Drapery hardware can be a little tricky but it doesn’t have to be difficult. With some help from LC Window Treatments, you can have beautiful window treatments AND stunning drapery hardware.

​When drapes and hardware are selected and installed correctly, your entire living space will be upgraded to a whole new level of beauty and sophistication. The hardware is not only a fashion accent for your room, it is also functional. There are many variables to consider before you choose your hardware. Here are a few tips:

WHAT IS DRAPERY HARDWARE?

The term drapery hardware refers to several items— drapery rod, wall brackets, curtain rings, finials or end caps, and decorative or standard traverse rails. These components allow your draperies to function well and provide a beautiful finishing touch. Whether you are looking for a contemporary look or a more traditional style, there are many options to choose from.

AVOID BIG BOX OFF THE SHELF HARDWARE

Custom draperies should be hung on custom hardware, which is significantly different than the mass market stocked hardware that you see in stores. With custom draperies on mass market hardware, rods sag and brackets bend because they simply can not support the weight of custom draperies. Custom draperies tend to be heavier due to their use of high-quality fabrics and linings and more fabric fullness per panel.

​You should never use telescoping rods which usually have problems with sagging. Also, the bump in the middle where the telescoping rods meet cheapens the look and the rings get stuck on the bump when trying to open or close the draperies. It might sound convenient to have adjustable rods, but they will sag and they are not at all attractive with exposed screws and cheap looking brackets.

CONSIDER THE FUNCTION

Think about how you want the draperies to function? Will they be installed over a window, or a door? Do you want them to be stationary and purely decorative, or do you want to open and close them on a regular basis? These factors will determine what type of rods will be best for you.

If the drapes are very long, then you may need a traverse rod with a cord or baton that will allow you to open and close the drapes. Motorized rods are also available. Traverse rods are also great for when wall mounting the rod is not an option. Hanging drapes from the ceiling is very on trend and can help with problems like by passing molding that protrudes from wall or heating elements that are below the window. Traverse rods can be decorative or have a more utilitarian look.

Traverse rods have clips or eyes that move along a track embedded in a slot in the rod. The eyes have a small opening for the curtain pins or fasteners and they’ll run evenly across the rod, with the number of eyes dependent on how long the rod is.

Traditional drapery rods can be used with rings or if you’d like to go with no rings then drapes with grommets or tabs are an option.

Need a curved rod or a corner rod? We have those too!

If you do not need the draperies to close, then for stationary panels you may consider short rods on either side of a large window.

​CHOOSE THE SIZE OF THE DRAPERY ROD

Our custom rods come in many diameters - 5/8”, 7/8”, 1 1/4”,
1 3/4”, and 2”. The 7/8” and 1 1/4” diameter are the most popular. All the custom rods we have available are very sturdy, but if the rod has an expanse of more than ten feet, it’s better to go with a thicker rod. If the window is four feet or less, the thickness of the rod shouldn't matter.

​Make sure to select a rod that also works with the scale of the room. Larger diameters look great with high ceilings to fit the proper scale of the space.

SELECT THE STYLE OF THE DRAPERY ROD

Look around your room at your decor and the wood, metal, and painted finishes. Choose a rod style and finish that complements and balances out the elements present in your room. Use a mix of textures to create depth and interest.

Metal rods are very popular right now in matte or satin black, antique brass, polished chrome, nickel, brushed gold, and oil rubbed bronze.

Wood rods are also showing up in washed or light oak finishes with the grain showing that can work well with beach/coastal decor. Wood rods in darker finishes are perfect for a traditional formal look.

French rods with ends that curve back towards the wall are popular right now. French rods mix traditional with casual that fits perfectly with modern farmhouse decor.

Finials on the end if the rod are like jewelry, there are so many styles to choose from. For a simpler look choose an end cap instead of a finial.
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Are you looking for a sleeker look than curtain rings? Grommets have been a popular choice for draperies for years because they offer a more modern look. Grommets come in a variety of sizes and colors so they are easily worked into any decor. Grommets allow the fabric to fall into folds creating a beautiful look from the top of the drape to the bottom of the drape.

​One option we don’t love - rings with clips. Who wants to see an ugly clip when there are much more attractive options available!

There are so many more design choices and finish colors in custom rod hardware products than the stock rods you can find in stores. The beauty and functionality that will last for years make these rods more than a worthwhile investment in your home.
While the number of styles, colors, etc. can be overwhelming, LC Window Treatments can help you get the look you want—and the functionality you need.
As experts in drapery hardware, we at LC Window Treatments are here to help you make the right decisions when purchasing hardware for your draperies. Call us today for an in home consultation 628-400-1665