Curtain Rods & Curtain Poles

Curtain rods do more than just hold up your curtains, they are a feature themselves and can give regular curtain fabric a whole new look and style.

The difference between using curtain poles instead of plain old curtain tracks is it allows you to choose from a whole range of curtain heading styles like eyelet curtains for that contemporary modern look, or a slim line pleat for a more traditional look.

A good quality curtain pole really makes a feature of your windows and enhances the entire look of the room. Combined with stylish curtain rings and other accessories your curtains will really be a talking point!

Depending on where you are purchasing your curtains and accessories from you can often get a kit set package which includes your curtain pole, brackets and curtain rings.

This is usually only an option if you're choosing fairly standard items. If you want something a bit more custom then you'd be better off buying the items individually.

Buying Your Curtain Rods

Selecting a Curtain Rod
Unless you have an unusual shaped window, most curtain rods come in standard sizes usually around 120cm, 150cm and 180cm. Made sure you choose a rod that leaves sufficient space on either side of the window for your curtains to stack back.

If you have longer or shorter windows the poles can generally be cut shorter or joined together with connectors to fit your window.

Curtain Rod Brackets
The average size window will need two brackets, one at each end of the curtain pole. For windows 180cm and wider you will need a third bracket for the center.

Curtain Rings
You would normally match your curtain ring to whatever material your curtain pole is made from, so if you have a metal pole, you'd get metal rings.

You need one ring for every 10cms, so a 120cm pole would require 12 curtain rings.

Firstly you need to choose whether you are going to hang your curtains from above the window or from the window frame. Normally they are hung from above the window.

With a measuring tape, measure first the full width of the window (including frame) as shown in the diagram below (A). 

The measure an extra 15cm on each side of the window frame (B) this allows for the room your curtains take when drawn back.

If you're having a decorative end cap (finial) on the ends of the poles, make sure you have enough space for those too.

Once you've measured for your curtain rods and attached the brackets to the wall, it's now time to hang your curtains.

If you're having standard pleated curtains, you need to attach the curtain hook into the eye of the curtain ring. Once you have all the rings attached slide them onto the curtain pole and attach the finial.

You can now enjoy your brand new curtains complete with stunning curtain rods and accessories!