Getting It Done On A Dime

By: Mark G.

Are you struggling to get that big picture window covered with an affordable traversing window treatment?  I may have the perfect solution for you. 

Traverse rods come in many styles and sizes.  Most wood traversing rods are very expensive and are reserved to those who are willing to pay out big bucks for a beautiful treatment.   If you want rings, you may as well add 40% to the cost of the system.   Iron Drapery Hardware and rods are very popular now and come in a variety of sizes as well.  Depending on what you order, these systems can get expensive really fast.  There are a few lines that have lesser expensive models.

The biggest obstacle for any traverse rod is that the rod requires center support brackets if the rod is longer than 6 feet in length.   Traverse rods that are designed for the length you need have avoided this obstacle by the design of their systems and they work very well.   However, these systems are very expensive.  

Many picture windows are wider than most reasonably priced traverse rods.  Those that are affordable are generally kits from overseas and made of metal.  Most are limited to 1 or 2 finishes and the most prominent is Bright Brass.   UGH!  How 1970’s!

What to do???

This solution is not for everyone, and it is not necessarily the most attractive.  But for those individuals that have not yet matured in their careers like college students or those just starting out or those living on a fairly tight budget, will love this rather inexpensive idea.

Here is the hardware shopping list:

• Brackets:  You will still need quality brackets to support the weight of your drapery material. Depending on the length, you will need either 2 or 3.  If a center bracket is used, your drapery will have to be a center closure system.  i/e:  opens  in the center and pulls back to the left and right.  Brackets can be purchased at a number of places on the internet.
•  Rings:  If desired, rings can be used or the drapes can be hung via a rod pocket.  This is where the rod passes through the drapery material.  Rings are much more attractive and a number of them can be purchased on the internet.
• Finials:  These are the decorative items you will place at each end of the rod.  Finials can be purchased at a number of places on the internet.   
• Metal Conduit:  You will need some simple 1/2” or 3/4” metal conduit to act as the primary rod.
• PVC Pipe:  PVC piping which can be found at Lowes or Home Depot.   This will be used to cover the conduit and allow you to paint or stain it to your desired finish.
• Paint or Stain:  Whether you use paint or stain, you must remember this is a simple, fairly inexpensive solution and you are applying the finish to a non-porous material.  Therefore, you should rough up the PVC with sandpaper and prime it.  Once you have “finished” the PVC, you should then apply a clear coat for durability.  Over time, especially if you traverse your drapes a lot, this finish will wear off.  It can easily be reapplied. 

The idea is to get the conduit and PVC piping the desired length.  If you need something longer than what is available, you can splice/connect two shorter pieces with a wooden dowel.  Just make sure the connection is good and snug.  You will also need an additional bracket at the splice for support.  Once you have your material ready for installation, it is rather simple.

1. Hang your brackets at the desired locations.  It is best to secure them into wall studs.
2. Cut your conduit to the desired length.
3. Cut your PVC to the desired length.
4. Insert the conduit into the PVC.  This fitting should be as snug as you can get it but it does not have to be tight.
5. Place your rings, if used, on to the rod.
6. Attach your finials to each end of the “rod.”  Depending on the finial you are working with, you may be required to modify this connection.  I will leave that up to your own imagination and ability.     
7. Place the finished rod assembly on your brackets.
8. Hang your drapery material.

Whala!  You're done.

I hope you find this piece of information helpful.  Be sure you check out QualityCurtainHardware.com for other fine quality drapery hardware and accessories.