The curtain rod will serve as the main support for your drapes and as the central focus of your hardware.

• You can consider using concealing rods, which hide the rod, or prominent decorative rods.
• Thicker rods create a more dramatic visual effect, especially when hanging grommet curtains or pinch pleat curtains.
• Rods that are wider than windows can be used to expand the appearance of the width of the window.

Decorative Curtain Rods

Description

• Available in an array of designs and diameters
• Highly visible, affects the appearance of a window treatment and room

Points to Consider

• May be made from brass, wrought iron, verdigris, brushed nickel, pewter, wood and more
• May be adjustable or fixed in length
• Wood may be plain or fluted and stained, painted or unfinished

Tip: Try different colors and finishes, like gold curtain rods or black curtain rods, to accent your room.

Concealed Curtain Rods

Description

• Often comes in the form of an adjustable, metal lock-seam rod
• Designed to be covered by the curtains or drapes and remain unseen
• Other types include sash, tension and wide-pocket rods

Points to Consider

• Often white in color, with some metallic finishes available
• Sash rods are used with sashes or hourglass curtains on French doors or casement windows
• Wide-pocket rods are ideal for creating a shirred valance

Traverse Curtain Rods

Description

• Used with draperies that are opened and closed with a wand or cord
• Drapery hooks are inserted into sliding holders, or carriers
• Rod is visible when drapes are open unless a top treatment is installed
• Two-way rods are the most commonly used type

Points to Consider

• Two-way traverse rods allow drapes to move away from the middle to each end
• One-way rods allow panels to move in only one direction
• One-way rods are often used on sliding patio doors or in corners
• Decorative traverse rods are used with rings and can be seen even when drapes are closed

Cafe Curtain Rods

Description

• Generally feature a narrow diameter and are round or fluted with subtle finials

Points to Consider

• Often brass, but also available in a range of colored finishes
• May or may not have rings
• Ideal for use with tie-tab or hand-drawn curtains

Double Curtain Rods

Description

• Used to create a layered decorative treatment

Points to Consider

• Double curtain rods and triple curtain rods can be used for layered treatments
• They're great for adding depth and dimension to a room
• They typically use two poles and a single bracket

Tension Curtain Rods

Description

• Tension rods use a spring mechanism to keep the ends in place

Points to Consider

• These are best for use with lighter drapes and curtains
• Installation is easy
• Pair them with sheers and lightweight seasonal panels

Common accessories include finials, end caps, brackets, sconces and rings

• Finials and end caps cover the side openings or ends of the curtain rod and can be very elaborate.
• Metal, wood, ceramic, glass, molded resin and rattan are materials used to make end caps and finials.
• Common shapes include spears, arrows, balls, leaves, stars, flowers, scrolls and more.
• Brackets made from the same materials as finials complement each other.
• Sconce designs include animals, grape clusters, flowers, leaves and more.
• Tiebacks hold the drapes off to the sides of the window to allow more light in.
• Rings, clips hooks and pulls connect drapes and curtains to the rod and can be hidden or visible.