Curtain Poles
How to choose the right curtain pole for your scheme.
We have selected an edit of curtain poles which are made in Devon by a family business. The different options all work well with our hand-embroidered crewelwork curtains.
Our curtain pole edit has narrowed down your choices, but there are still decisions to be made… wood, metal, painted or plain? How do you decide on the finial? What size should you go for? Where do you hang?
Too many questions! So we have created a quick 5 step guide and asked some of our friends for their advice. Read on to solve your curtain pole dilemma…
1. Wood...
The most important question to ask yourself: what’s your style? Leaning towards contemporary or honouring the historical? Once you have decided on that, cast your eye around the room. Interior designer Claire Orders recommends considering the other hardware elements in the room to keep the scheme cohesive; take a look at the door fittings, for example, and be guided from there.
Wooden poles offer a range of options in stained wood or paint. A painted wooden pole can be calming in a bedroom scheme, especially if the pole matches the colour of the walls:
I asked Stella Mannering of Stella Mannering and Co how she uses a curtain pole in a classic scheme to look stylish rather than old fashioned. “I like to keep finials simple,” she replied. “For example try a ball end or disc. She also suggests using a more contemporary wood stain colour: “weathered oak works well, and perhaps mix it with bronze rings and finials.”
‘…or Metal?’
Metal poles are often simpler and more streamlined. They come in a range of finishes including graphite, bronze, black and antique brass. They can be very useful in a bay window where your pole needs to turn a corner.
Designer Claire Orders says: “Personally, I love using slim metal poles which you can find in an array of finishes” she said. “For example Beeswax, Antique Brass or Heritage Copper. I find these offer a timeless look which work well in both a modern or period setting.”
2. Measurements
Width: Measure the width of the window and extend the pole (excluding finials) by 20-35cm either side of the window to allow the curtains to stack back against the wall and maximise the light coming into the room.
Height: The pole should be fitted 10-20cm above the window where possible, but if the ceiling is low, then choose a line midway between top of window and ceiling.
3. Practicalities
Where are you going to place your pole? Old houses are full of wonky walls and even new builds will often have mismatching measurements across a room. Remember – no matter what drunken angle your ceiling is tilting to, your curtain pole must always be straight!
4. Fixing your pole to the wall
Crewel curtains are heavy, especially when they are lined and interlined.
I once lived in a cob cottage in Hampshire with crumbly walls, which made hanging heavy curtains problematic (however, as the wind whistled straight through the beautiful single-paned windows, they were an absolute necessity!). My husband grudgingly erected battens to the wall, and then attached the curtains fixings, which spread the weight over a wider area.
5. What’s your favourite?
Decorating your home is all about detail and your personality. In an otherwise plain space like a hallway or landing, a curtain pole can be a chance to add some interest. Here we have used a chunky pole and fittings with a distressed gold paint effect. The heavy cloth of the crewelwork is a great match for the statement fittings.
In summary, a well-made curtain pole is another chance to finish a scheme and pull the room together, whilst choosing something that you love and will last for many years to come. The Welland & Wye curtain pole edit offers timeless and classic pieces that work seamlessly with all of our fabrics.
For help in choosing a curtain pole and working out dimensions, please get in touch.