Curtain poles are frequently the central piece from which you base your hardware collection, and you have several choices in terms of colour, finish and function. A decorative rod may add to the room, while a hidden rod can be selected based on purpose independently. Each kind of curtain rod has its advantages and disadvantages, and how to select the right curtain rod is dependent upon your window, the curtains along with your needs.
Classic Rods
A vintage or decorative rod is an adjustable or fixed pole that might or might not feature finials. Classic rods are attached to a wall with mounts, and may be hung singly or as double poles, which means you can layer fabrics. They’re available in a range of lengths and diameters, and may be used with just about any kind of curtain. They do stay visible, nevertheless, and this may alter the overall look of your window and the room.
Concealed Rods
Concealed poles are generally adjustable metal rods which are hidden by the curtains or drapes. They’re commonly available in a U-shape at each end that fastens directly into the wall, with the curtain wrap round the sides to conceal the rod. Other hidden rod layouts include sash, tension or wide-pocket poles. Sash poles are ideal for hanging curtains on doors or casement windows, while tension rods are far better suited to lightweight curtains because they utilize a spring mechanism rather than hardware to carry the rod in place. Wide-pocket poles are useful for shirred valances, which can be fixed in place.
Track Rods
Track rods utilize drapery hooks which are attached to pulleys within a track. The monitor could be installed on the wall or the ceiling, and the moving parts are generally concealed from the curtain. These are perfect for heavy fabrics and large windows, but are somewhat limiting because they could only be used with specific styles of curtains. For example, a tab-top panel wouldn’t be suitable for a monitor rod.
Traverse Rods
Traverse poles are used with curtains that are opened and closed using a cord which pulls hooks on sliding rollers. Traverse poles are generally designed as one- or even two-way rods. Two-way means the curtains open from the middle to each finish, while one-way means they open only in 1 direction.
Specialty Rods
There are a few technical rod choices which utilize the plan of a classic rod, with a couple extra features. Hinged poles allow you to bend the curtains back and forth rather than sliding them open and closed. When you would like the curtains open, swing the rod back. This kind of rod feature is most useful as it provides a decorative element to this room whether opened or covering the window. Motorized poles, which are usually similar to monitor or traverse in design, allow you to open and close your curtains remotely.
Considerations
Metal poles are available in wrought iron, cast iron, iron, aluminum, brass, chrome, and bronze. Wood poles are available in a selection of finishes and colours. Choose a rod material and finish which suits the decor of this room. For example, metal rods are more perfect for a contemporary space, while wood is better suited to traditional. It’s also beneficial to gauge the window and determine how long the poles will need to be before making an option. Measure not only the window, but also the distance from the mounting location into the ceiling. A curtain rod using complex finials may not fit in a narrow area.
