Curtain rods come in as many different styles and materials as fabric curtains. They can make or break the appearance of your window depending on how you hang them and how they are finished off. Knowing what you can do with the curtain rod will give you some decorating ideas you may not have thought of before.
Anatomy of a Curtain Rod
To start the curtain rod consists of three main parts. There is the pole part that holds the fabric, then finials which cap off the ends of the poles, and the brackets that mount the rod to the wall. Each part can be strictly utilitarian or add a decorative element.
Some curtain poles are adjustable. They are made of two parts that slide into one another so the pole can be lengthened or shortened. This is a good design feature if you decide you want to change the appearance of the width of the window by expanding the window dressing.
The finials are end pieces that can be very ornate and made of many different materials. Some are made of blown glass while others are carved wood. The finials need to match the rod part for a coordinated look. They can be changed out whenever you want just a little updating to the window’s appearance without having to change everything.
The brackets on a curtain rod set can be hidden by the pole or a part of the décor. When the brackets are decorative they can stick out from the wall and allow two rods to feed through them. This would be used to create a layered look with sheer fabric closest to the window and a heavier fabric on top of it.
Hanging Rods to Create New Looks
Many people make the mistake of hanging rods too high or too low. There really isn’t a wrong way, but perhaps a better way. For example, if you have extremely high ceilings and the windows don’t go very close to the top of the wall, you can create longer looking windows by hanging your curtain rods closer to the ceiling. You will need more length in your drapes of course, but it will make your windows much taller.
Likewise, you can create more width to your window by hanging the drapery wider. You still will not want the edge of the window to show, so to create the illusion of greater width, you can bring fabric right to the edge of the window and then go out as wide as you like. It will appear as if the drapes had been drawn in part way on a very large window.
Seeing Double and Triple
Curtain rods come in many styles but also have built in double and triple rods. These rod styles are great for more layering. You can hang sheers and drapes ( ) , or two different fabric patterns. The layering gives a rich look that can also serve as insulation for older windows that may allow a draft to come in.
Curtain rods can be used on more than just windows too. They can support decorative fabric wall coverings. These types of drapes that cover an ugly wall and can warm up a room and help with controlling noise. There really is no limit to the uses for curtain rods in decorating. Your imagination can put them anywhere.
Curtain Rods Holdbacks
More about the decorative curtain rods
In the world of home decorating, window coverings are like icing on a cake. These finishing touches of color, texture, and design set a mood, reflect your personal style, create a feeling or mood, and impact the environment where you live, work, and play. A person looks for privacy, light control, function, and style.
Privacy: If so, then you want to consider a window covering that offers complete coverage. Some examples are lined curtains or draperies, fabric or roller shades, mini blinds or wood shutters. Avoid sheer curtains, unless you layer it over a shade for nighttime privacy.
Light Control: If so, you will also want to consider an opaque window covering like heavy draperies, shades, or blinds. Light-blocking curtains will also protect your rugs, furniture, and artwork from UV rays; however to prevent the curtain itself from breaking down; consider layering it over a non-fabric shade.
Function: Some decorative window treatments, like valences and cornices, are designed to stay permanently in place, while sheer panels, blinds, and shades are more functional. If you have children or pets it is also important to consider the potential hazards of floor-length curtains or shades with non-breakaway cords. Function will also determine the type of window hardware you will need to purchase.
Style: Color, fabric choice, and style of curtain help create a desired living or entertaining environment, as well as reflect your own personality. Decorative or unique rods and hardware can dress-up simple curtains. There are endless choices when it comes to style. Look for ideas in home decor magazines or online and then apply your personal creative touch.
There are several types of curtain rods, including:
Tension or pressure rods are used inside of window frame and held in place by the pressure of a spring inside the rod. This rod does not use mounting brackets and screws, and therefore does not damage the woodwork. Cafe rods are used for hand-drawn window treatments, usually with rings or tie-tab curtains. Sash rods use shallow mounting brackets so window treatments hang close to the glass. Finials are decorative hardware that embellishes the ends of drapery rods. A bracket supports rods at each end, and also in the center of extra long rods.
Both Ciara Mcnamara & Allan Wilson are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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