A few considerations when choosing Curtain Rails and Rods

When deciding on curtains we sometimes tend to forget about the prime reason they are able to exist in the first place. Rods and rails are the spinal cord of any curtain system, yet they are often vastly underrated. Rods and rails are a crucial element of interior decorating, and we at The Curtain Cabin are here to explain why.

Curtain fittings have transformed over the years from the heavy and bulky fabric pelmets, to the simpler, thinner, elegant wood, stainless steel and aluminium fittings seen nowadays.

There are a number of factors that play a role in determining the type of fitting one would select to pair with their curtains:

• The type of pleat or curtain heading – An eyelet curtain would have a different fitting compared to a hand pleated or wave curtain for instance.
• The desired look and feel of the space – Wood will add a warmer ambience to a space. Stainless steel or aluminium will give the space a more contemporary, modern feel. One might also opt for a contrast – for example, in spaces where there is a lot of wooden furniture, a stainless steel rod could potentially be a perfect contrast.
• Round or square – This in most instances comes down to the personal taste of the individual. The type of home could also play a role here. For example, a homeowner with rounded steel staircase balustrades can opt to use a round stainless steel rod to achieve continuity and flow through the home.
• Long-term maintenance and durability.  While the fabric pelmets of yesteryear were usually very high maintenance in terms of collecting dust and dirt, the rods and rails of today are much lower in terms of overall maintenance.
• Widths of door and window areas – Spaces which are narrower in width, work well where the rod does not allow for many brackets to hold the fitting in place, for example eyelet rods. In wider width areas it is more advisable to select options where there are no limitations on the amount of brackets that can be used, for example wave rods.

A new concept:

An increasingly popular trend currently is in many instances, when houses, hotels or commercial spaces are designed, the curtain (or blind) fittings are accommodated for in the build process. A recessed bulkhead is built into the structure, and the rails are recessed into the bulkhead. This concept creates a simple, elegant and stylish look and feel into any interior space.

Motorised curtain tracks are a good option where very wide areas need to be covered, or where very heavy fabrics are used.

At The Curtain Cabin we use only the best suppliers and materials to source our fittings. We believe that quality rails and rods are integral in determining the overall integrity and movement of the curtains.  We are at hand to guide you through all aspects when selecting rails and rods, from the look and feel of the space, to the technical and practical considerations necessary in choosing your rails and rods.