Curtain hardware for an extra wide window?

[WasTarin]

All of the curtain rods I have found so far only go as long as 120" and I need at least 145". Do you think it would look weird if I put two individual rods on each side with nothing in the middle? The curtains aren't for function (there are blinds underneather for privacy), just for aesthetics. Or should I track down longer rods somehow???

[Ro S]

Couple of ideas

First, two short, separate rods would probably be fine. Designers often use small rods to hold stationary panels (esp hidden under a valance). You could also put two rods together and at the center point (where the two rods meet) attach a bracket that would hide the fact that they are two separate rods (you would probably need a center support for a really long rod anyway. And, my last idea is to buy and spray paint PVC pipe or metal pipe in the length you need. That only works if you are not going to have hooks or rings running up and down the rod (causing the paint to chip, etc.) The other thing I have once done was to use PVC pipe and cover the pipe in fabric (I velcroed it on the back but I guess you could also glue it).

I have, in both homes, always had wide windows and the same issue you have. Large rods do exist but they are pricey.

Good luck.

[LAD]

Three options

I do not have much time but I have seen this addressed three ways.

1. Two very short rods, just a bit longer than the actual panels.

2. Many of the rods can be coupled with a special type of coupling screw. I do not think this is well advertised, though, so you may need to ask the hardware vendor. This sometimes creates the need for a middle bracket for support.

3. Spray painting pvc pipe to create a long rod. This initially horrified me, but someone I know did it (black matte), and it looked great. She bought all the black iron hardware she needed except for the rod, and I honestly could not tell that it was not all the same material.

Hope this helps. I will check back later to see what you decide to do.

[WasTarin]

Funny you should mention the PVC pipe. In searching,

I came across the same idea -- someone had done that. But I don't see myself going to those lengths (pardon the pun). You're right about the center bracket -- I would need one of those -- but would it work to somehow attach all the rod pieces from two kits? Off to check it out.

First, two short, separate rods would probably be fine. Designers often use small rods to hold stationary panels (esp hidden under a valance). You could also put two rods together and at the center point (where the two rods meet) attach a bracket that would hide the fact that they are two separate rods (you would probably need a center support for a really long rod anyway. And, my last idea is to buy and spray paint PVC pipe or metal pipe in the length you need. That only works if you are not going to have hooks or rings running up and down the rod (causing the paint to chip, etc.) The other thing I have once done was to use PVC pipe and cover the pipe in fabric (I velcroed it on the back but I guess you could also glue it).

I have, in both homes, always had wide windows and the same issue you have. Large rods do exist but they are pricey.

Good luck.

[KirstenP]

I don't think it would look weird. However, I have a rod that's about 145-150". Tried to measure it just now but cheap measuring tape broke. Anyway, I got mine from Smith and Noble.

Kirsten

[WasTarin]

Only long options I see on S+N is for outdoors...

Maybe I am looking in the wrong place...

I don't think it would look weird. However, I have a rod that's about 145-150". Tried to measure it just now but cheap measuring tape broke. Anyway, I got mine from Smith and Noble.

Kirsten

[Reese14]

Check out Country Curtains...

I find they have a lot of hardware and usually fit my (sometimes unusual) needs. You might also be able to buy a piece for the middle to tie them in together.

[SharonB]

I got my extra-wide window hardware at Smith & Noble. Here's a link:

http://www.smithandnoble.com/sn/prod...nav_cat=-17969

[jakIN]

My neighbor and I both have wide windows and she did the 2 rods on either end. It looks fine. Depending on your style you could do a cable. That is for a more contemporary look. JCPenney's has 14-inch decorative poles that are specifically for putting at the ends of the windows. If you go to jcpenney.com and search for decorative pole, you'll find them. They only have a few kinds though.

[WasTarin]

Thanks all...

What I did was buy 2 long rods and use 3 of the 4 rod pieces therein.
Worked! Whew.