What Curtain Rods Work With Wide Window Frames?

Decorating wide windows with curtains can be challenging. Standard curtain rods may not properly fit windows with extra wide openings. Fortunately, several adjustable and custom curtain rod options accommodate wall spaces over 8 feet wide.

Before shopping, carefully measure your wide window frames. Consider the room's decor and intended design when selecting extending, double, or custom-cut curtain rods. With the right hardware, you can gracefully hang curtains, drapes, and sheers to beautifully frame outsized windows.

Measuring Wide Window Openings

The first step is accurately measuring the window frame width from inside edge to inside edge. Use a steel tape measure and record to the nearest 1/8 inch. Remember to account for decorative trim, handles, and cranks when sizing curtain rods.

Tools You'll Need

Have ready the necessary supplies before measuring wide windows:

• Steel tape measure. Cloth types can stretch and provide inaccurate widths.
• Pencil and paper to record the dimensions
• A step stool or ladder if the windows are located high up

Where to Measure

Take measurements directly underneath the planned rod bracket mounting spots. Mark down the widths at each point on paper. For accurate sizing:

• Stand centered and at eye level with the window frame
• Extend tape measure fully across the entire span inside the frame
• Note shortest and longest measurement points

If window frame widths vary significantly side-to-side, purchase a rod wide enough to fit the longest span. Rectangular or oval windows often run inconsistently.

Hanging Clearance Factors

When determining overall rod lengths, factor in extra width so curtains clear the edges without rubbing. Allow wider gaps for certain styles:

• Cafe-length curtains require 3 extra inches of clearance
• Floor-length drapes need 6 to 12 inches additional width

Ordering the Correct Hardware Size

Reference your window frame measurements when comparing available curtain rod sizes. Standard adjustable rods expand 14 to 20 inches wide in 1-inch increments. For picture windows beyond 10 feet across, join two single rods together or order custom-cut lengths up to 288 inches wide.

Features of Curtain Rods for Wide Windows

Adjustability and Extensions

Telescoping brass, aluminum and stainless steel rods allow flexible length adjustment, extending outward 12 to 48 extra inches as needed. The smooth side-draw retraction keeps the room looking tidy when closed. Before installing telescoping rods, ensure the expanded length properly fits the given window measurements.

Weight Load Capacities

Heavy curtain fabrics require rods and brackets with strength to match. Check manufacturer guidelines listing the maximum weight capacity. Sturdy steel brackets securely mount larger rods built to handle weights over 20 pounds per linear foot. For heavy jobs, metal rods prove more durable than plastic varieties.

Installation Methods

Most wide window curtain rods use removable mounting brackets secured by screws or toggle bolts into the wall or ceiling. Avoid damaging woodwork or wallpaper by using tension rods that compress to fit openings 35 to 120 inches wide. These twist-to-tighten rods stay up by applying rigid outward pressure.

Materials

In traditional rooms, carved wood or wrought iron rods suit wide windows with commanding presence. Modern metal rods in matte black, brushed steel or nickel finishes integrate easily on contemporary homes. Decorative finial caps on rod ends provide aesthetically pleasing punctuation.

Types of Curtain Rods Working With Wide Windows

Tension Rods

Convenient tension rods stay up by applying rigid outward force against opposite walls. No tools needed for quick DIY installs in rental spaces or historic homes avoiding permanent damage. Span openings 35 to 120 inches using sturdy spring steel. But under heavy fabric weights, tension rods tend to sag over time.

Telescoping Extension Rods

Smoothly adjustable stainless steel and aluminum rods elegantly extend 1 to 5 extra feet long to fit wide spaces. Custom extra wide sizes are available up to a substantial 288 inches. But exceptionally lightweight rods may flex under dense fabrics.

Double Curtain Rods

Creative home decorators mount two single rods closely inline to divide extra wide spaces. Allows for hanging multiple lining and drapery layers. Creates a rich layered look with sheer see-through curtains near the glass behind heavier opaque linens.

Custom-Cut Stainless Steel Rods

Commission local metalwork artisans to create one-piece stainless steel rods for truly enormous picture windows beyond 14 feet across. Permanent installations ensure properly tailored telescoping rods stand straight and tall for decades after careful measuring and expert welding work.

Hanging Curtains on Wide Window Rods

Curtain Dimensions

Floor-length curtains visually anchor the tall expanses of wide picture windows. Rod-pocket headings stacked 3 times full softly dress large glass walls. Sheers filter incoming daylight while blackout-lined drapes block outside light.

Curtain Styles

Pinch pleats, pillow tab tops, ripplefold headings, and back tabs enable curtains to stack tidily along their wide tracks. Curtain rings with roller glides smoothly traverse lengthy steel rods. Spacious extra wide rods easily hold multiple lining and drapery layers.

Design Factors

Color palettes clinging close to neutral solids highlight wall space and abundant natural lighting. Subtle wide stripes or muted large-scale prints make gentle spatial statements without overwhelming the spread. Try coordinating tones that complement flooring and furnishings for unified room decor.

Layering Treatments

Hang breezy see-through sheers behind thicker thermal blackout curtains to filter outside scenery. Supplement with cordless cellular shades or plantation shutters to fully control privacy and ambient sunlight entering wide expanses. Experiment mixing graduated textures like translucent sheers with chunky woven accents.

Spanning larger than average windows often requires extending telescoping rods or joining custom double rods due to weight and width factors. When shopping for hardware, arm yourself with accurate frame measurements to find suitable solutions. Thoughtfully consider functional decor goals before choosing rods sized right for each room's needs and style.

When dressing outsized windows, take time to get the details right. Carefully mounting rods and artfully arranging curtains makes impressive statements. Panoramic glass walls properly balanced with Fabric will showcase the surrounding room and furnishings.

Wide window openings can be dressed to impress with accurate planning and quality hardware. Properly installed telescoping, double and custom rods reliably display flowing sheers, drapes and accents. The right curtain rods transform outsized walls of glass into the crowning gem of any room.