Curtain Rods

Whether you know it or not, curtain rods are an essential part of every window design. There are several key factors to think about when purchasing hardware for your windows. Size, shape, where the hardware will be mounted, type of curtains to be hung, finishes, and when to consider using specialty hardware are all things to take into consideration.

• Size of windows – First, you will need to measure the width of your windows. Most curtain rods are hung to be an outside mount. This just means that the hardware will be mounted outside of the window frame – usually higher and wider than the window itself. This will give the impression of a larger window. Inside mounted hardware is necessary when hanging things like a tension rod, or sometimes cafe rods. When mounting inside a window frame, be sure to find out if the curtain rod brackets will fit in the space.

• Type of window treatments – Once you have found the perfect drapery, you will need the perfect hardware to give it that finishing touch. If you want the drapes to close, you may want to consider using a decorative traverse rod. It is also common to use clip rings on standard curtain rods. Stationary drapery could also be hung on a traverse rod or with clip rings, but you can also use short rod wooden curtain rods to save money. Perhaps you have a modern decorating style and favor looks like West Elm and IKEA? The cable curtain rod has a modern feel and easy to use.Some window treatments do not call for the use of curtain rods at all. Lined and interlined curtains will add weight to the rod so make sure that the rod will not bend over time. Designers sometimes use finials and hold-backs to hang drapery as well. A multi-layered window treatment will need a completely different kind of curtain rod, and those are called double curtain rods. Use this when you have more than one layer such as; sheer curtains and panels, panels and valances, fabric shades and side panels, etc…

• Finishes – This is where most people actually start when looking for curtain rods. It happens to be the easiest and should be the last decision when it comes to selecting window treatment hardware. The reason this should be a fairly easy decision is because you have several reference points to look to. Door knobs, drawer pulls, and light fixtures will tell you what color the finish should be. If you prefer wood over metal, look to the color of the moulding, doors, and other furniture in the room.

• Rod diameter – Often overlooked because most people don’t realize that there is more than one choice. When working with a window of a larger proportion, take care to use a thicker diameter than normal. This also needs to be taken into consideration when using drapery with grommets. The grommet holes have to be larger than the diameter of the rod, but you also don’t want them to make the rod look dinky.

• Specialty curtain rods are often required when you have an arched window, bay windows, and corner windows. You can purchase adapters that will convert regular curtain rods to corner window and bay window curtain rods.

Now you know the size, function, and finish of the decorative curtain rods you need to finish your windows. Armed with this knowledge it will be easy to find the window treatment hardware that will fit the purpose of your drapery.

At the Professional Design Source we urge you to consider the function before style, and never settle for style you don’t love. If it works well, it can usually be made to be pretty.

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