Have you though about using ridged electrical conduit and spray them with oil rubbed bronze paint?

Here is a link that might be useful: DIY curtain rods

And if you want thicker rods there's always wooden closet rods you can find in millwork at L's or HoDe's. I think they come in up to fourteen feet long by 1.25" thick at about a dollar and twenty cents a linear foot. They are way more expensive than the conduit, but still just pennies compared to what you've spent.

For 144" you will need rod supports -- at least one, perhaps more -- depending on the material. At that length, I'd think even the wood closet rods could end up sagging.

I think it'd be worth experimenting with spray-painting the conduit, as Justgotabeme suggests. I'd also look in the plumbing-supply aisle to see if there's any other tubing that'd work, and then start finding out how to spray paint that stuff to give you a good finish that won't rub off when those curtain rings start sliding along them.

(And I think you should reschedule your handyman so you're not frazzled looking for alternative curtain hardware options!)

Thanks for the suggestions so far. I'll definitely look into the conduit... I hadn't thought of that!

one more question... how would you attach finials to the conduit?

This is a friends house with an antique door. Because of the high cost of heating she had these velvet drapes made, and we're talking heavy. The rings on this thing are enormous and the rod is large and quite wide. I don't see any supports, do you?
I know the door looks horrible but it is gorgeous and was quite expensive.

{{!gwi}}

Country Curtains has a long rod selection.

If you scroll down in the link I sent about using conduit she says how she did it using Ikea finials. It looks as though they attach differently than the finials I've seen which is with a screw at the end. If the finials you find have the screws then I'd head to the PVC and buy a cap that would fit the conduit to cap the end and drill a small hole just short of the size of the screw on the finial and then attach your finial in it. You'll have to spray the cap the same as you spray the rod ofcourse.

As for finials, L's carries some unfinished ones for three to six dollars a pair in their mill work department by the appliques.

I have 8' wood rods that are 1 5/8" diameter and they span 8 ft without any center support. Any more than 8' and I think they will bow. My drapes are closed most of the time since it's a patio door in the MBR and after 9 years they've yet to show any signs of sagging.

Tip: if your drapes are stacked beyond the window frame, you can install the end brackets closer to the window trim, thus making the actual span shorter.

For the finials, you should be able to find bushings or reducers to adapt the ends to match the size of the finials.
And don't hesitate to glue on an adapter to make it work!
Remember that metal will also bow so try to buy the heaviest gauge and a large diameter.

I think even conduit might bow. I used wrought iron for my 12' span and when I talked to the guy at Paso Robles iron works where I ordered them from, he talked me into the 1 1/4'' size rod saying they wouldn't recommend anything smaller. Drapes are heavy, connecting two 6' wooden closet rods and using a center support might be your most affordable option.

Thanks again for the information everyone. I think I'm going to try the electrical conduit idea. Actually, there is a local place that will powdercoat the conduit to closely match the brackets. Don't have to deal with the mess of painting or fears that the paint will flake off.
The finials sold through the place that sells the brackets fits over the tubing, so I think they will work (I can use plumbing or electrical tape for a snug fit).

My only concern now it that the rigid conduit will weigh approx 24 lbs for the 12 feet of rod. Does anyone think this is too heavy for the walls?

I will be getting 1 1/4" or 1 1/2" for the outer rod (silk lined drapes, heavy)and 3/4" for the inner rod (which will hold sheers, so I'm not as concerned about weight or sagging). Hopefully both rods won't sag with only a center support. Worse case scenario is that I have to replace the rod in 7 or so years, still cheaper that the custom ones!

That sure sounds like a lot of weight, but it's spread over a long distance so I can't see it causing any problem. I'd ask at HoDe or L's when you buy it. I'm sure one of their clerks will know. Many work in the field and are quite knowledgeable.
I do hope you take pictures and post them here so we all can see. I never thought about having them power coated. Great idea.

I anchored my brackets into studs to avoid any issues with the wall. Your handyman will be able to make sure they are secure, just make sure he knows what kind of weight your drapes are. He will probably be able to drill a hole in your finials and conduit so you could put a screw in to hold them together. That's how mine are. It's much easier than tape.