Custom Drapes for Your Traverse Rod Windows
Finding the perfect drapes to complement your traverse rod windows can elevate the style and functionality of any room. With so many drape and traverse rod options to choose from, it's important to understand the key factors that go into choosing custom draperies for your space. When paired thoughtfully, drapes and traverse rods create graceful, customizable window treatments.
Traverse rods are a popular choice for their ability to glide drapes smoothly across a window, controlling light and privacy with a pull of the cord. Traverse rods come in a variety of diameters, finishes and hardware systems to suit your needs. When paired with drapes made from rich, quality fabrics in colors and patterns that speak to your personal taste, traverse rods and drapes form a beautiful and functional window treatment solution.
Popular Types of Traverse Rods for Drapes
There are many different types of traverse rods available to match your room's aesthetics and suit your functional needs. The specific rod you choose will impact the drapes you pair with it. Keep rod type and features in mind as you shop.
Standard Traverse Rods
Standard traverse rods feature a standard 1-1/4" to 1-1/2" diameter and basic metal hardware finish options in white, brass, black or silver. Standard traverse rods provide an affordable drapery operating option, using a cord and pulley system to glide drapes smoothly across the window. Standard traverse rods work best with light to medium weight drapes.
Small Diameter Traverse Rods
For a sleek, modern style, consider traverse rods with diameters of 1" or smaller. Often finished in satin nickel or steel, narrow diameter rods have a lightweight, floating appearance. These rods are designed for sheers or other very lightweight drapes.
Large Diameter Traverse Rods
Traverse rods over 2" in diameter make a dramatic design statement. Large diameter rods are able to support medium to heavy drapes and work well with formal, pleated drapes. Decorative wood finishing creates a classic, ornate style.
Bendable Traverse Rods
Bendable traverse rods offer flexibility to create customized curves and angles, perfect for arched windows and bay windows. Simply bend the pliable metal rod into shape before securing the mounting brackets. Bendable rods come in a range of diameters, finishes and weight capacities. An adaptable option for handling a variety of drape sizes.
Decorative Traverse Rods
For a touch of ornamental flair, choose a decorative traverse rod featuring intricately carved wood or customized metalwork in the brackets, finials and traverse slides. Decorative rods come in various diameters from 1" to over 3", with finish options like antique bronze, oil-rubbed bronze and rustic iron. Eye-catching decorative rods nicely complement pleated, grommet and other decorative drapery styles.
Popular Drape Styles to Match Traverse Rods
Drapes come in an endless array of colors, prints, fabrics and silhouettes to match your room's look and style. Whether tailored and sleek or soft and romantic, consider the style of your traverse rod as you shop for complementary drapes.
Floor Length Drapes
For an elegant, formal statement, choose floor length drapes that puddle onto the floor. These substantial drapes work beautifully with standard, large or decorative traverse rods. Use drapery pins to align and keep the hem in place. Accent with contrasting tiebacks or decorative holdbacks.
Patio Door Drapes
Extend the width of your traverse rod to cover large patio doors with a pair or set of drapes. Choose rod extenders to accommodate wider spans. Light-filtering sheers allow outside views while providing privacy. For room darkening, select medium to heavy drapes.
Sheer Drapes
Sheer drapes made from gossamer fabrics like silk, voile and jacquard elegantly filter natural light. Billowy sheers glide gracefully across standard and bendable traverse rods. Pair sheers alone or combined with matching drapes.
Blackout Drapes
For bedrooms or media rooms, choose light-blocking blackout drapery fabrics like twill, sateen or layered acrylic to prevent outside light from filtering in. The thick, opaque fabric requires a sturdy traverse rod able to support the extra weight. Use full-length, overlapping drapes for maximum light blockage.
Patterned Drapes
Make a style statement with drapes adorned in bold patterns, from graphic ikat prints to traditional florals. Patterned drapes pop against neutral walls and add personality to any room. Choose patterns like chevron or damask for a tailored look. Opt for playful paisleys or toile in livelier spaces.
Key Factors to Consider When Buying Drapes
Finding drapes that beautifully complement your new traverse rod system requires careful selection. Keep these important factors in mind while shopping:
Drape Length and Fullness
First, look at your window height and consider your desired drape length and fullness. Floor length drapes and fuller softly-pleated styles will require the use of extension or architectural decorative traverse rods. Be sure to purchase drapes in the proper total length and fullness width recommended for your specific rod size.
Drape Fabric and Texture
Determine whether you need light, medium or heavy weight drape fabrics. Floaty, diaphanous sheers like silk chiffon beautifully show off the window while still allowing soft filtered light. Look for polyester sheers for economy. Velvet, tapestry and brocade offer elegance and insulation. Also consider the drape fabric's texture and sheen.
Drape Color and Pattern
Carefully select drape colors and designs that will complement your room's existing color palette and decor. Combine colors and patterns for an eclectic, collected look. Or choose drapes in a neutral solid color that accents the room without competing. Formal spaces may call for damask or jacquard fabrics, while playful patterns like toile inject fun into casual rooms.
Drape Opacity
Sheer, light-filtering drapes allow daylight while obscuring views. Blackout drapery lining blocks outside light for privacy and sleep. In between, semi-opaque fabrics like linen provide moderate light control. Consider room use and your need for light management when selecting drape fabric opacity.
Measuring Window Dimensions for Custom Drapes
Having drapes expertly custom-made to your exact window measurements will ensure your new drapes fit perfectly on your traverse rod. Careful measuring is crucial for drapes, since there are multiple dimensions to consider.
Measuring Window Width
Use a steel tape measure to accurately measure window width at the top, middle and bottom of the window frame. Record these measurements in inches. The top will be the most important width measurement used for ordering drapes. Having the other widths will allow increasing fullness gradually from top to bottom as needed.
Measuring Window Height
Measure height at three points - left, center and right - from the top of the window frame to the bottom window sill. For floor length drapes, measure from the top of the frame down to the floor. Order drapery panels using the longest vertical measurement to prevent drag. Having multiple height measurements allows adjusting for non-level windows.
Measuring Traverse Rod Length
Additionally, measure the exact length of your existing traverse rod, or the planned length if purchasing new. Add extension brackets if needed to accommodate drapes that puddle on the floor.
Installing Drapes on Traverse Rods
Once you've selected the perfect custom drapes for your traverse rod, it's time to install them. With the right tools and some DIY handiwork, you can get your drapes hung to draw smoothly across the rod. Follow these steps for proper installation: