How to Pick the Correct Drapery Rod

A drapery rod is responsible for holding your drapes up over your windows.  Some are completely hidden so that your drapes will be the center of attention while others are decorative and enhance the overall look of your drapes by adding to their color or style.  They are available in both metal and wood.  With so many choices, there are certain things to take into consideration to find the right ones for you.

• Think about the window treatment itself.  If you have sheer curtains or drapes, you will need to use either two separate rods or a dual rod.  A valance will also require an additional rod.  Whenever you use sheers, drapes and a valance together you will need three rods or one single and one dual rod.


• Whenever you are hanging heavy curtains, you will need to use a traverse rod.  Your drapes will be hung on slides that are attached to the rod with drapery hooks.  The rod itself will have a pulley system to allow you to open and close your drapes. 


• Use a double traverse rod whenever you are adding sheers beneath your outer drapes.  Then you will be able to close the drapes or have them open revealing your sheers or having everything all open at once.


• If you are hanging slide tab top, rod pocket or large grommet topped drapes, use a rod with decorative finials.  They are available in a variety of sizes so you will want to make sure to purchase the correct diameter. Wood and metal finials on the ends are great for enhancing your room's decor while also holding the drapes on the rod.


• A crane rod (one that swings outward away from your window) will work only if you have enough room on your wall for the rod to lie flat against it.  Use one crane rod on a small window and two on a bigger window. 


• Regardless of what type of rod you choose, it must be able to hold the weight of the fabric without bending or breaking.


• If you are using a long rod, make sure to add a bracket in the middle for additional support.


• Make sure you use the right tools to install your brackets so as not to damage the wall.  This is especially important if you have brick or plaster walls.


• For a professional look, steam or press them before hanging them.  If your drapes are too long, hem the bottom of them.