Does curtain rod have to span the full window bank?

5 years ago

Hi all, reading lots of diverse threads and seeing differing opinions about this. I have a large, rectangular living room that is primarily empty, starting from scratch, but my question is more general. There are 5 cased single wide windows and a sixth that is a triple window no wall between the windows. I don't need privacy and am thinking about window dressing and considering drapery panels. Since I don't anticipate needing to close the curtains, does the rod for the triple window need to span side to side, or can I use short rods just to hang the panel at the end of the window? There is about 24 inches from each corner to the window casing. I have seen comments/pictures with conflicting "rules". (I am in the "trying things out in my head" stage). May have other questions on this room later. Thanks a lot everyone!

Featured Answer

arokes726

5 years ago

Probably worse for a formal room. They’re like the interior version of pasted on shutters. Even if you don’t plan to close the curtains, it should look like you can. That means enough curtain width to actually span them, as well.

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Comments (18)

chispa
5 years ago
I don't like "shorty" rods, they just seem odd to me, so even if I only do stationary decorative panels I like to do a long rod across the whole window.

I'll cast my vote for a long rod.
Therese R thanked chispa
Therese R
Original Author
5 years ago
Yeah, I've seen some I like better than others, that's for sure. Thanks for your opinion. Maybe the "shorties" are better in a very formal style room?
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ohsuzannah
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
I have French doors and a wide window in a guest room, and I used short rods that I mounted near the ceiling. I also bought panels that hav fullness for that that rod width, which saved money. I didn't do it for that reason, but it was an added bonus.
Therese R thanked ohsuzannah
PRO
Diana Bier Interiors, LLC
5 years ago
Those short rods are not a good look, in a formal or casual room.

Perhaps post a photo of the room and you may get some more ideas of how to dress the windows.
Therese R thanked Diana Bier Interiors, LLC
jck910
5 years ago
Agree we need a picture. FYI the panels need to be full enough that they look like they will cover the window if closed.
Therese R thanked jck910
Therese R
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks everyone. I'll post pic's and sketch size tomorrow in daylight.
Therese R
Original Author
5 years ago
Here is a sketch of the room. Photos tomorrow. TV going on the wall opposite the fireplace on a console. Fireplace will be cleaned and decorative only. Addl seating to be added. Thank you again!
Kathi Steele
5 years ago
I like one rod that allows the curtains, when opened, allow the curtains to go almost to the edge of the window. It makes the window look as it was intended.
Therese R thanked Kathi Steele
Therese R
Original Author
5 years ago
HI everyone, here are the pics to go with the sketch above. Appreciate any thoughts. As I mentioned, the fireplace will be decorative only- suggestions for that are welcome. The 60in TV will be going on the black console across from the fireplace. The piano stays in the room and I was thinking of moving toward the corner with the white console that will be moved possibly on the opposite wall behind the piano to hold all the music. Open to other positions for the piano. It was suggested that I add a couple of chairs and ottoman between the fireplace and piano area. There is a sectional coming for the left side of the fireplace (front side of house). Still need tables and lighting. The sectional is a small black/cream texture. The wall color is throughout the whole house that we bought over the winter and I'l like for it to change :)

Curio not staying in this room,. Rocker can go as well.

thank you
Kathi Steele
5 years ago
I would NOT get rid of that rocker!! Nothing better than a rocking chair for sick kids/grandkids!!! But.....I digress....

It does not HAVE to span the wall, but I think it would look nicer if when opened the curtains almost came to the end of the window. It makes the window look much larger and it give you full light.

Can the piano sit in the sun??
Therese R thanked Kathi Steele
Lexi GS
5 years ago
I once had a drapery professional tell me to go with long rod, because 2 short rods at the ends for stationary panels will look like eyebrows.
Therese R thanked Lexi GS
Therese R
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks Kathi. Despite all the windows, there is not a tremendous amount of light due to a wooded lot. The triple window faces southeast and woods so the piano is pretty safe anywhere in this room.
Therese R
Original Author
5 years ago
Lexi GS- that's so funny! I can see it. Looks like the long rod will be it. I was just considering the other based on some other comments and pictures and because I wasn't planning to ever close the curtains; but I appreciate the idea that I still need enough fullness to at least look like it could, so would look silly with the little "eyebrows".
Kathi Steele
5 years ago
We rarely close our curtains in the living room and dining room, but I have sheers that are closed all the time. We live in a neighborhood and it gives the illusion of privacy!!
Therese R thanked Kathi Steele
Lexi GS
5 years ago
Mail4tar, I was going to do 2 short rods as well. It would've been easier. But now I can't unsee the "eyebrows", so it's going to be long rods from now onwards for me.
Therese R thanked Lexi GS
PRO
Diana Bier Interiors, LLC
5 years ago
That is a lovely well-proportioned room with nicely placed windows. Definitely use one rod for the triple window, and make sure you install the rod as high as you can just below the crown molding. Also make sure that you use enough panels so that they don't look skimpy. You could also add natural roman shades under the dress curtains for privacy/light control, as well as to add texture. What type of fabric are you considering? Are you planning on the same panels for all the other windows?

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