How Do Curtains on Traverse Rods Work?

Types

The one-way rod is a popular style of traverse rod that pulls all curtain panels to one side. In an article for HGTV, interior decorator Rosemary Sadez Friedmann recommends this style for sliding glass doors or corner windows. Two-way traverse rods pull two curtain panels together in the center of the window and usually require two rods or wands, one for each panel. Variations on the traverse rod include French door traverse rods, which are attached to the door itself and double-hung traverse rods, which typically consist of two layers of traverse rods, one used for a normal curtain panel, and another used for an inner panel of sheer or blackout fabric.

All traverse rods feature similar components: the rod itself, which has track on its underside and is attached to the wall with screws or other hardware; holders that slide along the inside of the track and are attached to drapery hooks; and a rod or wand that controls the movement of the sliding holders.

All curtains on traverse rods function in a fundamentally similar manner. Small drapery hooks attach moving sliding pieces to small grommets or tabs on the tops of curtain panels. These sliding pieces occupy only a fraction of the space on the length of the rod and therefore slide easily along the panel, spreading apart to allow the curtains to cover more area and crowding together on one or both sides to move the curtain panels to one or both sides. This movement is controlled by a cord or wand attached to the outermost sliding piece; this piece pushes against and pulls on other pieces to create the desired panel movement.

Curtains on traverse rods work well for large windows where you want curtain coverage to appear even. They also eliminate the need to handle the curtains with your hands, resulting in fewer trips through the wash for your draperies and therefore a longer life span.

The metal track, slider and hook system looks somewhat industrial and utilitarian unless you purchase decorative traverse rods or use a topping window treatment such as a valance; both of these fixes increase the price of this otherwise cost-effective window treatment considerably.