Curtains are certainly one of the important pieces when it comes to making our space look beautiful and elegant. Therefore, it is no surprise that many people make an effort to purchase the right curtains for their space.
However, many people fail to recognise the importance of getting the right curtain rods as well.
Curtain rods typically serve as an anchor or hanger that keeps the curtains in place. There are a variety of options when it comes to picking curtain rods and thus, it is important to pick the rods that compliment the overall style of the home.
Many people are unaware of the variety that exists when it comes to curtain rods. There are different rod types based on the material the rod is made from, the texture of the rod and the style of the rod. The rods will depend on the style of the room and the type of curtain you intend using in your home.
Type of rods based on material
Curtain rods can be made from different types of materials. These include wood, metal, wrought iron, steel, plastic and PVC. The PVC and plastic rods are less common than the others.
Steel rods: Steel rods are very commonly used. This is mostly because they are very durable. They are also suitable for light and medium weight curtain fabrics.
Wooden rods: The wooden rods are becoming more common now. They are desirable due to the natural effect that they bring to the home. They are also available in various colours and sized thereby providing a large range of options.
Metal rods: Metal rods are very strong rods and thus, are mainly used for heavy curtains. They are also very durable.
Types of rods based on the texture
Round rods: These rods have a smooth and round texture. They are usually made from wrought iron but they can be made from other materials like steel, metal or even wood. They can be hollow or solid. The hollow type usually has a space within making it light weight. However, the solid types do not have the hollow spaces thus, they are usually heavier than their hollow counterparts. This makes them suitable for heavy curtains. The round rods are the most commonly used curtain rods.
Twisted curtain rods: As the name implies, they have a twisted appearance. They can be made from a variety of materials and come in variety of colours. There are two main forms of twisted rods- the Twist hollow curtain rod and the Rope curtain rod. The twist hollow curtain rod has a slight twist and is usually hollow. The rope curtain rod on the other hand has tighter twists and doesn’t have a hollow space. The twisted rods are not very common and thus, tend to stand out wherever they are installed.
Hammered rods: They are similar to the previously described rods apart from the fact that they have a hammered texture. There are three major styles, the round hammered rods, the solid round hammered rods and the twisted hammered rod. The hammering tends to make them heavier than the other rod types nonetheless; they are suitable for heavy curtains. Their downside is that there are not many options when it comes to the diameter of the rods due to the weights. However, they are very attractive and will certainly beautify one’s home.
Types of rods based on style
Spring rods or spring tension rods: Quite a number of people opt for spring rods. This is mainly because it doesn’t require any hardware to hold it in place; thus, they are relatively easy to install. It can simply be mounted directly on the window frame. They are available in two main shapes, the oval and the round spring rods. The round ones are usually cheaper compared to the oval ones. The major disadvantage of the spring rod is that it isn’t suitable for heavy curtains. Thus, only light curtain fabrics can be used with the spring rods.
Magnetic rods: Magnetic rods are held to the window frame by means of a magnet. Metal windowsills have to be installed for the magnetic poles to be used. Magnetic rods are very attractive however, they can be very expensive to purchase and install. They are preferably used with light curtain fabrics.
Classic rods: These are also commonly used. They can be made from a range of materials and are held in place by brackets mounted to walls. They can be used for light to heavy curtain fabrics.
Traverse rods: They are very similar to the classic rods. The major difference is that controls are installed to help move open or close the curtains. Since rods are usually visible, traverse rods are usually very attractive. They can also be used for light to heavy curtain fabrics depending on the material the rods are made of.
Café rods: These are similar to classic rods as well. However, they are usually made or brass and have a smaller circumference compared to the classic rods. It is usually attached to the inside of the window frame and can be used for short length curtains. They are preferably used with lightweight curtain fabrics.
Concealed rods: As the name implies, they are usually not very visible when installed. They can be made from crystal materials or coloured white or metallic. Their transparent nature makes them less visible from a distance. They are usually used with lightweight curtain fabrics.
French rods: Instead of possessing finials like other common rods, they are curved inwards to the wall and screwed directly to the wall. This enables them provide more coverage for the space that they are installed. They are suitable for light to medium weight fabrics of curtains. They also come in various diameters. French rods are also referred to as return rods or French return rods.
Ultimately, the design you are hoping to achieve and the type of curtain you will be using are factors to consider when choosing the material of the rod.
