In today’s decorating world there are all kinds of hardware to hang your window treatments on. One of the first decisions you have to make when designing window treatments is how you are going to hang them? Do you want them to function or not? What kind of hardware are you going to hang them on? Loads of questions to answer right off the bat.
Knowing the design vocubulary and speaking the language of drapery hardware will make it easier to answer the questions and make the right choices..
Decorative hardware is a functioning or stationery mounting system that holds window treatments- usually draperies that are meant to be seen- and have decorative elements. Decorative hardware is popular today for stationery side panels or functioning drapery and in a lot of cases take the place of a top treatment.
You’ll use either a rod or pole. A rod is usually metal; can be adjustable or traversing and comes in a variety of finishes (brass is gaining popularity) and shapes- from smooth round and square to twisted and fluted.
Poles, are usually made of wood or metal, but aren’t adjustable and hold a stationery treatment. Wooden poles come in many types, finishes and shapes like rods.
Brackets are what support the rod or pole on the wall. They can mount onto walls, window frames, or even ceilings. (Hint: Mounting on the frame is a no-no; unless you have no other room. Mount your rod/pole up at least four inches from top of trim.) Some brackets are purely functional, while others have a decorative life all their own. You’ll want to make sure you have enough brackets across the width of the rod to support the weight of the treatment. Generally Pros use a bracket every 36- 48 inches.
Finials are the decorative pieces that you add after the rod or pole and rings are in place. Finials are both decorative and functional; they’re attractive and keep curtain rings from sliding off the rod or pole.
Finials can be traditional, contemporary, glamorous and tailored. Finial materials range from wood, metal and resin to crystal, plastic and stone.
Rings attach the fabric at the top of your treatment to your rod or pole either by sewing them or pinning them. Most rings have a small eye at the bottom to attach to. They come in many finishes to complement your other hardware components.
Finally, most of these components are sold in sets to make it easier to coordinate, but now that you are fluent in the language of drapery hardware, venture out a bit and think about mixing and matching. No matter what your decorative hardware– it needs to fit, look great and work properly.
