Best Curtains for Traverse Rods

Hello, I'm James, the store owner of Dolcewe.com. We have specialized in custom curtains for over 10 years in the home & decor industry, with prices starting from just $26.99.

Today, I want to talk about curtains for traverse rods and how to choose the perfect window treatment for your home.

My Suggestions

What are Traverse Rods?

Traverse rods are a type of curtain rod that allows curtain panels to open and close smoothly along a track. They differ from regular curtain rods in that they have a pulley system or a cord that moves the curtains back and forth. Traverse rods come in various types, such as:

• Single traverse rod

• Double traverse rod

• Decorative traverse rod

Benefits of Using Traverse Rods

There are several benefits to using traverse rods for your curtains:

1. They allow curtains to open and close smoothly, without any hassle.

2. They are ideal for wide windows, patio doors, and sliding glass doors, as they can support heavier curtains.

3. You can layer curtains on a traverse rod for a more decorative look.

4. The hardware is hidden behind the curtains, giving a clean and polished appearance.

Curtain Styles Compatible with Traverse Rods

When selecting curtains for traverse rods, it's important to choose a style that is specifically designed to work with the carriers and hooks of the rod.

Here are some in-depth insights and actionable suggestions for the most compatible curtain styles:

Pinch Pleat Curtains

Pinch pleat curtains are one of the most popular and classic styles for traverse rods.

They feature evenly spaced pleats that are pinched at the top and fanned out towards the bottom, creating an elegant and tailored look.

How they attach

The pleats are typically sewn 4-5 inches down from the top of the curtain, allowing space for the drapery pins or hooks to be inserted into the back of each pleat.

Pros

• Provide good fullness and body to the drapes, making them ideal for formal spaces.

• Create a structured and tailored appearance.

• Work well with heavier fabrics like velvet and lined curtains.

Cons

• Can be more expensive than other curtain styles due to the additional fabric and labor required for the pleats.

• May require professional installation or alteration for the best fit.

Suggestion

When measuring for pinch pleat curtains on a traverse rod, account for the extra fabric needed for the pleats and the overlap in the center when the curtains are closed.

Consider the fullness you want to achieve and the size of your window when determining the number of pleats and the width of the panels.

Ripplefold Curtains

Ripplefold curtains, also known as wave fold curtains, feature consistent ripples or waves from top to bottom for a modern, seamless look.

They require a special track and carriers to achieve the ripple effect.

How they attach

Ripplefold curtains are attached to the track with snap tape that is sewn onto the top of the flat curtain panel.

Pros

• Create a contemporary and streamlined appearance.

• Stack neatly to the sides when opened and ripple gracefully when closed.

• Work well with lighter fabrics like linen and sheer curtains.

Cons

• Require a specialized track system and carriers, which can be more expensive than traditional traverse rods.
• May not provide as much insulation or light blockage as thicker curtains.

Suggestion

When choosing ripplefold curtains, consider the fullness you want to achieve and the spacing of the carriers on the track.

Common fullness options are 60%, 80%, 100%, and 120%.

Make sure to measure the width of your window and order enough panels to achieve the desired fullness.

Curtains with Drapery Pins or Hooks

Many curtain styles can be modified to work with traverse rods by adding drapery pins or hooks.

This includes our ring top curtains, tab top, rod pocket, back tab, and tie top curtains.

How they attach

Drapery pins feature a long pin that is inserted into the back of the curtain heading and then hooks onto the carriers of the traverse rod.

Drapery hooks have a small hook on one end that goes through the heading of the curtain and a large hook on the other end that attaches to the rod or rings.

Pros

• Allow for a variety of curtain styles to be used with traverse rods.

• Can be easily removed for cleaning or changing out curtains.

• Provide a more custom and decorative look than some other attachment methods.

Cons

• May not provide as much fullness or structure as pinch pleats or ripplefold panels.

• Can be visible from the front of the curtain, depending on the heading style.

Suggestion

When using pins or hooks, make sure they are evenly spaced and securely fastened to the curtains to prevent sagging or falling off the rod.

Consider adding a strip of header tape or fabric to the back of the curtain heading for added reinforcement.

Grommet Top Curtains (with Clip Rings)

While grommet top curtains are not typically used with traverse rods due to the large holes in the heading, they can be adapted by using clip rings.

How they attach

Clip rings have a small clip on one end that grasps the top of the curtain panel and a ring on the other end that slides onto the traverse rod.

Pros

• Provide a modern and casual look.
• Easy to attach and remove from the rod.
• Work well with lighter fabrics and sheer curtains.

Cons

• May not provide as much fullness or structure as other curtain styles.

• The clips can be visible from the front of the curtain.

Suggestion

To ensure the clips are secure, you may need to add a strip of fabric or header tape behind the top of the grommet panel for the clips to grab onto.

Consider the size and weight of the grommets when selecting clip rings to ensure a proper fit.

Choosing Drapes for Traverse Rods

When choosing curtains for traverse rods, there are a few things to consider:

Light Filtering vs. Room Darkening vs. Blackout Curtains

• Light filtering curtains allow some light to pass through, making them ideal for living room curtains.

• Room darkening curtains block out more light, making them perfect for bedroom curtains.

• Blackout curtains block out all light, making them great for media rooms and nurseries. Blackout patio door curtain panels are also available for sliding doors.

Fabric and Color Considerations

• Lighter fabrics and sheer materials allow more light to pass through, giving a more casual look.

• Heavier fabrics like velvet curtains or grasscloth lined pinch pleated drapes block out more light and give a more formal appearance.

• Darker colors block out more light than lighter colors. White pinch pleated curtains or beige curtains offer a neutral look that complements many decor styles.

Measuring for Traverse Rod Curtains

To ensure a perfect fit, it's important to measure your windows correctly. Here's what you need to do:

1. Determine the width based on the window size and desired fullness.

2. Choose the length - sill, floor, or puddle. Curtains 84 inches or curtains 84 inch length are popular choices for a floor-length look.

3. Account for overlap and return.

4. Consider custom curtains or custom drapes for the perfect fit.

Installing Traverse Rods

Installing traverse rods is a bit more involved than regular curtain rods, but with a few tips, you can do it yourself:

1. Make sure to place the brackets at the proper spacing.

2. If you have a wide window, you may need to splice the rods together.

3. Center the master carriers on the rod.

4. Attach the curtains to the carriers using the hooks or pins. Curtain hooks and drapery hooks are available for different header styles.

Styling and Decorating with Traverse Curtains

Now that you have your traverse rod and curtains installed, it's time to style and decorate!

• Choose fabrics that complement your room style and the type of traverse rod you have. Linen curtains for living room, velvet curtains, or silk curtains offer a luxurious look.

• Layer sheer and opaque curtains for a more decorative look. Semi sheer curtains can be paired with room darkening curtain panels for a versatile window treatment.

• Add decorative finials and end caps to your traverse rod for a finishing touch.

• Combine your curtains with valances or cornices for a more formal appearance.

Additional Considerations

When shopping for traverse rod curtains, there are a few additional things to keep in mind:

Curtain Length

• Standard curtain lengths are 84 and 96 inches, but custom lengths are available. Curtains 84 inches or 84 inch length are popular choices for a floor-length look.

• Consider the size of your window and the desired pooling on the floor when choosing the length.

Number of Curtain Panels

• A general rule of thumb is to have 1.5-2 times the width of your window for fullness. Curtains 2 panels or drapes panels can be used for a fuller look.

Hardware (optional)

• If you choose pinch pleat curtains, you will need traverse rod carriers to attach the hooks. Drapery hardware is available for different header styles.

Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Even with the best traverse rods and curtains, sometimes things can go wrong. Here are a few tips for troubleshooting and maintenance:

• If a carrier or pin is missing or damaged, replace it as soon as possible.

• Adjust the cord tension if the curtains are not opening or closing smoothly.

• Regularly clean your curtains according to the care instructions to keep them looking their best.

Shop Affordable Custom Curtains Online at Dolcewe

At Dolcewe, we offer a wide selection of affordable custom curtains, starting at just $26.99. Our curtains are available in various styles, fabrics, colors, patterns, and header types to suit any decor.

We also offer custom drapes and custom drapery panels for the perfect fit, free shipping on orders over $199, and an extra 10% off coupon upon registration.

Thank you for reading this comprehensive guide on curtains for traverse rods. I hope you found it helpful and informative. If you have any questions or need assistance in choosing the perfect curtains for your home, please don't hesitate to contact us at Dolcewe.com. We're always happy to help!