Improve the Look of a Room with Decorative Curtain Hardware

Aside from the color of the walls, one of the most dramatic and eye-catching parts of a room is the window treatments. Framing windows that often serve as the focal point of a room's decor, curtains and drapes can influence the mood of any room. Heavy window treatments can create a dramatic and cozy look, while light and airy drapery can make a room feel tranquil and serene. When choosing window treatments for a room, selecting the right curtain hardware is just as important as the fabric panels that will hang from them. In the past, many people overlooked the rods and poles that curtains hung on, choosing instead to focus on the hangings themselves. As times and tastes have evolved, more people are starting to take a holistic look at window treatments to create a complete design from the panel materials to their support mechanisms.

When selecting curtain rods for a set of windows, it's important to consider a number of factors. First and foremost, homeowners should think about the overall design of the room and the furnishings that are to be included. From there, window dressings can be chosen that will fit well into the decor. For example, if the room is to be used as a nursery for a young child, sheer curtains might be a good choice since they can create a light and airy feeling, perfect for a child's room. On the other hand, if the room has textured wood paneling and might be used as a library or office, heavier and darker materials can create a rich and intimate look that will complement the warmth of the natural wood tones.

Once the material for the window dressing has been chosen, the rod and support hardware that will hold the window treatments up should be chosen to complement the drapery. Thin support rods are best for sheer curtains as they will be less noticeable, emphasizing the transparency of the fabric panels. Heavier drapery will look good hung on wooden curtain rods that can withstand the weight of the fabric while complementing the decor with a ferule or twisting design.

Another consideration that should be made is how prominent the rod will be. This is up to the digression of the decorator. Fancy and ornate hardware can take emphasis off of the curtains and the window that they frame, while less noticeable rods and brackets can help to create a seamless look around the window. Generally, the lighter the atmosphere and mood of the room is, the less noticeable the support mechanisms should be.

Installing curtain hardware is an often overlooked feature of a room, but it should not be. Rooms can look completely different and convey different moods, depending on the type of rod that is used to hang window treatments. Instead, shopping for rods and brackets should be given the same amount of thought as shopping for the drapes themselves.