Drapery hardware need not be merely functional. Rather than just concealing curtain poles with valances or the drapery fabric itself, attractive hardware can be displayed as part of the window treatment and contribute substantially to the room‘s décor. Hardware can include the support rod, decorative end pieces or finials, brackets and even the type of screws.
When choosing the curtain rail that will hold the fabric panels, be sure that it is strong enough for the weight of the cloth without flexing or bending. It is important to make sure that the hardware can support the draperies so that any drawing mechanisms can run freely on their tracks without binding. Extra-long rods must have additional curtain pole brackets in the center to support the weight of heavier fabrics. Securing the curtain brackets directly into wall studs rather than just into the gypsum board or plaster will pretty much guarantee a solid base for any curtain track drawing mechanism, whether opened utilizing a hand wand or by pulling on a cord. Ready-made rods come in standard lengths and diameters to match the most common window sizes and fabric weights. Curtain brackets and rods are rated for how much weight they can bear.
Special brackets can accommodate two or three sets of draperies, thus avoiding extra holes in walls and window casements. Rods of unusual diameters or lengths must be custom-made and special-ordered. Reputable merchants will advise customers about measurements to ensure that proper rod strength, length and supporting brackets are ordered. Hardware is available from on-line merchants, discount merchandisers and specialty stores.
Curtain poles of nearly any material and decoration can be fitted with hand-drawn, corded or motorized traverse systems. Hand-drawn systems use decorative curtain rings and hooks that easily slide along the rod. Corded tracks can be one-way or two-way draws. For corded systems, each drapery pleat is hooked to an eyelet suspended from the track and threaded with cord. The cord is drawn by pulleys or wands. Motorized systems operate electrically by remote control or a wall switch.
Curtain poles come in a variety of materials and decorative styles and can greatly enhance the look of a window dressing. For an eclectic look, a hammered copper or bronze rod will catch the eye. Finials can be whimsical, and draperies in a tabbed or eyelet style can shore up the look by dropping unaffectedly from such a rod. For an uncluttered, Scandinavian modern look, a smoothed, polished wooden curtain pole of light-colored wood, perhaps ash or pine can be used with great effect.
Brass is classic in look, adding an understated elegance to formal draperies. Brass can be easily integrated into period rooms such as those featuring Regency Style décor. A polished brass rod would do well to be fitted with finials of acanthus or honeysuckle. Full draperies of pale raw silk can create an attractive window treatment that will not overwhelm the space.
Decorative hardware can be used effectively in period rooms such as French Empire Style. Window treatments can provide decorative embellishment without conflicting with the interior décor. A three-inch, carved mahogany pole of either twisted or reeded design, floral finials, carved wooden brackets and matching wooden medallion tie backs can go a long way toward unifying the hardware.
Including decorative hardware into the window treatment embellishes curtains, draperies and room décor. From Old World Italian to trendy seashell décor, drapery mounting hardware can complement any decorative scheme.
