Window dressing can make a massive impact on a home: it frames the windows and adds softness, colour, texture and pattern to a room. But window dressing does not only consist of curtains: the curtain poles have a huge impact on the overall look as well. There is a large variety of curtain poles, tracks and finials available and knowing what to choose, can be a daunting task. Let’s break curtain hardware down for you!
Poles
Curtain poles are perfect for both formal and informal rooms. They can be used with rings or with eyelet curtains that slide directly onto the pole. Curtain pole thicknesses vary from 16mm all the way to 93mm so that you can create a variety of looks.
Finishes include brass, chrome, pewter, dark and light woods, solid painted colours, beaten copper and cast iron.
You also get clip-on poles that look like a pole, but that has a track installed behind it. This is great when you want to use curtains without rings. The Alumina range by Finishing Touches has a track integrated into the pole itself, making it even simpler.
Finials
Finials are the bits that you fit onto the end of a curtain pole. Finial styles are practically endless: metals, glass, acrylic, wood. And they are fashioned into all kinds of designs and shapes to suit different styles of décor.
Brackets
A curtain pole will usually have a matching bracket, so there isn’t much to worry about here. If however, you want to hang a double layer of window dressing, like a sheer and a dress curtain, then you will need to choose your curtain pole based on the bracket.
There are lightweight cup brackets for 16mm poles, up to heavy-duty brackets for the thicker poles. For poles longer than 1.2m or heavy curtains like those with blackout lining, you will need to install a central bracket as well to prevent the pole from sagging. Ask your sales assistant to suggest the most appropriate one for your needs.
Also, consider whether your curtain pole will be installed on a back or a side wall. Not all poles have the option of end brackets, so if you require them, you will have to choose your bracket first.
Pelmet Pole
I have written about pelmet poles before, but they really are a great invention. It has the look of a wooden pelmet, with the functionality of a double track. They come in a variety of finishes to match the room.
Extendable & Telescopic Poles
Fitted with spring-rods, these are perfect for when you have a bit of a space constraint and want to install a curtain inside the window recess. Extendable rods are perfect for non-standard window widths, and they don’t need to be cut down to fit.
Happy Decorating!
This post is sponsored by Finishing Touches.