Do the Crate and Barrel rods have the telescope part near both ends? That would be good because it wouldn't affect the drapes when opening or closing since they stack on the ends.

The curtains get hung up on them, they are not near the end. They are a complete joke. My curtains are black out and very heavy and they won't go over the bump even when I'm standing on a ladder trying to force it over (they are on rings). I actually just got off the phone with a custom rod maker who wanted between $600-900 for just one rod, and I need 6 of them. It really makes me angry that I have to settle for terrible hardware if I can't afford custom. I just can't believe that someone hasn't figured out there is a middle market.

great idea from the first poster. Also, I would call the store. And/Or whoever you bought the rods from. maybe they were just installed improperly.

If they can't remedy it you can always put your drapes on clips and rings. That way they will not catch when they slide over the bumps.

Another possibility is to use Museum putty over the spots that keep moving or are causing your drapes to catch.. It acts like terrific glue but you can actually take it off when you're done with it. Museum's use it to Ensure delicate items stay in place. they have an expensive version that comes in clear.

let us know how you make out!

the both ends telescope are good because the drapes are the same height on both sides... thats why they make them that way.

the reason they telescope is 1. adjustable, they only need to make them for 3 or so size rangers 2. shipping. they have to get from the factory to your house some way.

There's also the consideration that although windows are fairly standard sizes, they might be combined with any number of different types of trim. So there's no efficient way to standardize the rods.

But I hear you, in general the rods I find available are deplorable.

I know it's cheap for the companies, I guess that's why they do it. However, they don't work in general for regularly used curtains. If I wasn't already running a company I'd start one! My curtains are on rings and to say they don't even begin to slide over these bumps is an understatment. The drapes are not even on both sides, they are low on the right, high in the middle and low on the left. I bought them thinking I would not need to telescope at all because it's close to the right length. But they are automatically telescoped with the way they are designed there is no "closed" position. I'm looking at the Restoration Hardware custom ones...the seem a bit more reasonable that what I was quoted by the a store here in Houston. Although saying $300-$400 for one rod is reasonable is...well I won't say what my husband thinks. These things are just a steel rod for heavens sake!

Thank you for your ideas, I just don't have time to make one and I don't think I should need to jimmy anything that's brand new. :(

have you considered how short the longest size rod telescopes down to? you could trim it.....good for a normalish window, not for a huge one....

Both Lowe’s and Home Depot have wood drapery rods that you cut to fit, or connect to each other with a double sided screw. If you’re attaching rods for a longer length it’s good to put a bracket at that spot. Looks much more finished than telescoping rods.

You never mentioned roughly how long the curtain rods should be.

Suggestion:

Go to a hardware store or a plumbing supply store and ask for the price of very sturdy metal pipe in the diameter you need to fit your rod pocket/holes and ask them to cut your pipe to a specific size. Try to have each rod longer than the window is wide -- long enough so your curtains/drapes, when open, cover the window frame but not the window. Take the pipe home and clean it well with a steel wool soap pad and then paint it -- either black or white or whatever color(s) you need -- with 2X Rust O'leum spray paint.

Edit to add:

Ask about finishing ends for the pipe. You could get a metal end cap to glue on; alternately, you might be able to use those rubber ends intended for a cane or crutch.

If you're spanning a considerable distance, let the hardware guys know what you're trying to do so you can get a pipe that is thick/strong enough to hold your curtains/drapes without the pipe bending. You could always try one pipe/rod for the longest rod you need and, if you're satisfied with that, go back for more.

Wood may be your best bet. I googled "wood drapery rods" and a large selection of reasonably priced options came up, including a site called The Curtain Rod Shop! Country Curtains used to carry a good selection but, alas, they went out of business. Good luck!

Thank you all! After looking online for two hours today I did find the Curtain Rod Shop (they are actually in Houston)! They seem promising, I left a message and am waiting to hear back. The other options re metal pipe and wood dowel seem like they will have to do if that shop doesn't work out. I need about six rods in all ranging from 120" to 48" so that would certainly be cost effective. I already have the brass brackets installed from the Crate and Barrel rods that didn't work out. I can just keep up the brackets and add the rods! Still, this was way too complicated. I think there is a business opportunity here!

If you DIY or handyman option, you need electrical conduit pipe. It's cheap and sturdy, just need to be painted and add some finials of your choice.

Just checked, and 1" EMT conduit is $9 for a ten foot piece.