Metal style drapery rods are a terrific option if you want to produce a contemporary look for your window treatment. While a common wood pole with rings allows you to hand draw your curtains, some metal rods can be both functional and decorative. This means you can have a stylish curtain rod that comes complete with functional traverse components like cords and carriers. Before you decide to buy a metal drapery rod, you should make sure that the style of curtain you would like to hang is appropriate for your rod choice.

In virtually all cases, metal curtain rods are usually not the strongest rod out there.

For really heavy or long drapes, a solid wood pole can do a better job for you. Metal rods are generally used with regular or light weight draperies simply because virtually all are constructed using hollow core or extruded material. Solid steel drapery rods are an exception naturally. Hollow core engineering is common for nearly all of the most popular metal drapery hardware selections. Before you choose a metal drapery rod for your window, consider the weight of your curtain fabric. If your drapery is lined and interlined or if it's unusually long, think about getting a wood pole coated with a metallic finish instead.

Hanging a metal rod for draperies with grommets is very common.

Grommet style drapery treatments have become popular recently and nearly all grommets are perfectly sized for a 1 inch or 1 3-8 diameter metal drapery rod. When hanging a drapery that has grommets, you should be aware that your curtain will not be able to go past the first bracket that it encounters along your rod. This limitation may present a problem if the drapery is heavy and your rod requires extra support. Hanging a curtain that is constructed using two independent panels that can open from the center to each side of the rod is an alternative if you decide that you need a center support for added stability. Split draw or center draw are the terms used to describe this kind of curtain. To keep the two panels shut firmly together at the center to reduce the light gap caused by the center support where the two panels come together, you can add a section of hook-and-loop to the top of the drapery.

Quite a few metal curtain rods are made with built in traverse elements.

For getting a decorative metal appearance with all of the functionality of a traditional traverse rod, this kind of drapery hardware is excellent. You can easily use this kind of product should you have pinch pleat drapes. You don't need traverse options for draperies with grommets or rings. Decorative metal traverse rods constructed for use with Ripplefold style curtains are offered by a number of drapery hardware companies. Ripplefold curtains are specifically made to be used on a special type of rod. This type of curtain uses much less fabric but still offers you the appearance of a pinch-pleat drapery.

Finding the ideal rod is easy with all of the selections available for metal curtain rods if you follow a few simple steps. Be sure you have thoroughly considered your installation situation before selecting a metal curtain rod. Be certain that the type of rod you're planning on buying is appropriate for the weight and length of your draperies. As a final point, double check that the rod you're thinking about is of the appropriate diameter if you're hanging drapes that have grommets.