Spiffy Speak

Curtain Rod Ideas & Tips

Are you looking for an alternative to a typical curtain rod? These seven creative curtain rod ideas offer plenty of character and charm. Although they require a little DIY, these options are quite easy to create and consist of materials you likely already have in your home. Trust us, the slight extra effort is worth the gorgeous results! Read on to find the idea that’s perfect for your space.

Order custom curtains from Spiffy Spools online in any size. We have over 1,000 fabrics and patterns to pick from, so you can match them to your home perfectly. Shop Now

Select the Right Curtain Heading

Each of these creative curtain rod ideas act similarly to a traditional curtain rod. That said, it’s important to select the right curtain heading to ensure your curtains fit the rod and function flawlessly. We suggest choosing one of the following heading styles:

Grommet tops
Back tab tops
Rod pockets
Tab tops
Tie tops

Now, let’s dive into some great curtain rod ideas!

Tree Branch Curtain Rod

Modern-farmhouse home designs are currently very popular. If you’re looking for a curtain rod that matches the warm, rustic feel of your space, a thin, lightweight tree branch can serve as a gorgeous alternative. Here’s how to use a tree branch as a curtain rod:

Find a lightweight branch that spans the length of your windows.
Install two brackets on both sides of the window frame. Be sure the brackets are large enough to hold the circumference of the branch.
Clean the branch with a wet cloth to remove any dirt.
Apply a layer of sealant to preserve the wood.
Slip the branch through the curtain heading and evenly distribute the fabric.
Set the branch on top of the two brackets to complete the look.

Featured Look: April Morning

Our airy, timeless, and minimalistic April Morning white curtains will help you flawlessly capture the farmhouse-style aesthetic.

Metallic Industrial Pipe Curtain Rod

Another emerging home trend is the appearance of industrial-chic designs. Using a metallic industrial pipe as your curtain rod will work cohesively with this home style. Here’s how to pull it off:

Identify the most prominent metallic elements currently in your space and select a pipe that’s the same color. Ensure the pipe spans the length of your windows.
For an optional touch, consider adding plumbing hardware to your pipe to provide even more character.
Install brackets on either side of the window frame. Make sure they are large and strong enough to support the pipe.
Slip the pipe through the curtain heading and evenly distribute the fabric.
Place the pipe across the brackets to complete the look.

Featured Look: Alanna

The dark, neutral hues and angular grid pattern of these Alanna curtains will help pull together your industrial-chic home design.

Yardstick Curtain Rod

A yardstick curtain rod will make a great addition to an office, study, library, or even a kid’s room. Whether you’re going for a smart, refined look or a more playful feel, there are a few simple steps you need to take to turn a yardstick into a curtain rod:

For a smart look, use a yardstick that features darker wood and/or wood that’s distressed.
For a playful look, use a yardstick that features brighter, yellow-orange wood tones.
Install two brackets on both sides of the window frame.
Slip the yardstick through the curtain heading and evenly distribute the fabric.
Place the yardstick across the brackets to complete the look.

Featured Look: Light Amber

Blackout curtains, such as these stunning Light Amber curtains, are perfect for any space that requires quietness, minimal screen glare, and/or improved sleep quality.

Boat Oar Curtain Rod

Does your space feature a nautical theme? If so, nothing is more nautical than a boat oar curtain rod! This element is sure to tie the room together, whether you’re hanging it in a living room, kid’s room, bathroom, or anywhere else in your home. Here’s how to use get this look:

Find a boat oar that spans the length of your windows. A wooden oar will blend nicely with most décor, but an oar that features a color that’s prominent in your nautical theme can also work nicely.
Install two brackets on both sides of the window frame. Be sure the brackets are large enough to hold the circumference of the narrow end of the oar, not the paddle.
Slip the narrow end of the boat oar through the curtain heading and evenly distribute the fabric.
Set the narrow end of the boat oar on top of the two brackets. The paddle portion of the oar will extend past the bracket.

Featured Look: Chelsea Pirate

To truly embody a nautical theme, pairing your boat oar with these Chelsea Pirate curtains is a great choice. They feature classic red, white, and blue stripes that add refinement to the naval look.

Rustic Rope Curtain Rod

When done correctly, rustic rope makes for a gorgeous curtain rod! The type of rope you should use depends on the feel of your room, so be sure to carefully make your selection. Take the following steps to use a rustic rope as a curtain rod:

For a nautical look, select a thickly woven rope in white.
For a casual look, select a medium-width woven rope in a neutral color.
For a delicate look, select a thinly woven rope, like twine, in a neutral color.
Place a nail on both sides of the window frame.
Slip the rope through the curtain heading and evenly distribute the fabric.
Tie each end of the rope to the nails. Ensure that the rope is tied with about half an inch of slack, rather than completely taught.

Featured Look: Marble

Linen curtains, such as these gorgeous white Marble curtains, flawlessly complement rustic home designs.

Colorful Curtain Rod

Perhaps the simplest way to put a unique spin on your curtain rod is to select or paint one in a vibrant, bold color! To select the color of your curtain rod, consider the following tips:

Identify the primary color featured in your room décor.
For a subtle pop of color, use the same, primary color featured in your room décor on your curtain rod.
For a bold look, select the complementary color to the primary hue featured in your room décor.

Featured Look: Yamini Shamwari

If you’re looking for a vibrant curtain option, our hot pink, cotton Yamini Shamwari curtains may be just what you need to create an eye-catching statement in your space!

Order Custom Curtains from Spiffy Spools

We hope you enjoyed these seven creative curtain rod ideas! If you’re ready to shop curtains for your home, browse Spiffy Spools today. We make it easy to create custom curtains that fit your exact specifications. Explore our site to find the perfect options for your space, and whether you want to learn how to drape curtains for events like weddings or simply looking for tips to spruce up spaces like a screen porch with drapes, you can find all the ideas and inspiration you need in our Spiffy Speak blog. If you are still in need of further assistance, we’re just an email away!

ALSO READ: HOW TO KEEP YOUR CURTAIN ROD FROM SLIDING