10 Quality Curtain Rods That Won't Break The Bank

Curtains are an excellent solution for complimenting your window treatments and décor. Hanging them will require quality materials to hold them firmly in place. One of the essential requirements are rods which come in varied types and require you to factor out some features to ensure you get nothing but a quality brand that can last you for generations to come. However, if you do not have enough information, choosing one may be a challenge. For this piece, we have reviewed the top best curtain rods to aid you in selecting a quality brand that suits your needs.

Best Pick

Our best pick on the list goes to Decopolitan Urn Single Rod Set. The curtain rod touts of its telescopic diameter which extends between 72 to 144 inches to fit your window. Its steel material is sturdy and features a 1” diameter which holds heavier fabrics while its traditional black Antique finish blends well with your window treatments and most decors bringing that stylish looks in your home or office.

​Budget Pick

Our budget pick goes to Kenney Decorative Window Curtain Rod. The curtain rod can be installed in any room and can hold the light to medium weight fabrics. Its 5/8” diameter adjusts from 48 to 86 inches while leaving a 3.5-inch wall clearance for sidelight. It is affordable and comes with all mounting hardware.

Quick Comparison Between The Best Curtain Rods

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1. Decopolitan Urn Single Rod Set 

Highlighted Features

• Built to last
• Designed with a high-quality steel material with an antique finish which blends well with most décor
• 1” rod diameter for accommodating heavy fabrics
• Comes with mounting hardware
• 72 to 144 inches telescopic range
• Elegant

Brighten up your home with these Decopolitan curtain rods. The rods are designed with quality materials to bring elegance while using them for years to come. The set boasts of its superior steel construction with a rod diameter of 1" giving you the freedom to hang even the heaviest fabrics. Incorporated into this model is an Urn Single Antique black finish which blends well with most décor. All mounting hardware is also included. Overall Decopolitan curtain rod is a single set which is designed to bring elegance and give you great versatility to fit different applications. Its sturdy drapery construction makes it one of the best curtain rods for heavy fabrics.

2. Kenney Decorative Window Curtain Rod

Highlighted Features

• Ideal for installation in any room
• Comes in varied sizes lengths (28 to 48, 48 to 86) and finishes for increased flexibility
• Comes along with matching hardware
• 5/8” diameter
• Pairs well with light to medium curtains
• Accommodates curtains with grommets, back tops, pockets, and tab tops
• Projects 3.5” from the mounting wall for increased privacy
• Can be used with clip rings

Enjoy creativity at its best with this Kenney curtain rod which is designed to not only bring stylish looks to any room but also compliment your décor. With its two adjustable lengths, you will enjoy great flexibility. The rods are designed using a strong steel construction which boasts of a smooth black finish with an elegant oil rubbed bronze plastic finials ideal for installation in any room. The 5/8” rods also come in different finishes to allow you to choose your preferred style that perfectly suits your home décor. Included in the package are your curtain rods and installation hardware. Overall, Kenney curtain rods are quality, elegant and perfectly designed to give maximum support for light to medium curtains.

3. Kenney Chelsea Standard Window Curtain Rod

Highlighted Features

• Ideal for medium and light curtains
• Adjustable diameter with a 3 -inch projection for increased privacy and side light
• Compliments most home decors and window treatments
• Mounting hardware is included
• Available in five finishes to satiate different customer preferences
• 5/8” diameter for accommodating standard windows

Enjoy versatility like never before by taking advantage of this Chelsea curtain rod. The decorative rod boasts of its black finish which adds elegance to your home décor and window treatments. With its metal rods and resin finials, you will give your room a luxurious touch while preventing your curtains from slipping off the ends. Its 5/8” diameter allows you to adjust between 28 to 48” with a 3- inch projection to perfectly fit your window, improve your privacy and side light. Aside from black, the rod comes in other five different finish to allow you to select one that compliments your room.

4. Kenney Valencia Window Curtain Rod

Highlighted Features

• Adds a touch of style to any room
• Comes with mounting hardware
• Has strong finials and a steel construction to keep your curtains in place
• Has an adjustable diameter which can be adjusted to fit different window sizes
• Prevents side light and improves privacy with its 2.75-inch projection
• Available in three different finishes
• Ideal for medium or lightweight curtains
• Accommodates curtains with back tabs, grommets, pockets, tab tops, and clip rings

Kenney Valencia is a standard curtain rod which is designed to be used along with light or medium curtains. The rod features a 5/8 -inch adjustable diameter of 86 to 120 inch with a wall projection of 2.75 inched for privacy and side light. It's boasts of a natural finial design in a long-lasting plastic construction for extended use and for keeping your curtains in place without slipping off. Its chocolate finish blends perfectly well with the mounting hardware and finials to bring elegance to any room. With three different finishes, you will have the freedom to select your preferred color that compliments with your décor and window treatment.

5. Decopolitan End Cap Curtain Rod

Highlighted Features

• Designed with robust steel for maximum support of heavier fabrics
• Adjustable 7/8” diameter rod which accommodates clip rings with 7/8 inches
• Has a contemporary nickel finish which brings elegance to any room
• Comes with all mounting hardware
• Customizable size from 36 to 72 inches long

This Decopolitan End Cap is a quality curtain rod designed for extremely heavy fabrics. Its designed with creativity to accommodate all design styles and add a contemporary touch in your window treatments and home with its stylish Nickel finish. Its 7/8” drapery diameter is adjustable and allows you to customize it from 36 to 72 inches depending on your window size. The curtain rod is also compatible with 7/8- inch clip rings which bring function and allows you to easily hang your sheers.

6. Kenney Single Curtain Rod

Highlighted Features

• All mounting hardware is included
• Has a smooth, stylish espresso finish for improving elegance and compliment your window treatments
• Diameter rod can be adjusted between 28 and 48 inches while leaving a 2-inch clearance for your privacy
• Product of USA
• Recommended for lightweight drapery and sheers

Single curtain rods can accommodate almost any application and that’s what you will enjoy with this Kenney series. With its metal rods, you will give maximum support to your lightweight drapery. Its diameter rod can be adjusted from 28 to 48 inches with a 2” clearance giving you the freedom to stretch it to fit your window size while leaving enough allowance for enough side light. The metal rod has an Expresso finish which brings contemporary looks to any room.

7. ​Montevilla Leaf Ball Curtain Rod 

Highlighted Features

• Available in two adjustable sizes (26-48, 48-86)
• Has an adjustable 5/8” drapery rod
• Strong double steel rod for optimal support
• Easy to install
• Features a Vintage Bronze finish
• Comes with mounting hardware

Nothing can consume much of your time like a hard to install drapery rod. But with this Montevilla, you can easily mount it without much hassle. The rod features a 5/8” adjustable drapery rod which holds your curtains in place. With two adjustable sizes, you can enjoy flexibility like no other. Its double steel rod is strong enough with a vintage bronze finish to bring that stylish looks in your home.  Its ball design is constructed using high creativity to compliment your décor.

8. Rod Desyne Lockseam Window Curtain Rod

Highlighted Features

• Has a 3/4” tall heavy-duty lock seam for optimal support
• An adjustable diameter of between 28 to 48 inches
• Recommended for pocket drapery and valances
• Compliments your window treatment and décor with its matching mounting hardware
• Leaves a 2- inch wall clearance for side light
• Rod coated on both sides for added elegance and durability

In case you may be hunting for the best curtain rod for pocket curtains or valances, then Rod Desyne can be an excellent pick for you. The rod is super strong with a professional coating on both sides. Its white finish perfectly blends well with most home décor and window treatment bringing that modern look to any room. That’s not all; the rod set has one ¾” heavy-duty lock seam which helps give maximum support to your drapes. The diameter rod stretches between 28 to 48 inches while leaving a 2” wall clearance for increased privacy and side light. For easy installation, the drapery rod comes with mounting hardware which offers you a full decorative window solution.

9. Kenney Spring Tension Curtain Rod

Highlighted Features

• 7/16 adjustable brass finish that compliments your décor
• Easy to install and use
• Has a non-scratch and a non-slip rubber ends for keeping your drapery rod in place
• Operates when the seam is open
• Adjustable diameter between 28 to 48 inches

This Kenney spring curtain rod is easy to install and you will not require any tool. It offers an easy and hassle-free solution for hanging your drapes. It  7/16" adjustable brass finish blends well with most decors. On its ends are non-scratch and non-slip rubber which gives maximum support to your curtain rod. The rod diameter is adjustable between 28 to 48 inches. It is designed with seam open and to function when seams are open. Overall, Kenney spring tension drapery rod is a great solution for anyone who may be looking for a simple solution.  It is handy and versatile making it an excellent pick for your apartment, dormitory or any place where a simple solution is required.

10. Achim Home Furnishings Buono Ii Rod & Finial

Highlighted Features

• Available in three different sizes (66 to 120 “, 48 to 86”, and 28 to 48”)
• Easy to install
• 0.75” telescopic adjustable diameter rod which can be extended to fit your window size
• Designed with creativity to bring that elegant look in your room
• Comes with matching mounting hardware for complimenting your window treatments
• Mounting brackets can be adjusted between 3.5 to 4 inches

Achim home furnishing is a market leader in designing quality curtain rods that meet the industry standards. The drapery set comes with matching hardware to complement your window treatments and décor. Its mounting brackets can be extended between 3.5 to 4 inches giving you the freedom to adjust it to suit your preferences. With three different sizes, you can choose your preferred size in regards to your window size, which makes it a great pick for those who are looking forward to bring a stylish look to any room with different sized windows. Its beautiful Antique cream PVC bring a stylish touch to any window. Its 0.75" adjustable telescopic diameter perfectly extends to fit your window size. The drapery rod is easy to install and does not require a lot of installation tools to get the job done.

Benefits of Using Curtain Rods

Affordable

Curtain rods are affordable and you do not need to break the bank to buy one. So, you don't have to stick on traditional ways.

Helps organize your room

You may invest in quality curtains but without a curtain rod, your windows will look disorganized and unpresentable. Curtain rods help you organize your room and bring a contemporary touch to your home.

Help save energy

Modern curtain rods are designed with wall clearance for side light. This feature allows enough light to penetrate through the window or sheer minimizing any need of putting the lights on during the day, helping you save on energy.

Improve the value of your home

Curtain rods feature different style, designs, and colors to compliment your window treatments and décor. They come with matching hardware to liven up your room and give it a touch of elegance enhancing its aesthetic value.

Easy to install

You do not need to be a professional to install a curtain rod. The accessories are easy to mount and do not consume much time making them a great solution for your home or office.

Things to Consider When Buying Curtain Rods

Curtain rods come in different color, style band design and before making a decision on the perfect drapery rod to buy, you need to consider some important aspects which include:

Window size

Just like your windows, drapery rods come in varied sizes. To make sure you get the right size for your window, you will need to know the window size. If you need several, you need to measure each individual window and write down the size. Even the adjustable models will require you to know the window size prior to choosing your preferred rod. As a rule, the rod size should be 8 to 12 inches longer than your window width to avoid any disappointments.

Rod material

Drapery rods are designed using different materials. The most popularly used materials are plastic, wooden and metal. Usually, the wooden type comes in varied style depending on the type of wood and are a great pick for light to medium drapes. Though they are affordable and easy to install, they can be challenging to remove. Wood curtain rods are also susceptible to scratches. Hanging weighty drapes may cause wooden rods to snap calling for a replacement. Plastic curtain rods are affordable and easy to trim and install. However, they cannot hold heavy drapes like wood and metal but are a great pick for medium weight fabrics. Metal window rods, on the other hand, are sturdy compared to both wooden and plastic models. Unlike the wooden type, metal rods add a touch of elegance and style. They feature different style which can complement your window treatment. Unlike wood and plastic types, the metal rods are an excellent pick for heavier fabrics. However, some metal like iron may scratch the coating exposing them to rust. The drapes material should help you when selecting the preferred rod material.      

Rod diameter

Rod diameter is another important aspect to consider when shopping for your curtain rod. Lightweight and medium fabrics are great for rod diameters less than 1" tall while heavier drapes require at least one-inch thick diameter to prevent them from sagging.

Curtain rod type

Curtain rods can either be single or double. Each type has its benefits and this may vary depending on what you may be looking for. One advantage of installing a single curtain rod is that they accommodate almost any application. However, if you would like to hang two curtains you may need a double rod. Though you can still hang two curtains on a single curtain rod, they do not look more presentable.

Color

The curtain rod color can improve the aesthetic value of your room or destroy it. Let your décor guide you choose the right drapery rod color. Curtain rods with matching hardware bring a contemporary look.

Included items in the package

You will require mounting hardware to install your curtain rods. Before making your purchase, get to know if all the required hardware is included or not to help you determine how much you may need to get it installed.

How to hang curtain rods properly

Curtain rods need to be installed properly to ensure they are in the right position or else your curtain will not hang properly and bring the aesthetic look. Professionally installed curtain rods help organize your window and make it look presentable. With these tips, you can easily navigate through this.

Measure your curtain size

Before deciding on where to install your curtain rod, you will need to first get the measurements of your curtains in advance to help you choose the right spot to hang the rod. Measure your curtain and window widths and ensure your curtain has a 2-inch allowance on both sides for presentability and uniformity.

Determine where you would like your curtains to fall

Measure the length from your floor and leave a ½- inch space from the floor to prevent your curtain from touching the floor. Using a pencil, make a visible marking to guide you when hanging your curtains. Place a tape measure where you would like your curtains to fall and measure the length of your curtains in an upward direction to determine the right spot to position your rod.  Use a ladder to avoid stretching and minimize any risk of falling.

Measure your curtain rod length

Before mounting your brackets, you need to get your curtain rod length to help you determine the right spot to install them. As a rule, your curtain rod should extend three to six inches past your bracket which requires you to deduct the space on both sides before marking the right position. Using a level and a pencil. Place your brackets on the wall and mark where the screws should go.

Drill hole where you will fix your screws 

Using the right drill bit size, drill holes on the wall where the screws will go and make them large enough to allow easy placement of your screw anchors. Using a screwdriver tighten the screws until the brackets are firm enough. Pace your drapes on the rod and hang them.

What makes a good curtain rod

A good curtain rod should be able to hold firmly the recommended fabric weight without slipping or bending A good curtain rod should be easy to install and use A great curtain rod should be of the right size as described

Conclusion

Curtain rods are one of the greatest investments you can do as a homeowner. They not only compliment your home décor and window treatments but also make your room look more presentable, organized and classy. Better still, they can be installed in different rooms and once you buy one, you can enjoy using it for generations to come with less or no maintenance. While the market will have different brands to choose from, you need to take time and choose your right curtain rods depending on your needs. Let your curtain fabric, window size, interior décor, design, style and material help you identify the preferred rod for your needs. All the best curtain rods we have featured above are a great pick if chosen correctly.