Keep curtains in place with a decorative and functional curtain rod

Curtains are a popular window treatment because they are cheap and easy to hang to give you and your family a bit of privacy. Whether you buy or make your curtains, the type of curtain rod you choose helps you make the final statement in your room. The Bali Blinds curtain rod doesn't have a lot of frills, but it looks nice and has round finials, the decorative ends on each side of the rod, though other designes are available. This rod both adds more detail to your decor and keeps your curtains from sliding off the rod as you open and close them.

Best Overall: Bali Blinds Curtain Rod with Round Finials

This curtain rod by Bali Blinds works for just about any type of curtains. It comes in five different finishes to match your room's decor and two different lengths to hang over windows from 28 inches to 84 inches long. Each end of this rod has a round finial that doesn't overpower your room while helping to keep your window dressing put. Bali Blinds does have more decorative ends if you want a bit more flair. While this rod is under an inch thick it holds an impressive amount of weight. This is because the entire rod is made from metal. All the hardware you need comes with the Bali Blinds curtain rod including screws and adjustable brackets. It doesn't have metal holdback hooks to hold your curtains open, but these can be bought separately.

Pros:

• Comes in five finishes
• Extends to 84 inches
• Hardware is included

Cons:

• Not for darkening curtains
• Holdback hooks not included

Best Overall

Bali Blinds Curtain Rod with Round Finials

• $18 from Amazon

Basic and the best

The Bali Blinds curtain rod extends up to 84 inches long. It holds most curtains well and includes all needed hardware.

Best single curtain rod: Kenney Kendall Standard Curtain Rod

The Kenney Kendall curtain rod is simple with unique shaped finials on each end. It comes in four different finishes - antique rust, black, brushed nickel, and oil rubbed bronze - and two sizes. One size fits windows between 28 inches and 48 inches, and one extends from 48 inches to 86 inches. A single inch curtain rod will hold lightweight curtains and some medium weight curtains, but it isn't the best choice for heavier window treatments. This rod comes with the hardware you need, including the brackets, to hang it properly.

Pros:

• Decorative finials
• Four finishes

Cons:

• Doesn't hold heavier curtains

Best single curtain rod

Kenney Kendall Standard Curtain Rod

• $11 from Amazon

Elegant and stylish

The Kendall curtain rod by Kenney matches most decor and room themes. It has unique-shaped finials on each end.

Best double curtain rod: Umbra Twilight Double Curtain Rod Set

This curtain rod holds two curtains at once. The outside rod holds heavier and more colorful curtains while the inside rod is for sheer panels. The rods are attached together, so you don't need to fret about lining up two rods. The Umbra Twilight double curtain rod is made from metal to avoid bending in the rods and it comes in three different sizes that range from 28 inches to 144 inches. Each of the rods loops around on the ends and connect to the brackets. This makes it easier to pull darkening curtains all the way around the windows and block out more light. This curtain rod comes with mounting brackets, however, they aren't made with the same material as the rod itself. Several people have shared feedback that the brackets aren't strong enough to support the curtain rod and recommend purchases new, sturdier brackets.

Pros:

• Holds two curtains at once
• Wrap-around design
• Three different lengths available

Cons:

• Brackets aren't well built

Best double curtain rod

Umbra Twilight Double Curtain Rod Set

• $37 from Amazon

Double the privacy

This double curtain rod holds two curtains at once and has a wrap-around design to accommodate darkening curtains.

Best tension curtain rod: AIZESI Spring Tension Curtain Rod

Tension curtain rods hold curtains inside window frames and don't require any hardware to install. Instead, the rods use a spring mechanism to keep curtains in place. This package comes with two rods that can extend between 28 inches and 48 inches. The rods are made of stainless steel but are coated in a white finish that makes them smooth. The ends have non-slip runner covers that both help stick to the window frames and to prevent scuffing. Though these rods are built well, they aren't designed to hold heavy curtains. The manufacturer recommends lightweight materials that weigh less than six pounds.

Pros:

• No marks from hardware
• Comes with two rods

Cons:

• Not for heavy curtains

Best tension curtain rod

AIZESI Spring Tension Curtain Rod

• $18 from Amazon

No hardware needed

The AIZESI curtain rods use tension instead of hardware to keep curtains in place. Two rods come in this package.

Best wrapping curtain rod: AmazonBasics Room Darkening Curtain Rod

This wrap-around style curtain rod is to help with blackout curtains. It allows them to be pulled far enough around your windows to block out a significant amount of light to make your room darker. This is ideal for people who work graves and sleep during the day, or in helping little ones take afternoon naps. The AmazonBasics room darkening curtain rod comes in three popular finishes, nickel, black, and a dark espresso bronze. It also has three sizes to fit windows between 28 inches and 120 inches. The rod will only hold up to 20 pounds.

Pros:

• Good for darkening and insulating rooms
• Comes in three lengths and finishes

Cons:

• Doesn't hold heavy drapes

Best wrapping curtain rod

AmazonBasics Room Darkening Curtain Rod

• $28 from Amazon

Make your bedroom darker

The AmazonBasics room darkening curtain rod works well with drapes made to block out light and insulate rooms.

Bottom line

For most rooms and decor themes, the Bali Blinds curtain rod will match it. It is a popular and simple design with round finials on each end and five different finishes - antique rust, black, brushed nickel, espresso, and oil rubbed bronze. It comes in two sizes, one that fits windows between 28 inches and 48 inches, and the largest one that extends from 48 inches to 84 inches. This rod comes with the hardware you need, including the brackets, to hang it properly. It doesn't come with metal holdback hooks to hold curtains away from windows.

Credits — The team that worked on this guide

Nicole Johnston writes for multiple Future Publishing brands, including TechnoBuffalo. She has over 13 years of research and writing experience in both the public and private sector, including seven years of testing and reviewing products including antivirus software, parental controls, kitchen appliances, and SAS. She draws on her experience as a mom of 10 to find the best products to recommend to consumers.