How to Choose the Right Curtain Poles for Large Windows or French Doors

Choosing the right curtain poles can make a significant difference to the atmosphere of the room, particularly when dressing large windows or expansive doors such as French or bifold doors. The correct pole not only ensures your curtains hang beautifully but that they continue to hang perfectly for years to come. In this guide, we’ll explore key factors you should consider when choosing a curtain pole for those bigger features.

Understanding Pole Diameter

Curtain pole diameter plays a crucial role in supporting the weight of your curtains, especially when dealing with large windows or doors. The thicker the pole, the more weight it can comfortably hold.

While thicker poles traditionally offer greater strength, quality wrought iron poles with narrower diameters can provide exceptional durability and strength due to their robust material and craftsmanship. As a general guideline:

• For windows or doors up to 2 metres wide, our 16mm pole will suffice when paired with lighter curtains.
• For widths from 2 to 3 metres, opt for our 20mm poles.
• For larger expanses, from 3 metres and above, our 25mm pole is recommended for added support and easier installation.

For detailed guidance on selecting the best pole diameter for your specific needs, including unique cases, you can refer to our full guide: Choosing the Right Curtain Pole Diameter.

Selecting the Right Length

Selecting the correct curtain pole length is not only important in making sure everything looks proportional but it also enhances the aesthetic appeal. By following the practical guidelines and tips below you’ll achieve a perfect fit.

• Measure the width of your window or door opening. Allow 10% of that measurement as drawback on each side. Drawback is the area to the sides of the window where the curtain hangs when it is open. For example, a 100cm window opening plus 10% drawback each side gives a pole length of 120cm.
• Heavier curtains will need more drawback, so bear this in mind when calculating your length. If space is tight on either side, you may wish to take the pole into the adjacent wall and use a recess bracket in place of a standard wall bracket.
• Always include the finial length in your total pole measurement. The finial sits beyond the bracket at each end, so overlooking this can mean the pole does not fit once installed. At Made by the Forge, all poles are made to measure, so we simply ask for the full length you need, finials included.
• As a rule of thumb, we suggest one curtain ring for every 10cm of pole, and always order an even number of rings to keep your curtains symmetrical.
• If you have any questions about measuring, our FAQs page covers the most common queries in detail.

Made by the Forge curtain poles are custom-made to your exact measurements, ensuring a perfect fit for your windows and doors. This removes guesswork and guarantees a perfect fit every time.

Importance of Centre Brackets

Centre brackets are essential when installing curtain poles across wide expanses. They provide additional support, preventing the pole from sagging under the weight of heavy curtains. For poles over 2m in length, they also hide the discreet seam where the two lengths are joined together.

As a general rule, curtain poles 2 metres or longer in length should always include a centre or passing bracket for stability. For particularly heavy curtains or very wide doors and windows, additional brackets evenly spaced along the pole offer enhanced support. Positioning your brackets at regular intervals distributes the weight evenly and maintains a visual balance.

If you prefer to draw your curtains across the entire window or door rather than meeting in the middle, then our Passing Brackets and Passing Rings are the ideal solution. Our Passing Brackets do exactly what they say, letting the curtain slide past the bracket.

Materials and Finishes

We specialise exclusively in wrought iron curtain poles at Made by the Forge, renowned for their strength, durability, and timeless appeal. These handcrafted wrought iron poles offer robust support suitable for heavier curtains and large windows or doors while adding elegance and charm to every space.

Our poles are available in two elegant finishes:

• Matt Black Paint: This classic finish offers a sleek, contemporary look that blends effortlessly with both modern and traditional interiors. It’s versatile and particularly striking when contrasted with lighter walls or curtains.
• Natural Beeswax: This traditional finish accentuates the natural beauty and texture of wrought iron, providing a rich, authentic appearance ideal for rustic, farmhouse, or period-style interiors.

Each finish is carefully applied by hand, ensuring superior quality and longevity while complementing your interior style.

Other curtain pole materials you might encounter in the market include:

• Wood: Often chosen for its warm aesthetic, suitable for traditional or cosy interiors.
• Plastic or Metal-coated Poles: Generally lower-cost options suitable for lightweight curtains but typically less durable and visually appealing for heavier or larger installations. It is also worth noting that plastic poles are not environmentally friendly, as they are difficult to recycle and will ultimately end up in landfill.

Choosing the Right Curtain Rings

Choosing the perfect curtain rings adds that final finishing touch. While they seem like such a small element compared to the pole or curtain fabric, they play a big part in how your curtain hangs and the final appearance. Curtain rings come in many shapes and sizes and we offer two styles, a regular Curtain Ring that matches your pole as well as a Passing Ring.

• Regular Curtain Rings: Ideal for standard setups where curtains don’t need to pass over brackets. These rings provide sturdy support and ensure smooth movement.
• Passing Rings: Specifically designed to work with passing brackets, these rings allow curtains to glide smoothly along the pole without interruption, perfect for wider spans or where multiple brackets are required. This design ensures curtains can be drawn fully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Spending a bit of time choosing the right curtain pole prevents a range of common mistakes. By reading this guide, you’re already well on the way to getting it right.

One of the most frequent errors is incorrect measurement and not leaving enough space on either side of the window or door for the curtain to hang when it’s drawn to either side. Another common problem when it comes to measuring is not accounting for the finial length which means the pole doesn’t fit.

Another oversight is underestimating the weight of the curtain fabric as you’ll be surprised at how quickly this can add up over longer runs or in the case of doors, the additional length needed to reach the floor. While it’s possible to add additional brackets after your pole is installed, it’s best to do this during the initial installation.

Benefits of Curtains for French Doors and Bifold Doors

Curtains are an ideal solution for dressing French doors and bifold doors, offering numerous practical and aesthetic advantages. Firstly, curtains significantly improve insulation, reducing heat loss during colder months and blocking excessive heat during the summer months, thereby enhancing energy efficiency.

While French or bifold doors typically overlook more private back gardens, curtains provide increased privacy, creating a comfortable, secure environment. They also offer precise control over natural light, allowing you to easily adjust the brightness and atmosphere of your space.

From an aesthetic perspective, curtains add softness and elegance, balancing the hard lines of glass and metal frames. Ultimately, curtains elevate the comfort and visual appeal of your interiors, transforming functional doorways into attractive design features.

Essential Accessories for Your Curtains

Accessories enhance the functionality and appearance of your curtains. Curtain holdbacks and tiebacks, for example, allow you to neatly secure curtains away from the window or door, elegantly framing the opening and maximising natural light. Finials add a decorative finish to your curtain pole ends, complementing your interior style. We offer a range of finials for each diameter curtain pole we offer, from our contemporary range all the way through to our classic range.

Ready to Choose with Confidence?

Choosing the right curtain poles for large windows, French doors, or bifold doors involves careful consideration of pole diameter, length, materials, bracket placement, rings, and complementary accessories.

Working your way through each of these considerations will ensure that the final look will be exactly as you imagined and provide stress free installation. If you would like some support with choosing the right pole or have any questions then reach out to our friendly team who will be more than happy to help you.