Traverse Rod

Hello Members,

A traverse rod is a functional rod with a cord or wand at the side for drawing the curtains or draperies. A traverse rod is a basic element of window hardware whenever movable curtains or drapes are desired. The rod is attached to the wall with nails, screws, or a bracket, and panels are hung from it.

Function: Traverse rods allow the draperies to be opened and closed by pulling the cord or wand. The rods hold carriers or slides, into which the drapery hooks are inserted. The hooks then slide into the back of the drapery or curtain panels, usually into the back of a pleat, so the curtain hooks cannot be seen.

Concealment: The original traverse rods were purely functional, made of thin metal in a neutral shade. When the drapes were closed, the rod was completely hidden from view. When the drapes were open, the rod was visible. A top treatment such as a valance or cornice was often used to conceal the traverse rod. Today, however, traverse rods are also available in decorative form in a variety of finishes and styles.

Options: Traverse rods can be mounted inside the window frame, but they are usually mounted outside the frame. They come in a basic version or an expandable version. The expandable rods can be adjusted to fit a range of window sizes simply by sliding apart the two sections of the rod to add length.

Operation: Traverse rods are the best rods for movable window treatments. There are two operating options available. A traverse rod with a one-way draw pulls the curtain in one direction only, either to the right or left. A two-way draw pulls the panels in opposite directions so each one flanks the window.

Configurations: Most traverse rods are straight and mounted parallel to the top of a window. But traverse rods are also available in a curved configuration to fit around the inside of a curving bow window. Nondecorative traverse rods are less expensive than decorative ones. Both styles are are widely available at retail stores.

Best Regards,
Baron Davis