Choosing a curtain pole sounds like a minor decision, but it shapes a room more than people realise. It’s one of those finishing touches that holds the curtains up, sure, but also pulls the whole look of a space together. Sleek metal, classic wood, slim, chunky, ornate, plain, there’s a pole for every window and every taste.

And whether you’re dressing a big bay window in the lounge or hanging fresh curtains in the bedroom, the pole you pick matters. Style is only half of it. The right size, material and fittings stop curtains from sagging, slipping or hanging unevenly, and most curtain problems trace back to the wrong pole, dodgy measurements, or fittings that don’t suit the curtain heading.

As a leading wholesale curtain pole supplier, we’ve seen every variation of this go right and wrong. This guide is here to take the guesswork out. We’ll cover measuring up, picking materials, and matching poles to curtain types, so by the end you’ll know exactly what to order for any room.

Find the answer to your curtain pole questions:

• Which size is right?
• Which type should I buy?
• Which material should I choose?
• What finish is best?
• Which finials and fixtures do I need?
• Which style works best?
• Browse our curtain pole collections
• Speak to our curtain pole experts
• Curtain pole FAQs

Which size is right for me?

Choosing the right size curtain pole is essential for both function and visual appeal. A pole that’s too short will leave curtains looking cramped, while one that’s too long may dominate the wall unnecessarily. Here’s how to get it just right.

How to measure your window

Start by measuring the width of your window from one outer edge of the frame to the other. To ensure curtains can be drawn back fully and allow maximum light in, it’s recommended to add an overhang of at least 15-20cm on each side. This means if a window measures 150cm wide, the curtain pole should be at least 180-190cm long.

Take multiple measurements

Don’t forget that buildings and their fixtures aren’t always 100% level. You should measure at multiple points such as the bottom, top and around the middle of your windows to make sure your curtain pole is large enough to cover the entire window.

Standard curtain pole sizes

Curtain poles typically come in standard lengths such as:

• 120cm – Ideal for small or narrow windows
• 150cm – A common size for average bedroom or bathroom windows
• 180cm – Suitable for wider windows or patio doors
• 240cm+ – Great for large windows or bi-fold doors

Most poles can be trimmed to size with a hacksaw, especially metal poles – just make sure to cut evenly from both ends to keep the finials central.

Extendable curtain poles can make things a little easier by covering multiple sizes with one product. For example, at Homefords, we sell three curtain pole sizes which cover most windows:

They can be adjusted to fit the sizes above plus more specific window sizes.

Custom poles & bay windows

Some manufacturers offer made-to-measure curtain poles, which is a great option for extra-wide windows. Bay windows require special treatment – look for bendable poles or bay window kits that include corner joints to follow the shape of the room.

Positioning above the window

For a more elegant look, fix your curtain pole 10-15cm above the top of the window frame or even higher if the ceilings allow. This elongates the window and helps the room feel taller and more spacious.

Which type should I buy?

With several types of curtain poles on the market, choosing the right one depends on your window layout, curtain weight and personal style. Here’s a breakdown of the main types to help you decide:

Fixed curtain poles

These come in one solid piece and offer a classic, sturdy solution. Ideal for standard windows, they create a clean, seamless look and are usually stronger than adjustable versions. However, they need to be accurately measured and cut if they don’t fit straight out of the box.

Extendable curtain poles

Perfect for those who prefer flexibility or are unsure about their exact size, extendable poles telescope to the desired width. They’re incredibly versatile as they can be adjusted to fit lots of different window sizes. Extendable poles have a range rather than a fixed size, such as 120 – 210cm, 160 – 300cm and 180 – 340cm at Homefords.

Bay window curtain poles

Bay windows need specialist treatment. Bay curtain poles are usually segmented with adjustable corner joints, allowing them to follow the window’s curve or angles. Some are bendable (especially in metal), while others are made up of connected sections to suit each window panel.

Double curtain poles

A double pole system lets you hang two sets of curtains – such as sheer voiles behind heavier drapes. It’s an elegant solution for layering light control and privacy, commonly used in bedrooms or living areas.

Corded curtain poles

Corded poles include a pulley system to open and close curtains without touching the fabric. These are great for tall windows or formal spaces, adding a discreet and sophisticated touch. They also help maintain the fabric’s cleanliness over time.

Which material should I choose?

Curtain poles come in a variety of materials, each offering different benefits in terms of style, strength and price. Here’s what to consider when making your selection:

Metal

Metal curtain poles (such as stainless steel, chrome or brass) are strong, durable and give a modern, minimalist look. They’re perfect for heavier curtains and high-traffic areas. Finishes range from brushed steel for industrial style to polished brass for a more traditional effect. Just note that some cheaper metal poles may show scratches over time.

Wood

Wooden poles bring warmth and character to a room. Available in natural finishes like oak or walnut or painted options for a contemporary twist, they suit both rustic and classic interiors. Wooden poles are generally thicker and excellent for supporting heavier fabrics. However, they may require more upkeep and can warp in humid environments.

Plastic

A budget-friendly and lightweight option, plastic curtain poles are ideal for light curtains, children’s rooms or rental properties. They come in a wide range of colours and are often safer for use around young children due to their smooth, rounded designs. However, they’re not recommended for heavy curtains and tend to wear out faster than wood or metal.

Which to pick:

• Metal: Sleek, strong, durable – best for modern or industrial décor
• Wood: Timeless, warm and sturdy – complements traditional interiors
• Plastic: Affordable and lightweight – great for light-duty use and kid-friendly spaces

What finish is best?

The finish of a curtain pole has a big impact on the overall look and feel of a room. It’s not just about colour – it’s about creating harmony with the existing décor.

Popular finishes include:

• Brushed silver or steel – modern and understated
• Polished chrome – sleek and reflective, ideal for contemporary spaces
• Antique brass – warm and traditional, great for period homes
• Matte black – bold and dramatic, perfect for industrial or monochrome schemes
• Painted wood – soft and versatile, lovely in cosy or cottage-style settings

To choose the right finish, match it with other fittings in the room – such as light fixtures, door handles or furniture legs. For example, matte black works beautifully with black-framed windows, while chrome suits modern bathrooms or kitchens.

Also think about how the finish affects the room’s atmosphere. Lighter finishes (like polished metal or white wood) can make a space feel open and airy, while darker finishes (like black or walnut) add contrast and depth. The right finish should complement, not compete with, the curtains and room style.

Which finials and fixtures do I need?

What are finials?

Finials are the decorative end pieces that cap off a curtain pole. While they serve a practical purpose (stopping the curtains sliding off), they’re also a design detail that adds personality and polish.

Popular finial styles include:

• Ball – simple and classic, suits almost any room
• Cage – open and decorative, often in metal finishes
• Crystal – adds sparkle and elegance to glam interiors
• Aspect – barrel design to subtly cap off the curtain pole

Choose a finial that complements both the curtain pole and the overall room style. Some designs are understated and minimalist, others are bold and eye-catching.

Brackets: Supporting your pole

Most curtain poles come with standard wall-mounted brackets, but you can also choose:

• Extendable brackets – useful for protruding windowsills or thick curtains
• Ceiling-mounted brackets – great for floor-to-ceiling curtains or limited wall space

Make sure the pole is securely fixed and can bear the weight of the curtains.

Curtain rings or eyelets?

The type of curtain heading you have determines whether you’ll need rings or not:

• Eyelet curtains have metal rings built in – they slide directly onto the pole
• Pencil pleat or pinch pleat curtains need separate curtain rings and hooks
• Tab top and slot top curtains usually thread directly onto thinner poles

Always check compatibility between your curtain style, pole diameter and fittings to ensure everything works together smoothly.

Which style works best?

The style of your curtain pole should complement the curtain type as well as the overall aesthetic of a room. Here’s how to match pole types with popular curtain styles:

By curtain type:

• Eyelet curtains – Best with a metal pole, as the eyelets slide smoothly and add a clean, modern finish. No additional rings are needed.
• Pencil pleat curtains – Versatile and classic, these require rings and hooks, so pair them with a pole that includes or accommodates rings.
• Tab top and slot top curtains – Ideal for thinner poles (especially in wood or painted finishes) as the fabric loops directly onto the pole.

By interior style:

• Minimalist – Choose simple, straight poles in matte black, white or brushed steel with clean-lined finials.
• Country/rustic – Opt for antique brass poles, paired with ball finials.
• Glam/luxurious – Go for polished metal or crystal finials, paired with plush curtain fabrics like velvet or silk.
• Industrial – Think matte black or raw steel poles with geometric finials and heavy drapes.

Don’t forget the accessories!

Tiebacks, holdbacks and end caps can add an extra layer of style and function, helping curtains frame the window neatly when open. It’s worth checking whether matching holdbacks are available for your chosen curtain poles, so you can co-ordinate the style. At Homefords, we have matching holdbacks for all our curtain pole styles.

Browse our curtain pole collections

Find the materials, finish and finials that work for you.

Speak to our curtain pole experts

Don’t worry – nobody expects you to become an overnight expert on curtain poles. You can leave that to us. At Homefords, we supply curtain poles to businesses across the country – from hotels, pubs and restaurants to housing associations and residential developers.

Choose from a range of curtain pole finishes like brushed silver, antique brass, black and chrome, as well as different finial types such as ball, cage and aspect. All poles are boxed for direct dispatch in trade-friendly, non-retail packaging – ideal for hospitality, residential projects, renovations and more.

With free shipping on orders over £100 and bulk-buy discounts for large orders, we make it easy to get the cheap curtain poles in bulk without the hassle and unnecessary extra costs.

If you’d like to find out more about any of our products, don’t hesitate to contact our team today. Or check out the FAQs below for answers to some of the most common questions about curtain poles.

Curtain pole FAQs

Let’s answer some frequently asked questions about curtain poles…