DIY Curtain Rods

You remember the amazing cost savings between purchased and DIY curtains I wrote about a few weeks ago here? Well today I am finally sharing the details. The first thing that struck me about the West Elm and Pottery Barn industrial curtain rods were their simplicity, masculinity and strength. I didn't want some dainty leaf, a shape like a ball or swirl, or a thing they call a spear - nothing. But I also didn't want any of my curtains falling off at the ends either. As for materials, wood does not glide the rings and plastic, well, it's plastic. So we came to the conclusion of choosing returns or wraparound ends (for added panel coverage as well) and metal for ease of opening / closing. So we headed to our local hardware store's plumbing department...

What you need for one 1/2" curtain rod:
[  ] (2) 1/2" 90 Elbows                                                                    [  ] (8) #8 - 2" Screws
[  ] (2) 1/2"x2" Threaded Nipples                                                     [  ] Metal Spray Paint
[  ] (2) 1/2" Floor Flanges                                                               [  ] Drop Cloth or Old Sheet
[  ] 1/2" Conduit Pipe (cut to length of window + trim)                       [  ] 1-2 sets of curtains; 16-32 curtain rings

Lay down your drop cloth or old sheet and spray before or after pieced together like photo above. Add rod, curtain rings and position above your window. For a 6' window and door I used (a) 32 rings and 2 sets of curtains for a plush look and (b) 16 rings and a single set of curtains for a simple look. Screw into your studs, 2" up and 2" out from the edge of the trim to the bottom hole of your flange. Hang your curtains and enjoy! *Tip: Ask for the display model on anything. Up to 50% off (typ.). For sheer curtains either hang a curtain wire or even a bungee cord hooked from nipple to nipple.