Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Double curtain rods and brackets

Made of Metal offers double curtain rod brackets for double curtain rods.  You can order our standard projection, which is 3.5" and 7".  (Remember projection is the distance between the wall and the center of the rod.)  You can also order custom projections.



If you are ordering custom projections, remember this:
For 1/2" curtain rods, your projections need to be at least 1" apart. For example, for a 2" projection in the back, you would need to order at least a 3" projection in the front. For 3/4" and 1" rods, you need at least 1 1/2" difference. And for 1 1/2" and 2" rods, you need at least 2 1/2" difference.

A popular way to order double rods is to order a smaller rod for the back with end caps and use a larger rod with some decorative finials for the front rod.

Monday, January 16, 2012

Grommet curtains

Grommet curtains have become extremely popular.  I love the way they look and the fact that they can go straight onto a curtain rod.

You can find grommet curtains at almost every place that sells curtains.  Measure the diameter of your grommet before ordering your rod.  If you plan to move your curtains along the rod, we recommend you purchase a rod at least 1/2" smaller in diameter than your grommets. 

If you are making your own curtains, grommet tape can be purchased by the yard at your local fabric or craft store or online.  It sews into your fabric and the grommets snap onto the tape.  Grommets come in different finishes, so they can match your curtain rod and other hardware.

World Market

 
 Pottery Barn
   
 
Target


Sunday, January 15, 2012

Kitchen islands with breakfast bars

One of the most popular uses of our support brackets is for kitchen counter tops.  They are often used on kitchen islands to create breakfast bars.
I love the different heights and materials used in this one.
VP Interiors 2010 contemporary kitchen





Saturday, January 7, 2012

Holdbacks aren't just for holding back

This is a creative way to use holdbacks.  They are perfect for holding curtains that you don't need to move across a window.  Holdbacks come in tons of styles, sizes and finishes to match any interior. 

custom leaf holdbacks



Wednesday, January 4, 2012

How to use cafe rods on your patio doors

Finding a way to install window treatments on patio doors is often challenging. You can’t use a curtain rod the traditional way since the doors have to open. And free-flowing curtains will get stuck in the door every time you open and close it. Cafe rods are a great solution.

Café curtain rods are small rods with returns on them. You can purchase them with different projections and in different sizes. They can install directly to the patio door. One rod on the top and one rod on the bottom can hold your curtains exactly where you want them. To cover the window, you will need to hang the rods just above and below the glass. Figure out where you want to hang the rods on the door and measure the width of the window(s) and how much room you have to the right and left. Make sure the mounting brackets for the rod will fit on your door.

A popular curtain for patio doors is sheers. They let the light in but still give you some privacy. If you need light blocking or want something more decorative, there are many styles of curtains sold for standard patio door sizes. Some café curtain rods even allow for rings to go on them, so you have more choices for curtains. The last step is to slide the curtains on and install the rod. If you are unsure of how to install the rods, ask your home improvement store about your type of door and what type of screws or fasteners you should use. Once installed, you will have an attractive window covering and curtain rods for your patio doors.

Friday, December 9, 2011

New curtain rod brackets

We have two new brackets that are have a larger back plate.  They are perfect if you want something that looks more substantial or if you have holes in your wall that you need to cover (yes, I've used them for this!)  The heavy duty bracket has a larger rectangular back plate.

The diamond back bracket has a diamond shaped back plate.
Both of these brackets have a 3.5" projection (measured from the wall to the middle of the rod), but you may custom order them with custom projections as well.

Curtain Feng Shui

Feng Shui literally translated into English is "wind-water."  It is concerned with the relationships between people and nature.  There are a few techniques that you can use when dealing with windows, curtains and other window treatments.
  • At night, pull all curtains closed.  You do not want exposed windows when it is dark.
  • Curtains should be long enough to cover the whole window and go all the way to the floor.
  • Curtain rod rings (and blinds) should be of natural material.  Avoid plastic.
  • Make sure curtains open and close easily.
  • Keep your curtains clean.
  • When closed, there should be enough fabric for there to be pleats and folds.
  • As far as colors go, choose greens for spring, reds, oranges and pinks for summer, gray, whites and metallics for fall and blues for winter.
Use these suggestions to be at one with your environment.