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Comparison
| Product | Length | Color | Diameter | Shape |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ivilon Side Window Curtain Rod | 16-28 inches (other sizes available) | Matte black | 1 inch | Flat |
| Umbra Twilight Double Curtain Rod Set | 80-144 inches (other sizes available) | Brass (other colors available) | 0.75-inch front, 0.625-inch back | Rounded |
| Kenney Adler Indoor/Outdoor Rust-Resistant Wraparound Curtain Rod | 28-48 inches (other size available) | Black (brushed nickel also available) | 0.625 inches | Pipe-like |
| Decopolitan Urn Single Rod Set | 72-144 inches (other sizes available) | Antique black (other colors available) | 1 inch | Rounded |
| Kenney Chelsea Standard Decorative Window Curtain Rod | 48-86 inches | Weathered brown (other colors available) | 0.625 inches | Rounded |
| Product | Length | Color | Diameter | Shape |
Curtains allow you to block sunlight and prevent people from peeking into your home. To hang curtains, you’ll need a sturdy and reliable curtain rod. To help you find a rod that’s right for you, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the best curtain rods on Amazon. Here are our top five suggestions.
Top 5 Curtain Rods
- Most Customizable Length: Ivilon Side Window Curtain Rod
- Best Double Rod: Umbra Twilight Double Curtain Rod Set
- Most Versatile Rod: Kenney Adler Indoor/Outdoor Rust-Resistant Wraparound Curtain Rod
- Best Finish Options: Decopolitan Urn Single Rod Set
- Best Value: Kenney Chelsea Standard Decorative Window Curtain Rod
Most Customizable Length: Ivilon Side Window Curtain Rod
Ivilon Side Window Curtain Rod
- $21.29
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has a one-inch diameter to accommodate heavier fabrics
✔ Includes all installation parts including finials, brackets, screws, and wall anchors
✔ Has an elegant design that fits in modern or minimalist homes
✘ Matching loop rings need to be purchased separately
✘ Some customers said the finish rubbed off on their hands
What Customers Are Saying
Satisfied customers said that the curtain rod was sleek, sturdy, and easy to install. Customers who were unhappy with their purchase said that the rod didn’t have a high-quality finish, as it scratched off or left residue on their hands after handling.
Best Double Rod: Umbra Twilight Double Curtain Rod Set
Umbra Twilight Double Curtain Rod Set
- $
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Can be adjusted by two inches to add to its length
✔ Packed with mounting hardware for assembly assistance
✔ Curved design helps ensure sun is completely blocked out
✘ May be too large for small windows
✘ Has a higher price point than many other curtain rods
What Customers Are Saying
Satisfied customers said that the product was effective and practical without compromising style. Many also noted how sturdy it was compared to similar curtain rods on the market. However, some customers said that the mounting system was faulty, and a few received their package without all of the parts.
Most Versatile Rod: Kenney Adler Indoor/Outdoor Rust-Resistant Wraparound Curtain Rod
Kenney Adler Indoor/Outdoor Rust-Resistant Wraparound Curtain Rod
- $19.66
- $29.99
- 35% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Is made of durable alloy steel that won’t rust
✔ Has an industrial style with its metal pipe appearance
✔ Can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth
✘ Extends three inches from the wall, which may allow some light to get in
✘ Included screws are short, and some customers had issues with them breaking
What Customers Are Saying
Customers liked the sleek, modern look of this curtain rod. Many also noted that the rod was easy to install. Dissatisfied customers had issues with the screws, with some not arriving and some breaking during installation. A few customers said that their curtain rods were made of plastic instead of metal.
Best Finish Options: Decopolitan Urn Single Rod Set
Decopolitan Urn Single Rod Set
- $31.36
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Is also available as a double rod
✔ Is lightweight at under 1.5 pounds
✔ Comes with three brackets that screw into the wall and hold the rod in place
✘ Extends five inches from the wall, which may let light in
✘ Several customers had difficulty getting the rods to fit during installation
What Customers Are Saying
The majority of reviewers were pleased with the rod’s appearance and ease of installation. However, a handful of customers said that the rod couldn’t be adjusted to its full advertised length. A couple of reviewers also said that the design of the wall mount prevented their screwdriver from accessing its top screw.
Best Value: Kenney Chelsea Standard Decorative Window Curtain Rod
Kenney Chelsea Standard Decorative Window Curtain Rod
- $
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has a wide adjustment range to accommodate a number of different window sizes
✔ Is built with durable resin plastic finials
✔ Weathered brown color would fit well in rustic-themed homes
✘ Several customers felt the hardware was made with cheap materials
✘ Has limited size options
What Customers Are Saying
Happy customers said that the curtain rod was sturdy, especially considering its price. Several dissatisfied customers said that they didn’t receive all of the parts needed for mounting. A few also said that the rod was too flimsy to hold heavy curtains.
Buyer’s Guide
From design to size, here are a few factors you should consider when picking a curtain rod.
Diameter
Curtain rods have different diameters, with the three most common sizes being 0.625 inches, one inch, and 1.125 inches. A thicker rod will be sturdy enough to hold heavier curtains, but it will be more visible.
Length
Curtains rods are usually between 12 and 144 inches long. You can buy rods that are just one length or rods that are adjustable. One-length rods are sturdier, but they give you less flexibility in terms of what windows they can be used on. Curtain rods with an adjustable length usually work on any window in your home, but they can collapse if they’re overextended.
Material
There are several types of curtain rods, but most are made of metal, wood, or plastic. Metal rods are the most common and the most durable. Wooden rods are also a good choice for matching the interior design of your home.
Design
If you want your curtain rod to match the design of your window treatments and home decor, look at both the style and color of the curtain rod before making a purchase.
Hardware
Your curtain rod will need to be attached to the wall with brackets or other supporting hardware. Some curtain rods come with mounting accessories, while others require you to purchase this hardware separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are finials?
Finials are the knobs on the end of a curtain rod. Decorative finials can help add style to your curtain rod, and they are also functional, keeping the curtains from falling off the rod’s side.
Can I change the finials on my curtain rod?
It depends on the curtain rod. If the finials are snapped or screwed onto your rod, you should be able to find replacement finials if the original ones break or you want to change the look of your curtain rod.
What are double rods?
Double rods come with a small rod and a large rod. The large rod goes in front and holds the main curtain, while the small rod goes in the back and holds sheer or blackout curtain rod panels to help with room darkening. You can always purchase two separate rods if you plan on using panels in addition to a curtain, but this will cost more.
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This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. The This Old House Reviews Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. The This Old House Reviews Team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations.
We recommend products in each review using an intensive research process, spending hours combing through the best available models on Amazon. For a product to make our list of top picks, it must hold a solid sales record on Amazon, have consistently positive customer reviews, and offer unique features, among other factors. After narrowing down our list of recommendations, we conduct additional research and sometimes in-person testing to ensure that the products meet our standards. Once we conclude the research phase, we craft a well-rounded, user-friendly article that includes our recommended products and additional information to help homeowners like you make the right purchase.
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