9 Types of Curtain Rods and How to Choose the Right Kind

Decorative Curtain Rod

Best for: Any window in your home, including sliding doors

A decorative single curtain rod is available in countless styles, sizes, and finishes and is a great way to add an extra decorative touch to your windows. This type of rod is often extendable to fit a range of window sizes, and finish materials include wood, brass, iron, or brushed nickel, to name just a few.

What makes it unique are the finials on either end of the rod, which come in many shapes and sizes, from sleek, minimalist ones to more ornate and vintage-style ones, and even kids' themed finials. They are removable and screwed onto the ends of the rod. Their practical purpose is to help keep the curtain panels in place, but they also help dress up the windows and add a lovely accent.

Tension Rod

Best for: Smaller windows (kitchen, bathroom, bedroom), shower curtains, or apartments or rentals with "no-holes-in-walls" policies

A tension rod, sometimes also referred a spring-pressure rod, differs from other standard curtain rods because it is not a permanent fixture that needs to be screwed into a wall, ceiling, or window. Because the rods aren't screwed into the wall, they're easy to "install" and take down, and they're also less expensive than other more permanent options.

These rods are commonly used for bathroom shower curtains but can be used on all windows. They are best suited for lightweight curtains on smaller windows in kitchens, bathrooms, or bedrooms. This type of rod is adjustable in length and stays in place by tightly fitting between two walls, or in this case, either side of the window frame.

Double Curtain Rod

Best for: Larger or double windows, wanting filtered light

A double curtain rod is similar in style to a classic decorative rod, except that it consists of two rods to allow you to layer two types of window treatments on one window. The front curtain is usually more ornate and made of heavier material. The inside curtain is usually a sheer panel for those who want to let in filtered light or maintain privacy with opaque curtains.

The most significant benefit of using a double rod is using sheer curtains and thicker panels simultaneously. This is especially helpful on very sunny days, during the cold winter months, and rooms with black-out curtains. This rod type also creates extra depth and a dramatic effect, especially when using bold or contrasting colors and patterns.

Traverse Curtain Rod

Best for: Bedrooms, living rooms, sliding doors

Traverse curtain rods have built-in clips that attach to loops on the back of your curtain panel and a mechanism in the rod's interior that allows the panel to slide when you open or shut the curtains.

This type of rod can be hung on the wall or ceiling and comes in a single or double design, depending on whether you want a single layer of panels or want to layer two curtain types together. It's a great way to create a clean and streamlined look, as the rod is more hidden than a classic single or double rod.

Motorized Curtain Rod

Best suited for: Living rooms, bedrooms, windows with heavier curtains, and "Smart"-enabled homes controllable from an app

The most modern of all curtain rod types, a motorized rod may make you think of an upscale hotel decorated in a contemporary style. This rod type is becoming more popular for homeowners because of its sleek look and convenience.

It's remote-operated so you can open and close your living room or bedroom curtains from the comfort of your sofa, bed, or an app. Some higher-end, Smart-enabled models are voice-controlled options. It's also the most expensive rod and has weight limitations that must be considered when shopping for this type of rod.

Concealed Curtain Rods

Best suited for: Living rooms, windows with recessed pockets for curtain rods, black-out curtains

Concealed curtain rods are for people who want curtains with the illusion of using no curtain rods. You can combine some types of rods to give this effect by using tension, traverse, or traditional rods. Rooms can be designed with recessed pockets above windows for this purpose. Concealed rods can be attached to walls or ceilings.

Wrap-around (or French) curtain rods are ideal for black-out draperies because they allow curtains to cover the gap between the wall and the rod. 

Cafe Curtain Rods

Best suited for: Kitchens, bathrooms, smaller, double-sash windows

Cafe curtain rods, or sash curtains, are curtains that cover the window's lower half. These curtain rods can be tension or traditionally mounted single rods. They are best used on double sash windows, hanging from the bottom half of the window to allow light from the top half. These rods are installed horizontally, inline with the top of the bottom sash.

Magnetic Curtain Rods

Best suited for: Metallic window frames, rentals with no-hole-in-walls policies, lighter curtains

Magnetic curtain rods are another viable option for renters or people who do not want to put holes in their homes' walls. These rods use strong magnets to attach to a metal surface, like metal window casings. They are easy to install and remove.

The downside is that you can't use these curtains with non-metallic surfaces or weighty curtains. These curtain rods come in all sizes and adjust up and down from 9 inches to 84 inches in length.

Curved or Arched Curtain Rods

Best suited for: Bay windows, windows with arches, rounded rooms and windows, shower curtains,

Bay windows require curved or angled window rods. If your windows are tall or arched, you may want curtains that fit within the frame. Curved or angled rods usually have adjustable segments that you can shape to fit a circular space or rotunda.

Curved rods are also popular in showers, especially those that need more space or width. The curtain rod, usually a tension rod, can be adjusted to angle or curve outward, widening the armroom in a shower.