Curtains add softness, style, and privacy to any room. People take time to decide which curtains are best for their space, but what about the curtain rods? These typically don’t receive the same attention during the process, but they deserve it. After all, they complete the look; you need to find the right type, size, and diameter for your curtains to function and have an attractive appearance. Nobody wants their curtain rods to be too short or sag after a while.
Keep reading to explore everything you need to know about buying custom curtain rods. It will help you narrow down the options and pick the best ones for you.
Curtain Rod Hardware Vocabulary
Do you know what a finial is? These specific elements of a curtain rod add flair and personality, but you may not understand what they are.
Curtain rods are more than simple shafts. Learning their different parts and pieces is important because it helps you search for the right ones online or in stores. The basic anatomy of a traditional rod includes a bracket and rod, but there are more parts. Here, we’ll cover them.
Rods
There are metal and wood rods. Each has a general diameter range that most within their respective categories fall into:
- Common wooden rod diameters: ½ to 3 inches
- Common metal rod diameters: 1⅜ to 2 inches
There are solid and hollow versions of the metal poles. If you’re investing in a custom curtain rod, the rod will be of higher quality and last longer. Plus, you can have the custom rod created for the exact size you need.
Most ready-to-go curtains you find at the store are hollow and available in many sizes. Let’s break down how to ensure your ready-made rod is sturdy. If you need a 48-inch curtain rod, pick up a rod that’s 48 to 72 inches instead of a 28- to 48-inch one. There are a couple of reasons you should do this. You’ll have a sturdier rod when you use one continuous piece. Also, telescoping makes one side of the rod smaller than the other and more lopsided. It creates an awkward bump in the middle of the curtains and makes them look uneven.
Brackets
Brackets hold up the curtain rods to keep them from falling. A thinner and less sturdy pole requires more brackets to stabilize the curtain rod. The diameter of the rod determines the bracket size and how far away from the wall you want it to be.
Ensure you purchase brackets in the same material as the curtain rod. You want to create a cohesive look and not something mismatched.
Rings
The curtains hang from the rings. Ensure you purchase rings larger than the curtain rod’s diameter. Aim for at least half an inch larger or more.
There are several different types of rings. You’ll have curtains with eyelets that allow the curtain to slide on without needing another piece of equipment. Some rings have clips that grab the curtain panels.
There are also bypass rings (C-rings), but you need bypass brackets for these rings to work properly.
Finials
Finials are the decorative ends of the curtain rods. There are endless options to match or contrast with the curtain rod materials. Finials are great for introducing the idea if you’re looking to mix metals in the space.
You can find everything from dramatic and flashy to minimalist and clean. If you choose French-style rods, you don’t need to worry about attaching finials. The rods curve back toward the wall for an elegant style. They’re perfect for transitional spaces.
You can either attach the finials by screwing them into the end of the rod or using a collar and a screw. Don’t forget to factor in the finials when you measure the curtain rod length.
Curtain Rod Materials
Another aspect of custom curtain rods that you should know before buying them is that their materials can vary. Wood and metal rods are the most common type of curtain rod materials. Wood curtain rods are typically the heftier options; you can have plain or carved ones. You can find elaborate carved wooden curtain rods, and if you go custom, you can also pick what design you desire. Stain the wooden rod to the color of your liking to create a style all your own. Some brackets for these rods are L-shaped, while others are decorative wood ones.
Metal curtain rods are available in various shapes, finishes, and diameters. There are cast iron crafted metal poles and hollow metal curtain rods. Finials for metal rods can be fancy and elaborate, but some metal rods may forego them altogether.
Also, a new curtain rod material has broken onto the scene: lucite. Lucite curtain rods make excellent contemporary and transitional pieces. Get a lucite curtain rod if you want a glamorous and chic-styled rod. Take note that it does scratch easily and may not be the best for people with children or in areas where you often open and close the curtains.
Choose the Right Curtain Rod
Curtains and curtain rods work together to make a room feel complete. You should consider the rods’ style to coordinate them well with your curtains. The options are endless. You can even use an old paddle as a curtain rod for your lake house. How cute is that idea?
Getting custom-made curtain rods is an easy way to add a touch of your personality into the space. Are you looking for a rustic feel? Go for a wooden curtain rod. If you like a modern look in your room, go with a chic black metal curtain rod. You can get creative with a custom curtain rod, plus you won’t miss out on quality or beauty when you purchase a custom rod.
Where Should You Hang the Curtain Rod?
The curtain rod and curtains aren’t the only things that matter. The placement of the rod is just as important. Put the rod as close to the ceiling as possible or right below the crown molding for floor-length curtains in 8-foot ceiling heights. These elevated locations will create an illusion of a larger and taller window.
If you have incredibly high ceilings that you can’t reach, place the curtain rod above the window. Generous windows are always an excellent feature to have in your home, and curtains can accentuate their visual spaciousness.
Now it’s time to start searching for the perfect curtain rod for your space. Refer to this blog when you feel stuck during the decision-making process.
