The Best Curtain Rods for Your Window Treatments

Pottery Barn's Curtain Rod & Wall Bracket is the winner

Theresa Holland The Spruce By
Theresa Holland
Theresa Holland The Spruce
Theresa Holland
Theresa Holland is a freelance writer specializing in home improvement, cleaning, and bedding. She shares her favorite life hacks on her blog The Taboo Textbook.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 06/28/22
Fact checked by
Yoona Wagener
Yoona Wagener - The Spruce
Fact checked by Yoona Wagener
Yoona is a smart home and home tech commerce editor for The Spruce. She has contributed product reviews and how-tos for Lifewire and has prior experience in knowledge-base technical writing, technical customer support, and academic publishing.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

Best Curtain Rods

The Spruce / Sabrina Jiang

Rods and brackets are typically sold separately from curtain panels, giving you more flexibility in style, finish, and size. Emerie Forehand, a designer at Decorist, recommends looking at fixtures in a room and continuing that theme in curtain hardware. "If the room is sticking to brass, then I go with brass."

We compiled buying tips from Forehand and Nicole Fisher of BNR Interiors, then researched standout options for different rooms and decor schemes.

Here are the best curtain rods for every taste and budget below.

Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Pottery Barn Curtain Rod & Wall Bracket at Pottery Barn
Jump to Review
Best Budget:
Wayfair Basics Adjustable Curtain Rod at Wayfair
Jump to Review
Best Tension:
Cambria Curtain Tension Rod at Fredmeyer.com
Jump to Review
Best for Blackout Curtains:
Umbra Twilight Blackout Curtain Rod at Amazon
Jump to Review
Best for Heavy Curtains:
Home Decorators Collection Telescoping Single Curtain Rod at Home Depot
Jump to Review
Best Double:
Crate & Barrel Double Curtain Hardware Set at Crate & Barrel
Jump to Review
Best Customizable:
The Shade Store Steel Hardware Curtain Rods at The Shade Store
Jump to Review
In This Article

Best Overall

Pottery Barn Pewter Curtain Rod & Wall Bracket

Standard Metal Drape Curtain Rod & Wall Bracket

Pottery Barn
View On Pottery Barn
What We Like

  • High-quality design

  • Five finishes available

  • Customizable

What We Don't Like

  • Pricey

  • Finials sold separately

Pottery Barn carries our favorite curtain rods. Part of the Curtain Hardware Collection, the Curtain Rod & Wall Bracket is a high-quality set made of steel or cast iron. It comes in several finishes to match the fixtures in any home, including brass, antique bronze, pewter, cast iron pewter, and matte black. You can choose from two rod diameters (0.75 or 1.25 inches) and five sizes. Since each size expands, the adjustable fit can accommodate windows between 28 to 144 inches wide.

This rod and bracket bundle comes with all the mounting hardware you need for installation. You can select different decorative finials, too, like clear acrylic, marble, bronze balls, or vintage-inspired mercury glass. These end caps are sold separately, but you can forgo finials for a more modern, streamlined look.

Pottery Barn's curtain rods are on the pricier side. Still, it's hard to beat the durable design, adjustable sizes, and finish options—not to mention the versatile, customizable look.

Price at time of publish: $99 for small (28"-48") with .75" diam

Dimensions: 28–48 inches, 48–88 inches, 60–108 inches, 96–120, 108–144 inches | Weight Capacity: 20-100 pounds | Material: Steel or cast iron | Finish: Pewter, brass, antique bronze, black, cast iron pewter

Best Budget

Wayfair Basics Adjustable Single Curtain Rod

Wayfair Basics Adjustable Single Curtain Rod

Wayfair
View On Wayfair
What We Like

  • Telescoping

  • Six finishes available

  • Finials included

What We Don't Like

  • Limited sizes

  • Low weight capacity

We recommend the Wayfair Basics Adjustable Curtain Rod for households on a budget. This curtain rod is available in two adjustable sizes, offering a width scope between 28 to 86 inches. It comes in six finishes to complement a range of design schemes, including black, bronze, champagne, soft brass, dark brown, and white.

In addition to the telescoping rod, you get decorative spherical finials, brackets, and all the necessary mounting hardware. However, this set only supports curtain panels weighing up to 7 pounds, so it's not ideal for heavier drapery. And while we wish it came in more sizes, you really can't beat the price.

Price at time of publish: $20

Dimensions: 28–48 inches, 48–86 inches | Weight Capacity: 4–7 pounds | Material: Steel | Finish: Black, bronze, champagne, soft brass, dark brown, white

Best Tension

Cambria Premier Complete Curtain Tension Rod

Premier Complete Curtain Tension Rod

Bed Bath & Beyond
View On Fredmeyer.com
What We Like

  • Reasonably priced

  • Telescoping

  • Tool-free installation

What We Don't Like

  • Limited sizes

  • Not ideal for heavy curtains

Unlike their hardware-mounted counterparts, tension rods simply extend within a window frame and are held in place by the tightness (tension) of the snug fit. We like the Cambria Premier Complete Curtain Tension Rod, which is made of plated metal and boasts a traditional aesthetic. It comes in four finishes, including brushed nickel, graphite, dark matte brown, and oil-rubbed bronze.

This telescoping rod is available in two sizes, fitting in window frames 30 to 90 inches wide. Since you don't need to mount it with a bracket, it's super easy to install—no tools necessary. While tension rods aren't ideal for heavier curtains, this is a great option for renters and anyone else who may not want to drill into their walls.

Dimensions: 30–52 inches, 52–90 inches | Material: Steel | Weight Capacity: Not listed | Finish: Brushed nickel, graphite, dark matte brown, oil-rubbed bronze

Best for Blackout Curtains

Umbra Twilight Expandable Blackout Curtain Rod

Twilight Wrap-Around Single Curtain Rod Set

Amazon
View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Home Depot
What We Like

  • Affordable

  • Panels hang flush

  • True light-blocking effect

What We Don't Like

  • Tricky installation

If you're hanging blackout curtains, consider a wrap-around design, like the Umbra Twilight Blackout Curtain Rod. Also called a "French return," this rod curves inward at either end, allowing curtain panels to hang flush against the wall. As a result, you can enjoy a true light-blocking effect without any cracks or slivers of outside light.

Available in four sizes, the telescoping bar fits windows between 28 to 144 inches wide and supports 22 pounds of weight. You can choose from four colors, too, including nickel, brass, and bronze. Installing the screw fittings to the center brackets might be tricky, but if you buy from Amazon, you can add professional installation to your order.

Price at time of publish: $28

Dimensions: 28–48 inches, 48–88 inches, 88–144 inches | Weight Capacity: 22 pounds | Material: Steel | Finish: Nickel, brass, bronze

The 8 Best Blackout Curtains of 2023

Best for Heavy Curtains

Home Decorators Collection Mix and Match Telescoping Single Curtain Rod

Mix and Match Telescoping Single Curtain Rod

Home Depot
View On Home Depot
What We Like

  • Affordable

  • Multiple finishes

  • Telescoping

What We Don't Like

  • Could damage flimsier walls

  • Only two sizes

This heavy-duty Mix and Match Telescoping Single Curtain Rod from Home Decorators Collection boasts an impressive 39-pound weight capacity. It's sturdy enough to support blackout curtains, velvet panels, and other heavy drapery. Just bear in mind that if your drywall is somewhat flimsy and you don't mount it to studs, the durable design could fall off and potentially damage your walls.

Though there are only two sizes, the telescoping poles can accommodate windows between 36 to 144 inches wide. This steel set comes in brushed nickel, gunmetal, matte black, and oil-rubbed bronze, with all the hardware you need for installation—plus two simple finials.

Price at time of publish: $33

Dimensions: 36–72 inches, 72–144 inches | Weight Capacity: 39 pounds | Material: Steel | Finish: Brushed nickel, gunmetal, matte black, oil-rubbed bronze

Best Double

Crate & Barrel End Cap Finial and Double Curtain Hardware Set

End Cap Finial and Double Curtain Hardware Set

Crate & Barrel
View On Crate & Barrel
What We Like

  • Adjustable filtration and privacy

  • High weight capacity

  • Finials included

What We Don't Like

  • Pricey

Double curtain rods allow you to layer window treatments such as sheers and light-blocking panels, offering customizable light filtration and privacy. If you're a fan of the layered look, we like Crate & Barrel's End Cap Finial and Double Curtain Hardware Set, which is made of a durable iron-zinc alloy and supports up to 40 pounds, depending on the size you get.

Three sizes are available, each with a telescoping rod to accommodate windows between 40 to 170 inches. You can also choose from two pole diameters (0.75 inches or 1 inch) and four finishes, including brushed nickel, matte black, brass, and chrome. While this set is priced pretty steeply, it comes with four finials, double brackets, and all the necessary installation hardware.

Price at time of publish: $149 for 48"-88"

Dimensions: 48–88 inches, 88–120 inches, 120–170 inches | Weight Capacity: 20–40 pounds | Material: Iron-zinc alloy | Finish: Brushed nickel, matte black, brass, polished nickel

The 11 Best Blinds of 2023

Best Customizable

The Shade Store Steel Hardware Curtain Rods

Steel Hardware Curtain Rods

The Shade Store
View On The Shade Store
What We Like

  • Ample design options

  • Nine finishes available

  • Free measuring

What We Don't Like

  • Expensive

If you want complete control over your curtain rods, the Steel Hardware Curtain Rods sets from The Shade Store are totally customizable. They come in single or double-rod bundles with poles as small as 12 inches or as long as 360 inches. You can opt for a wall- or ceiling-mounted design and choose whether to include matching rings in your order.

Nine different finishes are available, including chrome, nickel, stainless steel, satin brass, polished brass, and antique bronze. Beyond that, you can choose from three finial styles. When all is said and done, this set is undoubtedly expensive. However, you can request a free window measurement before ordering for more peace of mind about your purchase.

Dimensions: 12–360 inches | Material: Steel | Weight Capacity: Not listed | Finish: Chrome, nickel, stainless steel, satin brass, polished brass, antique bronze, oil-rubbed bronze, gun metal, matte black

The 13 Best Places to Buy Curtains of 2023
Final Verdict

Our top choice is Pottery Barn's Curtain Rod & Wall Bracket, a high-quality set with sturdy construction and various customization options. On a budget? We recommend the Wayfair Basics Adjustable Single Curtain Rod, which comes with decorative finials, brackets, and mounting hardware.

What to Look For in a Curtain Rod

Design

When buying curtain hardware, Nicole Fisher of BNR Interiors says to consider whether your drapes are light-blocking or more decorative. "The best blackout rods are a French return that totally seals the window," she explains. "For a decorative rod, anything works."

Fisher personally likes the look of wood rods, though metal can be lovely too. "I use metal rods on a cafe curtain where it's a lightweight fabric and a daintier look."

Finish

Emerie Forehand, a designer at Decorist, looks at the finishes of doorknobs, drawer pulls, lights, and other fixtures throughout a home to decide which color curtain rod to get. "If the style of the room is modern, I go with sleek looks and less ornate styles," she says. However, Forehand notes that some spaces feature multiple metal finishes, which gives you "a wider range of selections."

Size

Lastly, be sure to measure (and re-measure) your windows before ordering curtain hardware. Many rods are telescoping, meaning the length is adjustable. Still, they often come in multiple sizes, so there's a chance you could accidentally order one that's too small or too large.

FAQ
  • How do you hang a curtain rod?

    First, figure out whether you're going with an inside or outside mount style. For outside mounting, you need to determine how high you want the rod to go (a few inches below the ceiling or a few inches above the window frame is usually good).

    Use a pencil to mark where the brackets will go, either inside the frame or at least four inches out on either side. Next, attach the brackets with a screwdriver or electric drill. Then extend the pole to your desired width, and place it onto (or through) the brackets.

  • Can you hang curtains without a rod?

    It's possible to hang curtains without a rod. Fisher explains how she pulled it off in her office space to hide an "unsightly" wood-paneled wall. "My solution was to cover it with curtain panels and use nail heads to secure it in place. No damage was done, and it was simple to do."

    However, Fisher's technique would likely limit your ability to open and close the drapes. Another option is to get a tension rod. Instead of mounting to the wall with drilled-in brackets, the telescoping poles just extend within a window frame. They stay in place due to the tight fit, similar to some shower curtains.

  • How far should a curtain rod extend past your window?

    "I like to extend my rod at least 4 inches past the window," says Forehand. "This will allow the curtains to open for the daytime light." But if you're going for a fuller look or want to fake a larger window, both Forehand and Fisher suggest extending the pole 8 or 9 inches outside the window frame on either side. On a similar note, we recommend longer curtain panels to create the illusion of taller ceilings.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Theresa Holland is a commerce writer and product reviewer specializing in home improvement, interior decor, and textiles. Holland covers window treatments, bedding, and sleep products at The Spruce. You can read more of her work on Travel + Leisure, MyDomaine, People, Verywell Mind, and Byrdie.

For this article, she interviewed Nicole Fisher, owner and principal designer of BNR Interiors, and Emerie Forehand, an interior designer at Decorist, who offered buying tips and styling guidance. She then looked at dozens of options from a range of brands and retailers. She has a Pottery Barn curtain rod at home and is all-around pleased with the quality and value.