Curtains are considered as one of the simplest, simpler alternatives, but you'll almost certainly need to locate slats to hang them on as well. To make it easier for you to choose, we've compiled a list of some of the best curtain rods that are highly customized and budget-friendly by many well-known interior designers. It can also provide "a great opportunity to add an interesting detail" to your space, in addition to being necessary hardware.
Many experts recommend that living rooms be about 12 inches wider than the windows on each side, "so you can pull the curtains away from the windows when you open them," according to them. The following is a comparison between store-bought versus custom-made curtain rods: Curtain rods purchased from a retailer should be adjustable. They should be put in the middle of the window for wall installation, and about 16 inches above the window for very high ceilings.
Here are the best curtain rods you can buy in 2025:
- Best Overall: Amazon Basics 28” to 48” Room Darkening Blackout Curtain Rod
- Runner Up: Ivilon 16” to 28” Side Window Curtain Rod
- Best Value: Kenney 28” to 48” Kendall Standard Decorative Window Curtain Rod
- Premium Choice: Kenney 28” to 48” Adler Indoor/Outdoor Rust-Resistant Curtain Rod
- Strongest: Decopolitan 72” to 144” Decopolitan Urn Single Curtain Rod
- Lightest: Amazon Basics 28” to 48” 5/8-Inch Curtain Rod
| 6 Best Curtain Rods | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Amazon Basics 28” to 48” Room Darkening Blackout Curtain Rod | |
Runner Up | Ivilon 16” to 28” Side Window Curtain Rod | |
Best Value | Kenney 28” to 48” Kendall Standard Decorative Window Curtain Rod | |
Premium Choice | Kenney 28” to 48” Adler Indoor/Outdoor Rust-Resistant Curtain Rod | |
Strongest | Decopolitan 72” to 144” Decopolitan Urn Single Curtain Rod | |
Lightest | Amazon Basics 28” to 48” 5/8-Inch Curtain Rod | |
Best Overall: Amazon Basics 28” to 48” Room Darkening Blackout Curtain Rod
- Edge-to-Edge Coverage
- Choice of Finish
- Adjustable Fit
- Easy Installation
- Sometimes the rods are very lightweight and slide very easily on each other.
This black adjustable length curtain rod measures 28 to 48 inches end to end (without microfibers) and 33 to 53 inches with wrap ends. It also features a 5/8-inch rod diameter that can readily handle moderately heavy textiles; it can support up to 20 pounds.
Curved curtain rods on both ends wrap the curtain around the window from top to bottom, limiting light and insulating the space.
| Amazon Basics 28” to 48” Room Darkening Blackout Curtain Rod Specifications | |
|---|---|
Product Dimensions | 27.25 x 4 x 2.85 inches |
Item Weight | 12.2 ounces |
Size | 28 - 48 |
Batteries Required? | No |
Best for easiest installation.
Runner Up: Ivilon 16” to 28” Side Window Curtain Rod
- Easy to assemble
- Easy to install
- Value for money
- Durability
- Sturdiness
- Scratched too easily
The excellent finishing of the telescope side window curtain rod with modern hardware and design has earned the product high praise.
Metal bar with a 1 inch diameter and all measurements displayed in the final product image.
The Ivilon pleated bar set also comes with all mounting hardware, cage bars, guardrails, brackets, screws, wall anchors, and guides, and is ready to hang.
It's rated to suit every sort of curtain, including those in your living room, bedroom, and sliding doors.
| Ivilon 16” to 28” Side Window Curtain Rod Specifications | |
|---|---|
Product Dimensions | 28 x 4.25 x 1 inches |
Item Weight | 1.7 pounds |
Size | 16 - 28 |
Batteries Required? | No |
Best for the living room.
Best Value: Kenney 28” to 48” Kendall Standard Decorative Window Curtain Rod
- Easy to assemble
- Easy to install
- Sometimes products cannot hold curtains.
5/8 is the industry standard "Kenney Kendall's beautiful window curtain rod has sophisticated design elements that offer your space a striking lift.
The curtain rod is 5/8" in diameter, projects 3.5" from the wall, and adjusts from 28 to 48 inches "to fit your window, thus doubling the size of your room
In your kitchen, bedroom, dining room, and living room, choose light to medium weight drapes.
Steel bars with ornamental plastic panels and matching mounting hardware are also available in an old rust finish.
| Kenney 28” to 48” Kendall Standard Decorative Window Curtain Rod Specifications | |
|---|---|
Product Dimensions | 32.5 x 4.5 x 1.5 inches |
Item Weight | 12.8 ounces |
Size | 28 - 48 |
Batteries Required? | No |
Best for saving money.
Premium Choice: Kenney 28” to 48” Adler Indoor/Outdoor Rust-Resistant Curtain Rod
- Easy to assemble
- Easy to install
- Light weight
- Durability
- Sheerness
- Sturdiness
- Sometimes the product is not sturdy.
The 5/8 Adler "Indoor/Outdoor Rust Curtain Wrap Bar is multi-functional and may be installed on the wall or ceiling indoors or outside.
Curtain rods have a diameter of 5/8" and a length of 3.5" that can be adjusted from 28 to 48'' the undertaking.
In bigger spaces, the device may be used with light to medium weight drapes. Furthermore, because the curtain rod is surrounded by industrially built steel, the product can resist a significant amount of weight.
| Kenney 28” to 48” Adler Indoor/Outdoor Rust-Resistant Curtain Rod Specifications | |
|---|---|
Product Dimensions | 50 x 3.5 x 2 inches |
Item Weight | 1.3 pounds |
Size | 28 - 48 |
Batteries Required? | No |
Best for the appearance.
Strongest: Decopolitan 72” to 144” Decopolitan Urn Single Curtain Rod
- Sturdy
- Sometimes it is flimsy.
The product can be mounted on the wall of the house or outside the house depending on the purpose of the user. The product can be easily combined with suitable clamps (sold separately). At the same time the product is designed with a sturdy 1-inch diameter metal rod.
| Decopolitan 72” to 144” Decopolitan Urn Single Curtain Rod Specifications | |
|---|---|
Product Dimensions | 72 x 5 x 1 inches |
Item Weight | 1.41 pounds |
Size | 72 - 144 |
Batteries Required? | No |
Best for the bathroom.
Lightest: Amazon Basics 28” to 48” 5/8-Inch Curtain Rod
- Easy to assemble
- Easy to install
- Durability
- Sometimes it is weak.
The curtain rod is adjustable in length, allowing it to be used both inside and outside the home. It is available in sizes ranging from 28 to 48 inches.
With its robust steel bar design, the bar readily adapts to accommodate a broad range of window sizes.
| Amazon Basics 28” to 48” 5/8-Inch Curtain Rod Specifications | |
|---|---|
Product Dimensions | 52.25 x 3 x 2.88 inches |
Item Weight | 1.1 pounds |
Size | 28 - 48 |
Batteries Required? | No |
Best for a broad range of window sizes.
How To Choose The Best Curtain Rod?
People frequently neglect the hardware while buying for drapes. It is, nevertheless, one of the most crucial aspects of your window design. It's just as vital to pick the appropriate curtain rod as it is to pick the perfect curtain. We'll address all of your curtain rod-related inquiries in this tutorial. This step-by-step tutorial will teach you all you need to know about curtain rods, including how to choose the correct size.
Weight
When selecting a curtain rod, the first consideration should be its weight. Blackout curtains, heat-blocking shades, and drapes are all heavier than sheer and light-filtering alternatives. Consider weighting your thick curtains if you have them.
Divide the weight of your curtains by the curtain rod's approximate length (we'll show you how to measure below). This will give you an estimate of how much weight your curtain rod will have to support each foot. To determine if the bar can sustain this volume, look at the item's specifications.
Curtain rod’s diameter
For a variety of reasons, knowing the diameter of your curtain rod is equally essential. The top of your curtain will be measured to see if it will fit over the bar. Second, if your curtain rod is offered separately from its hardware, this will make choosing a curtain rod holder much easier.
Curtain rod’s width
You'll need to measure the width of the window, including the frame or trim, to establish the best curtain rod width. This measurement should be taken from the top, middle, and at the bottom of your window numerous times. Because of the varied measuring positions, these measurements will most likely differ somewhat. As your window width, choose the biggest of the three options.
Look for curtain rods that are the same width as your window if you don't have a lot of room on either side of the window. If you have the room, we recommend extending your curtain rod five inches on both sides of the window.
This guarantees that just a tiny area of the window is covered by the cloth while the curtains are open.
Measure the width of the window frame or trim if you're utilizing tension rods or another type of rod within a window frame or trim. Begin measuring from the inner edge of one frame to the inside edge of the other frame. As previously said, repeat this measurement three times. As your window width, choose the least measurement. The width of your curtain rod will be determined by this.
Brackets
Many of our curtain rods include all of the necessary brackets and fasteners. If you're buying a rod separately, make sure you have brackets that fit around its diameter, as well as the necessary size and quantity of screws and wall anchors (if you're doing drywall installation).
Type of curtain
The sort of curtain rod you select will be determined by the look you want to achieve with your drapes.
- Single rods
The simple rod is the most popular form of curtain rod. It is made out of a rod with a pointed end that is generally covered. In most cases, these slats are utilized to hang a set of curtains in any room.
- Double rods
Curtains may be layered in a space with the aid of double rods. They are made up of two rods that are parallel to one another. In rooms with various functions, we like to use twin curtain rods.
If you enjoy watching movies, for example, blackout curtains in your living room may be appropriate. When you're not watching movies, though, you might want to allow some light in (without sacrificing privacy). With the aid of a double rod, you may stack blackout curtains atop sheer curtains to have the best of both worlds.
Conclusion
Curtains play a vital part in your sleep, assisting you in getting a better night's sleep. So, if you want to have a better night's sleep, don't skip over the homeusetool advice on how to pick the best curtain rods!
