Curtain and drapery rods are an essential component of any window treatment, and there are a variety of styles to choose from. There’s a curtain rod for you, whether you’re looking for a basic rod to hang your curtains or drapes, or a decorative curtain rod to add some flair to your window. But you might ask,

  • What kind of curtain rod should I get?
  • What is the difference between a curtain rod and a drapery rod?
  • What style works best for my curtains?

In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the different curtain rod styles available from single curtain rods to double rods so that you can make the best choice for your home.

At Wei Wei Drapery Denver and Greenwood Village, we have the best selection of drapery rods and poles with matching curtain rod brackets, finials, and more for all your project needs. Come see us today and speak to our design team about our countless styles of curtain rods and hardware at the lowest prices.

Curtain Rods vs. Drapery Rods

Curtain rods and drapery rods are often used interchangeably, but there is a slight difference between the two. Curtain rods are typically used to hang lightweight curtains, while drapery rods are designed to hold heavier fabrics. If you’re unsure which type of rod to get, look at the curtains or drapes you want to hang. A standard curtain rod should do the trick if they’re on the lighter side. If they’re heavier curtains or you have a larger window you should opt for a stronger drapery rod.

Curtain Rods

Typically made of thin metal or wood, they come in a variety of styles and sizes.

  • They are usually thinner than drapery rods because they hold less weight.
  • They will typically come in sizes ranging from 1/2″ to 1″ thick.
  • Decorative knobs are available on curtain rods and come in many styles.

Drapery Rods

Drapery rods are also available in wood and metal, but they tend to be thicker and stronger because they need to hold heavier curtains or drapes. Metal rods are available in bronze, black, and nickel finishes.

  • Drapery rods typically range from 1″ to 2″ thick.
  • You can find some thick, decorative drapery rods that are up to 3″ or 4″.
  • Drapery rods also come with many decorative finials or knobs to choose from to accent the window treatment.

Traverse Curtain Rod

A traverse curtain rod is a type of rod that is used to open and close curtains or drapes. The curtains are attached to the rod with hooks, and the rod itself has a cord that runs through it. To open the curtains, you simply pull on the cord to raise the curtain up along the rod. To close them, you do the same thing in reverse. The hooks will be sewn into the drapes for certain types of custom drapery.

Double Curtain Rod

A double curtain rod is exactly what it sounds like – a curtain rod that has two rods, one on top of the other. Double rods are often used to hang sheer curtains in front of heavier drapes, and this allows you to have the look of layered curtains without having to sew two curtains together.

Wooden Curtain Rods

Wooden curtain rods are a classic choice, and they come in a variety of woods, such as maple, oak, cherry, and more. You can find wooden rods in many different styles, from simple to ornate. Just keep in mind that they may be heavier than other types of rods, so make sure you have strong curtain hooks or rings that can support the weight.

Motorized Curtain Rods

If you have large windows or difficult-to-reach windows, motorized curtain rods may be the way to go. These rods are operated with a remote control, so you can open and close your curtains without getting up. You can save your premium drapes or curtains from wear and tear with motorized rods. Motorized rods are also great for people with disabilities who may have difficulty reaching curtains or drapes on a traditional rod.

French Return Rods

This curtain rod’s name comes from the french name “Poteau de draperie,” which translates to drapery pole. These rods typically have a 90-degree angle on one end, which allows the drape or curtain to be pulled back flush against the wall or door. There are also no finials on this type of rod. This gives you maximum light and visibility when you want it while still providing privacy when you need it because it limits the light gap that is normal when the curtain or drapery reaches the end of a regular drapery rod.

Curtain Rod Finial

Finials are the decorative knobs placed on the end of curtain rods. They come in many different styles, from simple to ornate, and can be made of wood, metal, glass, crystal, or even plastic. Finials are purely for decoration, but they can add a finishing touch to your window treatment. 

Now that you know the different types of curtain rods available, here are a few things to keep in mind as you shop for the perfect one for your home:

  • Window Size. The width of your rod should extend at least 4-6 inches past each side of your window frame. This will allow you to properly hang curtains or drapes and give you the look you want.
  • The weight of your curtain or drape. Pick a rod that can support the weight if you’re hanging heavy curtains or drapes such as blackout curtains. This is especially important if you’re using a wooden rod, as they tend to be heavier than other materials.
  • The style of your curtain or drape. Choose modern curtain rods with clean lines and minimal embellishments if you want a sleek, modern look.
  • The material of your curtain rod. The type of rod you choose should match the overall style of your room.

Curtain Hooks and Curtain Rings

Curtain hooks and curtain rings are used to hang the curtain or drape on the rod. Curtain hooks simply hook onto the rod, while curtain rings have a clip that attaches to the curtain and then slides over the rod. When using drapery hooks or rings, you’ll want to ensure they’re compatible with your rod. Some curtain rods come with matching hooks or rings, while others do not.


Now that you know the different types of curtain rods available, here are a few things to keep in mind as you shop for the perfect one for your home:

  • The size of your window. The width of your rod should extend at least 4-6 inches past each side of your window frame. This will allow you to properly hang curtains or drapes and give you the look you want.
  • The weight of your curtain or drape. Pick a rod that can support the weight if you’re hanging heavy curtains or drapes such as blackout curtains. This is especially important if you’re using a wooden rod, as they tend to be heavier than other materials.
  • The style of your curtain or drape. Choose modern curtain rods with clean lines and minimal embellishments if you want a sleek, modern look.
  • The material of your curtain rod. The type of rod you choose should match the overall style of your room.

Your Supplier for Curtain Rods in Denver

Now that you know the different types of curtain rods available, it’s time to pick the perfect one for your home. Whether you need a decorative rod or an extra-long rod for large windows, we have what you need. Our team at Wei Wei Drapery in Denver and Greenwood Village can help you decide on the perfect curtain rods for your home. We have a wide selection of rods and hardware that are sure to match the design style of your home. Contact us today to get started.