Selecting Wooden Curtain Poles
Posted by John on August 12th, 2011
Selecting the right wooden curtain pole with so many designs, materials and finishes available can be quite daunting. The selection of a curtain pole design, finish and size is subject to your preferred interior styling but we do have a number of helpful pointers.
Canvas Collection - Ambrose
Before you look at individual designs, take time to look at the room and its window features. Are you dressing a simple flat window, bay window, dormer window or perhaps a patio door arrangement? Each window feature has particular curtain design considerations and restrictions. Look at where the window sits within the wall elevation including the wall area above the window. These areas are important when selecting your pole size and finial (pole end) designs, so take note of them.
Bay & Dormer windows
Where you have a bay window or dormer window feature, you need to take particular care to note the available space above the window line. In some instances there is no wall area above these window types with the ceiling running into the top of the window frame. For a wooden curtain pole to function you would need a minimum of 75mm wall area for fixing and ring space but this would be tight. In these circumstances, consider selecting a track or metal pole system.
Choosing pole diameter
The criteria for selecting a particular curtain pole diameter will be the room volume, ceiling height and curtain weight. The window width in itself is a secondary consideration. Before selecting the pole size, select your preferred finial design. This creates the visual diameter of the pole ensemble and strikes a higher line, which can affect the look of your scheme. The distance between the top of the finial and the ceiling line is important. This keeps the whole window treatment in proportion to the room elevation. As a simple rule of thumb, the distance between the top of the finial and the ceiling line should be a minimum of 150mm and a maximum of 450mm but it does depend on the look you are creating.
Choosing your finials
Wooden pole diameters normally start around 30mm and can be purchased up to 100mm. The finial designs will have an enormous affect on the look as the more ornate designs can treble the visual diameter of your pole. In most cases where the ceiling height is below 2600mm, a 40 or 50mm pole diameter will work. Using the 40mm where a simple look is required. Larger diameter poles over 60mm are normally used for very large rooms or where you have high ceilings.
Curtain weight
As mentioned earlier, you must also give some consideration to the likely curtain weight when selecting a pole. Curtain poles are normally classified as light, medium or heavy. Check with your curtain maker or supplier before you settle on your selection. Wooden curtain poles are unlikely to deflect or break with the weight of a curtain. However, you should ensure the pole bracket is securely fixed to the wall to prevent failure. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and if you have any doubts ask before you fix.
Before you start buying, measure your window and the surrounding wall areas and note any features you feel may cause an issue with the window treatment ensemble and discuss these with your curtain maker or retailer.
