How to choose traverse rods

​Decorative poles and rings are the most obvious choice for most windows, but there are situations where a traverse rods will be the best choice.

What are traverse rods?

Traverse rods have clips or eyes (aka carriers) that move along a track embedded in a slot in the rod or track The eyes have a small opening for the drapery pins or snaps with the number of carriers dependent on how long the rod is. If the traverse rod is cord controlled then a cord runs through the rod, too, and is attached to a master slide or pulley. The cord extends beyond the rod so that you can use it to open and close the drapes. Traverse rods can also be operated by batons to pull the drapes open and closed. Custom drapery that’s made for traverse rods sometimes comes with the snaps or hooks sewn into the fabric.

when are traverse rods used?

Will the drapes be opened and closed frequently? If so, then traverse rods are a good choice. With regular rods and rings you’ll find yourself using your hands to open and close the drapes; which can cause wear and tear on the fabric. Traverse curtain rods with a cord or baton allow you to open and close the drapes easily.
Is your window really wide? Long rods need a center support bracket, which prevents the curtains from closing completely. It can also look messy because when there are many rings the drapes rings don't stack neatly.  Traverse rods can span longer lengths and when a center bracket is needed it sits back behind the rod and allows the drapes to fully close in the middle
Are you layering window treatments? If you’re layering sheers and an outer fabric you’ll need double curtains rods. Rather than stacking two separate rods, which uses up a lot of depth and can look cluttered, a double traverse rod looks cleaner and still gives you the layered look. 

WHAT'S YOUR STYLE?

​Are you planning on pinch-pleat curtains or curtains with a complicated header? Use traverse rods and pins to show off the fabric without also showing off the hardware. Do you prefer a clean, minimalist look? Traverse rods can also have a very modern look.

types of traverse rods

Standard traverse rods, like any of these from Kirsch, Graber or Forest, come in various weights and diameters, depending on how heavy your curtain fabric is. You can choose from a center open traverse rod or one way draw. These rods are not meant to be decorative and none of the hardware will show.
Do you have a bow window or angled bay window and can’t of finding a way to hang those gorgeous curtains? There are bendable traverse tracks for that.  Do you want to hang your drapes from the ceiling?  Ceiling traverse tracks are the perfect solution.
There are also many choices of decorative traverse rods, which are constructed with hidden carriers to give you the best of both worlds. You can choose metal or wooden poles, modern or traditional.

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Whether you are a designer or a homeowner, we are passionate about helping you make the right drapery and hardware choices for your home.  Schedule a free in-home consultation today by calling LC Window Treatments at 628-400-1665.