Decorative Traverse Curtain Rods

When you decide to search for a more decorative track system, our baton draw decorative traverse curtain rod sets offer a variety of styles and colors to suit your needs. We provide an extensive selection of both traditional and contemporary traverse rod designs. For those interested in a round aluminum H rail track set with a 1 1/8” diameter, our Tekno 25 is a popular choice, available in numerous colors, including the new Harvest Gold. For a larger 1 1/2” diameter, consider our Tekno 40 track, which offers a selection of finials. Additionally, we’ve introduced the Kontur and Nexgen lines for a sleek, flat-face contemporary look, along with the popular Invisible track from Claire, which is also an excellent option for ceiling mounting.

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Features of decorative traverse rods

All of our aluminum tracks are designed to be heavy-duty, offering superior rigidity compared to thin-walled telescoping steel traverse rods. Remember, a rod’s durability is largely dependent on how securely the brackets are attached to the wall. These curtain rod systems are cut to your dimension at no extra charge and joined together for continuous traversing functionality.

Our decorative traverse rods are not just functional but also add an aesthetic touch to any room. They come in a variety of finishes and colors, allowing you to match them seamlessly with your existing décor. The choice of finials and end caps further enhances the visual appeal, making your curtains a focal point of the room.

When configuring decorative traverse rods, a split draw configuration is often used for wall mounts, typically requiring a standard return of around four inches for effective drapery operation.

For those desiring customization, our traverse rods can be tailored to exact lengths, catering to unique window dimensions for a perfect fit. This adaptability makes them a popular choice among homeowners seeking both style and utility.

Note that while the price of these decorative traverse rods can seem expensive based on the type and features chosen, they offer excellent value for the quality and design provided. With options ranging from simple to ornate, there’s something to suit every taste and budget, making them a favored option for those wanting to enhance their home interiors.

Types and Materials

When it comes to choosing the right curtain rod, there are several types and materials to consider. Decorative traverse rods are a popular option, offering a combination of elegance and functionality. These rods typically consist of a sturdy rod, track, and finials, and are available in a range of materials, including wood, metal, and wrought iron.

Wooden curtain rods are a classic choice, offering a natural and warm look that can complement a variety of decorating styles, but have fallen out of favor lately. Metal curtain rods, on the other hand, are sleek and modern, and can be finished in a range of colors and styles, from black to gold, providing a contemporary edge to your space.

In addition to the material, it’s also important to consider the diameter of the rod. A larger diameter rod can provide a more dramatic look, making a bold statement in your room, while a smaller diameter rod can be more subtle, blending seamlessly with your existing décor. The length of the rod is also crucial, as it needs to be long enough to span the width of the window or door, ensuring your curtains hang perfectly.

Drapery styles to use on traversing track systems

Almost all of our tracks are now offered with the popular wave system. Wavefold and Ripplefold are similar, but ripplefold uses snap tape and snap pendants while wavefold uses a continuous loop tape and hooks. Pinch pleats and other pleated styles have made a comeback in recent years and offer a beautiful uniform drapery system. Some of our customers use panels with grommets, while others simply use drapery pin hooks on flat panels for a casual look. This style lacks the uniform functionality provided by other options.

What is a traversing drapery rod?

A traverse rod allows a drapery to travel completely across the length of a track without interference from support brackets. These rods are equipped with a cord or baton that facilitates the movement of curtains, making them ideal for large windows or patio doors. Traverse rods are designed to hold a variety of curtain styles, including pinch pleats and grommet tops, offering flexibility in drapery design. The track system ensures smooth operation, allowing curtains to open and close effortlessly, providing both functionality and elegance to any room.

How to mount traverse curtain rods?

These rods come with various bracket styles, allowing for versatile mounting options on both walls and ceilings. While it's desirable to screw into wood studs or ceiling joists, often hollow wall anchors are used to secure even heavy traverse rods. When mounting, it's crucial to consider the weight of the curtains and the type of wall surface to ensure stability and longevity of the installation. Proper alignment of the brackets is essential to maintain the smooth operation of the curtain rod. Additionally, the use of a level during installation can prevent any sagging or unevenness in the rod.

Choosing the Right Size

Choosing the right size of curtain rod can be a bit tricky, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, measure the width of the window or door where the rod will be installed. Make sure to take note of any obstructions, such as molding or trim, that may affect the length of the rod.

Next, consider the type of curtains or drapes that will be hung on the rod. If you’re using heavy or thick curtains, you’ll want to choose a rod that is sturdy enough to support the weight. A rod with a larger diameter or a heavier-duty track may be necessary to ensure stability and prevent sagging.

Finally, think about the style and look you’re trying to achieve. A longer rod can provide a more dramatic look, extending beyond the window frame to create the illusion of a larger window and allowing more natural light to enter the room. On the other hand, a smaller diameter rod can be more subtle, perfect for a minimalist aesthetic. Consider the overall aesthetic you want to create, and choose a rod that fits with that vision.

How far past a window should you hang a curtain rod?

The estimated stackback of a curtain is 20%-25% of the total track length. This can vary quite a bit, depending on the heading style, fabric choice, and fullness of the drapery. For smaller windows, extending the curtain rod 4-6 inches beyond the window trim is typically sufficient. However, for larger windows, you may want to extend it even further to expose more glass. Extending the rod allows for more natural light to enter the room when the curtains are open and creates the illusion of a larger window. It also ensures that when the curtains are drawn, they do not obstruct the view or light from the window. For more information see our blog article, how to measure for curtain tracks.