Curtains and drapes are best hung with the help of a rod. Based on which type of curtain rod you choose, they will usually fasten with pockets, carriers, rings, or loops. However, these options vary depending on the design.
There are a wide variety of curtain rods available. They range from cheap expansion rods to pricey, custom-length ornamental poles.
Thanks to the abundance of choices, you should be able to find a rod design that works beautifully with your curtains. Changing the curtain rods in a room can make a big difference in how it looks and bring it up to date.
What is a curtain rod?
You’ll need a curtain rod when you want to hang curtains from the ceiling. It can be fabricated from plastic, wood, metal, or a hybrid of these materials. Common curtain rods are only long pieces of material, while some holders for curtains are complex mechanical devices.
Curtain rods are universal because they are necessary for any setup, including draperies or curtains. A curtain rod is a practical addition to any space, including entryways, shower stalls, and windows.
The main purpose of a curtain rod is to hold up drapery panels to stop the flow of water and air, block light, or change how private a room is.
Best types of curtain rods
These rods for curtains are available in a variety of wood tones and metal finishes. Numerous window coverings come with decorative finials to cap off the overall design.
Single curtain rod
A single curtain rod can be made of metal or wood. You can find these in a wide range of sizes and shapes. Many sturdier metal poles are height-adjustable for a custom fit. It is not uncommon to find brackets, curtain rings, and finials packaged together with a single curtain rod.
You can hang curtains in any room of the house with just one curtain rod. It’s possible to find them in styles that go with any aesthetic choice.
Traverse curtain rods
The traverse rod that was your grandma’s favorite may now be the most cutting-edge method for covering huge window spaces. The traverse rod’s adaptability means putting it on the wall or the ceiling.
In addition, it can span even the largest of window openings with ease. You can now find these once-plain rods in a variety of fashionable materials, such as metal or wood, that mimic the look of traditional curtain rods.
Traverse rods, which feature a metal track and carriers, are frequently used with pinch-pleated sheers or curtains connected with drapery pins. Each carrier has a small hole at the base for the drapery hooks to fit into. By pulling a cord or using a remote control, you can open and close a traverse rod in any direction.
Concealed curtain rods
It’s impossible to see the curtain rod when installed properly. This is why many people opt for a concealed option. The white metal lock-seam rod is the most popular type of this.
It consists of two thin, flat, interlocking metal parts and resembles a wrap. Similar to the standard pocket rod but with a broader arm, the wide pocket rod is ideal for shirred valances.
A concealed curtain rod can be a sash rod, such as the type used to hold curtains over French doors, or a tension rod with thin end caps. All window treatments require a rod pocket for use with a concealed curtain rod.
These rods can blend in with their surroundings. They will work best in bedrooms or other areas where the curtains are often drawn. Alternatively, you might install a double concealed curtain rod and cover the visible rod when the curtains are open with a valance.
Continental curtain rods
When it comes to curtains, continental types are the unsung heroes. Rod-pocket valances and drapes can be hung from these adjustable rods. Because it blends in with the fabric, the continental curtain rod draws attention to the style of the curtains or drapes.
You can adjust the width of these rods from 2 1/2 inches to 4 inches to match the depth of the rod pocket. This is the style for you if you’re seeking a cheap way to hang curtains.
Conventional curtain rods
These feature metal or wood poles of different diameters. Both fixed-length wooden poles and extendable metal rods are available at most stores. It is possible to hang sheers in front of privacy curtains by using either a single or double curtain rod.
Curtain rods from specialty manufacturers are always made to order and tailored to the individual customer. Custom curtain rods are much more expensive than off-the-shelf options. A homeowner can choose their new custom version’s precise look and design.
Wrapped curtain rods
These curtain rods, also called French rods, feature a curved end. You can use the ends to attach them to the wall in order to exclude light from the sides. Most small windows can use this type of rod without any brackets, but bigger ones may need a center bracket to keep the rod from bending.
Tension curtain rods
Curtains can be hung on tension rods quickly and easily. These rods stay put because of the pressure created by the spring and the twisting mechanism between the wall and the rod ends.
Since tension rods are length-adjustable, you can use them with a wide variety of window sizes. They don’t require any screws or other hardware for installation, so they won’t harm your walls or window frames. The rod’s rubber tips ensure a secure fit within a doorway or window frame.
Café curtain rods
These are window treatments that are either floor-length or floor-to-ceiling in length. In addition, you can use them to visually reduce the size of a window and increase the sense of coziness in a room.
Curtain rods made for this purpose blend into the background easily, making them more relaxed and plain. Small-diameter, round or fluted rods with delicate finials are typical of café drapery hardware. They come in a variety of materials and finishes, the most common of which is brass.
In keeping with the relaxed vibe they’re going for, these rods look best with tie curtains, a tab top, or rod pockets. Due to their diminutive size, you can only use them with translucent barriers. You can find these curtain rods in restrooms.
This is because they provide privacy for the lower portion of the window while allowing light to enter through the upper section. Laundry rooms, dining nooks, and kitchens are just a few examples of other common places you might find them.
Swing arm
Other curtain rods won’t work in certain settings, but swing-arm rods will. Swing arm rods are quite versatile. They are easy to recognize because they attach to only one side of a window and function on a hinge. This means that the arm or rod glides into a wall-mounted bracket. This characteristic makes them easy to spot.
To open and close the window, the curtain swings back and forth. Covering French doors in style is easy with a set of swing-arm curtain rods and some sheer curtains. You could also use swing-arm rods to cover tiny windows and door sidelights.
Decorative curtain rod
This rod stands out and helps increase the room’s wow factor. They are commonly coupled with beautiful finials and displayed in decorative sconces to highlight their aesthetic appeal.
Pewter, oiled bronze, brass, wrought iron, brushed nickel, and wood are all materials that are frequently used. There is a high price tag associated with these specialized rods. This is because they are generally produced to order. These curtain rods work best in public areas like the dining room, living room, or family room.
Double Curtain Rod
The double version of many curtain rods is an additional option. Not only does this encompass wrapped, transverse, and decorative, but also other styles. In the market, one can find curtain rods that support not one, not two, but three separate draperies.
Adding an air of sophistication or romanticism to a room is the most common use for double and triple drapery rods. However, you can also use them to increase the adaptability of the window coverings in a space.
The most common use for a double curtain rod is to hang a valance at the top of a set of curtains. However, you can also use it to layer sheer curtains in front of blackout drapes. This will provide privacy when the former is drawn back to let in some light.
Curtain Rod Tips
- Consider the size of your window when purchasing a curtain rod.
- The curtain rod should reflect the style of the room.
- A double rod setup or traverse rods, in addition to your regular curtain rods, will give you a layered look.
- Use traverse rods to move your curtains back and forth across a large window area.
- Before buying curtain rods, choosing your curtains is best. A thick rod, a thin rod, or a rod with a certain finish or color could be the best choice. However, this will depend on the curtains’ weight, color, and length.
Putting a finishing touch to your curtain rods
Look to your curtains for inspiration when choosing a rod for your window treatments. It’s important to use a rod that isn’t too big for curtains with a tie top, grommets, or rod pocket.
Aside from the rod itself, you’ll also need to purchase hardware, such as brackets large enough to accommodate your rod.
First, you need to determine the length of the curtain rod by measuring the width of the window casing. Add ten inches to the entire measurement so the curtains can open as wide as possible. This will expose as much of your window as possible unless the area is tight or you use a tension rod.
