Whether you call them French Return Curtain Rods, Wrap-Around Rods, or Self Return Rods, Highland Forge specializes in rods with returns and offers several styles including Mitered Returns, and Curved Returns.
- Curved Returns are available in Round Steel and Stainless Steel rods of 3/4" - 1 1/2" diameter with clearances of 3" to 4 1/2" and lengths of 30"+.
- Mitered Returns are available in all rods of size 3/4" and larger, and with any length and clearance.
While curtain rods typically have finials at each end, they can be fashioned to "return" to the wall. This may be desirable if there is not enough room for finials, or if the specific mounting requires it. In some cases, returns may appeal for solely aesthetic reasons.
Select window type below:
Brackets, finials, rings, wands and tiebacks are sold separately, so make sure to visit all relevant product pages to complete your order.
*Please note: French Return rods require Post brackets.
Straight Window
Available with curved or mitered French returns.
Corner Window
Available with curved or mitered French returns.
Additional cost of $65.
3-Sided Bay Window
Available with curved or mitered French returns.
Additional cost of $95.
5-Sided Bay Window
Available with curved or mitered French returns.
Additional cost of $195.
What makes French Return Curtain Rods from Highland Forge Special?
Flawless bends: We use a high-tech bender to produce perfect bends with zero deformity. This also produces an extremely tight radius allowing greater range of clearances AND the use of dedicated (separate) mounting brackets.
Separate mounting brackets: Our French return mounting brackets ("Post" brackets) are always separate from the rod, which makes installation and maintenance quick, easy, and frustration-free. Our Post brackets are ultra-high strength and able to support heavy weight even with large clearances.
Fully custom: We can do French returns on Straight, Corner, and Bay rods. We can also do a return on just one end of the rod if needed - just let us know!
French Return FAQs
Why should I use drapery rods with French Returns?
French Returns are popular for aesthetic and functional reasons. Not only do they create a simple, clean look, but they also allow drapery panels to block peripheral light.
How do I measure for French Returns?
We’ll need to know the length of the rod as well as the clearance (distance from the wall to the back of the rod). Please refer to the diagram below.
What other hardware do I need to order with French Returns?
You’ll need a Post bracket for each return, as well as a bracket to support any splice point. We splice rods when they exceed their maximum suggested spans between brackets. You can read more about that here. If ordering Mitered Returns, your ring size will need to be large enough to pass around the corner. Rings must be at least ½” larger for ¾”, 1”, and 1 ¼” diameter rods. They must be 1” larger for 1 ½” and 2” diameter rods. There are no similar restrictions for Curved Returns.
Are there any limitations when ordering French Returns?
While we have many French Return options, there are a few limitations, including:
- Curved Returns are generally limited to clearances from 3” to 4 ½” (distance from wall to back of rod).
- Mitered Returns are generally limited to clearances from 1” to 6” (distance from wall to back of rod).
- ½” diameter rods are not available with Curved or Mitered French Returns.
- 2” diameter rods are only available with Mitered French Returns.
- Square and Hammered Square rods are only available with Mitered French Returns.
What’s so great about Highland Forge’s French Returns?
We believe our French Returns are the best on the market for several reasons: aesthetics, functionality, and ease of installation. 1) Our Curved French returns are bent with a high-tech machine that creates a tight bend with zero deformity. Other manufacturers’ bends often “crumple” or “kink” which can create both functional and aesthetic issues. 2) Unless spliced due to long lengths, our rods with French Returns come as one single rod, eliminating those pesky seams or telescoping parts that can snag rings. 3) Our brackets are not welded to the rod ends. Instead, our Post brackets are mounted to the wall first and then the rod ends easily slide over and secure onto the posts. This creates an easier installation experience and allows you to remove the rod far more easily (such as to change or clean your drapery panels).
Can you do a double rod with French Returns?
Absolutely! Please contact us at (404) 752-7555 or sales@highlandforge.com to further discuss your project.
Need help measuring for French Return Curtain Rods?
Check out our rods measuring tips page here. Or shop our collection of curved return rods.