How to Fit a Standard Corded Bay Window Curtain Track (Step-by-Step Video Guide)
Fitting one of our corded bay window curtain tracks is much easier than most people expect — especially when the brackets are already positioned on the track for you. In the video below, I’ll walk you through everything step-by-step: the return wall brackets, the ceiling brackets inside the bay, and the child-safety cord tensioner.
Watch the Fitting Video
In the video above, I talk through the fitting process and highlight a few details that are much easier to understand when you can actually see them being done. If you’re fitting a corded bay track for the first time, these are the parts worth watching closely.
How the brackets locate onto the track
You’ll see how the ceiling brackets clip onto the track using the small lip and ridge. When it’s fitted correctly, the bracket clicks into place and then locks firmly once the fixing screw is driven in. This is what gives the track its strength once it’s fixed to the ceiling.
Seeing the bracket spacing around the bay
The video shows how the brackets are spaced evenly across the bay section, with wall brackets on the returns. Seeing this laid out on the table first makes it much easier to understand how the weight of the curtains is supported once everything is up.
What a “secure enough” fixing looks like
I also show what to do if a ceiling fixing doesn’t feel as solid as you’d like. Watching this part helps you judge when a screw is fine as it is, and when it’s worth repositioning a bracket slightly and plugging the ceiling for extra security.
Cord loop height and child safety
The video explains why the cord loop height matters and how the cord length is set to meet safety regulations. This is something that’s easier to understand when you can see where the cord runs and how the tensioner controls it.
Fitting the cord tensioner neatly
You’ll see why it’s best to remove the cord from the tensioner while you mark and drill the fixing holes, and how the cord is re-seated afterwards so it stays under tension and runs smoothly when opening and closing the curtains.
If you watch for these details as you fit the track, the whole job tends to go more smoothly and feels far less daunting.
Tools & Materials You’ll Need
- Drill + 6mm masonry drill bit
- Rawl plugs & screws (supplied with your track)
- Tape measure
- Pencil (for marking positions)
- Step ladder
- Screwdriver / driver bit
Quick Safety Note (Cord Loop Height)
Because of child safety regulations, the cord loop must be positioned at least 1.5m above the floor once installed. When you order, we ask for your installation height so we can set the cord length correctly.
This fitting guide relates to our standard glider corded 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 corded bays track you need, you can view full details, prices, and ordering information here:
Corded bay window curtain track
Double corded bay window curtain track
Corded wave bay window curtain track
corded heavy duty bay window curtain track
Step-by-Step Fitting Instructions
1) Quick look at the track (brackets + cord end)
Before fitting anything, it’s worth putting the track on a table and having a quick look along it:
- Ceiling brackets are spaced evenly around the bay section (e.g. 2 on each side and 3 in the middle on this example).
- You’ll also have a wall bracket on each return end (one each side).
- The ceiling brackets are click-fit: the lip on the bracket clips onto the ridge on the front/back of the track.
- Once the screw is driven through the bracket into the ceiling, it locks the bracket firmly onto the track.
- Neat little bracket covers clip on afterwards to hide screws and tidy the finish.
2) Fit the wall brackets on the returns (each side)
We start with the return wall brackets (one each side), because these support the track while you fix the ceiling brackets inside the bay.
- Hold the bracket up and mark through the fixing holes (top and bottom).
- Drill with a 6mm masonry bit, then fit the supplied plugs and screws.
- Height tip: mark a level line across first, then go 2cm higher so the top of the bracket sits about 2cm above your ceiling line.
- Position tip: measure out around 14–15cm from the bay corner so there’s room to comfortably click the track into place.
Once fixed, clip the small cover on to hide the screws — then repeat on the other side.
3) Clip the track into the two wall brackets
This is easier with two people (one on each side of the bay), but it can be done solo if you take your time.
- Hook the track onto the lip at the front of the wall bracket.
- Twist the track upwards until you hear/feel it click into place.
- Tighten the small screw underneath the bracket to lock the track in.
- Repeat on the other side.
4) Fix the ceiling brackets inside the bay
With both ends now supported, you can fix the track up into the ceiling through the ceiling brackets:
- Drive a screw through each ceiling bracket and into the ceiling.
- Work your way around the bay until all brackets are secured.
5) If a fixing doesn’t feel solid (simple fix)
Occasionally you’ll hit a spot where a screw only bites into plasterboard and doesn’t feel as firm as you’d like. No problem — just do this:
- Remove the screw.
- Slide the bracket slightly to one side to expose the hole position.
- Drill with a 6mm masonry bit, then push a plug into the hole.
- Slide the bracket back, reinsert the screw, and tighten for a firm fixing.
- Clip the cover on for a neat finish.
6) Fit the cord tensioner (child safety)
The final step is securing the cord loop to the wall using the supplied cord tensioner. This keeps the cord under control and helps meet child safety requirements.
- Hook the cord into the front slot/pulley of the tensioner.
- Important: remove the cord from the tensioner while you mark and drill — it just gets in the way.
- Mark the two fixing holes, drill and plug, then screw the tensioner to the wall.
- Pull up on the spring ring and refit the cord so it sits under tension.
7) You’re ready to hang your curtains
Once the track is secure, it’s simply:
- Pull one side of the cord to open.
- Pull the other side to close (curtains meet in the middle).
To hang your curtains you’ll use pin hooks or nylon hooks (depending on your curtain heading).
FAQs
No — a basic DIY kit is usually enough: drill, 6mm bit, plugs/screws (supplied), tape measure, pencil, ladder and a screwdriver/driver bit.
As a good rule of thumb, position them around 14–15cm out from the bay corner, and set the height so the top of the bracket sits around 2cm above the ceiling line. That gives you comfortable room to clip the track in neatly.
Just slide the bracket slightly, drill a fresh 6mm hole, insert a plug, slide the bracket back and refit the screw. This is a really common (and quick) fix.
Yes — the cord needs to be secured to the wall for child safety. It also keeps the cords tidy and in the cord channels when you use the track.
By regulation the cord loop needs to be at least 1.5m above the floor once installed. That’s why we ask for your track installation height when you order.
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 Corded Bay Track?
If you’d like an instant price, you can use our simple calculator. And if you’re unsure about anything (bay shape, fixing method, cord side, returns etc.) just send me a photo — I’m always happy to help.