Some curtain rods are meant to be seen, while others are perfectly happy hiding away and letting the curtains they support capture all the attention. There are perhaps as many kinds of rods as there are types of stylish window treatments, including those designed especially for arched windows and other unusual shapes or configurations.
With so many options, it can be difficult to decide on the best window treatment and rod. Your decision will depend on the overall room decor, the type of window, and the style statement you want to make. Some of the most popular rods for today’s homes include:
Traditional Wood Rods
Generally, wood rods are sturdy as well as decorative and meant to be seen. They typically boast matching wood finials and are attached to the wall with wooden, which are also decorative features. Either stained or painted, wooden rods can take on a traditional or contemporary character. Pinch-pleated curtains and drapes hang from wooden rings or clips, allowing homeowners to manually pull fabric panels to the side. Smaller diameter wood poles accommodate curtain panels with rod pockets and are good for less formal window treatments.
Subtly Spice Things Up With Curtain Tiebacks
Curtain tiebacks are, as the name implies, a small bit of rope, cloth, or metal that keeps your curtain tied-up to the side. Overall, they are an affordable, super-easy way to spice up your curtains without breaking the bank. You can even DIY your own pretty easily if the mood strikes!
Decorative Metal Rods
Available in a variety of finishes, today’s metal poles and decorative rods are also suitable for a wide range of styles, from classic pinch pleated draperies to casual cottage curtains. Smaller rods are usually threaded through curtain pockets. Depending on the effect desired, the rods and finials can be as decorative as the curtains themselves. Fabric panels can be hung from rings or modern clips, and popular contemporary drapes sometimes boast built-in grommets to create sleek tailored window treatments.
Traverse Rods
With a built-in mechanism that allows easy opening and closing of drapes by means of a cord pulley, traverse rods have been a staple in home interiors for decades. Today’s traverse rods may be motorized for even easier operation, and are the go-to choice for covering large expanses of glass. While the standard configuration is to pull panels from the center to the sides, you may specify one way pulls, or design custom configurations to handle a variety of openings. In more contemporary spaces, unobtrusive traverse rods may be attached to ceilings. Another option is to hide the mechanism behind a valance, decorative cornice or an architectural panel.
Dual Rod Sets
Many homeowners opt for layered window treatments: sheers as well as decorative pinch-pleated drapes, or panels topped by a matching or contrasting valance. For such treatments, dual rod sets, either in functional metal or a decorative finish, are a helpful option.
Specialty Rods
No matter how you envision “dressing” your windows, there are rod options to create any effect you want. Specialty rods and hardware make it easy to highlight arched windows and contemporary “stacked” window walls. There are rods designed to accommodate door panels, expansion rods that fit inside the window frame, magnetic rods, swing-arm rods, stationary side panel rods, and wraparound privacy rods that eliminate gaps between curtains and walls.
Satisfy Your Design Needs
At The Curtain Shop, our extensive selection of quality rods complements our curtain and drapery options. We are happy to work with clients to determine the best way to achieve your design goals and “dress” your windows. We invite you to browse our online store or call us at 1-866-886-3632 to discuss available options.
