Unless you like having water splashing all over the room you are going to need a shower curtain, and to hold this curtain in place you will need shower curtain rods. For those who have an enclosed shower unit this will not be required, but some people do not have this luxury. One of the most popular ways to have a shower is to have one that utilizes the bath tub. This allows the water to simply fall into the bath and down the plug hole. However, you also need something to stop the water from going all over the bathroom floor. Shower curtain rods are probably the most popular type of rods because they offer a practical solution to having a shower.

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There are of course many different shapes and sizes of shower bases and units, as well as different sized tubs on the the market, which makes choosing the right size of curtain rods a little more difficult. However, most tubs come in standard size which makes it easy to find rods for them.

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There are a wide variety of shower curtain rods, from D shaped, L shaped, N shaped, curved and straight. There are also universal curtain rods that will fit most sizes and shapes, and can also be custom made. Curved shower curtain rods are the most widely used because they give you more room to shower without brushing against the  curtain. Other shaped rods can be used for whatever kind of shower tub you have, to create the look and feel that you want.

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The most important factor is that these rods are installed correctly, as they are going to be used on a daily basis. You may have wet towels draped over them that will place extra strain and weight on the shower curtain rods, so they need to be strong and fitted securely. You don’t want the shower curtain falling down all around you when you are getting out of the bath.

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Plastic is a popular material because it will not be affected by the water, like wood or metal would be, although metal and wood can be treated to make it waterproof, and should last quite a long time. The style you choose could depend on the fixtures in your bathroom, you could easily match things up because there are so many different designs available these days.

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Make sure that the rods are placed at the correct height from the floor, depending on the length of the  shower curtain. You will need the curtain to overlap the bottom of the bath tub allowing it to touch the floor to stop the water from seeping out.
Double curtain rods are an easy way to allow you to hang those wet towels. They also give extra support, but this also means they need to be fitted more securely. Prices start around $20 for some cheap rods, and the  goes up from here. It could be wiser to spend a little bit more money and get something that will be more secure and durable, and will not let you down.

One of the quickest and simplest ways to hang a cutain is to use tension curtain rods. These are designed to span the distance of a window frame, or any gap, and they simply stay in place because of the springs inside the rods, that apply the pressure to the rod ends. The main advantage is that there is no need for any drilling or brackets to keep them in place.

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There are other uses for these curtain rods as well, such as inside wardrobes to hang clothes. However, the only problem is that they cannot support much weight. So they are typically used to hold only light fabric curtains.
If they are subjected to too much weight they will begin to sag in the middle or bow. Obviously this is not what you want, and with continued weight they will eventually fall down along with the curtains.

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Most companies will not offer any tension curtain rods above 84 inches because anything longer is going to flex and sag quite a lot, even if nothing is placed on them. The best solution is use these kinds of rod in small gaps and window frames where they will be most effective. The rod ends are usually coated in rubber which helps to protect the surface they are putting pressure on, and also provides a little extra grip for the end.

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There are many colors and designs such as brass, chrome and various colors of plastic finishes to blend into the surounding decor. Tension curtain rods offer a quick and easy way to install curtains and blinds and they are cheap as well. The longer the length the more you will pay, but you can pick up a shorter model for under $10 from new. They are available all over the internet at the major online retailers, and from all good quality hardware and home improvement stores.

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You can even buy double tension curtain rods that will give more support than the single versions. There are also support brackets that can be used to extend these rods out a bit further but this kind of defeats the object, you want to just extend them and leave them,and not have to mess around with extra fixtures and fittings. Decorative tension rods can add some style to your room at very affordable prices. Prices can be less than $10 which is a very cheap way to get the look you want.

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The most popular place to install these tension curtain rods is in the shower. It can be a real pain to drill holes in ceramic tiles, so this is a very simple way around that problem. Shower curtains are also usually plastic, so they don’t weigh that much and are ideal for this application. Just bear in mind the curtain will gain weight when it is wet and place more strain on the rod.

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These decorative curtain rods will cost the more, but many people agree they are worth it. The price ranges will vary and also depend on the quality you are after. Handcrafted one’s are the most sought after, and some people even have their curtain rods custom made by small independent suppliers. The choice of wood, metal, brass, chrome and many other base materials will depend on the room they are going to go in and the style of curtains or drapery that you choose. And with a bit of creative thinking, they can be added to all rooms of the house. Checking your local furniture store to see what kind of curtain rods will go best with your current decor, or buying a design-a-room magazine to get a better idea.

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Decorative curtain rods have been around for a long time now, and some bargins might be found in second hand shops. Many retailers have discounts and special prices most of the time, and especially when a store brings a new design range out and they need to get rid of the old stock. This could be the best time to buy if you are not too bothered about having an older style rod, and most visitors that come to your home will never know the difference anyway, and I doubt you will either.

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Contemporary curtain rods are designed for modern homes, and they fit in well with today’s interior design styles. Both wood or metalic finishes will complement your rooms, and you can have a combination of both if you wish. The prices could be the same, but again, this is all down to personal preference. To complete the look you want you can also buy some ornate curtain rod rings that will match the curtain and the rods perfectly. Another important factor are curtain rod brackets, which can also help you create that winning look. Instead of just a ordinary metal bracket on show with the mounting screws exposed, you could easily cover them up with a unique design for added flair. The cost could be minimal but the effect is very satisfying.

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Decorative drapery rods occomplish the same thing, and are just another term used in the industry. They may be a slightly smaller in their dimensions because these rods will generally not carry as much weight. A good idea is to have a look at your room and all of the different colors and textures of the furniture, this will help you create a picture in your mind as to how you want the curtains to look. Ideally you want them to match with the furniture if you can, so there is little point in buying decorative curtain rods if you have a cheap carpet in the same room. You could even take some pictures of your room and show them to the store manager, who may be able to point you in the right direction and make some suggestions that you may not have thought about. Another pair of eyes can be very helpful in seeing different alternative ideas.

To add a metalic touch to your room you can go for iron curtain rods. These offer fantastic durability and a more classic look that will enhance your decor. There are quite a few stockists about, ranging from the main stream outlets to specialist independent makers. If you are after a top quality product then the specialists are the people to visit. The prices will be much higher, but the finish and the quality will be the best you can get.

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Wrought iron drapery rods can offer the most durability, and most manufacturers offer this alternative. Wrought iron will last much longer than standard, and will not corrode, so your rods will look as good as new for longer. Because iron is so strong you can place any weight of window curtains on it, and it will be able to support it no problem. Just ensure that the mounting brackets and fixings are securely in place in the wall.

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Another advantage of iron curtain rods is that they can be shaped into almost any design to create some truly unique styles. Iron drapery rods could be without doubt the most inivative  you will see, with beauty and elegance formed into the lines. They are not just for function, but they create a focal point for all your visitors to see. Adding the finials and matching brackets will complete the look, as there are many different types to choose from that can be custom made for each rod. Tie backs can also add to the look and feel you are trying to create.

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The finials can be easily be screwed into the rod ends, and matching rings will provide the support. Most iron curtain rods are coated to produce the finished look and to give it more protection. Various diameters are available and many stores stock the standard sizes and ranges, so you can by off the shelf.

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The prices vary a lot but good quality iron curtain rods can cost in excess of $100, then you can add the finials, rings and support brackets. This can become expensive, but once you see some of the designs you will be hooked. There are even leaf designs and animals that are custom made, in fact you can have anything you want to personalize your rooms.

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Whether you have an old style house or a more modern look, you will be suprised at just how good iron curtain rods can blend in to your home. The beauty of iron curtain rods is that they will not let you down, once they are in place they can be  there for many years to come, and be just as good to look at every day. For durability they are the best you can get, and the prices reflect this fact. A simple and effective way to brighten up your home.

One of the most popular types of curtain rods are the wooden variety. There is so much versatility with wood because it can be shaped and finished into just about anything. The results can be wonderfully spectacular and you can bring real life to your wooden curtain rods.

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The vast range of different kinds of wood  means you can afford to be a bit choosy in what you decide to go with. The possibilities are endless, and the price ranges also vary quite a lot. Depending on the quality of wood you choose, it can become quite expensive for aged wood that is handcrafted from a specialist supplier. If you really want the best looking wooden curtain rods then the small independent suppliers are the one’s to go and visit. These stores will custom make your curtain rods to any design you want, and in any type of color and wood.

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Popular woods are oak, sycamore, mahogany, american cherry, maple and many others. The finishes can be varnished, gilded, waxed or polished depending on the wood and it’s characteristics. Any of these rods will go very well with wooden windows and frames. Many stores will also provide curved curtain rods which are ideal for bay windows or funny shaped window frames.

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The big bonus of wood is that you can change the color to suit the curtain fabric or indeed the look of the room they are going in. You can simply take the rod down and varnish it when it gets a little bit faded and you want to freshen it up a bit. Adding different color varnishes can also be a quick way to breathe new life into an old looking rod, at little extra cost.

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The major home furnishing stores will provide cheaper alternatives that are both stylish and affordable. The ranges are very extensive and are ready made to take away. All you need are your measurements for the sizes you require. Most wooden curtain rods come in standard sizes for the most popular sized windows, so this should not be a problem to find the right one for your room.

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Wooden finishes can be in any color, be it gold, silver or ebony, as well as the classic dark or light wood colors such as mahogany and teak. The finish can be complementary to the furniture already in the room, and this creates are well rounded room that matches perfectly. The wall brackets and finials can also be made to match the wooden curtain rods, which gives even more style and elegance.

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Whether you have a modern designed home or a classic look, wood will go just as well with both. This is why wooden curtain rods are so very popular today. The smooth finish helps the curtain to slide across the rod with ease, and a well made design with offer years of service and style.

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Wooden curtain rods are more commonly associated with the period and traditional style homes, but they have been making a big comeback over recent years as an alternative to metal. More and more interior designers are looking for the unique designs and shapes that wood can give.