Tips and Resources

About Returns

While curtain rods typically have finials at each end, they can be fashioned to "return" to the wall. This may be desirable if there is not enough room for finials, or if the specific mounting requires it. In some cases returns may appeal for solely aesthetic reasons.

If you choose returns for your curtain rod, you will need to use two post brackets for the ends, in place of the standard brackets typically used. Be sure to specify the Rod Size To Fit for the post brackets as the actual size of your curtain rod. (Ex: 3/4" rod would use post brackets made to fit 3/4" rod size.) For all brackets to be used with a curtain rod with returns, be sure to specify the same projection as was assigned to the rod.

Use Of Post Bracket With Return

Details for a Straight Rod with Returns:

Returns for specific rod types:

• Straight Rod

  
  Returns on straight rods are fabricated at 90° from the rod.
  As seen from above:
  
  




• Corner Rod

  
  Returns on corner rods are fabricated at 90° from each end of the rod.
  As seen from above:
  
  

• Bay Rod

  
  Returns on bay rods are fabricated at 90° from each end of the rod.
  As seen from above:
  
  




• Bow Rod

  
  Returns on bow rods are fabricated at 90° from each end of the rod.
  As seen from above:
  
  

• Cup Style

  
  When applicable, you'll be able to specify one of the following cup styles:
  
  
  




• Cup Size

  
  When applicable, you'll be able to specify the exact size for each cup in the bracket.




• Projection

  
  When applicable, you'll be able to specify the exact projection for each cup in the bracket, or for the post in the post bracket.

• How do I measure for finials?

  There are only two general rules for choosing finials for your rod:
  
  1) Make sure that the finial will not be too long for your installation. Be sure you have room for the length of each finial AND the length of the rod. (Make sure there are no walls, etc. in the way.)
  
  2) Make sure the size of your finial is not overly large for the rod. The part of the finial that meets (touches) the rod is called the "base", and the size of this part is given for each finial as its "width at base". The finial base should always be large enough to fully cover the end of the rod, but not so large as to look out of place. Typically, you'll want to choose a finial with a base which is just a bit larger than the rod size it will be used with.

  PLEASE NOTE:

  The length you specify for your rod is the length of the rod only (NOT including the finials). Ex: If you order a rod at 96", and finials which are 3" each, your total length with finials will be 96 + 3 + 3 = 102". This is true regardless of type of rod or finial.





• How do the finials attach to the rod?

  Finials are always attachable / detachable from the rod. Finials attach either by sliding inside the end of the rod, or by threading into the end of the rod, or by sliding over the end of the rod - whichever method works best for your finial and rod selection. If you are ordering both rod and finials from Highland Forge then we've got you covered. If you are ordering only finials and are planning to use with an existing rod (or vice versa), you may want to contact us to make sure our hardware will match up with your existing hardware.

The following are examples of completed tiebacks:

Flat Hook Tieback These tiebacks are 4" deep x 7" wide (including the ornamental piece). Flat hook tieback bodies work well with any of the available ornamental pieces.

Round Hook Tieback These tiebacks are 4" deep x 7" wide (including the ornamental piece) x 3 1/2" tall (at the back plate). Round hook tieback bodies work well with any of the available ornamental pieces.

Post Tieback These tiebacks are 5" deep, including the ornamental piece. Post tieback bodies work best with medallion style or very short, finial style ornamental pieces. The backplate is round for steel post tiebacks and rectangular for stainless post tiebacks.

Which Body Style?

• Hook tiebacks typically can accomdate more fabric than post tiebacks. While a post tieback with a large medallion can hold a substantial amount of drapery, hook tiebacks will usually be the better choice if your intallation calls for holding back a lot of fabric.



• The difference in mounting styles may be something to consider depending on your windows / walls. Flat hook and round hook tiebacks take up more space horizontally than the post tieback. Flat hook tiebacks use horizontal aligned anchoring, while round hook tiebacks use vertically aligned anchoring. Post tiebacks can be mounted in either direction.



• Stainless steel tieback bodies are typically only used with brass and stainless steel ornamental pieces.



• Finally, please note that longer finials (over 2") typically do not work well as the ornamental piece on post tiebacks, whereas shorter finials and all medallions work great on post tiebacks.

• Hook Type

  The type of hook required is mostly personal preference, based upon how you prefer to use the wand:

  -The "through-ring" hook is most common, as this hook is placed through the body of the leading ring. It pulls the bottom of the ring, and is typically left in place permanently.

  -The "over-rod" hook is less common, and can be used just like the "through-ring", or by pushing the top of the leading ring (or fabric). This hook is normally left hanging over the rod itself or through a ring. Because it is more easily attached/detached, it is more desirable when being used with more than one drapery panel or location.





• What size diameter wand should I use?

  Typically, 1/4" diameter is used only when the length of the wand is 24" or less. 3/8" diameter is suggested for lengths over 24" to prevent any bending of the wand.





• Length

  The measurement that you provide for the length of the wand will be the total, overall length from end to end.





• Rod Size To Fit (For "Over-Rod" Hooks)

  This should be set to the actual size of the rod the wand will be used with, as these wands are typically left hanging over the rod when not in use. (Ex: if using the wand with 1 1/4" rod, set Rod Size To Fit = 1 1/4".)





• PLEASE NOTE: Ring and Rod Size

  The gap between the ring and rod needs to be large enough to accomodate the diameter of the wand. 1/4" and 3/8" wands require that the ring be at least 1/2" larger than the rod. (Ex 1 1/2" ring with 1" rod.) The 1/2" wand requires that the ring be at least 3/4" larger than the rod. (Ex. 2" ring with 1" rod, or 2 1/2" ring with 1 1/2" rod.)

• All rings are listed by inner diameter.

  Outer diameter is typically 3/8" larger. Ex: 2" ring has a 2" inner diameter, 2 3/8" outer diameter.





• What size ring do I need?

  Rings should typically be at least 1/2" larger than the rod to be used with. Ex: If you are purchasing a rod with diameter of 3/4", select rings with inner diameter of 1 1/4". A 1" rod would use the 1 1/2" ring. Since there is no 1 3/4" ring, a 1 1/4" rod will normally use the 2" rings. If you are using C-Rings with the Passing Bracket, the ring must be 1/2" - 3/4" larger than the rod.





• How many rings do I need?

  In most cases, there's a ring for every 4 - 8 inches of curtain rod. For example, for a curtain rod 84" in length, you'd need 10 to 20 rings. In general, the number of rings needed depends on the drapery and pleating style, etc.





• How do I use rings with eyelets?

  The most common way to use rings with eyelets is to sew the fabric into the eyelet. This is the method typically preferred by designers and can be done at any drapery workroom. Another way to use the rings is with drapery hooks. These are hooks which hook into the fabric and then are looped through the eyelet.