Types of curtain rods and how to install them

Asha Bogenfuerst Asha Bogenfuerst
Living room revamp ( 1b + h + k ), The inside stories - by Minal The inside stories - by Minal Minimalist living room Plywood
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Curtains are a very important item in the decoration of the residences, not important what the style is. From classic to futuristic, curtains are present to compose the design and fulfill its protective role against excessive light. Therefore, the way the curtains are arranged in the windows also needs special attention.

When it comes to choosing curtain rod types there can be some doubts. What is the best model? What about size and color? Simple model or double rod for curtain? Are the rails still used? To answer these and other questions, we've come up with this idea book that will help you make the right choice. See what you need to take into consideration.

Advantages of the curtain rod

The rod has been used for many years as a support for curtains because of the practicality it offers to put on and take off the curtains at the time of washing. 

Incidentally, if you still remember the aluminium curtain rail, know that it has fallen into disuse. The reason is that, in addition to the lack of practicality, it is not pretty, needing a crown or a corsetter to hide it. 

The modern aluminum rail replacement is the Swiss Rail, a more beautiful model, which does not need to be hidden and is especially used in curtains going up to the ceiling. However, it is still not as practical as the curtain rod. 

One more advantage is that while the Swiss Rail is only recommended for curtains that reach the ceiling, the curtain rod can be installed just inches above the curtain or also go up to the ceiling, the choice is yours. 

The installation of the rod is practical, be it simple or double, as you will only need a bracket on each side and perhaps one in the center, depending on the size of the window. In addition, there are so many models of curtain rods that satisfy every style of decoration, from classic to modern. 

For more information, please refer to our article titled 8 essential curtain styles for Indian homes.

Types of curtain support

Now that you know about the advantages of choosing curtain rods, it is good to know which major models exist. There was a time when it was more common to use the same types of curtain rod brackets throughout the house to create a visual pattern. But nowadays, the freedom and versatility of the modern lifestyle allows you to use specific types in each room. For example, chrome curtain rod in the living room, pressure rod for the kitchen curtain, double holder for curtain rod in bedrooms and so on. Even the choice of curtain rod tip can vary, which is the finish on the sides of the rod. 

Incidentally, if you do not know what a pressure rod is, it is a model that does not need to stick to the wall to install. But in that case make sure that it will withstand the weight of your curtain.

There are also differences in the thickness of the rod. The choice will depend on two factors. First, the design. A rod with a thicker diameter is ideal for more rustic decorations, while the finer ones are for more sophisticated and delicate decorating styles. The second factor is with respect to the total weight of the fabric of the curtain, since the rod will need to be able to support it. 

So, knowing these details, the general rule is that the part matches the environment and has the functionality you want. It's that simple.

For more information, here are 5 tips for buying curtains.

What is the best size of curtain rod?

This is a variable issue, because although there is a certain standard for the size of the windows, it will not necessarily be so. Hence, the rods follow a pattern, which is no more than 6 feet long. But you may need to adapt the size of them to fit in your window.

In this case it is common for the store itself to make this adaptation by cutting the rod, as long as you know the measure you need. But do not worry, there are smaller rods, ready for standard window sizes. 

This right size involves height and width. The idea is for the curtain to cover the entire window space. So, first, the rod needs to be 10 to 15 centimeters longer on each side in relation to the size of the window. 

If you want to cover an entire wall, where the window occupies most of the space, then follow the same rule or the bar. It should be practically the size of the wall, leaving room for you to easily place or remove it.

For more inspiration, here are 8 brilliant curtain ideas for your home.

When is the best time to install the rod?

The correct height will depend on the installation you make. If your window is too small with too much wall left on all sides, the curtain should only cover the window so that it is proportional. You can place the bar 20 centimeters up the window, 10 or 15 centimeters longer for each side and the curtain should be about 10 to 20 centimeters below the window. 

If you have a window that is proportional to the wall, install the rod midway between the top of the window and the ceiling. So it is neither too high nor too low. In this case, the rule for the sides remains the same, from 10 to 15 centimeters  for each side beyond the size of the window. 

The ideal is that the curtain reaches almost to the floor, but without dragging. If you do not want the curtain to reach the floor, it should follow the same length pattern as the top, becoming proportional.

If you have a window that is proportional to the size of the wall, neither too high nor too low, you can create an elongated effect by placing the curtain from the roof wheel up there at the end of the wall. In this case the curtain should also reach the floor. 

We hope to have clarified your main doubts about the curtain rod. Now you just have to take measurements from your window and the wall to buy a rod that is proportional to your space. If you still have questions when decorating, talk to a professional in interior design to ensure the right choice.

For more ideas like this, please also read our article titled dress your windows in spectacular style.

Which type of curtain rods do you prefer and why? 

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