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Pick the right bay window rods first time !

Good bay window rods are not cheap,pick the wrong one and your curtains will never hang right. Don't pick the cheapest in the store, they are complete garbage.

Which kind of bay rod is best for my window ?

The biggest problem are the bends. This is where the rod wants to sag under the weight of your curtains.

As with straight rods, you can have metal or wood bay poles.

WARNINGStandard straight rods can only have a maximum 3 brackets. 1 in the center and 1 on the ends. The curtain rings can only move between the brackets. Your probably thinking even a fool knows that. When it comes to bay rods, a lot of folk have the nasty habit of forgetting this point. They think they can add extra standard brackets on the bends to give more support. Only to discover the rings wont pass these extra brackets. .

Solving your number one problem !

The better rods have what are called passing brackets. These allow the special open rings to pass over them ( see picture for example ). These passing brackets fit close to the bends on your rod. Giving the extra needed support at this weak point.

Which one is best for me ?

You have several kinds of bends on bay rods first is as below:

The cheapest metal bay window rods have a series of slots cut where the bends are to be. They only fit 3 sided bays, and they only have 3 standard brackets. They are suitable for light weight curtains at best.I recommend these for sheers or very light unlined curtains. The other alternative is for dress curtains, not to wide. Just hang at both sided and dress. Then use a sheer or net behind fixed close to the window for privacy. If you require something more private then try roller blinds.

The next cheapest option is the bay window rods with a hinged knuckle that allows you to choose the exact degree of angle. Usually only fitting 3 sided bays.

Wood rods in bays have either a knuckle bend or a preformed fixed angle corner curved section at 45, 60, and 90 degrees. The knuckle bends make it difficult for the rings to pass smoothly. The wood preformed bends are inflexible so sometimes difficult to fit exactly. I recommend these rods for up to medium weight curtains.

The middle of the road priced bay window rod is the one where the rod is pre bent to the angle you provide.This is only available on metal rods. This gives a stronger and far better looking finish. The rods are supplied over long and require cutting shorter. You get standard and passing brackets. Also passing rings.You can order as many of these as you need. I can recommend these poles for all but the heaviest of curtains.

Then there is the top of the range custom made bay window rod. These are made exactly to size and shape.These don't come cheap but are the best in every way. These can suspend almost any weight of curtain.

Nearly all of the above bay window rods will be able to have returns on both ends to bring your curtains round the corners out of the bay as in the diagram below. On the cheaper rods these come as an extra kit to be added on. The middle and top range will have these included if specified in your order.

Fitting your bay rod properly

WARNINGAn important piece of advice I can give you is, if you are not a fairly good DIY'er. Then don't attempt to fit any of these bay window rods. Even for someone with years of experience it will still take 3 to 4 hours from starting to hanging the curtains.You will spend a lot of time and effort. Only to end up at best with a dodgy looking finish. At worst you could waste a lot of money by cutting the rods too short.

Call in the cavalry !

If in doubt bring in an [experienced curtain fitter.] The cost will be well worth it in terms of time, money and stress.

Can't find what your looking for then, why not search for it ?

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