Which kind of window covering is best for your window?

So, you’ve finally decided it’s time to pick a window covering.  What’ll it be, blinds, curtains, rods, shades . . . ? The choice can be simple – just flip a coin! – but that may not be so smart. Or you can make a smart choice.

How do you do that? It’s kind of like putting a puzzle together. Once you’ve got all the pieces in place you can see the picture – or window covering, in this case!

There are just a few “pieces” to your window covering puzzle, so let’s take a look at them. The pieces are light control, function and style. First we’ll get the puzzle’s outside edges in place – light control and function. These are the basics, the foundational pieces to help you make that smart choice. Next we’ll place that final piece, style.

Ought to be easy, right? After all, how hard can a three-piece puzzle be? This isn’t a trick question – it really is this easy! So let’s get started.

To begin we’ll ask a few questions about each puzzle piece. Some of your answers will be automatic – you will just know the answer, and won’t have to think about them. Some questions you’ll have to think about – but hey, this isn’t rocket science, and it’s a whole lot easier than a 1000-piece puzzle!

After we’ve answered the questions we’ll be on to our next step . . . uh, well, there really isn’t a next step.  After you’ve answered the questions you’ll have all your answers and will know what kind of window covering you need Curtain Panels, Curtain Rods or Curtain Rings  . . . and the puzzle is done!

So, here we go. Let’s start with light control. This one’s pretty easy, just answer these questions:
•    Is this room used for sleeping?
•    What kind of privacy do you want at night?

Pretty simple, really. For most windows in most settings we want at least a minimum of light control. After all, most of us live in urban or semi-urban settings and we’re more comfortable with keeping our bizness to ourselves.

The next puzzle piece is function. That means we’ll consider all the details in this window. Here are some questions to get you thinking.
•    Is it a really big window or really small?
•    Does it open? If it does, which way and how?
•    Are there any things that will make hanging a window covering difficult, like its proximity to a corner?

Just take a close look at the window to get the whole picture for function.

These are critical answers that will save you from making a bad decision when you pick out your window covering. You know, like when you’re in a store and really fall in love with something and buy it, but when you get it home realize you should have thought it through ‘cause it’s not right for what you wanted. If you’ve answered these questions you should be able to avoid that mistake . . . (unless you’re a hopeless shopaholic…).

Let’s move on. Style. The Big S. The last puzzle piece to put in place, and the fun one. One question: what’s your style? Okay, two questions: what will look great in the room?

Now match these answers up with your answers from the earlier questions and you’re ready to go shopping! So . . . what’re you waiting for? Let’s cover that window!

Window Curtain Rods Selecting the Right Type for Your Window

What difference does it make if your curtain rod is visible or not? A lot! Just like the necklace, scarf or tie you pick to complete your day’s outfit, your choice of curtain rod completes your window covering and complements (hopefully!) your room’s decorating style. A Curtain Rods really has the ability to make or break your whole room’s look.

So let’s take a look at one of the first decisions you’ll make when picking out a new curtain rod: visible or invisible rods. And that requires a clarification: the invisible rods really aren’t totally invisible. The mostly invisible rods are completely covered – invisible – only when the drapes or curtains are closed. When your curtains are open part of the rod is visible. In other words your curtain rod still needs to complement your decor whether it’s mostly visible or mostly invisible.

Mostly visible rods are at least partially visible even when your window coverings are closed. When your drapes or curtains are open they’re totally visible, and play a big part in your decorating statement. How do you know which to pick?

Before you read further, it is confession time. We’re a little biased – but for good reason. You see, some draperies are made to hang from mostly invisible curtain rods but not to all. And this is where our bias comes in: the way we figure it, if you’re going to see all or part of the curtain rod at one time or another, why not pick one you love looking at? Why should you ever have to stare at a long, white metal rod (read: not pretty)? Okay, now you know our little secret, so read on –

Back to that question: how do you know whether to pick visible or invisible? Let’s ask another question first: what kind of window coverings are you using? Like we said, some curtains require the invisible Curtain Rods called a traverse rod. Pleated drapes are made to attach to hooks that hang from this curtain rod and open-and-close by pulling the cord hanging down one side. So if you’ve got pleated draperies you’ve already got your answer: use the traverse curtain rod.

For all other drape and curtain styles we recommend a visible curtain rod just because it give you the advantage of emphasizing your style. That could mean choosing a natural wood that matches the carved wooden elephant coffee table (everyone has one, right?) or Hanging a gold -toned curtain rod to complement the warm tones in your room. What about using a colorful metal curtain rod to go with that casual, playful look in the sun room?

You can see how a decorative, mostly visible curtain rod can be a great choice for your window, and even if your guests never had a clue your choice can show them what a great decorator you really are!

How to Buy Curtain Rods

Are you finally replacing those dated window coverings? Don’t forget to replace that curtain rod too – with so many styles, materials, colors and decorative hardware available today, you’ll have a great time picking out your new curtain rods!

Maybe you’re moving into a new place and get to decorate. Don’t overlook the effect a great Curtain Rods can have on your room. If you haven’t noticed the selections today in curtain rods you’re in for a real surprise.

What are your options? You can choose from standard rods, spring-loaded rods, traverse rods, decorative rods, adjustable rods, magnetic rods, double and triple rods . . . made from brass, chrome, ivory, graphite, mahogany, teak, and walnut, plastic, metal . . . . And we haven’t even mentioned color or style yet!

So how do you narrow all these options down to the perfect curtain rod for your window? It’s not as hard as it sounds. Like most projects you’ll need to have a plan, so start deciding - -

Do you want your curtain rod exposed or hidden by the curtains?  If it’s exposed it should match the room’s style and decor, so look around the room to figure that out.  (A lot of you don’t have to do that; you just know your style.  But there are others….)
Now consider what kind of curtain or drape you’ll be hanging.  Will it be light and billowy, heavy and insulating or something in between?  You guessed it: the weight of the coverings will be instrumental in choosing your rod.  Maybe you want a layered look, so you’ll be considering double or triple rods.

How will your rods be hung – inside or outside the window frame? For outside the frame – on the wall: the idea here is usually to cover the window completely.  Measure 2-5” out from each side of the window trim. The total curtain rod length should be about 12” longer than your window width. And don’t be fooled: measure each window in the room – they may look the same size, but they may not be!

If you’re hanging a curtain rod inside the window frame (typically spring or magnetic rods) measure at the inside point of the window.  Again, measure each and every window – you don’t want any surprises later!

Don’t get scared off and quit yet – this is all easier than you might be thinking.  You’ll probably just know what rod is right when you see it.  After all, it will probably catch your eye because it‘s your style. So hang in there ‘cause now’s the fun part: shopping!

Today you have the option of buying a pre-packaged Curtain Rods set with all the parts and pieces you need.  That can save you time and energy, and easily meet your window covering needs.

Or you can individually select each part for your curtain rods.  Thanks to our access to online stores today you can easily customize your curtain rods. Just mix and match rods, finials, rings, pinch clips, brackets, holdbacks, tiebacks. And don’t hold back (oops!) – go for it all!

Whoa - what are all those things?  Well, the finial is that decorative thing that attaches to the end of the rod.  You can get them in pretty much any style, size and color you want.  Be sure to match it to the rod size, room style and color scheme.

Rings and pinch clips are similar: they slide on the curtain rod and attach to the curtains.  In other words the rod and rings or clips are visible, sort of like some shower curtains.
Brackets are used to hold decorative rods on the wall.  They come in every imaginable color, material, style . . . . You won’t have trouble finding a pair to fit your room.
Holdbacks and tiebacks serve the same purpose: to gently scoop up your curtains and hold them at the side of the window.  Holdbacks are attached directly to the wall.  Tiebacks are often lengths of cording, some with tassel ends that tie around the “belly” of your open curtains to hold them back.

So here you are then, ready to make that plan, Stan, for creating a room you’ll love – all by beginning with the perfect curtain rods!... Who’d a though?

How Do I Hang Curtain Rods

To hang most curtain rods you will need a pencil, measuring tape, hammer, drill, screwdriver and a level. Having an extra pair of hands is really helpful too. You can follow the instructions the come with your curtain rod or just follow these general guidelines.

Remember how you measured to buy the rods?  You decided how far out from each side of the window you want your curtains to hang.  For most windows you’ll want the curtain to start about 1½ inches above the window trim. 

Now look at your curtain rod.  For standard hidden rods measure out from the window 3-5” (whatever you decided on) and up from the top 1½”.  Mark this spot on each side of the window and make sure it’s level, even, straight – whatever you call it, it’s important! Now just follow the instructions that came with your curtain rod for hanging that particular type of hardware.

For exposed curtain rods, like today’s popular decorative curtain rods, you’ll want to determine where to hang the brackets.  Follow the above directions for a hidden rod, except you’ll be marking the spot the bracket hangs – which may a different distance from the window.

Here’s some really helpful information: find out where the “cripple studs” are located.  They’re wood studs right around your window.  Find out how far out from your window they extend and you’ll have an easy-breezy time hanging your rod – you won’t need anchors or cussing or lots of beer later.

How do you do this?  You’ve gotta have a stud finder.  It’s an electronic gadget you can get at a hardware store for $10-50.  You really only need an inexpensive one if you’re just hanging Curtain Rods and the occasional wall hanging.  Follow the instructions to find your studs and then mark your spots.

If you’re not going to mess around with a stud finder, be sure to attach your rods very close to the window trim – you’ll more than likely find a stud there.

(It’s also handy to know about the window’s header.  It’s a solid chunk of wood right above the window that spans the length of the window. It usually doesn’t extend much past the window so you won’t be screwing into it for most rods, but you never know when this kind of info comes in handy!)

Whatever you do, don’t waste your time by using screws too short to do the job.  You’ve got to get that screw through the drywall and into the wood so it doesn’t loosen later and fall out!

If you’re hanging a rod inside the window trim you don’t have to find any studs – you’ll be screwing right into solid wood.  You’ll also be using special hardware called inside mounting brackets.

What happens if you can’t find any studs or any solid wood to screw into?  You’ve still got options, and they will work well for you.  Go to your hardware store and ask for toggles or anchors.  The EZ toggles and anchors work great, and guess what?  They come with instructions and . . . they’re EZ!

Now, at then end of the day, just sit back, relax and enjoy the view of your work and the new curtains decorating your room!

Modern Curtain Rods For Home Decoration

Decorating an interior space needs your good taste. It should be always in line with your creative thoughts and necessities. It should be the blend of both so that you get the best result. A lot of things can be done ingeniously when you get on with your interior decoration. You should have apt ideas for your window treatment in company with your numerous other decorative plans. As the truth to be told, windows are no more just a utility object at the moment, it allows a great scope of embellishment. You have beautiful curtains and curtain rods to adorn it pleasingly. We are not just talking about window curtains but there are curtain rods that act well in accordance with your window pane.

The point is that the window Curtain Rods are no more a plain utility object for hanging your curtains. They have transformed as a very useful decorative item for a home interior design. You can have them in such variety that surprises you for sure. You can have Curtain Rods of different shapes, designs, and sizes. There are many different materials used to manufacture curtain rods these days as the demands of innovative curtain rods have increased. The fact is that now you don’t just need to cover your curtain rods with your beautiful drapery, instead, you can flaunt them as much as you want.

You have the beautiful contours of curtain rod finials that range from round, square, half round, square and half round mix, crown shape, flower shapes, and so many other outlines to select from. Sometimes you can see the finials that are very prominent and has very detailed designs which actually attract anyone who visit your house. The finials are, undoubtedly, the major part of any curtain rods and most of the time they come together.

Well, as we know, you have a variety of decorative curtain rods; however, are you aware of the quality of them completely? Remember, pleasant appearance of our curtain rod is always our concern but at the same time hardiness matters a lot because it is your drapery that needs to have strong hold to be hanged as most of the time the main window drapery come in heavy classic materials so be careful about the sturdiness part of the Curtain Rods. Go for the best material for your curtain rod. The wood is of course the great choice for durability; however, the time has changes as fresh and robust materials have taken over the place of old wooden curtain rods. Just pay attention on that part while selecting for the decorative curtain rods.

The other point is that you have to select a curtain rod which is compatible with the other design of the house. As there are a vast range of curtain rods available, this is not going to be a tough task. You get them in all different shapes and shades. This actually makes your decoration job easy.