The Chris Madden Mix and Match Rod Collection from JCPenney has an unbelievably high-end look.

Honestly, I thought my job was going to be easy today.  The plan was to hunt down some ”hot drapery hardware options” (hence the title above) and pop them in here for you.  Boy, was I way off base!  I quickly found that there were some high-end options at Horchow but then it quickly dropped off into a boring parade of round wood finials and wimpy looking iron rods.  Can’t we do a little better than that?  I mean if you are going for the budget hardware, then go to Home Depot and be done with it.  But since I don’t give up that easily, I hunted further and honestly the best selection was found at 2 stores where you can shop online or in person:  Bed, Bath & Beyond and JCPenney.  Have a look!

The Wood & Metal Rod Collection from JCPenney in another wood/metal collection. This time with a modern flair.

The Linden Street® Globe 1" Rod Collection from JCPenney. The combination of metal and wood finishes is really sharp.

Ampersand™ Cube Brushed Nickel Decorative Window Hardware from Bed, Bath & Beyond has a telescoping rod for various window sizes and cool, square rings? (Can I still call them rings?)

Croscill Jefferson Decorative Window Hardware from Bed, Bath & Beyond; for those of you with a more formal style.

White sheers would look lovely on this graceful rod.

The Mother-of-Pearl or Bone Rod Collection from JCPenney would be perfect in a more feminine room.

From finials and rings to tassels and poles.  Accessorize your windows with creative, good quality hardware and it will last for years to come.

Shop for Window Hardware at JCPenney & Bed, Bath & Beyond!

~Lorrie

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I have walked into countless homes with gorgeous furniture, carefully selected wall colors, eye catching artwork and… NAKED WINDOWS!  What’s going on?  A few of my past posts have taken you step by step through the process of selecting the proper window treatment that enables you to strike the delicate balance of aesthetics and function.  I understand that a multi-step approach is not for everyone, so today let’s attack it from a different angle.  Let’s look at some simple curtains that are very easy to install.  Just measure, choose some hardware and the curtain style, and you are well on your way.

While blinds require precise measurement and mounting, curtains allow you a little more wiggle room.  As long as the curtain covers the window, you are pretty much in the clear.  Here are some measuring tips that will give off-the-shelf curtains a designer look.

Panel Height- If you want to add some drama to your room, choose a curtain panel that is higher than your actual window.  Take advantage of the space between the top of your window and the ceiling.  A few years ago it was difficult to find ready-made panels that were more than 84″ high.  Now I am seeing 108″ regularly and some up 120″.

Panel Width - This is a true designer secret.  To determine the width of your curtains, first take your window width and add at least 3″ to each side.  Then double that number to determine your width.  Ever notice that draperies in magazines never look skimpy?  This formula will give you a nice full, luxurious look. 

Example for a window that is 36″ wide: 

Add 3″ to each side:  36″ + 6″= 42″

Double that number:  42″ x 2 = 84″

So the total width of your drapery panels should be at least 84″ wide.  This is the total width of the pair.

You can take a peek here for some tips on selecting hardware.  And here is a short installation video.  The only thing I would add:  put the rings on the draperies and the draperies on the rod before determining your total height.

So please take down that skimpy, sheer swag and let’s dress up your windows and give them the dignity they deserve:-)

Shop for great curtains in My Secret Database!

Decorative Window Hardware is as crucial to draperies as jewels are to a gorgeous gown.  Select a scrawny pole and it looks shoddy.  Opt for a fussy finial and it takes away from the draperies.  Want to get your windows nominated to the “best dressed” list?  You don’t have to be an expert, just follow this simplified approach.

Style - Consider the style of your room and the draperies themselves and then don’t veer to far off course.  If you have simple draperies or sheers, then select window hardware that is clean and modest.  Small details are fine.  If your draperies are luxurious, silk organza, then opt for hardware with more intricate details and finishes.

Size - The higher your ceilings and the longer the draperies, the larger in scale your hardware should be.  Metal poles are typically available in diameters up to 1.75 inches.  But wood poles are available 3″+ diameters; so they are a good choice when dealing with high ceilings.  Remember that the further the hardware is from your eye, the smaller it will look.

Function - Are you draperies panels going to stay stationery at the sides of your window or do you want to open and close them?  When panels remain stationery you don’t have to worry about wear and tear.  When they are operable, you still have many options, but there are some points you want to consider for ease of operation and long-lasting use. 

• If you choose wood hardware, stick with wood rings.  Same goes for metal.
• Wood rings slide more smoothly on a fluted pole than on a plain pole. 
• Hardware with a smooth finish is easier to operate.
• Choose a pole length that is about 6″ wider than your window on each side.  It gives the window treatment more substance and your window will appear larger.
• Tiebacks or hold backs are a perfect complement to eye-catching hardware.
• Rings are often the most expensive element because you need so many.  Draperies with a tab top or rod pocket are an economic alternative.

So take your time, assess your situation, consider your options and discover the magic of Decorative Window Hardware at My Design Secrets!