Types of Curtain Rods

To choose the right rod, consider the room that it’s going in, the size of the window, how heavy the curtain panels are and whether they are going to be taken down frequently to be washed, and if you want a single or double layer of curtains.

Decorative Curtain Rod

A decorative single curtain rod is available in countless styles, sizes and finishes, and is a great way to add an extra decorative touch to your windows. This type of rod is often extendable to fit a range of window sizes and common materials include wood, brass, iron or brushed nickel to name just a few. What makes it unique are the finials on either end of the rod, which come in many shapes and sizes, from sleek, minimalist ones to more ornate and vintage-style ones, and even kids’ themed finials.

Tension Rod

A tension rod, sometimes also referred to as a cafe curtain rod, differs from other standard curtain rods, because it is not a permanent fixture that needs to be screwed into a wall, ceiling or window. Similar to a shower curtain rod you would use in a bathroom, this type of rod is adjustable in length and stays in place by tightly fitting between two walls, or in this case, either side of the window frame. A tension rod is best suited for lightweight curtains used on small windows, such as classic cafe curtains on a kitchen window.

Double Curtain Rod

A double curtain rod is similar in style to a classic decorative rod, except that it consists of two rods to allow you to layer two types of window treatments on one window. It consists of two rods, the front one sometimes being thicker and more ornate. The main benefit of using a double rod is that you can use both sheer curtains as well as thicker panels at the same time, which is especially helpful on very sunny days as well as during the cold winter months.

Traverse Curtain Rod

Traverse curtain rods have built-in clips that attach to loops on the back of your curtain panel, and a mechanism in the interior of the rod that allows the panel to slide when you open or shut the curtains. This type of rod can be hung on the wall or ceiling and comes in a single or double design, depending on whether you want a single layer of panels or want to layer two curtain types together.

Motorized Curtain Rod

The most modern of all the curtain rod types, a motorized rod may make you think of an upscale hotel decorated in a contemporary style. This type of rod is becoming a more popular choice for homeowners, both for its sleek look as well as the convenience. It’s remote-operated, so you can open and close your living room or bedroom curtains from the comfort of your sofa or bed, and some higher-end models also come with voice control options.