HANG TOUGH
Just as important as the fabric and style of the curtain
is the mechanics behind it. Here’s everything you need
to know about choosing the right hardware:
Consider the finish Curtain rods will be seen so the
material they’re made from needs to fit with your style
of house as well as other finishes in the room: brass for
traditional; iron for simplicity; wood for warmth.
Know your limitations Rods and finials just won’t
work with a wall of glass as the brackets don’t allow
the curtains to slide continuously – tracks are best.
Likewise, unless a pelmet is used, tracks won’t have
the same visual effect as rods when simply hung.
It’s the little details Match curtain rings, finials,
hooks and any open/closure rods to the curtain rod
for a cohesive look.
Don’t dismiss pelmets These fabric-covered boxes
sit over the curtain rod or track to hide it. They often
partially cover windows, too, so not ideal with inward-
opening window styles. For a more contemporary look,
install a sleek timber pelmet the length of the wall, and
painted the same colour.
Tie it back Tie-backs allow curtains to stay closed at
the top but sweep across the window. Works well on
a narrow window with just one panel swept to the side,
or to draw attention away from a not-so-great view.
Fussier styles are made of fabric or rope, while metal
brackets or hooks are easier as the curtains simply
drape over them.
For stay-put styles Opt for small weights to be
sewn into the hem. These help the fabric fall evenly
and neatly, and stop them from billowing in the breeze.
Top tip Consider the weight of your curtains and rods- heavy-duty styles might require fitting to studs, while
lightweight styles could get away with wall plugs. A
“ HANGING RODS WIDER THAN THE WINDOW WITH THE CURTAINS JUST
COVERING THE EDGE WHEN OPEN MAKES THE WINDOW LOOK BIGGER”ROD STYLES – WHAT, HOW AND WHERE
RODS WITH FINIALS These classic adjustable rods come in various materials and are
hung above the window frame on brackets and capped with decorative finials. Can be paired
with all curtain styles; more stiff, formal styles are simply hung on the rods via curtain rings.
RETURN RODS U-shaped rails similar to a handrail – the rod curves, allowing the curtains
to curve around the sides of the window and sit flush against the wall for maximum blackout.
TRACKS These thin rails allow the curtains to be hung by small hidden hooks or rings that
slide along easily. Best fitted by professionals if you want it ceiling-mounted. Great for
sweeping across an entire wall of glass doors, along the ceiling to create a room divider
or for corner windows and bifold doors for a seamless curtain.
CABLE RODS Cables anchor into the wall or from the ceiling and allow rings to glide
over them. Great for room-dividers or more casual spaces such as outside pergolas.
TIP Choose hooks and rings to match the rod and space them evenly for a neat look.WHERE TO BUY HARDWARE
Bunnings.com.au / Curtainhardware.com.au / Freedom.com.au / Ikea.com.au
Lincraft.com.au / Potterybarn.com.au / Schots.com.au / Spotlightstores.comphotographypippa drummond (dining room)@reallivingmag
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