Hardware Styles

All of our curtains are designed for rod-and-ring style rods. What does that mean? Well, like the name implies - it means that rings are used on a traditional curtain rod to attach the drape to the rod. You can use any rod and ring style you like with our curtains - just make sure the rings look something like this:

You need the smaller loop on the bottom to attach the drapery hooks (included on our curtains) to the rings. 

There are lots of different rod and ring curtain rods out there - all of which will work with our curtains! Here’s a run down on a few different styles:

Custom vs. Adjustable

Custom rods, as the name implies, are custom cut to the length that will fit your window. Adjustable rods on the other hand, are two rods that fit into one another and allow the user to expand and contract it to fit a range of window sizes. 

One of the largest differences between the two is that the center area where the poles meet on an adjustable rod will be visible. A custom rod gives a more seamless visual look without this split. However, the custom rod does come with a more elevated price point because it needs to be cut to your specifications. 

All of our premium European rods are custom cut to your specifications and are a great option if you decide you want to go custom. 

Rod & Finial

A rod & finial style rod is probably what you picture when thinking about a standard curtain rod. A straight rod held to the wall by brackets and finished with a decorative finial to hold the curtains on the end. 

As shown above: Our custom traditional rod set in polished brass.

French Return

French return refers to a style of curtain rod that has a curved pole that wraps around to the wall. It has become increasingly popular because of its sleek and elegant look. Another benefit is that the return rod allows the curtain to wrap around the end of the pole and meet the wall, which gives it even further room darkening qualities. 

As shown above: Our custom french return rod set in Polished Brass.

Materials and Finishes

So you’ve picked the style of rod that you like - now you get to pick its material and finish. Here are a a few guidelines:

1. Consider the Other Hardware in the Space

If you have other hardware in your space, you might want to consider matching it to your curtain hardware. We love a mixed metal look, but consider at least matching the tone of your rod to the rest of the hardware. For example, if you want a dark rod but you have lots of brass in the room opt for an oil rubbed bronze that has warm undertones to complement the brass in your space. 

2. Consider the Tone & Color of the Curtains

Match warm with warm and cool with cool. A warm brass will bring out warm tones in the textiles of your curtains while a cool chrome will highlight the cool tones. If your curtains are light in color a very dark rod will provide more contrast, while a lighter rod will blend in more with the overall look.

3. Consider the Wall Color

Think about whether you want your rods to stand out or blend in with your wall. Do you want your rod to be “jewlery” in the room? Or would you prefer that it just blends in? 

Recommended Sources & Products

We sell a small selection of premium custom cut metal rods. They are manufactured to order in Europe and are of extremely high quality. Check them out here.

While we love our rods, you absolutely do not have to use them if you would like to purchase our curtains. The fact that they are custom and luxury quality does mean they are on the higher end of the price spectrum. 

If you are looking for a great looking adjustable rod - there are a few that we recommend:

• The Somerset Collection by Pottery Barn

• The Somerset French Return Rod by Pottery Barn

• The Ellis Drapery Rod Set by Rejuvination

• The Easton Collection by RH

• The Classic Collection by Ballard Designs

Cafe Curtains Hardware

We do not currently sell cafe curtain hardware, but we do highly recommend this inside mount and outside mount custom set from Rejuvenation (pictured in all of our product shots in unlacquered brass).

 

How to Measure for Your Rods

Step 1: Measure

Measure the width of your window, including trim

Step 2: Window Number Matters

For a single window add 6-8” on either side so that when your curtains are closed they can stack in this area. For Double width windows you can add even more space on either side since your curtain will be wider, we recommend 8-12” on both sides. The more space you give your curtains on either side the wider your window  will look. 

Step 3: Order your Rod - and don’t forget rings! 

Use your determined width and desired finish to select your preferences and order your rod. Because different curtain panels require different numbers of rings we sell rings separately - don’t forget to add them to your cart. Use this guide to determine how many rings you need:

Pleated Curtains:

• Single Width - 7 rings per panel,

• Double Width - 12 per panel

Flat Top Curtains:

• Single Width - 12 rings per panel

• Double Width 21 per panel

Step 5: Install

For best accuracy, wait until your curtains arrive before installing your rod. Hang the curtains on the rings, hold the rod in place, and mark where the panels skim the windowsill. Then mount your hardware.