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How to Choose the Right Curtain Rod for Your Room

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How to Choose the Right Curtain Rod for Your Room

Curtain rods are the backbone of your window treatments. In addition to providing support, the right curtain rod can elevate the look and feel of your room. But with so many different types of curtain rods to choose from, how do you decide?

In this post, you’ll learn how to choose curtain rods in just five easy steps:

  1. Assess Your Room’s Decor
  2. Select Your Curtain Rod Style
  3. Choose Your Curtain Rod Material
  4. Pick the Perfect Color
  5. Voila! Add the Finishing Touches

Read more: How to Measure for Curtain Rods

Step 1: Assess Your Room's Decors

Before you can start your search for the perfect type of curtain rod, it’s helpful to narrow your search by assessing your room’s decor or design elements.

Here are some popular home decor styles and some of their defining elements:

TraditionalClassic, orderly, matched
ContemporaryClean, modern, sleek
Modern FarmhouseReclaimed materials, woodsy, country details
EclecticMismatched, pulled together, different
Modern IndustrialDistressed, weathered, raw
BohoNatural, earthy, textured
Mid-century ModernRetro, streamlined, functional
CoastalCasual, beachy, relaxed

As you might imagine, a curtain rod suitable for a coastal vibe would look entirely out of place in a traditionally decorated room. However, determining the look and feel of your space sets the tone for all other elements you’ll incorporate into it — including curtain rods!

Step 2: Select Curtain Rod Type

Now on to curtain rod types. The curtain rod type you choose will be dependent on your room’s decor, the weight of your curtains and your curtains’ functionality. Here are the most popular types of curtain rods:

  • Standard rods: Common and widely available, standard or single curtain rods are ideal for holding up most types of regular curtains, from sheer curtains to drapes.
  • Double curtain rods: Double rods can combine two window treatments to create a layered curtain effect.
  • Return or wraparound rods: With these U-shaped rods, curtains can fully wrap around the edges, covering windows completely. Wraparound rods are an excellent option for energy efficient or blackout curtains.
  • Wire or cable rods: Thin and flexible, these rods are made of wire and are suitable for lightweight curtains that can be curved or angled.
  • Tension or spring rods: These rods are recommended for smaller windows or windows that can’t accommodate regular rods or brackets. Though adjustable and inexpensive, tension rods aren’t durable enough for heavier curtains.

Step 3: Choose Your Curtain Rod Material

The finish of your curtain rod can add a subtle design element to any room. Wood and metal rods are the most popular and work in most rooms or homes. However, you can also find rods in steel, nickel, bronze or brass finishes.

Below are some ideas for coordinating your room’s decor with suitable curtain rod materials. Your curtain rods don’t have to be physically made from these materials but aim for the general look and feel.

  • Traditional: Polished wood, brass, nickel
  • Contemporary: Black, chrome, nickel
  • Modern Farmhouse: Distressed, painted or whitewashed wood, brown tones, iron
  • Eclectic: Anything goes!
  • Modern Industrial: Matte metals, iron
  • Boho: Painted or distressed wood, bamboo, warm tones
  • Mid-century Modern: Polished or matte wood tones, brass
  • Coastal: Distressed, etched or whitewashed wood

Once you’ve decided on the finish, you’ll be able to choose the right curtain rod color with ease.

Step 4: Pick the Perfect Color

The color of your curtain rod should match with either the curtains, furniture or other decorative items in the room.

If you have a dark brown wood bed frame, you may choose curtain rods of similar material and color. Or, perhaps you have cool-toned curtain colors, like a rich teal or a light gray. In that case, you may want to opt for a silver metal rod.

Curtain rods typically come in standard colors (like white, black, silver, bronze or gold) that should fit the décor of most rooms.

Read more: How to Pick the Right Curtain Rod Color

Step 5: Voila! Add the Finishing Touches

Now that you’ve found the perfect curtain rod, it’s time to add finishing touches.

Curtain finials are the end caps or knobs of your curtain rods. They secure the ends of the rods and prevent curtains from sliding off. They’re mainly decorative, so it’s important to choose a finial that matches your rod, curtains, and room.

Curtain holdbacks are ideal for holding your curtains open, showcasing a knockout view or allowing a refreshing breeze into your space.

Learn more style tips! Read Curtain Tiebacks 101

Complete the Look With Kwik-Hang

We know that choosing between different types of curtain rods can take a lot of time and effort. And the last thing any home decorator wants to deal with is the stress, frustration and wall damage that comes with using traditional tools hardware.

Luckily, there’s an easier way to put up your curtains — with ZERO damage. With Kwik-Hang Curtain Rod Brackets, you can hang your curtains in seconds without any cumbersome tools. Just align the brackets to your window trim, tap them in with a hammer and hang your curtains.

Kwik-Hang brackets are available in five colors (black, silver, gold, bronze and white) for both single rods and double rods. Kwik-Hang brackets also hold up to 20 pounds and can be reinforced with center support brackets for extra durability.

You can also shop Kwik-Hang’s curtain rod collection here. With five styles and various colors to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect match for your desired setup.

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