Inexpensive curtain rail

Here's how to make an inexpensive curtain rail using cabinet knobs and a pine dowel. We chose a brushed steel knob, but you can choose knobs with a different look and paint the rail in a colour to fit your decor.

 

Using a pine dowel and your choice of knobs is an easy and affordable way to add a decorative curtain rail to your windows - without spending a fortune. Find all the supplies needed for this project at your local Builders Warehouse.

YOU WILL NEED:

25mm pine dowel

Knobs (with screws) in your choice of finish

Epoxy glue

Acrylic paint in your choice of colour, or Rust-Oleum Universal metallic spray paint

Rust-Oleum polyurethane satin varnish spray

OPTIONAL: Galvanised fence wire

120-grit sandpaper

TOOLS:

Drill / Driver plus assorted bits

Foam painting sponge

 

 

HERE'S HOW:

1. Drill a hole at each end of the dowel. This size may vary according to the knob screws but most knobs come with 5mm screws.  

GOOD TO KNOW: The hole should be slightly larger than the head of the screw. The depth of the hole needs to allow for the screw head to be inserted with enough thread to secure the knob. 

2. Place the screw, head first, into the drilled hole and fill with epoxy glue. Put aside in a safe place and allow the glue to set hard. 

3. Sand the dowel smooth, wipe clean and then paint in your choice of colour. To ensure that the curtain rings or eyelets slide smoothly, apply 2 coats of Rust-Oleum polyurethane spray over the painted finish. 

4. Secure the knobs onto the screws glued into the ends of the dowel.

5. To finish off and add more decoration, wrap the end of the dowel with wire.