Curtain Hardware: The Key to Decorating Your Room
Having just moved into a new apartment, I am dying to install curtains. The windows are drafty and while the apartment is equipped with blinds, the vertical blinds snap easily and are dull white color that takes away from the fresh paint on the walls. I already intend to seal the windows with a type of plastic wrap to add extra insulation and gain more privacy. A prettier addition to a cloudy seal will be curtains and decorative curtain hardware.
Now, the apartment has blinds, but no curtain rods. This is where the research begins. I see that I will need to install the curtain rod onto the wall, requiring brackets and hollow-wall anchors (and the ability to see straight, but I have artistic friends, so I’ll pretend any flaws are intentional). Curtain rods come in a large variety of colors and shapes and materials, though personally I would go with the sturdiness of wrought iron to support heavy curtains and draperies in the colder months. You can be creative and paint large tree branches and install them in place of an iron rod, but for durability and longevity, I endorse wrought iron for long use.
Decorative rods and curtain hardware pieces can help spice up windows and rooms even before the curtain is chosen. With bright colors and shapes, including hearts, animals, and gems for kids and teens, the personality can shine through as curtains are changed. Drapery hardware, I have noticed, is slightly more decorative than the typical curtain rod and elaborate decoration may impair some of the functionality, hence, decorative, but in terms of weight, drapery rods should support the exact same weight as the curtain rod. What’s the difference between curtains and drapes? Now? Essentially nothing as the terms are used interchangeably, though drapes should be longer, heavier, and lined and curtains are lighter and intended to filter sunlight for privacy. (The difference is moot as thick insulated curtains are sold as curtains and not the thicker, appropriate term, drapes). Bottom line: expect minor differences in hardware and material, but not enough of a difference to greatly devastate any decorating ideas.
Adjustable curtain rods are also good to look out for if, like me, you plan on moving often to different apartments. I’ve seen curtain rods that adjust from 35 inches to 66 and 48 inches to 88, which is great when moving and not being sure of specific window dimensions, though be warned, sometimes if stretched too far, certain types can be flimsy and have difficulty supporting the weight of the curtain.
Now that rods and curtain hardware have been dissected, it is now time to analyze the type of window treatment you would like to compliment the room. Combining sheer curtains with heavy drapes can help the light in during the day, and give privacy at night. Valances can provide a nice streamlined look to your curtains and drapes, hide the hardware, and smoothly create a box shape for your hangings. Frills and long elegant drapes can add instant romance to the bedroom, where long curtains that touch the floor create a formal look. Shorter curtains are best for the kitchen and bathrooms, adding more color to the room and the length is easy to maneuver around while cleaning.
And, most of all, no matter what you chose- hardware will always be your strongest point!