Fixed vs. Tension Curtain Rods: The Pros and Cons

Imagine standing in the curtain rod aisle at a store, and you’re unsure which option will work best. Avoid this nightmare by reading the following post. You’ll discover the pros and cons of fixed versus tension curtain rods.

Tension Curtain Rods

What is a tension curtain rod? These rods use a door or window frame to stay in place. They use the tension from springs inside the rod to snuggly fit a frame. Most tension rods provide adjustable lengths, meaning you could potentially use a curtain rod from one window to the other. Manufacturers add rubber tips to the end of the rods to prevent the rod from scraping your walls.

Cons of Tension Rods

Because of how lightweight they are, tension rods may not be able to withstand the weight of heavy curtains. You could have difficulty finding tension rods longer than 84 inches; the longer your tension rod, the more susceptible to sagging. Another con is that tension rods aren’t known for their customization. Yes, you can find them in various colors, but that’s about it.

Pros of Tension Rods

These rods are excellent options for people who are renting and can’t put holes in the walls. Tension rods are perfect for people on a budget because they’re less expensive than fixed rods, and you can pick from various colors to match the room’s aesthetic. Tension rods may be the best option if you have smaller windows. These rods are fairly easy to install, and you don’t have to worry about using tools. Simply twist to tighten, and you’ve installed a tension curtain rod!

Fixed Curtain Rods

You can mount fixed curtain rods with screws or nails to provide a permanent solution for your curtains. You’ll find more styles of fixed curtain rods than tension rods, and they’ll give a chic finish to your decor. Like tension rods, fixed rods are available in multiple lengths, and you’re not at the mercy of your window or door frame to determine the length of your curtains.

Cons of Fixed Curtain Rods

These rods can be a bit trickier to install. You’ll need to get out the toolbox to measure and drill or hammer the rod into place. If you have tall, dramatic windows, you may need to think about hiring professionals to install the curtain rod and hang the curtains for you.

Pros of Fixed Curtain Rods

Walk into any home improvement store, and you’ll find aisles of options for fixed curtain rods. You can customize and create the curtain style of your dreams. There’s no need to worry about the weight of the curtains because fixed rods are more stable than tension rods. Go for the longer curtains if that’s the look you want because you’re not at the mercy of window or door frames when installing fixed curtain rods.

Conclusion

Review the pros and cons to decide if fixed or tension curtain rods are the ideal option for your home. You can even mix and match! Use tension rods for your kitchen window and fixed rods for your family room and bedrooms. Don’t forget to pick up a set of wrought iron curtain rings from Paso Robles Ironworks to complete the look. You’ll find a variety of stylish rings to hang your curtains.