We all know how complete a room can look once window treatments are hung. However, during the process of selecting drapery, many people often get caught up in the fabric selection. With so many gorgeous prints, patterns, and colors to choose from, who can blame them? As exciting as the fabric can be, it’s important to also focus on the drapery hardware rather than letting it default to an afterthought.

Drapery hardware is that cherry on top, so to speak, and can make even the best window treatments fall short if not selected carefully. Not only does drapery hardware play a very important role in regards to function, but it also plays a very important role in regards to its appearance. Because of this, your hardware selection should be just as thoughtful as when sorting through fabric selections.

Fortunately, the days of dull and boring rods are gone. Today, there are so many more interesting choices! Before you make a decision, however, it’s important that you understand some basic hardware lingo. Once you know more about hardware, you’ll be able to discern what will best suit your home.

Types of Drapery Hardware

Drapery hardware includes mounts, rods, finials, and other accessories. To keep it simple, we’re going to focus solely on stationary drapery rods and rings.

Rods and rings are probably what first comes to mind when you think of drapery hardware. The rod is what is mounted above your window and the rings are used to attach the drapery panels to the rod (with exceptions such as grommet and rod pocket drapes).

Unlike drapery track systems or motorized track drapery hardware, a basic rod and ring combination remains stationary. Styles of stationary rods include standard rods, traverse rods, magnetic rods, decorative rods, double and triple rods, and spring-loaded and adjustable rods. When it comes to customization options such as finishes and finals, this hardware combo has a wide selection to choose from.

There are several factors to consider when picking your drapery rods–each of which, plays an important role in how your rods look and function.

• Mount type. The mount you choose will affect the overall appearance of your drapery. Wall mounts, which are typically used for windows and doors that are a good distance from the ceiling, allows you to open and close your drapes with ease. Ceiling mounts, which allow the drapery to hang directly from the ceiling, can give the room a much more dramatic feeling.
• Finish. Drapery rods and rings come in a variety of finishes such as satin brass, antique bronze, stainless steel, polished chrome, and wood.
• Finials. Finials are the decorative ornament found on the ends of drapery rods. There are a wide variety of finials available to choose from, making it easy to elevate the look of the room no matter what your decorating style.
• Rings and pins. Unless you have grommet or rod pocket panels, rings and pins are the ideal way to hang drapery. While you can certainly use rings without pins, the pins add that extra touch giving your window treatments a polished look.
• Holdbacks. Drapery holdbacks are decorative elements that hold your panels open so the sun can shine in. Holdbacks range from a simple hook design to sophisticated ropes with tassels.  

Choosing the Right Hardware for Your Home

With all those options, you might be left wondering where to begin. Here are a few tips that might help make the decision process a bit easier:

• Let your fabric be your guide. Evaluate your fabric. Is it light, medium or heavy in weight? Will it be layered with other treatments? What are the colors like? Having answers to questions like this will usually narrow your choices down pretty quickly.
• Stick with your style. If your room is traditional, don’t get ultra-modern hardware. It’s okay to bring in something a little different, just make sure it makes sense.
• Consider how the rods will be hung. Do you want the hardware detail to be visible or are they something you don’t mind the window treatment covering up?

The way you use your hardware can actually influence the appearance of your room, so follow some of these tips to get the results you’re looking for:

• Extend the pole hardware past the window frame to make the window (and room) look larger.
• Hang hardware 4-6 inches above the window frame to make ceilings appear taller.
• For a unified look, hang all hardware at the same height regardless of window size.
• Take proper measurements to avoid disaster. Some places can cut rods to fit any size window, so ask around if that’s something important to you.

We have a very nice in-store selection of iron and wood hardware. Since our hardware pieces are sold separately, you have the convenience of piecing together the perfect look for your home.

If you are looking for designer fabric and hardware to dress your windows, we have just what you need! Come by one of our showrooms or browse online where you will find everything from comfortable cotton fabrics, to luxurious Dupioni silks and even some of the best faux leathers!