Should You Choose Wooden Or Metal Curtain Poles?

Curtain poles, as opposed to rods, can really become a feature in a room and can enhance its overall appearance. There are a variety of curtain poles in different styles, shapes and lengths available for every budget. Metal poles are available in different colours and finishes with the more popular types being those made of copper, brass stainless steel and black nickel. Wooden poles are available in many styles and come in two types. There are poles with a classic finish and those which have a treatment applied to give a different colour effect such as gold or silver. Woods usually used include pine, oak, beech, walnut and mahogany. People who prefer a vintage style may prefer a wooden pole whereas those who prefer a shiny finish may prefer a metal pole. Here are some of the benefits and disadvantages of choosing metal curtain poles and wooden poles.

Benefits of Wooden Curtain Poles

Choosing wooden poles over metal curtain poles has its advantages and disadvantages. A nice walnut or oak wood can give a room a more romantic and classic design adding character to a room. They can support the weight of large or heavy curtains better than a plastic curtain rod therefore are a great choice for a medium to heavy weight curtain. Wooden poles are biodegradable so they are also advantageous to the environmentally conscious.

The main disadvantage of wooden poles is that an extremely heavy curtain may cause the wood to buckle over a long period of time if a lot of weight is put on the pole. In addition, the wood may need retouching with varnish if scratched and can be quite heavy to lift from their hooks when replacing curtains. There is also the danger that the wood may split if the pole is dropped.

Benefits of Metal Poles

Choosing metal poles over wooden poles can give a room a current, contemporary feel and are quite a popular choice. The main advantage of using metal poles is that they are extremely durable and can withstand the weight of heavy curtain materials. They can handle wear and tear a lot better than wooden poles and as well as being sturdy, they are very lightweight which makes them easier to lift when replacing curtains. Metal is very malleable so curtain poles can be bent into the correct shape for you.

The main disadvantage of metal is that they may look slightly harsh in some rooms. They may not match the style of furnishings and accessories you have and wooden poles are slightly easier to match. Also, when choosing a wrought iron curtain pole it can rust over time if exposed to too much moisture so be sure to place it in a room where it is less likely to be exposed to the elements.

Whatever your styles or tastes, there is something for everyone whether your preference lies with classic wooden curtain poles or contemporary metal poles.