Choosing custom window treatments for your home is undeniably a smart investment. Yet, many overlook the importance of investing in quality drapery hardware. Subpar hardware can be flimsy and fail to support the weight of your custom treatments. Fortunately, there is a broad range of options available for custom drapery hardware. Let’s explore the 5 drapery hardware basic components that are essential considerations when selecting the right hardware for your drapery needs.
Drapery Rods:
Drapery rods, also known as curtain rods, are essential for showcasing your curtains beautifully. Available in various diameters to match your decor style, modern designs typically feature rods between 1/2″ to 1″, while traditional styles use rods ranging from 1 3/8″ to 2 1/4″. For a high-end, luxurious appearance, many prefer 3″ drapery rods. These rods come in materials such as metal, steel, aluminum, and wood, allowing you to choose the perfect option to complement your interior design.
Finials:
Finials are to drapery hardware what icing is to a cake—essential and decorative. These ornamental pieces, placed at the ends of curtain rods, allow you to express your unique style and personal taste. With a wide array of designs available, from luxurious glass or crystal finials to classic motifs like fleur de lis, acorns, and birds, there is something for everyone’s preference. Even simple designs, such as balls or small end caps, are available. Beyond their decorative appeal, finials also serve a practical purpose by preventing drapery rings from sliding off the rods.
Brackets:
To mount a curtain rod on your wall, you’ll need brackets. While basic designs are common, there are also decorative options available. These brackets come with various projections, allowing you to choose how far the curtains will extend from the wall. For layering window treatments, double brackets are an excellent choice. As a general guideline, use one bracket for every four feet of drapery rod.
Rings:
Rings are essential for hanging pleated drapery panels on a rod. However, if you have rod pocket or grommet curtain panels, rings are unnecessary. Drapery pins are installed on the back of the drapery panels and inserted into the bottom hole of the curtain rings. Typically, you’ll need seven rings for each single-width drapery panel.
Holdbacks:
Curtain holdbacks are decorative and functional accessories used to hold curtains open, allowing natural light to enter the room and providing an elegant touch to window treatments. Typically installed on either side of a window, holdbacks can be made from various materials such as metal, wood, or fabric, and come in numerous designs to complement different interior styles. They are particularly useful for framing views, enhancing room aesthetics, and making it easy to adjust curtains throughout the day.
F.A.Q.’s
Where do you hang curtain hardware?
Curtain hardware is typically hung in the following locations:
- Above the window frame, a few inches higher for a more spacious look.
- Inside the window frame for a tailored appearance.
- On the ceiling for dramatic effect and to create the illusion of height.
What are drapery pins?
Drapery pins are small, metal hooks used to hang curtains. They attach to the fabric’s top edge and hook onto curtain rings, rods, or tracks, providing a neat and uniform drape. These pins are often used with pinch pleat, pencil pleat, and other pleated curtain styles for a professional finish.
How many drapery rings per 50 inch panel?
For a 50 inch panel you will need 13 drapery pins with a 4 inch space in between each pleat.
Should curtains touch the floor?
Curtains should ideally touch the floor for a polished look. The three main options are:
- Floor-length: Just touches the floor.
- Puddling: Extends slightly onto the floor for a luxurious feel.
- Hovering: Hangs just above the floor for easy cleaning.
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