Decorative Drapery 101
Drapery hardware is more than just a means to hang your draperies or curtains; it is also a decorative element for your home. Decorative drapery hardware includes rods, finials, holdbacks, rings, and decorative brackets. Decorative rods can also be traverse. You want to consider the color, finish, and material of the rods. Finials add the perfect touch of elegance, whimsy, humor, and finish to your beautiful window treatments. All of these choices will affect the overall beauty and decorative theme and balance of your home.
Rod
Drapery rods are usually mounted 3” – 4” above the window. If you desire a layered look for your window, choose a double bracket that mounts one rod right in front of another. You can also use a standard curtain rod with a small projection underneath a more decorative rod on the outside to achieve the same look.
Traverse Rod
A traverse rod is a rod with a mechanism by which attached draperies can be drawn with a pull cord. A two-way traverse rod pulls the draperies to the left side and right side of the window. A one-way traverse rod pulls the draperies to either the left or right side of the window. Decorative traverse rods are used with top pleated draperies and pin hooks.
Finials
Finials can be considered window jewelry. They give windows a wide range of looks. Metal is more contemporary, while wood provides warmth and a more traditional feel. You might even consider glass finials to complement sheer fabrics.
Holdbacks
Add another finishing touch to your window with holdbacks. It’s a beautiful way to coordinate accessories.
Rings
Rings are an easy way to attach curtains to the pole. They help panels slide along the rod easily while bringing decorative elements to the window. Rings have either a clip that you clip onto the drapery or they come with an eyelet and you use a drapery pin through the eyelet to hang the draperies.
Decorative Brackets
Use decorative brackets as a bracket for wood or metal rods, as scarfholders or as decorative shelf brackets.
Other Uses for Decorative Drapery Hardware
- Use decorative brackets for towel rings in the bathroom.
- Use any combination of decorative rods to display tapestries or wall hangings.
- Use finials as holdbacks at sides of windows.
- Mount decorative finials across top of window and drape scarves across or loop tab tops on finials for an innovative look.
- Use metal holdbacks as decorative towel hooks in the bathroom.
Kathy Iven, Columbus, OH
Kathy Iven is the owner of Fabric Farms Interiors, located in Hilliard, OH and is a Window Fashions Certified Professional – Specialist Level. Fabric Farms Interiors specializes in home décor fabrics and trims. They also offer custom window treatments, bedding and upholstery services. To learn more and shop online for home decorating fabrics, visit http://www.fabricfarms.com. All rights reserved.