Extend Window Design Solutions With Short Curtain Rods
2019-09-02
Chalk this up as one of those solutions that's so obvious I can't believe I've never thought of it before: extra-short curtain rods. These petite pretties are a perfect fit for a tight wall space, oddly shaped windows and a host of other design issues that make a full rod difficult to install. They won't necessarily provide privacy — they're used more as a decorative finishing touch, framing a view with floor-to-ceiling texture and color. If you want to screen out sun or prying eyes, you'll need to layer them with blinds, shutters, shades or sheers.
There are lots of short curtain rods in various styles on the market. But if a full-length model catches your eye, consider having a carpenter or metalsmith cut it down to size.
Where would you use shorter curtain rods in your home? Let us know in the Comments.
Arched windows can be difficult to frame with standard drapery rods, but shorter versions in this space work beautifully. They allow for continuation of the drapery panels that dress the single window, yet aren't so long that they appear monolithic.
Abbreviated rods work well in a small room where full-length models might look overbearing. Here, hanging them right at the ceiling keeps them from getting lost in a field of wall space and visually heightens the room.
Got a window that reaches the ceiling? Here's the solution. Short striped curtains on small rods add volume and color to what otherwise would be a lifeless corner.
Full rods and curtains won't always fit into narrow slivers of space; these mini ones allow the panels to stay tightly gathered, out of the way of the windows.
This room takes a similar approach. On long rods the curtains would look overly bunched and awkward.
Sometimes a full rod simply looks too heavy for an airy space like this one. These allow for draperies to soften the bank of windows without upsetting the serene balance.
I love this solution for dressing a bay window. Angled rods fit neatly into the corners and play up the architecture.
Short rods nimbly bridge the gap between the sliding doors and the small window tucked beside the fireplace here.