Hooked on Hardware – Drapery Hardware for Any Project
Draperies and hardware go hand in hand. There is so much to consider when purchasing new drapes but often times the hardware is an afterthought. Instead of getting hung up on the hardware, get hooked up!
Here are the hardware basics to help plan the final stages of custom drapes.
Types of hardware and components:
Channel Track – A rod that is routed with small glides that sit within the rod instead of rings around the rod. The benefit is regardless of how many brackets are required, the drape can freely move anywhere. Brackets will stop a drape from moving past when rings are used. The glides can accommodate any style of drape with a hook. Alternatively, snap carriers can be used for ripplefold drapes.
Rod and Rings – Available in so many colours, materials and finishes. From warm traditional woods to modern metals. Rods can be used on their own to accommodate tab top, rod pocket and grommet drapes. Add rings for any type of hook treatment such as pleated and flat top.
Corded Rod – Made with a pulley system for easy operation. Corded rods are great for heavy or very tall drapes with huge amounts of fabric that may be hard to open and close by hand. Corded systems are also great for drapes made of fine materials such as silk. Natural oils from hands can stain fabrics overtime.
Fling rods – Available in metal to match the rod or clear to be invisible. Fling rods get attached to the inside of the drape and are available in various lengths to easily pull drapes open and close.
Finials – The finishing touch. A finial is the decorative end piece that caps the rod. Finials can be very simple or over the top. Try something different such as a huge Swarovski crystal, a clear acrylic shape, wood with metal accents or a solid iron scroll.
Silent Rings – Shhh! Metal rings on a metal rod make a lot of noise and cause scratching and damage. Rings are now available with a nylon insert for a quiet and easy glide.
Things to avoid:
Telescopic rods – These rods are adjustable which means a small rod fits inside a larger rod. The problem with this is where the two sizes meet the drape does not smoothly slide past and almost always gets caught up. Also, the drape on the smaller rod will be a bit longer than the drape on the bigger rod. Not great if you just paid for custom drapes.
Mounting on trim – There isn’t always room to wall mount above a window but mounting on the frame as an alternative does not provide a finished, custom look. Ceiling mount instead with several sleek options to create a finished look.
Lack of brackets – Avoiding brackets for various reasons happens. Either the look is not desired or the rod span is so large that the amount of brackets required won’t allow the drape to slide past. Skimping on brackets can lead to a bowed rod or the rod ripping out of the wall all together. That being said…
Why should you buy your drapes and hardware TOGETHER??
Style – The drape you buy now may not work with the rod you want later. Plan both together to avoid issues and create a winning combination.
Drapery Length – We normally recommend drapes fall ¼” from the floor. If too short, they will look like flood pants. If too long and touching the floor, the style of drape you selected won’t hang right (unless going for a puddled look). The hardware plays an important role in determining the drapery length. The rod thickness and the drop of the ring or carrier need to factored in to this calculation.
Budget – When figuring costs of custom drapes, the hardware is a part of that. Budgeting together can help create an amazing, finished look. Custom drapes deserve beautiful hardware to hang with.
At C&M Textiles we are totally hooked on stylish hardware, and your drapes should be too!
Written by: Alicia Hewitt