Dercorative Drapery Hardware
SELECTING DECORATIVE DRAPERY HARDWARE
Determining what you need can seem confusing, so we have created a short list of items to consider when you are shopping for drapery hardware.
- 1. An Important Note about Drapery Hardware Classification: Drapery Hardware is classified by each Collection's Rod or Pole Diameter. For example, if you are looking at the Kirsch 2" Wood Trends Collection, that means that all of the items in that collection are based upon (and named for) a two-inch diameter pole. Accordingly, the Kirsch Two-Inch 3 1/2 Inch Return Bracket is made to hold a two-inch diameter pole, the Kirsch Two-Inch Wood Trends Rings are made to fit a two-inch diameter pole, and the Kirsch Two-Inch Wood Trends Chaucer Finial is made to fit on the end of a two-inch diameter pole. More detail on the specific sizes of all of these components are available on the product page for each product.
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2. Pole or Rod: First, select the style (wood, metal, wrought iron) and diameter of the pole. All pole and rod sizes are stated in their "Diameter". Diameter refers to the width of the cross section of the rod or pole:
- After you have selected the diameter of the pole or rod, select the length. Some of the metal poles are telescopic (i.e., 66" - 120"). A Telescopic Pole expands to cover any width within the range specified. Other rods and poles are fixed-width (i.e., 6-Feet Long). For fixed width poles, select a pole either at the same length you need, or longer. Longer poles can be cut down to fit your particular width requirement. Note also that if you need a pole that is wider than is offered, the poles can be spliced or joined together to create a longer pole. Note that anytime a pole is spliced or joined, the splice or joint must be placed over a bracket.
- 3. Brackets: The number of brackets you need is determined by the type of rod or pole you are considering. Here are some general guidelines:
- Kirsch 1 3/8" Diameter Wood Poles: Two brackets are sufficient up to a width of 60". For poles over 60" we recommend a third bracket in the center to serve as a center support.
- Kirsch 2" Diameter Wood Poles: Two Brackets are sufficient up to a width of 93". At a width of 93" many customers still prefer to have a third bracket to serve as a center support, whether for aesthetics or as additional support. Over 93 inches we recommend a third bracket as a center support. With this said, a Kirsch 2" Diameter pole can span a distance up to a full 7' 9" pole without "warping" or "bowing" on two brackets. Please note that at these wider widths, you or your installer must be certain that the end brackets are installed in a manner sufficient to carry the weight of the pole and draperies. In other words, at these widths, two brackets installed in "plugs" or "molly bolts" are not sufficient. You will likely need to make sure the end brackets are installed in a stud.
- Kirsch Designer Metals 1" and 1 3/8" Diameter Poles: Kirsch Designer Metals Poles are offered as Telescopic or Fixed Width. Telescopic Poles are offered in the 1 3/8" Collection only, and come with come with included brackets. Additional brackets are not necessary unless you are ordering C-Rings and Center-Bypass brackets. Kirsch Designer Metals Fixed-Width poles do not come with brackets. For the Fixed-Width poles, two brackets for Poles up to 60" is sufficient. Over 60" we recommend three brackets.
- Kirsch Wrought Iron 1" and 1 3/8" Diameter Poles: Both the 6-foot and 7-foot 9-inch poles can be installed on two brackets.
- Please remember, any time you are joining two poles with a center connector (Kirsch Wood Pole Connector Screw, Kirsch Wrought Iron Curtain Rod Splice, or Kirsch Designer Metals Curtain Rod Splice) the connection point must be supported by a Bracket
- 4. Bracket Projection: This concerns "how far" your drapery hangs from wall. The question as to which projection bracket you need depends on what else is (or will be) installed on the window in question, and how large that item is. If no other products are or will be installed behind your drapery, or if a product will be mounted "inside" the window frame, then standard, or shorter, projection brackets are what you want. Standard projection brackets for Decorative Curtain Rods are brackets with a projection of 3 inches to 4 inches. For Basic Drapery and Curtain Hardware, standard projection brackets are brackets with a 3 1/2 inch to 4 1/2 inch return. If you do have other products on your window (or if you are installing layered treatments), longer projection brackets may be necessary. Calculate how far those items will project from the frame or wall. Based upon this number, add two inches. This is the projection bracket you will need for your new treatment. As you browse the items in our store, please note we often use the term "Return." Return, for these purposes, is the same as projection.
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5. Rings: The number of rings you need is determined by the type of panels you are installing:
- Pinch Pleat Draperies: If you have access to the Curtain or Drapery Panels you will be installing, count the number of pleats per panel and add 1. This is the number of rings you need per panel. Remember, the return of the drapery is attached to the wall, and is not hung from a ring. If you do not have access to your curtain or drapery panels, divide the width of your Curtain Rod in inches by 3 or 4. This manner of calculation will likely result in you having a few more rings than needed, but it is a conservative estimate designed to help ensure you are not short rings at installation.
- Flat Panel Draperies (not gathered or pleated at the top): For Flat Panel Draperies typically require a ring every 5-7 inches of panel width. This is more art than science, as you or your installer will decide how far apart you want each ring to be. Some customers prefer more rings, while some prefer less.
- 6. Finials/Endcaps: Select two Finials or End Caps for each rod or pole. Pay attention to how the finials are classified for the particular collection you are interested in; some finials are sold as "pairs" while others are sold individually, or as 'each'. This information is noted one the each product's page.
KIRSCH DESIGNER METALS 1" COLLECTION
The Kirsch 1" Designer Metals Collection is newest addition to the Kirsch line., and offers a minimalist approach to metal drapery hardware. Designer Metals works with Pinch Pleat, Rod Pocket and Grommet Panels.
This Collection allows you to choose from 8 Colors, 6 Finial Styles, 6 Bracket Options, 3 Rod Lengths, and Drapery Rings.
KIRSCH DESIGNER METALS 1 3/8" COLLECTION
The Kirsch 1 3/8" Designer Metals Collection is the most popular hardware we offer, and the adjustable-width rods make installation a breeze. Designer Metals works with Pinch Pleat, Rod Pocket and Grommet Panels.
This Collection allows you to choose from 8 Colors, 15 Finial Styles, 8 Bracket Options, Multiple Rod Lengths, and Drapery Rings.
KIRSCH WOOD TRENDS 1 3/8" COLLECTION
The Kirsch 1 3/8" Wood Trends Collection is a popular choice. The warm colors and classic functionality fit nearly every decor. Kirsch 1 3/8" Wood Trends works with Pinch Pleat, Rod Pocket and Grommet Panels
This Collection allows you to choose from 9 Colors, 8 Finial Styles, a Fluted or Smooth Pole, 6 Bracket Styles, and Drapery Rings.
KIRSCH WOOD TRENDS 2" COLLECTION
The Kirsch 2" Wood Trends Collection is the choice for those seeking a larger diameter pole. This Collection works with Pinch Pleat Panels, Flat Panels, or any other Panel designed to hang from a drapery ring.
This Collection allows you to choose from 9 Colors, 8 Finial Styles, a Fluted or Smooth Pole, 4 Bracket Styles, and Drapery Rings.
KIRSCH WROUGHT IRON 1" COLLECTION
The Kirsch Wrought Iron Collection is a well-crafted hardware line we recommend often. The Collection complements just about any decor. All of the products in this collection are manufactured with high attention to detail.
This Collection allows you to choose from 6 Colors, 8 Finial Styles, 2 Pole Lengths, 5 Bracket Styles, and Drapery Rings.
KIRSCH WROUGHT IRON 1 3/8" COLLECTION
Kirsch 1 3/8" Wrought Iron builds upon the proven versatility and functionality of the 1" Collection. The 1 3/8" Collection is for those who prefer the look and feel of a larger diameter wrought iron pole.
This Collection allows you to choose from 6 Colors, 8 Finial Styles, 2 Pole Lengths, 5 Bracket Styles, and Drapery Rings.
DRD ELEMENTAL COLLECTION
DRD Elemental Rods are 1" Diameter Telescopic Rods. The curtain rods in this collection have been selected for their unique combination of function, attractiveness, and modest price. Choosing your curtain rod is easy; simply select style, size and color.
This Collection allows you to choose from 2 Colors, 3 Finial Styles, and 2 Pole Lengths with included Brackets