Choosing the right diameter curtain pole can be tricky when compared with the much simpler task of choosing the right length curtain pole. With lots of factors going into choosing the right diameter, it can be challenging.
In this blog, we will guide you through the process of choosing the perfect diameter curtain pole, considering both curtain materials and the length of the pole. Whether you’re outfitting lightweight sheers or heavy fabric curtains, we have the expertise to help you make an informed decision that ensures your curtain poles are up to the task.
Understanding Curtain Pole Diameters
Curtain pole diameter refers to the thickness of the pole itself. This measurement impacts both functional and aesthetic aspects of how your window space will look. A pole that’s too thin may not support heavier curtains, leading to sagging or bending, while a pole that’s too thick might look out of place with lighter fabrics and smaller windows.
Common Curtain Pole Diameters
Curtain poles come in various standard diameters, typically ranging from 12mm to 25mm and beyond. Here’s a quick overview of the common sizes:
- 12mm: Ideal for sheer or net curtains. Mostly used as Cafe rods with lightweight fabrics.
- 16mm: Ideal for lightweight curtains and smaller windows.
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20mm: Suitable for medium-weight curtains, such as cotton or linen.
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25mm and above: Perfect for heavyweight lined or interlined curtains.
Choosing the right diameter ensures your curtains are supported adequately and can move smoothly along the pole without issues. If you have issues with the curtain rings not running smoothly we do offer a solution of Glide tape.
Factors Influencing Curtain Pole Diameter
Several factors should guide your choice of curtain pole diameter:
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Curtain Weight: Heavier curtains need thicker poles for support, while lighter curtains can be paired with thinner poles.
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Pole Length: Longer poles may require larger diameters to prevent bending, especially if they span wide windows or are used with heavy curtains. Another consideration is whether centre brackets are used.
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Curtain Pole Material: Depending on the material used to construct the curtain pole you may need curtain poles with a bigger diameter. For example, wooden, acrylic, or other plastic curtain poles may need a much larger diameter to support the same weight as a thinner metal curtain pole.
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Curtain Pole Quality: While two metal curtain poles have the same diameter it doesn’t mean they can support the same weight. Cheaper metal curtain poles are typically hollow with a 1-2mm wall whereas a higher-quality product will have a thicker wall or solid construction, like our range of solid metal curtain poles.
In the following sections, we’ll delve deeper into how to match the pole diameter to your curtain type.
Matching Curtain Pole Diameter to Curtain Weight
The best way to understand what diameter curtain pole you need is by weighing the curtain material rather than judging it on the type of material you’re using for your curtain. This helps to account for both the width (how far your curtains pull across) and length (how far they hang down) of the curtain material.
0 to 4kg Curtain Weight
For curtains weighing up to 4kg we recommend our 12mm curtain poles and up. Our 12mm curtain poles are made from solid wrought iron and can support this weight. For longer curtain poles or curtains on the heavier side, you may need to think about a centre bracket or moving up to our 16mm pole.
4-8kg Curtain Weight
For curtains weighing up to 8kg, we recommend moving up to our 16mm curtain pole with a centre bracket or our 20mm pole if you’re going without the centre bracket.
8-12kg Curtain Weight
For the heaviest of curtains, we recommend starting off with our 20mm curtain pole when used with a centre bracket. For shorter curtain poles and curtains on the lighter side, a 20mm curtain pole without a centre bracket should suffice. For heavier curtains or longer curtain poles without a centre bracket, we recommend moving up to our 25mm curtain poles.
If you’re unsure what diameter curtain pole you need, our friendly team is on hand to advise on the best curtain pole diameter for your situation. The matrix below serves as a guide.
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Length
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0-1 Metre
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1-2 Metre
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2-3 Metre
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3+ Metre
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Curtain Weight
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0 – 3 kg
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12mm
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12mm
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16mm
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16mm
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3 – 6 kg
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16mm
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20mm
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20mm
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20mm
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6 – 9 kg
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16mm
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20mm
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25mm
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25mm
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9 -12 kg
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20mm
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25mm
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25mm
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25mm
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Style Preferences
Your choice of curtain pole diameter can also add to the look and feel of a room. Here are some style considerations:
Rustic and Traditional Interiors: For rooms with a rustic or traditional vibe, thicker curtain poles are often more suitable.
Modern and Minimalist Spaces: Thinner poles work well in modern and minimalist settings. They provide a sleek, unobtrusive look that complements contemporary design elements without drawing too much attention.
Elegant and Sophisticated Rooms: For an elegant, sophisticated look, a medium to thick pole can be ideal. These poles provide a balanced presence, enhancing luxurious fabrics like silks or velvets without overpowering them.
Benefits of Choosing Made by the Forge Curtain Poles
Quality and Craftsmanship
At Made by the Forge, quality and craftsmanship are at the heart of everything we do. Each curtain pole is meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans at our forge in Suffolk, ensuring every piece is unique and of the highest quality. Our dedication to traditional blacksmithing techniques means that you’re not just buying a curtain pole but also preserving traditional techniques.
Every pole is made to order, ensuring meticulous attention to detail and superior quality. It also allows you to make bespoke requirements to make your curtain pole completely unique to you. It also means that we can create curtain poles that fit in those awkward spaces, where off-the-shelf poles don’t work, perfect for those with period properties which can be found across Suffolk and the rest of the country.
Sustainability Commitment
We believe in creating products that are not only beautiful and durable but also kind to the environment. Our commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of our production process. We take part in tree planting to help offset the carbon emissions of our business and for every order placed we plant a new tree. Our tree planting pledge has already helped to increase areas for wildlife as well as absorbing CO2 across Suffolk.
We also always like to source our materials as locally as possible with beeswax sourced from beekeepers a few miles down the road from the forge as well as local iron dealers which source iron from reclaimed materials where possible.
Lifetime Guarantee
We stand by the quality of our products, which is why we offer a lifetime guarantee on all our curtain poles, homeware and our bathroom range. This guarantee is a testament to our confidence in the durability and craftsmanship of our products.
Wrapping Up
If you’re yet to decide on the curtain poles for your home, why not take a look at Made by the Forge’s handcrafted curtain poles. Our bespoke wrought iron products provide both style and functionality. Whether you need a custom-sized pole or want to add rustic charm to your space, we have the perfect solution. If you need help deciding, we offer personalised consultations to guide you through the process.
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