5 Best Curtain Rods (2023 Guide)

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, we dug up a handful of the best curtain rods to fit a range of budgets, style preferences, and structural requirements.

Here are our top recommendations.

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

Pros and Cons

✔ Has a 1-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

Pros and Cons

✔ Adjusts from 28-48 inches

✔ 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

Customers loved that this curtain rod was easy to assemble, didn’t let light in, and had a durable, sturdy design. However, we also saw that others felt it damaged easily, and others said it required additional hardware to install.

Most Versatile Rod: Kenney Adler Indoor/Outdoor Rust-Resistant Wraparound Curtain Rod

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 3 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

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 5 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

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.

Buying Guide to the Best Curtain Rods

From design to size, here are a few factors you should consider when picking a curtain rod.

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.

Curtain Rod 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.

Curtain Rod 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.

Curtain Rod 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 About Curtain Rods

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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