This is a very simple design since the original holders are no longer available at my local hardware store. It was much easier to design and print these than source new ones, especially when you need specific sizes or quantities that retailers don’t stock.
I often find myself needing curtain rod holders for various projects around the house — whether it’s hanging temporary curtains for privacy, creating a room divider, or even using them as tension rod supports in rental properties where drilling isn’t an option. When the originals started breaking and I couldn’t find replacements locally, I decided to take matters into my own hands.
These holders are designed for a 19mm diameter rod, which is the standard size used for most tension curtain rods, shower curtain poles, and decorative window treatments available from Bunnings and other Australian hardware stores. The design is open-ended at both ends (similar to traditional tension rod cups), making them easy to install and remove without tools — just slide them onto the rod and adjust the tension.
Here are some of the ways I use these holders:
- Curtain rod supports for temporary room dividers or privacy screens in rental properties
- Balcony screening — tension rods with these holders work great for sun-blocking curtains on balconies during hot summer months
- Workshop projects — used as lightweight rod holders for shelving or hanging items in the workshop when space is limited
- Closet organizers — perfect for organizing clothes rods in smaller closets where standard brackets don’t fit
Print details: Printed on my Prusa i3 MK3 printer with 0.2mm layer height and 15% infill using 3D Fillies PLA+ filament. The design uses minimal material and prints quickly — typically under 30 minutes per unit.
I recommend printing in pairs since curtain rod holders are always used two at a time. The open-ended design means you can slide them on and off the rod without removing the tension, making installation and removal hassle-free.
Durability: PLA+ offers good strength and slightly better impact resistance than standard PLA. For most indoor applications, these will hold up well for years. If you’re using them in a humid environment (like a bathroom), consider adding silicone grease to the rod contact points to reduce friction and extend the life of the holder.
The design is straightforward and printable without supports — orient it as shown in the render and it’ll sit flat on your build plate. No rafts or brims needed if your printer bed is well-leveled. The tolerances are tight but not critical — if you find the fit is slightly loose, a small amount of hot glue at the contact points will fix that quickly.
If you need a different rod diameter (e.g., 20mm or 22mm), let me know and I can adjust the design accordingly. The current version is optimized for standard 19mm tension rods commonly sold across Australia.