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Curtain rods come in 23 different types and styles. Yes, that many, and it’s probably not the end of it. It’s a good idea to be aware of them all to make the right choice for your window treatments. Read on!
While the most basic types of curtain rods can be reduced to a shortlist of a few categories, there are a lot more styles and designs to choose from. The main types are single or double curtain rods, curved rods, traverse rods, tension rods, and curtain tracks. These cover most of your curtain hanging needs.
But if we want to explore more decor options with curtains and drapes, narrowing it down to just a handful of styles would be a mistake. On top of that, you have a list of curtain rod alternatives too.
So we’ve made this expansive list of all kinds of rods with examples (our site earns a commission from product links.) You can use this list for your inspiration.
Standard Curtain Rods
These are the most common type of curtain rods that you will find at your local hardware store. They are usually made from metal or wood, and they have a standard size. They can be found with hooks on one end or two. The hooks are usually attached using screws.
Some people like these because they are easy to install. However, if you’re looking for something more decorative, then you might prefer a custom-made curtain rod.
Single Curtain Rod
A single curtain rod is similar to a standard curtain rod, but only one hook instead of two. This means that you can hang just one curtain on it.
The advantage of having only one hook is that you don’t need any extra space when hanging the curtain. You can even use this type of curtain rod as an accent piece.
Double Curtain Rods
If you want to hang two curtains on a double curtain rod, then you’ll need two hooks. These hooks are usually located on opposite ends of the rod.
You can choose between a straight or curved design for the double curtain rod. A curved design looks better than a straight one.
This type of curtain rod is best suited for large windows. It’s ideal for dressing up a room and making it look bigger.
Curved Curtain Rods
Curved curtain rods are trendy nowadays. They are great for dressing up a small window. They make the window seem more prominent and give it a modern feel. If you’re planning to buy one for yourself, you should consider buying a curved curtain rod.
There are many available designs and styles. You can choose from a simple curve or a complex curve.
Decorative Curtain Rods
Decorative curtain rods are perfect for dressing up a room. They are usually made out of glass or metal and have a unique shape.
They are often used in bathrooms and bedrooms. Some people choose to decorate their rooms with these types of curtain rods.
Adjustable Curtain Rods
Adjustable curtain rods are designed so that you can adjust them according to your needs.
It’s possible to change the length of the rod by moving the brackets along the rod. This makes it easier to fit the rod into smaller spaces.
You can also adjust the height of the rod by changing the position of the brackets. This allows you to place the curtain anywhere in the room.
You can find adjustable curtain rods in both wooden and metal versions.
Swing Arm Curtain Rods
Swing arm curtain rods are designed to swing open. This enables you to access the curtain without lifting it easily. When closed, they look like regular curtain rods. When opened, they look like a door. You can find swing arm curtain rods in both metal and wooden versions.
Metallic Curtain Rods
Metal curtain rods are made out of aluminum or stainless steel. They are solid and durable. They are also resistant to corrosion.
They are easy to clean. They are available in various sizes and shapes. The best part about these rods is that they are incredibly versatile — they can also be mounted on walls or ceilings.
And because they are sturdy and durable, metal rods are perfect as heavy curtain rods.
Corner Curtain Rods
Corner curtain rods are designed to fit into corners. They come in different sizes and shapes. You can choose from round, square, rectangular, and triangular corner curtain rods. Most of these rods are made out of metal, and they have a standard width. However, some are made out of wood, and they have a wider width.
Custom Curtain Rods
When it comes to custom curtain rods, you can choose from a wide range of options. The most common option is to get a custom-made curtain pole.
These poles are usually made out of steel. They are designed to suit your specific requirements. You can choose from various materials and finishes.
You can also opt for a custom-designed curtain rod. These rods are available in all kinds of materials and finishes.
Continental Curtain Rods
A type of curtain rod used for a stationary valance with a large rod pocket is a continental or flat curtain rod. Continental rods describe drapery rods that are wider than they are tall. They’re sometimes called continental valances.
Designer Curtain Rods
If you want to dress up an entire room, then you need designer curtain rods. These rods are designed specifically for that purpose.
Most of them are made out of stainless steel and aluminum. They come in a variety of styles and colors.
Some of the more expensive ones even have intricate designs etched on them. You can find designer curtain rods in both wood and metal versions.
Electric Curtain Rods
Electric curtain rods are made out of plastic. They are easy to install and operate. They are ideal for small spaces such as bedrooms. They are also great for kids’ rooms.
You can buy electric curtain rods in several different lengths. It’s important to note that they only work when there is a power supply.
Luxury Curtain Rods
A luxury curtain rod is one of the most popular types of curtain rods. They come in many different designs and styles. They are perfect for dressing up a room with style. Some of the more expensive models even feature elegant designs.
You can also find luxury curtain rods in different materials. For instance, some of them are made from plastic, while others are made of wood or metal.
Plastic Curtain Rods
Plastic curtain rods are very durable. They are lightweight and easy to carry around. In addition, they are also inexpensive.
However, they do not last long. They tend to break down over time. If you plan to use them for a more extended period, you should invest in a better quality model.
Tension Curtain Rods
Tension curtain rods are designed to hold curtains in place. They are often used in bathrooms and bedrooms. They are made out of either wood or metal. They are designed to be installed using screws.
There are two main types of tension curtain rods: single and double. Single tension curtain rods are affordable and straightforward. Double tension curtain rods are more complicated, but they are stronger than their single counterparts.
Tension rods are frequently used for hanging shower curtains.
Wooden Curtain Rods
Wooden curtain rods are among the oldest types of curtain rods. Most people prefer wooden rods because they are sturdy and reliable.
They are also relatively cheap. However, they may get damaged if exposed to water. Wooden rods are also prone to insect infestation.
Aluminum Curtain Rods
Aluminum curtain rods are another type of metallic curtain rod. They are lighter than stainless steel rods. They are also cheaper.
They are considered to be the cheapest option available. Aluminum rods are also easier to mount. They can be hung easily without any tools.
Traverse Curtain Rods
It’s called a “large window curtain rod” because it has a larger diameter than most other types of rods. You can mount them either against the wall or above the ceiling. They’re simple to install, stylish, but they don’t exactly look like drapery hole covers. Metal tracks and carriers are recognizable by their distinctive appearance.
Magnetic Curtain Rods
These are the newest type of curtain rods. They have magnets instead of hooks. This makes them much easier to use. They are also safe as they cannot fall off your windows.
The only downside is that they need a metal surface to hook on.
French Curtain Rods
A French curtain rod is one of the most popular types of curtain rods. It’s usually made out of brass. It comes with an elegant design and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. If you want to make your home appear more luxurious, this is a perfect choice.
Curtain Tracks
Curtain tracks are an essential component when installing curtains for a built-in look. It’s the track where the curtains hang. Curtain tracks come in many designs and styles. Some of them are decorative, while others are functional.
Some of them are made out of plastic, while others are made out of metal. There are also those with magnetic properties. These are the latest trend.
Curtain Rod Brackets
Brackets are used to attach curtain rods to walls. These brackets come in various designs and styles. Some are designed to fit into standard holes, while others are meant explicitly for hanging curtains.
The best thing about these brackets is that they are straightforward to install. All you need to do is screw them onto the wall.
How to Choose the Right Type of Curtain Rods?
When choosing the right type of curtain rod, several factors need to be taken into consideration. First, you need to decide what kind of curtains you want to use. Then, you need to determine whether you want a traditional curtain rod or a modern one.
Traditional curtain rods are usually made out of wood. They are prevalent because they are both elegant and practical. They are great for hanging large-scale drapes.
Modern curtain rods are usually made from metals such as aluminum and stainless steel. They are more durable and functional than wooden ones. They are also designed to withstand heavy loads.
If you want something that looks classy, then you should go for a traditional style. If you want something that will last longer, then you should opt for a modern design.
In addition, you need to consider how long you want your curtains to stay up. A shorter length means that you’ll have to change the rod often. Longer lengths mean that you won’t have to do so often.
Finally, you need to think about how much money you want to spend. Traditional wooden rods cost less than modern ones. However, if you choose a modern rod, you can expect to pay more.
The Takeaway
There are different types of curtain rods available. Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages. When picking the right type of curtain rods, you need to take all these things into account.
FAQ
The main difference between a curtain rod and a drapery rod is that the drapery rod is designed to hold heavier drapes. Otherwise, they are mostly the same.
Standard single curtain rods designed for grommets, pockets, or curtain rings are the easiest to install. They don’t require exact measurements and fit most windows and curtains.
Your curtains may not be hung properly. Make sure that they are tautly attached to the rod. Also, check the tension of the fabric itself.
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