How to Make Curtain Hardware

Make curtain hardware out of all kinds of unusual materials to add a custom look to your window treatments. Untraditional window hardware is fun and shows artistic ability -- even if you don't have any. Take a trip to your hardware or plumbing supply store to look at the possibilities. Collections of twigs, driftwood, sports equipment, kitchen utensils, school supplies, antique tools, toys, or baby clothes make wonderful custom-designer window treatments and add a personal touch to the room decor.

Things You'll Need

• Copper pipe
• Acetone
• Galvanized pipe
• Closet pole
• Tennis ball
• L brackets
• Wooden brackets
• Galvanized roof flashing
• Driftwood
• Wire
• Turnbuckle
• Glue
• Staples
• Round eye screws
• Sports equipment
• Magnets

Instructions

1. Make curtain rods using copper pipe. Fittings and fixtures available for various pipe sizes will get your creative side moving. Right angle fittings create a wrap to the wall return for the rod. Flat end caps complete the ends. Secure the copper pipe with plumbing U brackets or L brackets into the molding around the window. Create copper rings by cutting sections of pipe the size bigger than the pipe you purchase for the rod.

   Remove the printing on copper plumbing pipe using acetone or a paint remover. Use ammonia or table salt to rush the natural green patina of copper. Expect a mottled appearance on the copper with some green, some dark brown, some the orange copper shine. Stop the patina process by spraying with clear acrylic paint.

2. Assemble threaded galvanized pipe to make a custom drapery rods. Attach these pipes securely using long screws through the molding and drywall and into the studs. Assemble the entire structure before hanging.

   Use golf clubs, hockey sticks, baseball bats, or tennis rackets for sports theme hardware. Glue and screw the pieces together. Secure the poles to the wall with wooden or metal L brackets. Staple or glue the fabric onto the backside of the sports equipment before hanging. Use sports balls for the tie backs either by securing them directly to the wall or by attaching them to a fabric tie back.

3. Arrange branches or driftwood for a cabin or beach house look. Glue and screw the pieces together, add cup hooks or round eye screws to the back, hang to the wall using L brackets. Make custom color curtain rods using wooden or metal closet poles painted to coordinate with the room décor.

   Use wire threaded through round eye screws instead of a fixed rod for a more contemporary look. Turnbuckle hardware on braided wire needs to be securely attached on both sides of the window opening and screwed to tighten. Additional supports at 36-inch intervals will keep the wire from sagging when draperies are hung.

   Sold in rolls, galvanized roof flashing can be cut, bent, and screwed into a window topper for an industrial look. Use this galvanized steel window topper as a photo display space by using magnets to hold the photos

4. Make custom end finials with fabric covered tennis balls. Create fabric-covered end finials for drapery poles by making an X slit in the tennis ball. Gather enough fabric to completely cover the ball and stuff the ends of the fabric into the X slit. Slide the covered ball onto the wooden rod for a finished and completely custom end cap on this window treatment. Glue in place if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Measure windows carefully. Lay out the window hardware on the floor before securing anything. Remeasure before attaching all the pieces and before screwing anything to the window frame.

References

• "Windows with Style," The Home Decorating Institute; 1997
• "Junk Chic," Kathryn Elliott; 2001