Hi guys, we are back with a post on Curtain Hardware and what you need to know to complete the look.
Previously, we discussed the various curtain headers in our post, Various Curtain Headers. Now, we are looking at what you need to know about the various curtain hardware, out there on the market.
Curtain Poles add an element of style to your window finishers. Poles are available in various lengths, colors and sizes. So you are able to select poles in the color that compliments your wall color or curtaining.
POLES / RODS
Wooden Poles
Wooden Poles are usually finished with finials at each end. As mentioned previously, poles, finials and rings can be painted, oiled, waxed or stained.
Lightweight Rods
A variety of materials can be used as lightweight rods. As examples, wooden dowels, plastic net rods and brass cafe rods. These rods are ideal for sheers and lace curtains set inside small windows.
Metal Poles
These rods and rings are generally made of brass, iron and steel. These items can be painted in a variety of colors and textures.
Faux Poles
This is an amazing way to mask a track with runners. Called a Half Round, this beautifully hides your tracks and allows for a wide range of curtain headers to be used. Resembling a pole in either wood or metal, tracks or even Roman Blind Head rails can be fixed to the Half Round by clips or screws.
TRACKS
Track consist of rails and runners. Curtain hooks are hooked onto the runner, which slides along the rail when the curtain is opened or closed. Tracks are very useful where the space allowed for hanging is limited. Tracks are versatile as they can be bent for use in Bay windows and for a continuous flow from one window to another where a corner is used for stacking. A track can be easily cut to the required size and can be bought in kits or separately.
Metal Tracks
Metal Tracks are strong and they last longer. These tracks are best suited for heavy drapery. Metal tracks are usually painted in an enamel paint.
Plastic Tracks
Plastic Tracks are cheaper and best suited for sheers or light weight curtains. These can also be bent around corners, but only those Plastic Tracks with a metal center. They usually come in white and cannot be painted with much success.
ACCESSORIES
Rings
Rings are made of Plastic or Metal. Plastic Rings are lightweight and easy to maintain. These rings are available in limited colors. Metal Rings are durable, heavy and can easily be painted to match the rod. Care must to taken to maintain the paint work of the rod by regular cleaning.
Curtain Clips
Best suited for light weight curtains, these Curtain Clips comprise of a ring with a decorative clip. This is an easy and very inexpensive curtain option, as the curtain fabric doesn’t need a header. Fabric can simply be folded over and clipped.
Hooks
Hooks are made of plastic or metal and slip into the header tape, creating a variety of finishers.
Finials
Finials are the end bits that finish off the look of a pole, be it wood or metal. They are available in various designs ranging from a flat end disc to a more decorative pineapple etc.
Cording Sets
Cording sets are a convenient way to draw delicate or heavy curtains with ease. Sets are bought together with specially made tracks. These can be manually operated or can be motorized.
Draw rods are an inexpensive alternative to cording sets. Made from plastic, it is hooked onto the inside edge of the curtain. The curtain is drawn without touching the curtain.
Well, I hope this post on what you need to know about Curtain Hardware, will assist you with your next project. As you can see, there are many options available on the market. Next time, we will briefly touch on the methods of fixing your rods and rails. I wish you luck with your project. And remember to follow us on social media.