Do you need new curtain rods for your home? Curtain rods come in two main materials: wood and metal. Both have their pros and cons. If you’re not sure which one is better, we go over the differences between wood and metal curtain rods and offer advice on which to choose here.
Wood Curtain Rods
Wood rods come in a wide variety of woods: cherry, oak, mahogany, etc. You can stain or paint these rods for a customized look.
Wood rods are ideal for bigger, wider windows and heavier treatments. Unlike metal rods, wood rods have a solid interior, which makes them sturdier and less likely to warp.
Wood rods are usually more expensive than metal, but this depends heavily on the size, style, and brand you choose.
Metal Curtain Rods
Like wood rods, you can get metal rods in various metal types: iron, nickel chrome, stainless steel, and brass are all common. While metal rods are less customizable than wood rods, you can choose from a range of finishes (also known as patinas) such as gold, silver, and black.
Metal rods are hollow inside, which makes them slightly less sturdy than wood rods. For this reason, we recommend using them mainly on smaller windows. That said, you can still use metal rods on wider windows with the proper mounts and reinforcements.
Metal rods typically cost less than wood rods, which makes them a popular choice for homeowners on a budget. That said, luxury metal rods can cost substantially more.
Which To Choose?
Both wood and metal curtain rods have their perks! As for which to choose: well, what do you need? If you have big and wide windows or heavy curtains, wood tends to be better since it’s less likely to bend or warp. Metal works best with smaller windows and lighter treatments.
You should also consider the style you’re aiming for. Wood is more traditional and rustic. Weathered metal can be rustic, too, but shinier, sleeker metals give off a modern vibe—this versatility makes decorating with metal rods easy, no matter your style.
The final verdict? Choose whichever you think looks and functions best for your situation. Both options are durable and look great. You can’t go wrong with either.
