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What are Different Types of Curtain Rods?

Shannon Kietzman
Shannon Kietzman

There are several different types of curtain rods that can be used to hang curtains. Perhaps the most well known type are the spring-rods, which are also called spring tension-rods or simply tension-rods. Spring-rods are the easiest of all types to install, and installation does not require any special type of hardware. This is because these curtain rods are capable of holding themselves up through the use of a spring that pushes the ends of the rods outward. As such, spring-rods mount directly to the sill of the window or to the molding or trim around it.

Magnetic rods are more decorative, yet they are still quite simple to install. Like spring-rods, magnetic rods hold themselves in place. Rather than using a spring, they make use of a magnet. These curtain rods are more expensive than spring-rods and require a metal windowsill in order to work. Some homeowners who do not have a metal windowsill choose to glue magnetic rods in place instead.

Spring-rods are the easiest of all types to install, and installation does not require any special type of hardware.
Spring-rods are the easiest of all types to install, and installation does not require any special type of hardware.

Sash-rods are a third style. They are thinner than other types of curtain rods and are also quite decorative. These are intended to be placed slightly above the top of the window, and the curtain should hang slightly below the bottom. For this reason, homeowners choosing to use these curtain rods must purchase a curtain that is longer than the actual window.

Iron curtain rods tend to contrast well with white, pastel or neutral colored curtains.
Iron curtain rods tend to contrast well with white, pastel or neutral colored curtains.

Another option are cafe sash-rods. These rods are similar to sash-rods, but larger in circumference. In addition, they are intended to stick out from the wall slightly, rather than lying flat against the surface like sash-rods. Like sash-rods, they are meant to be used with curtains that start slightly above the window and end slightly below it.

Curtain rods are also available in a variety of colors, though the most common colors are brass finish, white, and ivory. In addition, they can be made from wood, vinyl, or metal. The type of material used does not necessarily indicate its quality. Rather, craftsmanship plays a large role in the durability and attractiveness of curtain rods.

Discussion Comments

andee

I really like the look of some of the newer contemporary curtain rods. They add so much more than a regular white, metal rod. You can find them in many different finishes, with accents that will fit any theme or decor you have.

A decorative curtain rod with a simple curtain panel can make a nice statement in any room. I like using the curtain rods with tabbed curtains that are easy to install and remove when needed.

julies

We installed a curved shower curtain rod in our shower which we just love. We have a walk in shower and this seems to add so much more room to the space you have available.

Although it was a little bit more expensive to buy this than a regular shower curtain rod, I think it was well worth the extra money.

John57

I always find window treatment challenging and expensive, and have never liked working with the curtain rod brackets. When we moved a few years ago, I decided to just go with a valance at the top and blinds covering the rest of the window.

I went with a simple tension rod to hang my valance and the blinds were not that hard to install. They are easy to open and close for privacy and to either open to let the light in, or close to keep out the sun.

anon184997

A curtain rod article where the term 'traverse rod' does not appear is not complete.

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    • Spring-rods are the easiest of all types to install, and installation does not require any special type of hardware.
      By: belikov
      Spring-rods are the easiest of all types to install, and installation does not require any special type of hardware.
    • Iron curtain rods tend to contrast well with white, pastel or neutral colored curtains.
      By: LoloStock
      Iron curtain rods tend to contrast well with white, pastel or neutral colored curtains.