Short Curtain Rods – Good Ideas and Tips

This is what I started with.

So, We just moved into this home and the window area seemed a little boring. I had the great idea to make some drapes for the small sections on the end of each window, and the area in between the two windows.
But I wanted short curtain rods, however, they are not sold in the stores yet.I had some great curtain rods that were made for a larger window, so I was going to cut down the metal rods and my hubby gave me the great idea to use a wooden dowel, that way, in case I ever need the metal rods again, they won’t be cut to pieces. So, I measured where I wanted them to be, cut them with my chop saw, drilled wholes into the ends, and then screwed the finials into the dowels.Here you can see the finial being screwed into the dowel.So here is the rod, hanging on the wall with the new drapes I had sewn from some extra fabric, which I got from my super great friend who ordered just a little bit too much. ((THANK YOU BRE!!))
I am so happy she did, because, now I have drapes I love.A view from further back a bit.And even further back…Now my once boring window area is super fabulous. Thank you short curtain rods!!
Next, I am going to re-fabulize my sofa pillows!!

Willa Barger says:

July 30, 2013 at 8:45 am

Love the look. In fact I have 3 windows and want to do the same thing. What diameter were you dowl rods and what did you use to mount to the wall.
Thanks

Amy Allred says:

January 20, 2014 at 3:12 pm

I actually used 1/4″ diam dowl rod, and I used actual curtain rod hangers to hang them.

Laure Apt says:

March 16, 2014 at 1:18 pm

You said you made the curtains. what was the width? I have found a curtain that I like, but wondered if it would look right if I cut it in half and tailored it myself.
Thank you for sharing, it looks amazing!

Laure

March 17, 2014 at 4:27 pm

Hi Laure, I actually cut the material 18″inches wide, and after sewing a very small hem on each side, their new width is 17″. I think cutting fabric in half and sewing them yourself is a very thrifty, smart way to go! It also won’t be too bunched up! Good Luck

Ann Longoria says:

June 12, 2015 at 12:20 am

Hi
What length did you cut the dowel rods to?

David Allred says:

June 22, 2015 at 6:39 pm

Hi Ann. I believe I cut the rods to around 18 inches, but you don’t have to be restricted to that size. It just depends on the look you’re going for and the size of the windows.

Brandy Cason says:

March 31, 2016 at 11:55 am

I am currently hanging short curtain rods with one panel on the two windows that flank my fireplace. I love the look of yours. I am having trouble determining how far my curtain should overlap my window frame. Thanks for any advice. It has been difficult to find information on properly measuring for this type of installation. Your panels look great.

March 31, 2016 at 1:57 pm

Brandy, I only overlapped the window around 4 to 5 inches, but you can do more or less, just as long as you overlap it the same on both sides of the window. And if you have two windows together like the one in my pictures, the width of the middle divider will play a big role in how wide your curtains are, because you’ll want to make the curtains all the same width. So, if you do have a divider in the middle, start there first and match the width of the side curtains to that one.

Gwen Naden says:

August 14, 2016 at 11:58 am

Love the short rods but where did you find the finials, don’t want to have to by long rod to get the finials, very expensive

August 17, 2016 at 11:25 am

Hi Gwen, these can be purchased at big box stores like Wal-Mart. I also have found them on e-bay and Amazon

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