs, screws and a screwdriver. Most customers fit their own bay tracks without needing professional help.
Use the plugs supplied. If a fixing feels soft, reposition the bracket slightly, drill a fresh 6mm hole, insert a plug and refit the screw. You can also try to pick up timber if there is any behind the plasterboard.
With a two-part overlapping track, you’ll usually clip each half to its return bracket and align it to the ceiling first, then secure all the brackets. With a two-piece track and joining splice you would usually join the tracks together first, clip both ends to the return brackets, then make sure it’s centred before fixing the ceiling brackets.
Yes. If you need to trim the length slightly, use a fine-tooth hacksaw and cut slowly for a clean finish. Always double-check your measurements before cutting.
No. Once the track is fitted correctly and the brackets are secure, the gliders are designed to run smoothly around the bends, including across any overlap in the centre.
Next step: once you’re happy with how the fitting works, use the buttons below to get a price for your own bay track or send a quick photo if you’d like me to check your window and measurements before you order.
Ready to Order Your Bay Track?
We hand-make every bay window curtain track to your exact measurements, pre-bent to match your bay shape and ready to fit. You can choose an overlapping or non-overlapping track, and add options like draw rods and curtain hooks as you order.