Ready to give your windows a stunning and professional-looking upgrade? The REX curtain rod system offers a versatile and stylish solution for almost any window. Whether you’re aiming for the classic elegance of pinch-pleat drapes, the traditional feel of rings, or the sleek, modern look of ripple fold curtains, this guide will walk you through every step of the installation process.
Unboxing & Preparation
Before we begin, let’s get organized. Open up your REX rod packaging and lay everything out. You should have the following components:
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Rods and decorative Ends (Finials)
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Pre-assembled Brackets
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Screws & Anchors
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Your choice of Runners or Rings
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Allen Wrenches
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Connectors (for rods over 82 inches)
Assembling the Track with Pleat Runners
This is the most common setup, perfect for traditional curtains with pleats. It creates a smooth gliding traverse system that’s both functional and beautiful.
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Prepare the Brackets: The brackets come pre-assembled. To start, use the included Allen wrench to loosen the small set screw on the side of the bracket arm. This will allow you to separate the cylindrical arm from the flat, circular mounting plate.
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Attach Brackets to the Track: With the arm separated, slide it into the top channel of the curtain track. You can position it anywhere along the track for now. Repeat this for the second bracket.
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Insert the Runners: Now, take your pack of pleat runners (the small gliders) and slide them into the bottom channel of the track from the side.
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Secure the Track with Fixings and End Caps:
To keep the runners from sliding out, you'll need to cap the ends.
- Take one of the runner fixings and insert it into the end of the track. Use the small screw to lock it firmly in place.
- Place the decorative end cap (finial) over the fixing and tighten its set screw with the Allen key.
- Repeat this entire process on the other end of the track. -
Mount the Track to the Ceiling or Wall: Your curtain track is now fully assembled and ready for mounting.
- Mark Your Spots: Use a tape measure and a pencil to mark where you want your brackets to go on the wall or ceiling. A common placement is 4-6 inches above the window frame. Designer Tip: Installing the rod closer to the ceiling will visually raise the height of the entire space.
- Mark Screw Holes: Take one of the circular mounting plates you separated earlier, place it on your mark, and use a pencil to mark the screw holes.
- Drill Pilot Holes: Drill pilot holes on your marks. If you're drilling into drywall, be sure to insert the included wall anchors first to ensure a secure hold.
- Secure the Track: Lift your assembled track and align the bracket arms with the mounted plates. Once in place, tighten the set screws on the side of each bracket arm to lock the entire assembly securely. -
Hang Your Curtains: The final step! Attach the hooks from your curtain’s header tape to the small eyelets on each runner. Step back and admire your work!
Alternative Setups for Different Header Styles: Customize Your Style
The REX system is incredibly versatile. Here’s how to set it up for other popular curtain styles.
For a Traditional Rod with Rings
If you prefer the classic look of curtain rings, the process is slightly different.
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Start by sliding the curtain rings onto the rod.
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Attach the brackets and end caps as described in the main guide.
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Pro Tip: Place one ring between the bracket and the end cap on each side. This will anchor the end of the curtain and prevent the entire panel from sliding to the middle.
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Mount the assembled rod onto the wall plates.
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Use drapery pins to hang your pleated curtains from the small eyelets on the bottom of the rings.
For a Modern Look with Ripple Fold Runners
Ripple fold curtains offer a contemporary, wave-like appearance. This style creates soft, flowing "S" curves for a high-end, designer look.
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Slide the ripple fold runners into the track. These runners are typically connected by a cord to maintain even spacing.
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Use the Allen key to tighten the runner fixing, which will lock the last runner in place and keep the curtain taut.
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Attach the wall mount brackets and end caps to the track.
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Mount the assembled rod to the wall and secure it.
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Snap your curtain's ripple fold tape to the runners to complete the sleek installation.
Solutions for Special Installations
Joining Rods for Wider Windows
If your window is wider than 82 inches, your rod will arrive in two sections. Joining them is simple:
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Insert the internal connector halfway into one of the rod sections and tighten the set screws.
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Slide the second rod section over the other half of the connector and tighten its set screws to create a single, stable rod.
Creating a Corner or Bay Window Treatment
For corner or bay windows, use the swivel connector. This flexible piece allows you to join two rod sections at an angle. Just attach it between the two rods and tighten the screws to create a seamless bend.
Alternative: Ceiling Mount Installation
For a dramatic, floor-to-ceiling effect, you can mount the REX system directly to the ceiling. This can make a room feel taller and more spacious.
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Instead of attaching the brackets to the side for a wall mount, secure them to the top of the track.
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Important Note: This setup is only compatible with runners (pleat or ripple fold). Rings will not be able to pass the ceiling-mounted brackets.
The Designer Touch: Double Rod Installation
Want to create a layered look with sheer and blackout curtains? A double rod system is the perfect solution.
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The double rod wall mount bracket is designed to hold two REX rods parallel to each other.
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The rods are spaced 3 ⅝ inches apart, providing the ideal amount of room for two sets of curtains to hang beautifully without interference. This allows you to have a light-filtering sheer curtain on the back rod and a heavier, room-darkening panel on the front, giving you ultimate control over light and privacy. Installation follows the same principles: mount the double brackets to the wall and then attach both assembled tracks.
FAQ & Maintenance Tips
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Q: What should I do if my wall doesn't feel strong enough? A: Choose the Right Screw.
For hollow walls (metal, wood, or drywall), use screws. Expansion Screws won’t hold because the insulation layer inside cannot support them.
For solid walls (concrete, brick), use expansion screws. Screws can also work on solid walls, but expansion screws provide stronger support.
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Q: Why isn't my curtain gliding smoothly? A: Check the track for any dust or debris. Also, ensure that if you joined two rods, the connection point is smooth and the screws are fully tightened.
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Maintenance: Wipe the rod with a soft, dry cloth every few weeks to prevent dust buildup. For metal finishes, avoid harsh cleaners—use a mild soap and water solution instead.
