Hanging Curtains? Don't Forget the Rods and Finials!

Probably one of the most overlooked features of window are the curtain rods and finials. For a lot of people this is the last thing they think about if they've chosen a curtain that covers most (if not all) of the curtain rod anyway. Who cares what it looks like? Well, someday you may fall in love with a curtain style, such as a button tabbed curtain, that prominently displays the rod underneath. You don't want a $2 tin stick beside your adorable window treatments, you need something that makes a similar statement as the curtains.

This overlooked feature can really bring pizzazz to your décor and needs to complement both the window and the curtains you have chosen, as well as be appropriately functional.

Hardware for window treatments is available in a wide variety of styles. Some curtain rods are designed to be covered by the curtains, while others are best displayed prominently due to their highly decorative nature. If the rod is meant to be featured you could hang the curtains from decorative rings sewn into the top panel. Considering both the curtain and the rod at the same time will save you the disappointment of having pieces that don't complement each other.

Today's Lesson: Do you know what finials are? They are the decorative ends on the curtain rod. I didn't know their official name for several years. I just called them "ends of the curtain rod." They can be wooden, wrought-iron, glass, or plastic.

The most standard types are:

hook
the onion (or ball)
the swirl
the dagger
Finials can range widely in price, from the $2 plastic pieces to $100 very heavy fancy pieces. Consider your budget but also know that what you choose will make a certain statement in the room and that statement will last longer than the effects of spending a little extra money. You also have to be sure the finials will fit where you are hanging the curtain. Consider the shape of your window and the molding around it. In some cases there just isn't room for large fancy finials, nor is it always appropriate for the style of curtain you've chosen.

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Custom Drapery Hardware Basic Guide

In the old days, drapery consisted of hanging curtains on your window and that was it. What you hung it on didn't matter, as long as that they look good. Today, it's not that easy. With the trend of specialization, there are tools for most things out there that it takes an effort to keep track of them. And draperies are no exception. We now have. What is called drapery hardware? And for the free spirits out there, we have custom drapery hardware.

One thing we should remember though when shopping for draperies and its hardware is to decide whether we want them decorative or functional. When we shop, we think of whether what we're buying is cheap or expensive. However, we have to realize that as long as we go for quality, something, which may seem expensive now is actually cheap in the long run.

So let's talk about what consists of drapery hardware. First we have the curtain pole or rod. Like all the other drapery hardware, the curtain pole or rod can come in materials like wood, chrome, and plastic. This is where you attach the ringers for the curtain. So the main purpose of this hardware is for support. They can come in the form of regular rods, hinged rods and motorized rods.

You also have the finials, brackets and scones. Brackets are for supporting the rod or pole. Scones are decorative brackets and sometimes have fabrics threaded in them. As for finials, it's clear that they serve a solely decorative function.

And there you have it, drapery. Now I know that a lot of us aren't very flexible with our budget and other than worrying about whether we can afford quality, we also want to get custom drapery hardware for that personal touch. Well, we shouldn't worry because there are stores that cater to those who are on a budget and should stick to it, so no worries.

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Elegant Wooden Curtain Rods

There are some very unique and fashionable curtain rod designs available today. Many of the major high street stores have a large collection of cheaper models that are typically imported from the far east. These are mass produced for the western market and while they may look the part, the quality is suspect at best. You get what you pay for as they say. The materials used are generally plastic and inferior wood that will start to show signs of wear quite quickly. Cheap wood will grain as the rings slide across from constant use, and can even splinter and chip, making opening and closing your curtains much harder. If the curtains snag on the wood it is easy to start pulling too hard on the fabric and cause damage.

Better quality rods are made by the smaller independent stores who hand craft their goods to order. The cost is a lot more but you will getting a quality item that will be far more durable and pleasing on the eye. It is also more satisfying to know you have a bespoke rod that someone has taken the time to create. Popular choices are made from ash, oak and maple wood. These are hard wearing and can be shaped into all sorts of intricate styles to suit the room they will be going into. Waxing and varnishing protects the wood and allows for deeper, richer colors to come out. Matching the rings is a good way to complete the overall package.

Wooden finials are the most elaborate part, and you can custom order the way they will look. Exciting creations can be made by talented craftsmen, and wood is easy to work with. The results can be spectacular, and are worth the expense. If you choose this route then try to get someone who is recommended, or at least ask to see some of their past creations. Many online specialists have catalogs and photos to browse through, which makes this process easier, and there usually customer testimonials that highlight their work. Just bear in mind that any online retailer is not going to put up any bad reviews of their products, it would not be very good for business would it?

Looking after any wooden rods is quite easy. If they become damaged you can always try to repair them yourself. Regular varnishing will help them last longer and keep them looking the part as well. It is also possible to change the finials, they are only screwed on and you can take them off in no time. Changing the finials is a quick way to create a new look, and on their own they don't cost so much. If the colors don't match exactly you can always paint or varnish until they do match.

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Make Your Windows Look Better Than Ever With Curtain Rod Finials

Everyone wants to make their rooms look the best and with curtain rod finials they can. These rods are available in a wide variety that will fit any decorating scheme you have in mind. The variety of expressions that can be made with rod finials makes the options almost limitless. There is no reason to stand by the traditional sizes and styles that most people use. The choice is completely up to you.

These can also be refinished to create different looks and styles for your home. This can be a simple and quick way to give your favorite room a completely new look and feel. By using enamel paint the colors of the rods can be changed to anything you want. Feel free to get creative and playing with different color schemes. Stripes, dots, and metallic's can also give you some amazing results.

Another great way to accent your curtains is through the use of shells. This can be a fun theme for anyone to try in their home. These finial rods can be changed whenever you want to try something new. Don't be afraid to cut the ping pong balls. These smaller pieces can be used to help you mount the pretty shells to your curtain rods.

Need to redecorate your children's room? Super balls make a great choice. These come in a wide selection of colors, glitters, designs and more. Carefully screw these to the entrails of the ball. A touch of glue and it's in place for your child's brand new room. These can be used to create almost any kind of design that you can dream up. You're child will never get bored during playtime. It can also be an excellent project for you to do with your child. They will love it even more knowing they had a chance to help put it together.

Some people like to have a more natural outdoors theme in their home. Pine cones can be an excellent option for decorating the curtain rods. These are just a few of the options available for people looking to add ornaments to their windows. These versatile and impressive rods are perfect for all your decorating needs.

With either synthetic materials or ready-made finials, you can create the room that you have always dreamed of and all the neighbors are envious. Curtain rod finials will prove to worth the time and effort.

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Finials Top Ten Tips for 09 Design

10. Metal T.V. Trays, Wire Hangers and Plastic plants are not part of any style…even the 2009 country style “ Granny Chic”

9. Wood, Bamboo, Hemp, Cane & other natural fibers are Eco Chic for flooring, cushions covers, furniture and accessories. Go natural be kind to the planet.

8. Wallpaper! Still off the radar to most consumers, it is HOT in designer circles. Large over size prints; retro patterns and metallic grounds are being used in small areas as a focal point or high impact highlight. Artist Brian Gibbson just introduced seam free custom design wall papers on fabric backing — beautiful.

7. Hard surface flooring; haven’t removed your outdated and stale carpet — now is the time. Hardwoods, wood laminates, bamboo and ceramic are priced right and available in any colour to update, refresh and give your home a low maintenance long life floor.

6. Floor Art. Now that the carpet is gone and the floors are hard and perhaps a bit cold warm things up with area rugs available in all sizes, patterns, colours and budgets this is a great way to anchor your decorating scheme.

5. Add some Drama! bold colours, oversize art work, BLACK , Mirrors, whimsical objects, large accessories, mixing patterns and Architectural details. That’ll get you noticed.

4. Appeal to all five senses. Sight, focal point and points of interest. Sound, music, water or windchimes. Touch, texture, velvet, satin silk, bamboo, down filled, polished wood. Scent, Lampe Berger perfume de maison , potpourri, scented candles, fresh air. Baking, fresh flowers, lavender, eucalyptus, pine. Taste! Rich warm colour or deep bold colour chocolate, cinnamon, orange, mango, raspberry, lemon and lime…looks so good I can almost taste it!

3. Fads fade fast. Unless you love to redecorate once a year, keep your choice of high cost items neutral or traditional. Add punch with trendy accessories, they won’t break the budget to change when the fad is over.

2. Best ways to add value to your home… Kitchen and Bathroom updates or Renos. Neutral Décor with designer accents. New windows and stylish window coverings. Remember curb appeal and have your front yard professionally designed. Finish the basement, add A/C and remember good storage is essential. Call the professionals first a good plan makes all the difference.

And the #1 Tip

Make it WOW. The first 10 seconds count … make your entrance hall memorable, show pride of ownership, create harmony with the rest of the house, balance and comfort make the guest feel welcome and refresh you each time you come home. Strive for an uncluttered, light, warm and styled front hall; use this as your starting point the blue print for all other adjoining rooms to achieve a well decorated home.

View Orion Ornamental Iron showroom for more tips on finials and their usages.

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Don't Forget Finials to Finish Off Your Outdoor Spaces

One of the things you can say about finials is they are versatile. In fact, you can use them on curtain rods, bookshelves, as door stoppers and decorations from your banister and your fence and deck! The message is to look around and see where something as simple and affordable as a finial can liven up your space, and since it is spring, we are going to talk about your outdoor spaces.

Decorative Finials

The first thing to recognize is that these lovely additions come in many different shapes and sizes as well as materials. The most common are wooden but there are also copper finials as well as synthetically produced ones such as Azek's that last almost forever.

The next thing to know is that finials, by nature, are pretty much about decoration. For outdoor purposes, most they will sit a top a post cap of some sort (mostly wood). If you expect a finial to protect your post cap from the elements than you would be wrong. You need to purchase a post cap for that application. However, to decorate the space, a finial would be perfect!

So now that we know where they go on fences, let us talk about decks as this is one of the main areas that a finial can add to your space. Just like the banister inside, a great place to add wooden finials would be at the top and bottom of the deck stairs. Whether you prefer welcoming pineapple finials or a decorative ball or acorn finial for that application, it will be up to you.

Make sure you follow the manufactures instructions on how to prepare, install and maintain them for long life. Both the wood finials and the Azek ones can be painted, stained and sealed so you can match and know that your purchase will last a long time and be weather resistant.

Also watch out for cheap ones as well when purchasing. Make sure you buy either a redwood or cedar finial for outdoor use. Mahogany is wonderful for inside use but not the best for outside applications. Redwood and cedar naturally work as both an insect and water repellent just making the product that much more resilient for outdoor use.

I have also seen some wonderful uses of finials for entrance markers to make your property stand out for your guests. One of my personal favorites is the use of the copper ball finials that sat on large 8 x 8 posts on either side of an elaborate gate. It created a wonderful entrance and over time the copper turned so you had a different look and feel every time you drove by. It was stunning.

Now that you have a few ideas, walk around your property and discover the places you may be able to add a little something extra to the decor with fence or deck finials. They are very easy to install so you can do it yourself or hire a local handyman to help if you don't feel like you can. Either way, finials are affordable and fun and an easy way to finish off your outdoor spaces! For more details and views about finials visit Orion ornamental Iron showroom at www.ironartbyorion.com

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Finials for the final touch!!

Finials are highly versatile and they can be used on curtain rods, bookshelves, as door stoppers and decorations. Finials are available at an affordable price, as we believe in, greatest strength lies in simplicity. These simple finials spread warmth around us! As the spring is approaching we take you to outdoor spaces.

Finials are available in all shapes, size, and materials as well. Wood finials are the most commonly available. Azek finial is produced synthetically which lasts long. You need to look carefully which one you want to choose.

Finials contribute highly in beautifying your home. These finials are made to be installed atop a post cap. For this purpose wooden finials are preferred. But it does not act as a protection; we need to be aware of this. Somehow finial is the ultimate thing in decoration

In the outdoor finials can be used on fences and decks. Wooden finials would be an ideal if you fit them at the top and bottom of the deck stairs. Choice is yours; you can even go for pineapple finials or a decorative ball or acorn finial. You need to have a perfect idea and conception.

Then you have to move to the next step that is to obey the instructions of manufacturers on how to make, install and maintain those finials. Both Azek and wood finials can be painted, stained and sealed for the longevity in weather resistance.

Before buying have a look on the price list of these finials. Go for redwood or cedar finial for outdoor purpose. Mahogany is magnificent only inside, cannot be used for outside. Redwood and cedar are insect and water repellent. Your living room could be decorated with glass finials.

Some finials have enough ex factors to catch your guests’ eyes. Wood finial is just wonderful. It enhances the beauty of the place wherever you install. It gives altogether a stunning look if you install iron finials at the gate.

By now you have come to know so many things about finials. You need to find out places where you can install finials. They are very handy to install. Finials are available at an affordable price and it is fun to install them by your selves. Iron Finials. Wood finials, glass finials really bring an exquisite look to your home. For More information visit ironartbyorion(dot)com

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Add a little pizzazz to your deck or fence!!

The very first thing you need to know is a finial is not a post cap nor does it function like a post cap. If you are looking to add protection to your fence or deck posts, finials is not what you need. However, if you are looking to add a little pizzazz to your deck or fence a finial may be just what you are looking for.

What I love about these wonderful little architectural elements is the versatility that they can be used for. While most people look at them for fences and decks, another wonderful application is for centerpieces, candleholders for evening lighting or interesting garden markers.

Because these applications are for outdoor use you will need to make sure you purchase finials that are made for outdoor use. If you are buying wooden ones, make sure you purchase redwood or cedar finials as these woods are the best for outdoor use and are hardy against the weather elements they will incur. You can both paint and stain these and will need to put some type of coating to protect it further. You should get detailed instructions on how to install and maintain the finials for a longer lifespan.

You can also get the synthetic finial that has the same qualities of wood (they can be painted or stained) that last even longer than wooden ones. These are great to use in gardens as markers or just interesting elements throughout flowerbeds and gardens.

Of course you can also use these on fence posts and decks on every post or just for the corners or other interesting configurations. Since they can be painted or stained it is easy to match them to your home, fence or deck.

It's also extremely easy to install and maintain finials and is one thing you can truly do yourself. The instructions are easy to follow and everything but the paint, stain and clear coat is in the package. If you are not comfortable doing the installation, a handyman or contractor will be able to knock it out in no time.

Just remember there are many things that you may have never thought of that can be used creatively and constructively in your yard and garden. Finials are just one of them. For more in iron finials, wood finials visit ironartbyorion(dot)com

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Where to Find Finials

In the present, finials are mainly added to roofs. These are typically copper points that are added to the apex of a roof to accent the height. But, while finials are added to give a roof such an effect, they're also added to other objects, too, for the same purpose. Finials can be found on a number of objects ranging from homes to flagpoles to Hindu temples in Indonesia. Essentially, as a finial is usually considered any point that accents an object's height, these fixtures are made in a number of shapes and materials. Although copper is the most common, stone and other metals are used, as well.

When finials are found on homes in the present, they're mostly atop a peaked, pyramid-shaped roof. This wasn't always the case, however. Finials have been used in architecture on buildings and homes as a way to seal cracks and seams to prevent leaks. While using a finial is an ornamental way to seal a seam between parts of a roof, they're not always used on peaked or pointed roofs. In fact, homes with flat roofs, which are typically row houses, were ornamented with a finial on each corner. These, too, were added to accent the height of the home.

Although finials are usually associated with building architecture, they're found on many other objects. An ancient Hindu temple in Java, Indonesia, for example, uses several finials, also to accent the height of the building. Aside from this typical architectural use, they symbolize fingers pointing upwards, as if to elevate the building skyward. Finials are found on smaller objects, as well. Many flagpoles, for example, are designed with an eagle-shaped finial on top, while several gates and fences are embellished with iron finials at various points.

In many cases, if you're looking for finials, you can find them. Various older buildings are decorated with them, while numerous objects, like flagpoles, have one positioned on top.

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Jazz up kids' room with an exclusive range of rods & Finials!

Kids' rooms' themes possess large variation!

Standardized your kids room with fun, frolic and laughter themes of window curtain rods and finials. It possess varieties of innovative style, color, in context to material of rods for your kids room. So, first and foremost decide the material of rod which can match your overall house theme.

In context to that watch out varieties of stylish curtain rods, but make sure it that it also goes with your beautiful hanging curtains' pattern. If you are looking for tabbed curtain or kind of ring designs then rounded curtain rods will provide an ease to slide your curtain. For more stationary curtains, choose gaudy, attractive designs like twisted rod or rope style rod. In case if you are not willing to enhance rods' spark then choose simple rounded rod.

Selection of finials depends on the curtain rods because they are going to be attached at the ending of curtain rods. You can find varying range of style, design, color, material etc just like curtain rods. Range defines its simplicity and sophistication of theme for your kids room. Balls are designed to be simple while horseshoes, stars, animals etc makes it sophisticated.

If you are desiring to possess cowboy theme for you baby-boy then go for horseshoes and if you are desiring to enhance princess theme for your princess baby-girl then go for stars. Animal shaped finials are better option for animal themed room. Select an appropriate finial in context to your requirements, but make sure of one thing if you are selecting long gaudy curtains which might cover your finials then try to use most decorative finial to create an essence of show.

The last step of your decision is finish or color which is easy compare to the earlier ones. For color of finials, you can rely on the color of walls or any items of room like bed comforter, decorative room etc. your wall paint is of white color then you may choice a bright color to make it attractive and inviting. If you do not want that your finials should stand out then go for common options like black, brown. Even you can possess a complimenting colors for your finials with reference to curtains or other items of room.

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