You should have double studs next to the window trim so install your brackets next to the trim, or within that vertical area. Then extend the rod on each side to the length you want. Once the drapes are up, you won't know where the brackets are, unless you have really large, decorative ones. Of course, doing this won't allow the drapes to open beyond the window but I would prefer this over not hitting a stud. I would try to put the center support bracket on the wall. If you mount it on the trim it's going to throw off the depth of the end brackets. Plus, I think it'll look better on the wall. If space is a problem, you don't have to use the same bracket (that's on the ends) for the center. You may want to use one that is less visible. Since there should be a header across the top of the window, hitting wood won't be a problem. IMO, you really need to hit a stud with the type hardware you intend to hang.

Thanks for responding! It's actually one of the sites I have been looking at. I spoke to them a week ago about finishes and shipping times. I'm also been in contact with www.ironandinteriors.com which has nice rods also. I believe both make good quality round rods with a nice choice of finials, however I've hesitated over Robles' ball finial as it doesn't look as if it proportionally fits the rod in the pictures - if you look closely. Both my daughter and I thought the finial looked too small for the 1 1/4" rod. The Texas place has a ball finial that actually looks as if it had been welded to the rod as well as a standard ball finial and a variety of others, so I am leaning in their direction. I need to make a decision. I'm looking for a rod and finials with a bit of texture for the living room so that they don't look as if they came from Pottery Barn, although I also have some of PB's elsewhere in the house. Robles seems to wax then paint their iron rods to give them texture, the Texas one treats their metal with acid to etch it before painting to give it an aged look.

You might try Ikea. The longest rod ($6.99) extends to 152", but you can take it past 200" if you buy 2 of them and use both of the larger rod halves with one of the smaller rods inserted between them. Support brackets and finials must be purchased separately (black, white, or gray), but all the pieces are inexpensive and can be ordered online. Ikea also has other types of drapery hardware with even longer runs, but I haven't used any other than the basic rods. Hugad curtain rod

Looks like privacy is the primary concern ...(as no one wants to have to close the drapes every night)....so installing shades can be first....then the next question should be do you want drapes on the outer edges only....leaving the wall in between for art or wall decor?..or still have narrow drapes on both sides of each window ?..at that point you can decide which length will look best based on whether your decor will be more modern or more traditional....