How to Select Curtain Rods
Fixed Length Curtain Rods
We have many different fixed curtain rod options available, such as wood, metal, wrought iron and even clear acrylic rods.
Determine the length required for your specific window span. Learn how to measure for curtain rods.
Determine the preferred diameter of the rod. The diameters available depend on the material of the rod.
- Wood curtain rod diameter choices are 1 3/8”, 1 3/4”, 2”, 2 1/4”, 2 3/4” and 3”
- Metal and Wrought Iron curtain rod diameter choices are 1/2”, 3/4”, 5/8”, 7/8”, 1”, 1 1/8”, 1 1/4”, 1 1/2”, 1 9/16”, 2” and 3”
Fixed length rods are available in set lengths usually, 4 feet, 6 feet, 8 feet, 12 feet. Some specialty collections also offer 10 feet, 14 feet, and 16 feet.
Longer poles can also be cut down by you or your installer (or us upon request) to fit your specific length requirement. If you need a pole longer than what is offered, the fixed length rods can be "spliced" or joined together to create a longer pole.
Determine which style will best suit your décor and the design concept you wish to execute. Or, you can send us an email or give us a ring and we can help you decide; our experts are always eager to help!
Adjustable Length Curtain Rods - Spring Tension Rods
Spring tension rods do not require any screws or brackets to stay in place and are held in place by a pressured spring that is compressed to fit the required area.
Much like you would do to select a fixed rod, you need to determine the length required and your preferred diameter as a first step in choosing your spring tension curtain rod
These rods are best for lightweight curtains as this is usually the least sturdy of the rod options available.
The longest spring tension rod available s 84 inches, and this limit is imposed by design. Anything longer becomes very unstable and is prone to sagging in the middle as center brackets are not available for these types of rods.
If you are set on using a spring tension rod and the required length is under 100 inches, we have some suggestions. Give us a ring or send us an email and we will get you set!
Adjustable Length Curtain Rods - Telescoping Rods
Telescoping curtain rods are adjustable length mounted with brackets and can be decorative or non-decorative. The most common non-decorative option of a telescoping rod is a basic traversing rod. Telescoping rods offer flexibility when covering different spans of windows. For example, if you have three windows sizes 72 inches wide, 90 inches wide and 108 inches wide, a telescoping rod with a range of 66 – 120 inches would work for all three windows.
These rods can cover spans as small as 24 inches and as large as 270 inches. Basic traversing rods can cover spans up to 300 inches.
Telescoping rods are best suited for lightweight to medium weight drapery. Heavier drapery and lined drapery tend to be too heavy for telescoping rods, and are better suited for fixed length rods that can handle heavier window treatments.
Sold in boxed sets, telescoping curtain rods come with all the parts necessary for installation and are a great option for when working on a budget!
CWF PRO TIP: Splicing fixed length rods
- Fixed rods can be spliced to achieve custom lengths to cover extra-long spans of windows or doors. With the appropriate use of splices and adequate bracket support, the custom options are very accommodating!
- When doing so, remember, any time you are joining two rods with a center connector, whether an internal splice or a connector screw, the connection point MUST BE supported by a bracket. You wouldn’t want your beautiful rods and draperies to end up on the floor, now would you?
- Choose to splice your long curtain rods (rods over 108 inches) to save on shipping. Curtain rods longer than 9 feet (108 inches) cannot be shipped via a common carrier and will have to be shipped via freight truck, causing an additional freight expense. Freight charges can range from $75 up to $250+.