When shopping for drapery rods, you should first to consider the type of curtains you will be using. Finding the correct curtain rod depends on the drapery style, for example, pinch pleat draperies may be used on decorative rods with rings or traverse rods with carriers while grommet draperies can only be used on smaller diameter decorative rods. Ripplefold draperies only function properly when used with decorative traverse rods or basic traverse rods containing Ripplefold carriers.
Begin by selecting the type of rod (wood, metal or wrought iron) and the diameter needed for your space.
The question of whether to use metal or wood drapery hardware is a matter of personal choice. Generally, metal rods give a more contemporary look while wood rods tend toward the traditional. Finial choice can also affect the look and feel of a rod.
“Diameter” refers to the width of the cross section of the rod. For most installations 1 3/8” rods are sufficient, however, rooms with a ceiling height of 10 feet or more may benefit from the hefty look of a 2” diameter pole.
After selecting the diameter of the pole, choose the length. Some metal poles are telescopic, meaning the rods are made of two or more sections that slide to reach any length within a range. For example, a 66 – 120” rod could be set at any point from 66” wide all the way up to 120”.
Fixed-width poles may also be used. These rods are made in one piece at a specified length, for example, 6 feet long. When selecting a fixed-width rod, choose a size option the same size you need or longer. Fixed-width rods can be cut down by you or your installer if you need a shorter rod. If you need a rod wider than offered, these rods can be joined together to make longer rods. Please note that anytime a pole is “spliced,” a bracket must be placed under the joint for external support.
The size of your window and the type rod you select will determine the number of brackets needed. Here are a few guidelines:
Kirsch 1 3/8” Wood Trends Poles: Two brackets are sufficient for a rod up to 60” in length. We recommend a third bracket placed in the center for poles over 60”. When joining two wood poles with a wood pole connector screw, a bracket must also be placed under the joint for support.
Kirsch 2” Wood Poles: Two brackets are sufficient up to a width of 96”. Many customers prefer to use a center bracket at 96”, whether for aesthetics or as additional support. We recommend a center bracket for 2” Wood Poles over 96”. As with 1 3/8” wood rods, if Wood Rods are joined with a connector screw to make longer rods, a bracket must be placed beneath the joint for support.
Designer Metals 1 3/8” Poles: All Designer Metals telescoping poles come with brackets. Additional brackets will not be necessary unless you need bypass brackets and rings which allow you to move the drapery from one end of the rod to the other. If this is the case, you will need to make sure the bypass bracket style matches the end bracket style for the brackets to work properly, for example, if you choose Designer Metals Decorative Bypass Brackets, the end brackets should be Designer Metals Decorative Brackets. Designer Metals Fixed-Width Poles do not come with brackets. We suggest using two brackets for widths up to 60” and three brackets for widths up to 96”. Fixed-Width Rods can be splice using Internal Rod Splices and must use a bracket under the splice.
Kirsch Wrought Iron 1” and 1 3/8” Poles: Like the 2” Wood Poles, Wrought Iron 1” and 1 3/8” poles can span up to 96” using 2 brackets. Rods over 96” will require an Internal Rod Splice with a bracket underneath for external support.
Finials and endcaps are used to finish the ends of a rod. Finials are generally a more decorative option. Styles vary and should be chosen to enhance the room décor. Finials come in several different sizes and diameters. It is best to check the product page for any finial to be sure the finial will fit in the space allowed.
Endcaps are usually small and simple solutions for decorating the ends of the rods. Endcaps are most often flat disks slightly wider than the rod and only about 1” in length.
In addition to the decorative nature, finials and endcaps provide a stop to keep rings from sliding off the rod ends.
Rings are only necessary for use on decorative rods with pleated and flat panel draperies. Grommet panels, rod pocket, tab or back tab drapery styles do not require rings.
For pleated drapery, count the number of pleats and add one additional ring for the lead edge to determine the number needed. Flat panel draperies will need a ring at the lead edge and every 4 – 6” along the width of the drapery panel.
Determining the type of drapery hardware you will need for the style of drapery you are using should not be too confusing if you follow a few simple guidelines:
Generally, the style of drapery you have chosen will dictate the rod type. Some drapery styles, such as Grommet Panels, Rod Pocket, Tab Top, or Back Tab draperies can only be used on rods without rings. These rods can be basic or decorative but they must be of a size that will accommodate the drapery.
Grommet draperies have a series of reinforced holes along the top edge of the fabric panel. The rod will thread into these holes and must measure smaller that the inside diameter of the openings. Rods with a diameter of 1” or 1 3/8” work best with most grommet sizes. Decorative rods with finials are a good choice because the rod will be visible when this type of drapery is used.
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Rod pocket draperies are flat panels that have a channel or tunnel stitched close to the top of the panel. They can be used on basic adjustable rods or decorative rods. Ideally, the rods should measure 1” in diameter for most rod pocket applications. An important item to remember: when using a round rod for rod pockets, the channel through which the rod runs must be at least twice the diameter of the rod. For example, a 1” diameter rod would fit into a rod pocket which measures 2” from the channel’s top stitching line to the bottom stitching line. A 1 3/8” rod would require the pocket to measure no less than 2 2/4” ( 2 x 1 3/8” = 2 ¾”).
Tab Top and Back Tab drapery styles are essentially flat panels with loops of fabric sewn either to the top (Tab Top) or behind the upper edge (Back Tab). Tab Top, like Grommet Panels, are best installed on a decorative rod with finials since the rod is always visible. Back Tab draperies are very versatile and can use either decorative or basic drapery rods because the rods remain hidden behind the panel.
Pleated drapes can be displayed using traverse rods or decorative rods with rings. Drapery pins or hooks are attached into the back of each pleat. The hook is then threaded into an eyelet at the bottom of a drapery ring or into a carrier in a traverse rod. In either case, the placement of the drapery pin should be adjusted so that the top of the drapery panel just touches the bottom of large ring or just below the traverse rod.
Ripplefold Draperies
Ripplefold draperies are custom-made draperies that 'snap' into carriers on a Ripplefold drapery rod. The drapery and rod must be an exact match. Ripplefold draperies are offered in four fullnesses: 60% (1.6:1 of rod width), 80% (1.8:1 of rod width), 100% (2:1 of rod width), and 120% (2.2:1 of rod width). Ordering Ripplefold draperies and rods can be complicated. Feel free to call us with any questions.
When you begin with a specific drapery style in mind, choosing the drapery hardware becomes much easier. Call the Customer Service Team at DRD. We're happy to help with all of your drapery and hardware related questions.
Looking beyond the box stores, you'll discover a wealth of drapery hardware styles and finishes to perfectly suit your room — not to mention quality far above and beyond common retailers.
Mass marketed commodity curtains, drapery hardware, and curtain rod sets are a cost-effective option for those looking to add window treatments to their home. These products can be found at most big box stores and home improvement centers, and they come in a variety of styles and finishes to match different decor.
The one advantage big box stores have over custom products is price. For those on a tight budget, this is an option. Unfortunately this lower price comes with some significant drawbacks.
In fact, box store and hardware centers can sometimes come with such serious drawbacks that Business Insider cites an expert that recommends that you should not buy curtain panels from a box store. Changes in leadership and the altering of business models means that it may be increasingly difficult finding replacement parts and matching styles as box stores go out of business.
Box store window treatments are often mass-produced and may lack the quality offered in custom options. These products are often less durable and more prone to breaking. Additionally, the selection of styles and finishes is often quite limited, making it difficult to find a product that matches your specific decor or personal taste. Even if you do fine something that meets your requirements, stlyes often change and you may not be able to find options from the same style for future projects.
Custom drapery hardware is made to order and can be tailored to fit the specific needs and style of your home. These products are typically made from higher quality materials and are more durable and long-lasting than box store options. They may also come with innovative features including motorization and Android control options which can make customization a more desirable option.
Custom drapery hardware is made to order, which means it can be tailored to fit the specific dimensions and needs of your home. This is particularly useful if you have unusually sized or shaped windows that may not be accommodated by standard-sized box store products.
Custom drapery hardware is typically made from higher quality materials and is more durable and long-lasting than commodity options. For metal hardware, products such as Menagerie's French Rods and Casa Artistica are powder-coated to be rust resistant and to maintain their finish for years to come.
Custom drapery hardware is often available with additional features, such as motorization or smart app control. They can also be custom configured to meet your unique needs, such as draw direction, batons or cord pull. In case you desire two layers of curtain panels: double rods allow you to frame sheer drapery with black-out drapery side panels.
Custom drapery hardware manufactuers, such as Menagerie, provide a knowledgeable customer service staff that are available to answer questions and provide assistance.
Manufacturers of custom window treatments and drapery hardware have a history of producing quality merchandise and unique hand-finished styling. Menagerie has been fabricating quality custom window treatments for 24 years. You will be able to obtain experienced support from our knowledgeable staff on all of the many window treatments options that are offered.
Our friendly associates have decades of knowledge and would be more than happy to speak to you. You may live chat with us right here on our website or, alternatively, give us a ring at (407) 339- during our business hours of 9am - 5pm M-F.
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If you want to learn more, please visit our website Drapery Hardware Manufacturers.