Methods for choosing the best curtain rods include determining the type of decorative and functional effect you want from your window treatment. The best curtain rod will enable you to complete the look you desire while being sturdy enough to stand up to the task of supporting your curtains as they are opened and closed. Choosing the best finishes and materials for your curtain rods is often just a matter of finding items which match your personal preference.
Curtain rods come in a myriad of styles, including single, double and triple rods. A single rod is — as the name implies — an individual rod typically used for hanging either a curtain or a valance. For window treatments with a layered effect, double and triple rods can be used. These one-piece rods are nested within each other and each end requires only one mounting bracket. A double rod is a good choice if you want to use a valance on top of the window and have sheers hanging below, while a triple rod can easily accommodate combinations of valences, curtains and sheers.
Decorative curtain rods are made from a variety of materials, including wrought iron and wood. Wrought iron finishes range from sleek to rustic and include pewter, gold and iron oxide. Wood curtain rods can be selected in a variety of finishes and can be matched to furniture in a room, such as cherry, mahogany and oak varieties. Wood curtain rod poles can have a smooth or fluted exterior, and often have matching finials and rings available. The rods also are available in a variety of lengths and diameters to fit nearly any decorating scheme.
Cafe rods are telescoping poles held out from the wall with brackets. The rod usually sits in the cup-shaped brackets at each end of the rod. The curtain is installed using rings which attach at one end to the top of the curtain and are simply slipped onto the rod. As cafe rods are not flush to the wall, this type of rod often allows light into the room around the edges, which may not be the best choice for a bedroom or area where darkness is coveted.
If you need a curtain that will open with the pull of a string or push of a remote, a traverse rod is typically the best choice. Traverse rods can often support heavy drapes and span large picture windows and sliding doors. It is important to choose the correct type of traverse rods as there are a variety of styles available. For example, a traverse rod can open the curtains in the middle, open left to right or open right to left. In addition to rods that are activated with the pull of a cord, some electric, remote-controlled versions are also available.