2 1/4" rods are gorgeous and look at their very best when they can be displayed on a high ceiling. I'm terribly jealous that you have 12' ceilings LOL The "iron look" rods are probably actually Iron and they're terribly expensive but lovely as well. You should use a rod syle that suits your window treatments as well as your scale and decor. You should never buy rods in any particular style or width just because you see they're currently in the magazines. Good rods are an investment so you want them to suit the space you're in, verses the one in the elle decor magazine.

It's so good to hear that translucent header tapes are sturdy ShadyLady. Thank you. The functional drapes in my living room have a traditional pinch pleat header tape and have held up fine after 3+ years of use. Sounds like we are looking at similar window treatments Laurie... My guest bedroom's window has existing shades (pulled down halfway in the photo below), but since it's quite large (100" W x 108" H), I decided to add black out draperies to help manage the light, add texture to the room, and give myself a sewing project (ha!). So yes, they will be functional. Opening and closing with a baton hung inside the on the center edges of the 2 panels. Also, I added 30% additional width to my rod length to allow room for the stack back as I didn't want the opened curtains to block any light. But I read thinner fabrics and/or curtains without blackout lining need as little as 20% additional rod length for stackback. I linked below to an online tutorial I found loaded with photos that might offer additional help since she goes into great detail. My Fabric: medium weight Robert Allen Bella Porte fabric in midnight aka blue. http://www.robertallendesign.com/trade/fabric_detail.aspx?product=207642 Lining: Hanes OutBlack lining. This lining has been described as having a soft hand and being easy to work with (compared to other blackout linings). http://www.hanesindustries.com/blackouts.htm I wish my shipment would hurry, all this sewing talk has me excited to start! =) Here is a link that might be useful: Blog Tutorial: Sewing Pinch Pleat Lined Curtains

Ran a search for you and the only thing I came up with was metal shower rods. These would work by buying two for each window and using the smaller rod to extend in middle. You would have to buy the supports and decorative ends, but they wouldn't add much to the price. They came up a lot and plenty of choices. Of course Amazon was the best selection. If anyone is a DIY, any metal rod from a big box store can be used for one. Then spray painted with ORB and a good clear coat. Not sure how long rubbing would last for the paint. Link is for a metal orb one. Here is a link that might be useful: Metal Rod

I don't know where the photo is that you are referring to, but I think it is a matter of personal preference, and somewhat determined by the visible 'weight" of the draperies. Heavy velvet drapes would have chunky rods, a set of sheers would have a thinner rod. The shape of the finial could reflect the style of the furniture. Or just be a shape that you like.