Curtain rods have lived a mostly clandestine life. Hidden under yards of
muslin or yellowed antique lace, they rarely saw the light of day.
But all that has changed.
Sleek, metallic and secured on each end with elaborate orbs of glass or
finials of wrought iron, today’s curtain rods aren’t just hanging around
anymore — they’re adding some serious style to modern window
treatments.
resin curtain rod finials
“Generally, drapery rods are not the main event, but have a supporting
role,” said La Grange resident Mary Lou Kalmus, owner/interior designer
of Designing Edge in Clarendon Hills. “You want to have the right scale
and look. Sometimes you want them hidden, like in a rod pocket, and
others may want to make a statement. You need to coordinate the style,
level of sophistication and function. It is like an accessory.”
Bolingbrook resident Monique Fisher of Interiors by Monique said she
bases her purchases on what type of drapery rod is needed to complete
the client’s desired look.
While the rod may not be the most important element in an interior
design or redesign plan, Fisher said, “People really have an opinion on
what they want. They consider it important.”
And options abound for those looking to update their window treatments.
Taste and design dictate whether rods hold up stationary drapery panels,
support drapes with tabs that fit over the rod, or bear rings attached
to fabric, said Wording resident Melissa Secor, senior designer at Dream
Interiors in Downers Grove.
Resin drapery rod
The most popular rod is the resin drapery rod, Melissa Secor said. It
takes paint better and can take more wear and tear than the wooden rod.
Resin rods are a little lighter and can be made to look like wood rods
and “in this area they are more traditional looking,” she said. The
resin products are a little less expensive than the wooden rods, a more
affordable alternative to a wooden product while still maintaining the
detail and look of a wood product, she said.
Iron drapery rod
Iron can be made into many designs, Melissa Secor said. Iron finials
usually boast a more sculptural look. “You can do things with iron you
can’t do with wood. Metal is sturdier and more popular because of a
gaining popularity in the stainless steel and aged bronze look,” Monique
Fisher said.
The Wall