- Select the finial and note which rod diameter fits it. 1 inch rods can hold more weight than a 1/2 inch rod, so use the larger rod if heavy window converings are purchased.
- Determine how long the span of the rod needs to be:
Measure the width of the window from casing to casing.
Add 1 to 4 inches for any desired extra rod distance past the width of the window.
4 inches will show the most window glass when the curtains are open.
Long expanses or bulky draperies may need additional distance.
Add 2.5 inches for brackets and attaching the finials to the rods on 1/2 inch rods. If a 1 inch rod is used, add 3 inches.
The finial width will be added to each end of the rod span, so take note of how much wall room exists before continuing.
- Choose the rod or combination of rods that will cover this distance:
If you will not be opening and closing the curtains (for example, a swag treatment or stationary fabric panels), the telescoping rod sets are easiest to use.
Telescoping rod sets may be joined together for long distances, or a 48" extension may be added to one end of a telescoping rod set to reach the desired distance.
If the curtains will generally be open, non-telescoping rods are more attractive.
If you will be opening and closing the curtains, non-telescoping rods work better since curtain rings can get hung up where the outer rod overlaps the inner rod on a telescoping rod.
48" non-telescoping rods may be joined together with a splice.
All rods can be cut with a saw if a shorter distance than the length of the rod is desired.
- Determine if extra brackets and rosettes are needed:
1/2 inch rods should have a support bracket every 48".
1 inch rods should have a support bracket every 96".
Light-weight curtains and shears may be all right can work without as many support brackets as heavy drapes.
Remember that curtain rings or curtain pockets can not pass over a bracket.
Rosettes are screwed into the brackets to hold the rod in place.
Rosettes are optional on extra brackets since they are more decorative than functional when used on extra brackets.
- Deluxe rings are sewn onto curtains, clip rings clip on. Use 1 1/2 inch diameter rings on 1 inch rods. Use 1 inch diameter rings on 1/2 inch rods. Use approximately one ring for every 5" of rod plus two rings per fabric panel.
- A 1 inch diameter, 96 inch long non-telescoping rod to be used for large windows. This rod has a liner that acts like a splice for a 48 inch rod. Two 96 inch long rods can be spliced together.
- The 96 inch non-telescoping rod should only be used with window coverings that are opened and closed frequently. It can be cut to the desired length and does not require a center support bracket unless the window coverings are very heavy.
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