Window decorations are essential for a tastefully decorated living room, kitchen, or bedroom. Curtains cannot be hung high above the window or door without the different types of curtain rods.
Curtain rods are, at first glance, invisible products that don’t just make up a significant part of window decorations but ensure to embellish the interior decor’s outlook. They are available in various materials, colors, and diameters.
The range and diversity of curtain rod choices can almost leave one confused or indecisive about which to settle for.
A little enlightenment on the generality of curtain rods will help you make such an amazing decision. This post will do just that.
An Introduction to Curtains and Rods
A curtain is a piece of fabric hanging over a door, windows in rooms, showers, etc., to shut out the light from a window, to adorn or beautify a room, and even for privacy.
It is one of the most prevalent window coverings and comes in a wide range of textures, fabrics, colors, and patterns to meet any aesthetic requirements.
On the other hand, curtain rods, curtain rails, or poles are used to suspend curtains high above the windows, doors, and in other parts of the room where curtains are needed.
They are an integral element of the interior decoration if you want curtains to embellish the window.
They are available in various forms, decorative or simple, wooden or metal, and even some crystal clear ones.
Samuel Raymond Scottron invented curtain rods in 1892 but were not used until the 1920s. Back then, they were just the basic telescope rods, but today, different curtain rods are available.
The curtain rod was the first such dynamic idea of beautification, which has evolved into the diversity that adorns homes.
Different Types of Curtain Rods
There are six different types of curtain rods and they are;
1. Spring Rods
This type of curtain rod is convenient and can hold itself up. It is the most common curtain rod in the market. However, if you consider using one for your home decor, consider the texture of the curtain fabric, as spring rods cannot hold onto heavy or bulky curtains.
2. Sash Rods
Sash rods are pretty decorative and captivating. They are designed to be placed slightly above the window so that the curtain can hang up to the bottom. Because of this, curtains for this rod should be longer than the windows.
3. Cafe Sash Rods
Cafe sash rods are slightly larger and designed to stick somewhat out from the wall instead of lying flat against the surface.
4. Magnetic Rods
These rods are stylish yet simple and easy to install. A magnetic rod can hold itself in place as it uses a magnet. However, metal window sills must be installed, which could be more expensive.
5. Crystal Rods
Crystal clear curtain rods are transparent curtain rods that cannot be seen from a distance; they are not easily detected as curtain rods and are another style of adorning the house.
6. French-style Rods
This type of curtain rod does not use finials; instead, they are curved to return to the wall. They can be used for light to medium-weight curtains.
A decision on any of the above curtain rods will give an amazing outlook to the interior designs.
Different Types of Curtain Rod Materials
Curtain rods are made from different materials. Below are the most familiar materials used for making curtain rods.
1. Plastic Curtain Rods
This is an economical choice for every room. Since most customers visiting the curtain rod store need more functional models than decorative solutions, some curtain rods are made to offer these cheap solutions.
In this embodiment, a plastic curtain rod fits very well because it is designed to perform its functions as well as possible without differing in a unique decorative component.
2. Wooden Curtain Rods
Wooden curtain rods are beautiful to use, but they are pretty selective about the home’s interior décor. This type of curtain rod belongs to the classic rustic layout of a room. You want to create a bright window décor since wood is easy to paint.
3. Metal Curtain Rods
These curtain rods are more durable and should be used where you do not expect frequent changes in the design. Metal curtain rods are a perfect substitute if your curtains are pretty heavy. Because of the high tensile strength of this rod, they are an excellent option for contemporary and unique styles.
How to Choose the Most Suitable Curtain Rods?
There are different types of curtain rod materials and fasteners, each unique to its type, allowing you to design the window perfectly.
Thanks to the spectacular offer from diverse brands and collections, you will receive a model that harmoniously suits the interior style you are decorating and is friendly to your budget.
With modern curtain rod forms and solutions, you can choose sensational models of curtain rods, considering your apartment style, the interior of the room, and your preferences.
These preferences can range from any of the following;
1. Single Rods
The most common type of curtain rod is a simple single rod, which consists of one rod capped with a finial (the decorative end). These rods hang a single set of curtains in any room.
2. Double Rods
Double rods help you layer curtains in a room. They consist of two parallel rods and can be used in multipurpose rooms. They are a good choice for privacy.
3. Wrapped Rods
Unlike single and double rods, wrapped rods curve around to create a bracket shape. This helps to block light from coming in at the sides. You will find this curtain rod very useful if you want to darken a room, which is why these curtain rods are often paired with blackout curtains.
4. Traverse Rods
This type of rod has clips or carriers which attach to your curtains and help to move them open and closed. This curtain rod is helpful for expansive windows, large glass doors, or room divider curtains.
5. Tension Rods
These rods are spring-loaded and fit into your window’s frame or trim. To stay in place, they need to be adjusted to match the width of your window and are tightly fitted, using tension to hold them rigid.
6. Smart Rods
These rods are secured in place between your window’s frame or trim. To put up this curtain rod, you remove one end and place your curtains on the rod.
Replace the end and line it against your window’s frame or trim. Extend the rod so that the other end is aligned with your window frame on the other side.
A curtain rod can be just as stylish as the fabric of your curtains. So, from finials to finishes, every individual has to be concerned about the little details to ensure a perfect finishing touch.
Curtain Rods Measurements
Curtain rods have different lengths to suit a wide variety of windows. The most standard sizes you’ll find in stores are:
- 28 X 48 inches
- 48 inches X 84 inches
- 66 inches X 120 inches
- 120 inches X 170 inches.
Can Curtain Rods be Adjustable?
Curtain rods can either be fixed in length or adjustable.
Fixed Length Curtain Rods
These are the classic immovable rods on which you hang your curtains. Many different fixed-length curtain rod options exist, such as wood, metal, plastic, and even wrought iron rods.
Adjustable Length Curtain Rods
These curtain rods come in two varieties: spring tension rods and telescopic rods. The Spring tension curtain rods are composed of a rod within a rod, which can be extended by turning the interior rod on its axis.
You can lengthen this rod to match your window length. Due to the string installed in this rod, you can use it without brackets or screws; press the rod together between the two surfaces.
Meanwhile, the telescoping curtain rods are pretty similar to fixed-length ones.
This type of curtain rod must be mounted to the wall with screws or brackets. After this, you can turn the rod on its axis to extend.
Before purchasing a cotton rod, you need a picture of what you need first in your mind; consider the following:
- The walls to which it would be affixed
- The length you desire
- The outlook of the rod
This takes us to the clips and colors, two vital keys for choosing the best curtain rods.
How to Choose a Suitable Color of Curtain Rod?
Selecting the right curtain rod for your room depends on your look, feel, and style. The finishes and texture of the interior décor will determine the most suitable colors.
- Bright and contrasting accent decors: If your room is primarily neutral with dark wood accents, select darker curtain rods that match. Ensure that the color you choose matches the rest of your interior décor.
- Metal light fixtures and gray decors: If you have this kind of internal décor, brushed stainless rods would complement the fixtures.
- Gold tones: decors with gold tones are compatible with brass curtain rods.
There are different types of curtain rods, and depending on their model, they come in different colors. However, the most common, classic, and decorative ones are silver, black, or brass.
Besides these, white curtains are also well appreciated in a bedroom or living room, as they make the room feel refreshing.
Also, when used in a room with bright-colored details, they make the room look spacious and help the occupants relax.
When you decorate your window with white, it will always look as if pure freshness flows through it.
Gold, white, silver, and neutral are suitable colors for the different types of curtain rods; the choice, therefore, is based on individual preference with utmost consideration to the interior decoration of your environment. This is sure to give your decor a splendid outlook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Finials are decorative ornaments found at the end of curtain rods. They help keep curtains on the rod while adding a stylistic element to the hardware.
The general rule is that you will need one clip for every 10 cm of the rod when using overlapped or standard mesh curtains. For instance, if the length of the curtain rod is 300 cm, you will need 30 rings (with clips). However, if you hang a curtain of light fabric, there can be fewer clips, but for a dense curtain, there should be more of them.
The significant difference between curtain rods and drapery rods is that curtain rods are used for lighter fabrics or curtain linens, while drapery rods are used for heavier fabrics. However, a curtain rod based on an appropriate choice can also be used for heavy materials.
Conclusion
Many designers have paid close attention to window styling, with each surpassing the other. Gratitude to them, it is possible to choose from increasingly attractive types of curtain rod designs to hang curtains and give expressiveness to windows.
It is now possible to adapt the arrangement of the windows to any style so that it is unique and attracts the attention of all people who visit the house or offices.
