Curtain Rods: Wood or Metal?

bepsf says:

"Wooden rods support heavy curtains better than metal because they are not hollow."

That's not entirely accurate.
While there are a great many flimsy metal rods out there, quality beefy metal non-adjustable rods can support just as much, if not more, weight than a wood rod.

Pascale says:

Our cozy little house has two box bay windows - to save some money and to get the rich look I wanted I found a company online that sells parts for railing systems. (Think of the brass railings you see on the fronts and sides of old counters in a tavern or bar.) They sold heavy, solid brass tubing of various diameters, cut to length, and elbows, finials and a variety of brackets. They offered a variety of metal finishes too. The pricing was much less than what I would have paid to a tradition curtain company to have custom rods made, and these rails won't bow at all.

deidred28 says:

Pascale Collins, do you have any more info on where you found your railings turned curtain rods? I am loooking for a cheaper alternative. we have 25 windows to cover, and rods are so expensive. Also, would you share your pictures of the rods. Thanks

Pascale says:

Hi Deidred, I purchased my railing components from www.gocrown.com - they're in NJ. Unfortunately I just looked them up and ended up with sticker shock - I forgot that the price of metal has gone up quite a bit in the last few years! That being said, I do think the price is very good for the quality, and can be less expensive than custom or high end rods.

If you google brass railings you'll find a number of companies that offer this stuff - you might be able to find a business close to you and save money on shipping. Perhaps another way to save money is to buy the metal tubing at a big box store and buy the brackets and finials at a brass rail shop. The photos I'm attaching show a variety of rods, brackets, flanges and finials that I ended up using in my library, dining room and kitchen. (My neighbor was so impressed she ended up doing the same thing in her home.)

Hope this helps! :-)