How Many Brackets Do I Need?
The number of brackets needed is generally based on two factors: 1) the diameter of the rod, and 2) the length of the rod. Rods will need middle bracket(s) to support a splice point, if they exceed a maximum suggested span, or if your drapery is particularly heavy. Since no single segment of a rod can exceed 105", you will always need a middle bracket on rods over 105".
Rods increase in rigidity as they increase in diameter. Maximum suggested spans between brackets by rod diameter are listed below. The distance between two adjacent brackets is called a "span".
- ½" diameter rod → up to 70" span (lightweight fabric only)
- ¾" diameter rod → up to 80" span
- 1" diameter rod → up to 90" span
- 1¼" diameter rod or larger → up to 105"
Maximum suggested spans are based on 10 lbs of weight per span (medium to lightweight curtains). For each additional 5 lbs, we recommend deducting 15" from the maximum suggested span to avoid sag.
Here are some examples considering a 1" diameter rod:
A rod @ 90" total length with no middle brackets would have a span of 90".
A rod @ 140" total length would have 2 spans of 70" and would likely require 3 total brackets.
A rod @ 240" total length would have 3 spans of 80" and would likely require 4 total brackets. You may prefer 4 spans of 60" with 5 total brackets.
If a total rod length exceeds 93", we will by default splice the rod into the minumum number of equal segment lengths. You can opt to ship 1 1/4" and 1 1/2" diameter rods in segment spans up to 105" for a $150.00 large package surcharge. Contact us if you need custom spliced segment lengths.
Corner and 3-sided (bay) window curtain rods will usually need a bracket near each corner (mounted on whichever wall you prefer). If your curtains are heavy, consider adding a bracket to each side of the corner.
What If I Need to Slide Drapery Past a Bracket?
Now that you know how many brackets you'll need and their approximate placements, you can determine whether or not you'll need to slide any of the drapery past a bracket.
Here are some scenarios:
- If you have NO middle bracket, then you'll never need to slide past a bracket. You're done!
- If you have ONE middle bracket, then you'd only be sliding past it if doing a One-Way Draw. A One-Way Draw is when you open ALL the fabric to either the far left or far right. If you are instead doing a normal Left-Right Draw, then you will not be sliding past the middle bracket. You're done!
- If you have TWO OR MORE middle brackets, then you will probably need to slide past a bracket unless you plan to leave some panels in the middle section of the rod at all times. If you are instead doing a normal Left-Right Draw, then you will be sliding past a bracket.
Remember that only C-Rings can slide past a Bypass bracket and we always recommend pairing our C-Rings with our Bypass brackets. Click here to learn more about bypass hardware.
Bracket Types:
There are several types of curtain rod brackets to choose from, each designed for different setups and clearances.
Standard Single & Center Single:
These brackets are used for a single rod setup. When ordering, select the "rod size to fit" as the diameter of the rod these brackets will support. Select the clearance as the desired distance between the wall and the back of the rod (3" is most common).
- Clearance is the distance from the wall to the back of the rod.
Standard brackets typically provide more support and hide better behind end drapery panels, whereas Center brackets allow the rod to be mounted closer (lower) to the window trim and tend to hide better behind the rod due to their horizontal backplate.
Slim Center brackets are not recommended for projections over 3", unless mounting onto something very hard like concrete, brick or hard wood. If you need a projection longer than 3" and are mounting onto a soft surface such as drywall, then it is best to use one of our other brackets.
Standard Double & Center Double:
Double brackets are used for double rod setups. Normally, the back rod is a smaller diameter than the front rod since it tends to holds less weight (e.g. sheer). A smaller diameter in the back also helps to keep the overall clearance down. A common clearance to the back rod is 2 1/2". We recommend at least 1 1/2" spacing in between rods, for example:
Cup 1: 3/4" rod, 2 1/2" clearance
Cup 2: 1 1/4" rod, 4 3/4" clearance
Socket:
Socket brackets are used for rods that will be mounted between two surfaces facing one another, such as inside the frame of a recessed window or in the case of a shower curtain rod. This type of installation is called a Wall-to-Wall Mount, or Inside Mount.
Please Note: The socket backplates are 3/8" thick. If using a socket on both ends of a straight rod, be sure to subtract 7/8" from the overall length of the rod to allow room for the brackets themselves and ease of installation.
If you are using a socket on only one end of the rod, then simply subtract 3/8" from the length of the rod. A general rule is to err on making your rod a bit too short versus too long, so as to not inhibit installation. Also see our Measuring Drapery guide for more help with straight, corner, or bay rod measurements when using socket brackets.
Post:
Post brackets are used for curtain rods with returns on the ends. The clearance of the post bracket should be the same as the clearance of the rod returns. Ex: If you are ordering a 1" diameter rod with returns having a 3 1/2" clearance, your specifications for your two Post brackets would be: Rod size to fit = 1", Clearance = 3 1/2". For more info, read about rods with returns.
Loop:
Loop brackets are used for single rods and can be mounted on the wall or ceiling. They can also be made with a round backplate (for ceiling mounts only). Please contact us if you'd prefer this configuration.
Their high strength also makes them a great option for longer clearances.
Simple Ceiling:
These are brackets are used for single rod setups. Be sure that the clearance you are specifying is at least 1/2" larger than the diameter of the rod, otherwise you will not be able to insert the rod into the cup from the front of the bracket. (The opening would be too small and you'd have to slide the rod in from the side.)
Also, please note that there is an absolute minimum clearance of 1 1/2", regardless of rod size.
M1:
M1 brackets are high strength and great for long projections. They can be used for wall or ceiling mounts and are currently for use with round rods only.
M1 brackets are available for single and double rod setups.
M2:
M2 brackets are high strength and great for long projections. They are currently for use with round rods only.
M2 brackets are available for single and double rod setups.
