Someone saw a big niche in the home furnishings market about 20 years ago. That niche was window treatment hardware. Until then, drapery hardware consisted of unattractive white metal traverse rods. Your only choice was how long a rod you needed. No more. Drapery hardware has come out of the hardware store and into the forefront of window covering style. Rod and finials made of woods, metals, glass, iron, and ceramic are offered in a huge variety of styles. The only downside is that it may take you longer to decide on the rods than on some of the other elements for your room.

Tips on choosing window treatment hardware.

Decide if you want the window hardware to stand out or be "invisible". Rods and finials might be more prominent in a formal room, for instance, while a contemporary room calls for clean lines and an uncluttered look.

Consider the function of a window treatment as you choose the hardware. Draperies that close will require easy sliding rings or a draw cord system. Stationery decorative panels can be gathered onto a rod or hung from tab tops or ties.

Layer your window treatments for the most flexibility. For example, place blinds next to the glass for privacy and light control, then add decorative curtain panels for color and style.

Use two rods or a double rod to accommodate a layer of sheers and over drapes, or drapes and a valance.

Look for rods, finials, and hardware in styles and colors that will enhance the look of your decor and the window treatments.

Contemporary homes will find chrome rods, glass finials, metals, iron, and cable systems to fit in well with that look.

The new cable systems are perfect for very wide windows and for contemporary rooms where furnishings and accessories may be minimal and straight lined.

Match the hardware to the style of your draperies and your room. Choose sturdy larger diameter rods for heavy draperies. Sheer panels and lighter silks will look more appropriate on thinner lighter rods.

Carved dark wood, gilt touches, and traditional shapes work well in formal, traditional, or period rooms.

Iron, black wrought iron, and rustic metals might be used in country interiors, rustic rooms, and some themed rooms in Tuscany, Spanish, and other rustic styles. Country styles can be accented with pine, iron, and simple wood rods.

Scale is another important consideration. Reserve heavy cornices and finials for larger, high-ceilinged rooms. Keep the scale lighter for smaller, low ceiling spaces.

Add height to a room by installing drapery hardware well above the window frame, or even up along the ceiling line. The longer fabric panels will add a tall line to the rooms.

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