If you’re planning to hang curtains on a traverse rod, there are some things you need to consider.
The first thing is that the curtain needs to be designed for use with traverse rods. A regular curtain will not work well because it has pockets along the bottom of the panel. These pockets prevent the curtain from sitting flat against the wall and leave gaps where light can sneak through.
There are two types of curtains that work well with traverse rods – tab top or pinch pleat drapes.
Curtain Basics: What Is A Traverse Rod?
If you’re confused about what makes traverse curtain rods so different than traditional ones, you’re not alone. We’ve all seen those metal pieces fixed into place at our local department store, but never once questioned what they were actually for.
Well, today is your lucky day because we’ve decided it’s time to clear up this common misconception and explain exactly what these amazing contraptions are used for.
Basically, they allow you to open and close curtains and drapes with ease. A traverse curtain rod is basically a rod that hangs like a chandelier, allowing you full access to open and close all the curtains or drapes attached to it simply by pulling on one cord.
Typically used for large windows with multiple panels or single windows that span across an entire wall, these rods don’t need to be permanently mounted into your walls like standard rods do. Instead, they hang from your ceiling (with overhead support) so you can open and close them with ease.
When To Use Traverse Curtains
There are several options when it comes to traverse curtain setups.
Single
The single rod allows for 1 window treatment (either a pair or individual curtains). The single rod goes directly across the top of your window.
Double
A double traversing bar installs across the center of each window, allowing 2 treatments per window (either a pair or individual curtains).
Pocket Pair
This option is similar to traditional hanging with the difference being that there are 3 bars instead of just one running vertically down your wall. At either end of each bar, hooks slide overexposed rings which hold your panels in place. Once installed, this style offers more privacy than other options because all excess fabric is hidden behind solid front pleats at either end of the pocket.
Pocket Single
The pocket single configuration offers a vertical rod that spans across the center of your window and holds 1 curtain panel at either end. All excess fabric is hidden within pockets built into the back of each panel to provide maximum light blockage and privacy.
Tie Back Pair
This setup allows you to hang 2 curtains on a traversing bar that run directly above your window treatment but still offer full-width coverage for your windows. Tiebacks are attached to exposed rings which slide overexposed hooks at either end of the traverse rod creating an opening where you tie all panels together in a knot or bow to close off your windows.
What Curtains To Use With A Traverse Rod?
If you’re planning to hang curtains on a traverse rod, there are some things you need to consider.
The first thing is that the curtain needs to be designed for use with traverse rods. A regular curtain will not work well because it has pockets along the bottom of the panel. These pockets prevent the curtain from sitting flat against the wall and leave gaps where light can sneak through.
There are two types of curtains that work well with traverse rods – tab top or pinch pleat drapes.
Tab top curtains have tabs at each end of each panel which slides over hooks attached to your traverse rod.
Pinch pleat drapes have an extra layer of fabric sewn into them which folds over on itself and attaches to your traversing rod via clips or rings (depending on what type of hardware you choose).
Both styles offer more privacy than traditional panels, ensuring that light cannot creep in around your window treatments.
IYUEGO Solid Thermal Insulated 95% Blackout Curtains
Eyes get tired and home becomes a dream. IYUEGO’s solid thermal curtains work to block out noise and let your room become a sanctuary with the perfect level of light without compromising sound.
With 10 colors that match any decor, these blackout panels will make you love coming home more than ever—in all seasons.
ChadMade Custom Polyester Linen Curtain
It doesn’t get much more natural than this linen curtain. Made with sturdy, stain-resistant polyester and combined with the timeless pinch pleat design, there are few curtains that would be better for your rustic decor. Style it into an indoor or outdoor window using its thermal blackout lining to manage heat during the day and provide insulation at night.
TWOPAGES Solid Thermal Blackout Drape
This thermal blackout drape is made from a heavyweight material and triple-weave construction, meaning it’s one of the best choices for insulation and noise reduction.
The thick, heavy fabric blocks out unnecessary sounds from outside or through your open window when you want to live in a tranquil space. And because this curtain does double duty in maintaining warmth at night and in curtains by day, it saves you time picking what to wear.
Prim Linen Pinch Pleat Curtain
This Prim Linen curtain is made from a linen/polyester blend to give your windows a smoother drape. That’s not all – it’s also heavy-duty, easy to clean, and available in 28 colors.
The Curtain Shop Braddock Jacobean Damask Drape
If you’ve ever wanted to make your windows feel like part of the décor, now is your chance to be one with these divine curtains.
With a rich pattern that will turn heads, they are sure to set any room apart from the rest. Although perfect for any decorating style, it may seem weird that there’s nothing included in the packaging to keep them up.
It doesn’t take long before everything falls back together though so don’t let this little flaw stop you from adding these bad boys to your personal jungle jubilee.
Cololeaf Pinch Pleated Lined Drapery Panel
The best way to brighten any home during the wintertime is with colorful, festive window coverings. This falls right in line with our thoughts.
The Cololeaf Pinch Pleated Lined Drapery Panel is available in more than 30 eye-catching colors for almost any taste imaginable. We’re betting you’ll find one that’s perfect for your home, whether it’s mint green or burnt orange, or even neon pink.
Are Traverse Rods Still In Style?
Yes. Traverse rods are still a great option for curtains, especially in rooms that have windows with multiple panels. The traverse rod system allows you to hang just one rod across the window—not two or three separate rods on either side of the window.
How Do You Hang Curtains On A Traverse Rod?
The process of hanging curtains on a traverse rod is similar to hanging curtains over any kind of window frame.
Most traverse rods have hooks at the top that hang from clips on individual curtain panels.
You’ll likely need to use ties or even rings looped through buttonholes in your drapes to keep them securely ringed onto the rod, so they don’t slide off of it when you open and close them.
Can You Put Regular Curtains On A Traverse Rod?
There is no rule that says you have to use a certain kind of curtain with a traverse rod, so as long as they fit the rod width and depth you’re good.
Note: When using any type of drape on a traverse rod system, keep in mind that the length will probably be longer than your window frame or wall space because one side of the drape needs to fall at least 7 inches onto the floor every time you open and close it. If you’re looking for a more custom look, custom curtains are always an option.
What Is The Difference Between A Traverse Rod And A Curtain Track?
Both systems can be used similarly (one piece across the top hanging down each), but curtain tracks are typically used in longer windows or wider windows whereas traverse rods can be used in anything, really.
Traverse rods are the most common and affordable way to hang curtains over a window and can accommodate small and large windows alike (one piece of track for one panel), making them an excellent choice if you’re looking to save money on your decorating efforts.
