Introduction

Curtain Rods are one of the most important part of curtain hardware as the beauty and fall of the curtain depends on them. Curtain rods are also known as drapery rods. They are decorative as as well as functional. Decorative curtain rods makes an ultimate statement of strength and elegance.

Rods are available in multiple styles and sizes to fit a variety of custom window coverings. Metallic drapery rods come in both traditional and contemporary styles.


Materials Used

Curtain rods are of various types and are made of different materials. Some of the commonly used materials include:

• Wrought Iron
• Brass
• Stainless steel
• Wood

Various finishes like modern black finish, polished brass finish, mylar finish, enamel finish, etc are available with curtain rods.

Buying Tips Proper selection of curtain rod for a particular window treatment is essential while buying curtain rods. While buying curtain rod, one should know the accurate measurement of the window. The quality of the material used for making the rod also plays an important role while selecting curtain rods. This is because rods made of lightweight materials cannot withstand the weight of heavy curtains.

Types

There are quite a few variety of curtain rods available and each one is meant for different purpose. Some of the common types include:

• Spring Tension Rod: These rods are used inside window frames. Spring tension curtain rods are held in place by means of pressure of spring installed inside the rod. These rods are available in oval and round shapes. The round one is usually used on doors with a rod at the top and bottom. The oval shaped rods are used with panels to prevent drilling holes in the walls. Spring tension rods are easy to install and no mounting brackets are used, which protects the woodwork from damage by screws.
  
  
• Sash Rods: These rods are usually used for stretched curtains on doors and come as flat or round. Sash rod makes use of shallow mounting brackets so that window treatments are placed close to the glass.
  
  
• Cafe Rods: These curtain rods are designed for tie-tab curtains and drapery or hand-drawn window treatments. Cafe rods can be used with or without rings and they come in various finishes like brass, enamel, etc. Cafe rods are suitable for kitchen curtains.
  
  
• Traverse Rods: They are a special type of curtain rod. Traverse rods are basically horizontal curtain rods with a mechanism that allows attached draperies or curtains to be drawn with the help of a pull cord, which attached draperies can be drawn with a pull cord. They are mostly made of metal and come with a cord-tension pulley. Traverse rods are highly decorative and are available in brass, brushed nickel and antique brushed brass finishes.
  
  
• Wide Curtain Rods: As the name suggests, these rods are slightly wider than other curtain rods and are available in both 2.5 inch and 4.5 inch widths. They are an ideal solution for rod-pocket window treatments. Wide curtain rods come with corner connectors, which make them suitable for bay and corner windows.
  
  
• Narrow Curtain Rods: These rods are also suitable for rod-pocket windows and are comparatively narrower in width.
  
  
• Magnetic Curtain Rods: These curtain rods are a perfect solution for hanging curtains on steel doors. They have magnets attached, which are powerful enough to hold the weight of most curtains. The advantage of magnetic rods over other curtain rods is that no screws, adhesives etc., are required for their installation.