Decorative Hardware for Window Treatments

by Giorgina Devereaux

With so many options available, finding the perfect decorative hardware for window treatments can be overwhelming. 

You can choose rods and finials, rings and tiebacks in a variety of designs, details, sizes, and finishes.  

By incorporating decorative hardware for window treatments, you will further enhance the fabric or other window coverings. 
 

Decorative hardware and accessories includes the following: 

• Curtain rods

• Drapery rods

• Fabric shade rods

• Decorative finials

• Decorative Traverse Rods

• Traverse Rods

• Rings

• Sconces

• Tiebacks

Hardware Styles

Curtain rods, drapery rods, and fabric shade rods can be constructed from a variety of materials.  The most popular options are metals of different finishes, as well as an assortment of wood, glass, ceramic, and resin styles.

Another aspect of window treatment hardware that offers a wide array of options is the decorative end pieces on the end of curtain rods (also known as finials). 

Popular materials for finials are metals, woods, resin, and glass.  Finials are available in different sizes and shapes, which range from geometric shapes to elaborate and intricate carvings.
 

Curtain rods are available in complementary colors and when combined with attractive finials, these decorative curtain rods will add a beautiful design element to your home. 

Curtain/drapery/fabric rods are available in the following styles, materials, and finishes:
 

• Antique Brass

• Antique Gold

• Bamboo

• Black

• Blown Glass

• Brass

• Brushed Nickel

• Ceramic

• Contemporary

• European

• Glass Block 

• Marble

• Oil Rubbed Bronze

• Pewter

• Resin

• Rust

• Stainless Steel

• Traditional

• Turned Wood

• Wood

• Wrought Iron

Curtain/drapery/fabric rod finials are available in the following styles:

• Acorn

• Amour

• Arabesque

• Ball

• Beaded Ball

• Calla Lily

• Classic Urn

• Cornucopia

• Crest

• Double Acanthus

• Flame

• Fleur de Lis

• Floral

• Fluted Ball

• Geometric

• Globe

• Hook

• Intricately Carved Designs

• Leaves

• Pineapple

• Regency

• Rose

• Scrolls

• Spears

• Spire

• Square Cap

• Tassel

• Torch

Curtain Rod Sets, Miscellaneous Curtain Rods, Sizes, and Diameters

Curtain Rod Sets

The following rod sets are available:

• Single Rod Set (includes 2 brackets either standard or extension and 2 finials)
   

• Double Rod Set (includes 2 brackets and 2 finials on the front rod and end caps on the back rod)
   

• Inside Mount Set (includes 2 brackets with no finials)

Miscellaneous Curtain Rods

• Telescoping Rods (these rods flex to fit the angles of a bay window, for instance)
   

• Bay Window Rods (allows you to mount your treatment in any bay window)
   

• Corner Window Rods (allows for corner mounting even if the walls are not perpendicular)
   

• Swing Arm Rods (also known as Crane Rods, are a convenient way to open and close curtains with a single motion.  These rods are attached only on one side.  They are perfect for French doors)
   

• Track Rods (This allows you to operate the curtains on a cord draw or wand pull system. 

Sizes

Curtain rods are available in the following adjustable sizes:

• 28-48”

• 48-84”

• 66-120”

Diameters

Curtain rods are available in the following diameters: 

• 5/8”

• 1”

• 1 1/8”

• 1 3/8”

• 1 ½”

• 1 ¾”

• 2”

• 3”

Decorative Traverse Rods and Traverse Rods

Decorative Traverse Rods

Decorative traverse rods function like traverse rods, but have rings instead of carriers.

The draperies are suspended below the rod, thus allowing the rod to be visible instead of hidden. 

Decorative traverse rods can be used with all types of drapery panels, along with valances. 

Traverse Rods

Traverse rods contain carriers with holes to suspend pleated draperies.  The draperies are attached with hooks and can be drawn open or closed through the use of cord controls that pull them along a track.  The rod is only noticeable when the draperies are opened, but may be concealed with a top treatment, such as a valence.

You can select from one-way or two-way rods.  A one-way traverse rod allows you to move the panel in one direction.  This is ideal for sliding glass doors or for windows that meet in a corner.  A two-way traverse rod (also known as split draw) moves the panels from the center of the window to the far left and far right.  

Accessories Available to Complement Hardware for Window Treatments

The following accessories are available to further enhance the beauty of the hardware for curtains, drapes, and other window treatments, such as fabric shades:

• Rings

• Sconces

• Tiebacks

Rings:  Ring top mounting of curtains, drapes, or fabric window treatments is an attractive and sleek alternative to traditional traversing drapery.  Not only does it add that extra decorative touch to the window treatment, but it helps tie in window treatments with the rest of the hardware. 

Rings are available in the following materials and finishes:

Metal Rings:

• Aged Brass

• Aged Copper

• Aged Silver

• Aged Black

• Aged Rust

• Antique Gold

• Black Matte

• Chrome

• Espresso

• Oil Rubbed Bronze

• Pewter

• Stainless

• Weathered Black

• Wrought Iron

Wood Rings and Finishes:

• Bamboo (available in the following finishes:  Russet and Sienna)

• Wood (available in the following colors/finishes:  Antique Mahogany, Leather, Russet, Soft White)

Sconces:  Sconces are used to replace traditional curtain rod brackets and are essentially decorative rod mounts. 

Even though most rods come with their own mounting hardware, you may prefer sconces for a more formal look. 

Not only do they add a dash of decorative flair and are functional, but you may also use them to hold swags. 

Sconces are available in the following styles:

• Acanthus Leaf

• Beaded Scroll

• Rose Garden

• Scroll

Tiebacks:  Tiebacks add elegance to a window and are a great way to keep the curtains open without the look of a traverse rod.  You can choose from tiebacks that either tie or fasten the curtains in an open position, and are available in fabric or metal. 

Metal tiebacks are available as a post tieback or a u-bend tieback and are offered in the following styles and finishes: 

Styles

Post Tiebacks:

• End Cap Post

• Ball Post

• Scroll Post

U-Bend Tiebacks:

• Acanthus

• End Cap

Finishes

• Aged Rust

• Black Iron

• Oil Rubbed Bronze

• Pewter