Acrylic curtain rods with brass hardware… could there be a more gorgeous combination?! If you’re looking for curtain rods that add style and glamour to your home, they’re it! I hung acrylic curtain rods and patterned drapes above the large window in our home office and couldn’t be happier with the new look of this space. Today I’m sharing everything you need to know about acrylic curtain rods and all of your options for DIYing and buying them. Let’s get to it… (post includes affiliate links; full disclosure statement available {here})
Want to first see how they look in our home office? I wish I could have you all over to see the acrylic curtain rods in person because the pics honestly don’t do them justice:
Sources: Desk (similar) | Upholstered chair (similar) | Rug | Semi flush mount ceiling light | Drapes – no longer available
I love how they stand out against our black walls and add a touch of glam! Before I decided to go with acrylic curtain rods, I did my research to make sure they would be able to span our long window without sagging and. that they would hold up over time. Here’s what I found through my research and through my personal experience (I updated this post a few years after our acrylic curtain rod installation so you’d know the latest!).
Are All Acrylic Rods the Same Quality?
Nope! There are two basic types of acrylic – cast acrylic and extruded acrylic. Cast acrylic is made by pouring the acrylic liquid ingredients into molds where it hardens as it cools. Extruded acrylic is made by pushing acrylic mass through a form to produce a seamless shape (think Playdoh Fun Factory if you’re old enough to remember that!). Which is better? Cast acrylic is the superior type of acrylic and much more expensive than extruded acrylic. It’s stronger, clearer, more rigid, and won’t break down or yellow when exposed to sunlight. Definitely the better choice for curtain rods and what I went with for mine:
Where Can I Buy Acrylic Curtain Rods?
I bought my acrylic rod from Nationwide Plastics (now Curbell Plastics) {here}. They sell the higher quality cast acrylic at a less expensive price than you can get at a design shop because you’re skipping the middle man. Their rods are all 96″ long with diameter options ranging from 0.5″ to 2″. I usually choose 1″ curtain rods, but ordered a 1 ½″ acrylic rod in this case, figuring it would be more rigid and less likely to bend under the weight of heavy drapes. While you have to buy the full 96″ rod from Curbell, they will cut the rod to the specific length you want.
What if you need a rod that’s greater than 96″? You’ll need to splice two rods together. Curbell Plastics can machine a special end that allows the two rods to connect for an additional (not cheap!) fee. It’s best to put this joint in the middle so that it’s hidden by a center bracket (for ex., if you need a 120″ rod, join two 60″ rods so the joint is in the middle). You’ll need to decide whether you’re going to use end caps on your rods or not because if not, you’ll want to select the option with polished ends that’s an additional $15.
Another option for high quality cast acrylic rods is the Etsy shop Lux Holdups that you can find {here}. Their rods are significantly more expensive but they’re one stop shopping and have a gorgeous product. Your brackets are included with the rod (you have your choice of polished brass, satin brass, polished nickel, and satin nickel), the rod ends are polished so you don’t have to add end caps unless you want to, and they sell curtain rings {here} that are a perfect finish match to the brackets. They also sell rectangular curtain rods {here} with rectangular rings {here} which I think are super cool:
Photo courtesy of Luxe Holdups
Other sources include acrylic rod and bracket sets from Ballard Design {here} and Amazon {here}. They don’t note the type of acrylic their rods are made from. If any of you have tried either of these, please share your thoughts!
Where I Bought My Rings, Brackets, & End Caps
If you buy your acrylic curtain rod from Curbell Plastics, you’ll need to source your rings, brackets, and end caps on your own. I chose polished brass for my metal finish. I needed three support brackets (two on the ends and one in the middle) and went with the Lavi Industries 00-340/1H brass railing brackets that you can find {here} and {here}. These supports fit my 1.5″ rod perfectly!
I used these brackets to hang my acrylic rod about halfway between the top of the window molding and the bottom of the the crown molding. See my post on how high to hang curtains for more tips on the best height to hang your own acrylic rods.
I bought my 2 ¼″ polished brass curtain rings from Van Dyke’s Restorer’s {here} – they are the perfect size for a 1 ½″ rod.
The price on these curtain rings has gone up a lot since I bought them so you might want to shop around a little for less expensive polished brass rings. {These 2″ gold curtain rings} that I used for a different project might be worth a try.
I bought {these 2″ end caps} that were a little looser than I would have liked so I put some double-sided duct tape on the inside which worked fine for keeping them in place (and FYI, the 1 ½″ end caps of this style were too small so don’t try those!):
Since they didn’t fit as snuggly as I’d like, the next time I buy acrylic rod hardware, I would go a different route and instead order {these end caps} or {these end caps} that are sized to fit a 1 ½″ rod perfectly.
Be aware that a brass finish from one manufacturer can be different from the brass finish of another manufacturer so when you piece your hardware together from different shops, they probably won’t match perfectly. If that’s going to bother you, pay a little more and get your brackets, rings, and endcaps all from one place such as {this Etsy shop}.
Will My Acrylic Rod Sag Over Time
I had our acrylic rods for over five years before we moved from this house and can happily report that they held up really well. There was a barely noticeable sag between the brackets a few years after I got my rods so I simply rotated the rod in the brackets 180 degrees and that totally took care of it. Also, there was no yellowing of the acrylic during that five years. I would absolutely buy the same acrylic rods again!
So what do you all think? Are acrylic rods for you?
Carrie says
Absolutely love this office~ I don’t know if I would ever get anything done; I’d be too busy sitting there just loving the room!
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
Ha! The good news (or maybe the bad depending upon how you look at it) is that our office chair faces the one hallway, which is currently the one boring wall in the room 🙂
cassie says
these are glorious!!!!!!!
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
Thanks Cassie!
April Riewe says
I’ve come back to this part of your blog a few times. Love the acrylic rod and brass together. Just beautiful! I just ordered my rod cell cast 1.5″. I noticed that your support brackets are also 1.5 OD. Did they go on easily. Thinking if the outer diameter is the same as the rod they would have trouble. How did it go on for you? Thanks so much for sharing!
Kris Jarrett says
The brackets I bought that I linked in the post fit perfectly! The 1 1/2″ OD measurement for that means that it’s sized to fit a 1 1/2″ diameter tube.
jeanette says
LUV the rods and your office! I’ve been so out of touch Kris……i hate that you were here for Round Top week and i didn’t get out there and see you….so close to me in Austin! But I’ve been swamped with wedding stuff and work….my daughter is getting married at our home in June. And they told us this in January :)….so i’ve been doing a mad dash to get not only the interior up to speed but the exterior has been like moving mountains.
Anyways, my niece and I might venture over to Round Top Sunday but only if i get caught up this week.
Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on RTop…..if you come back next season, please let me know in advance and I’ll meet you there!
xo,
Jeanette
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
I didn’t know that you lived so close to Round Top!! I have no concept of Texas geography and flew into Houston with no idea that Austin was so close. Dang because I would have absolutely loved to have met up with you. We had so much fun and I’d love to come back again some time. Now I will know to look you up! Good luck with work on the wedding – sounds exciting and exhausting at the same time. I want to see pictures!!!
Angelle says
LOVE this curtain rod! I’m trying to get away from brass in my own home but adore how the brass hardware looks with the acrylic rod in your office. Any ideas on where to find hardware in a matte silver finish?
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
Thanks Angelle! I know that Restoration Hardware has some pretty antique silver drapery hardware which is a matte finish if I remember right. I don’t know about the rod end caps though – those would be harder to track down!
Jessica says
Holy smokes! The curtain rod looks amazing! So chic and elegant–fabulous choice!
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
Thank you so much Jessica!
Carrie says
I love this a 1,000%! Thank you for all the sources. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and I intend to flatter the heck out of this! 🙂
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
Ha! Go for it – you will love them!!!
Lisa @ Shine Your Light says
Oh my gosh Kris I love the rod and gold!! Sooooooo good against the black wall, I couldn’t adore that combination more!!!!
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
Thanks Lisa – it all started with that fabulous wall color that you clued me in on!
Vel says
Thank you for adding all your sources Kris, makes the work so much easier for us!!!!! I really want one for my Dining room, so I will definitely follow thru with your guide! Yours look fabulous!
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
It would look awesome in your dining room – go for it!!
Denise says
SPECTACULAR!
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
Thank you Denise!
Pam @ Simple Details says
I’m kind of on the fence if that glam combo is for me! hahahaha!! But it looks lovely in your office!
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
Thanks girl – you still get the award for my favorite IG comment ever when I first posted about these suckers….
debra @ 5th and state says
you are a dream!
sitting here right now working on window treatments and rods for a client……love this kris! what a handsome office and an industrious YOU, all the work is done for us
cheers
debra
elaine says
Absolutely delicious!! I have so wanted to do this with a window treatment in my own home for awhile. Your curtains are beautiful against the dark wall, as well. Great taste, Kris.
Carol @ CAD INTERIORS says
Your office is already beautiful, and it’s not even done?! I love the rod, especially against the dark wall! Wonderful space. 🙂
Carla says
Oh yes, it’s beautiful Kris. Good choice. I’m introducing a bit of gold/brass in my lounge of late.
Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says
I love this so much, Kris. I really thought about doing a lucite rod in my bedroom, but don’t think it would have the same impact on lighter walls as it does on dark. Such a stunning contrast!
cindy hattersley says
Those look so gorgeous against that charcoal wall! You are the bomb!
Tiina says
Oh my, those rods are amazing! Now I can’t think of anything else for our living space! Just managed to track down a supplier of acrylic tubes in Germany, I think I’ll order some tubes 🙂
Have a wonderful day!
Tiina / Stockholm Sweden
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
So glad you were able to find some of the acrylic rods – you will love them!!!
[email protected] says
Aside from my children, that is absolutely the most beautiful thing I have ever seen!! BTW, I am totally stealing this idea!!!! Beautiful!!!!
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
You crack me up! I’m pretty smitten with the gold, lucite, and black combo myself. Will love seeing how they look in your home!
Julie says
This room is a stunner! That drapery hardware against the black wall is gorgeous. And I love your subtle use of color in the space!
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
Thanks so so much Julie!
Nancy Powell {at} Powell Brower Interiors says
Kris, I adore your office! Love the space, bright and dark, bold and chic-all at the same time. Thanks for the DIY sources for the rods- Yours are the least expensive ones I have found. Great help!!! xo Nancy
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
Thank you Nancy! Acrylic is surprisingly expensive stuff!
Sharon says
I have been searching for acrylic rods and brackets to use as a handrail for the stairs leading to our basement. I really liked your curtain rod with the brass brackets in the office. Question – Is the rod fixed (non-moveable) when attached to the bracket? Or does the bracket screw directly into the acrylic rod? Enjoyed your website.
Kris Jarrett says
An acrylic and brass handrail would be beautiful!! For my drapes, the acrylic rod is not in any way attached or fixed to the brass brackets. The brackets are actually meant to be used as part of a railing system though. I would think that you’d just need to use an end bracket (that has a cap to keep the rod in place) at the bottom of your rail and it would work.
Christiane says
I have a question about the brass brackets – looks like they stick out from the wall (pardon my expert language) only about 2 inches. Other brackets (meant for curtains) are generally 4″ or so… Do you find that really close to the wall like that is a problem?
Kris Jarrett says
Hi Christiane! The measurement from the wall to the center of the hole that the rod goes through is 2 3/8″. It definitely hasn’t been any problem in our space. The only issue that I could see would be if you have window molding or sills that project quite a bit from the wall – our window molding is only about 3/4″ deep all the way around so there’s still plenty of room for the drapes to be pulled back and forth on the rod.
Ren says
This is stunning! I will be doing this when the good Lord blesses us with a house to settle into. I am just floored by how sophisticated, sleek, stylish, classy, sassy and a host of other words this looks. Job well done!
Kris Jarrett says
Thanks so much! They are definitely the most glam drapery rods in our house!
Bree says
Love this Rod so much and thanks for the info on how you put all of this together!! Looks amazing in your soace against those dark walls????
Jean from Georgia says
I feel a room redo in the works. Love, love, love the rods!!!
Kris Jarrett says
Thanks Jean – they really make a difference in a space!
Eileen says
Do u make lucite shower curtain rods for a standard 60″ bathtub?
Do u have lucite shower curtain rings?
Kris Jarrett says
Eileen, I don’t cell the acrylic rods directly but if you contact Nationwide Plastics I’m sure they can help you out – they will cut acrylic rods to the exact size you need.
Joy says
Hi,
Thanks so much for sharing this tutorial. I have two questions for you:
1) was the acrylic a tight fit through the brackets, to where you had to be careful how you moved it through the bracket to avoid scratching the acrylic and
2) do you think end caps that were the exact size of the rod would be easily removeable to where you could take them off when you wanted to switch out which curtains you had up? I may purchase tube curtains without the hooks…
Kris Jarrett says
Hi Joy – the acrylic isn’t too tight of a fit in the bracket – I’ve never had any concerns about scratching it. As far as the end caps, the 1 1/2″ end caps (in the same style that I used) actually don’t fit the rod – they are too small. The size that I used is the smallest that will work with the 1 1/2″ rod. Hope that helps!
Elizabeth Kay says
I love this idea! How did you attach the curtain rings? Are they sewn on? Just wondering how I could take the curtains down to wash them. Thanks 🙂
Kris Jarrett says
Hello! My curtains have hooks sewn into them at the top that hook onto a little loop at the base of my rings. I wouldn’t be able to throw them in the wash because of the hooks but my drapery fabric isn’t machine washable anyway – they are easy to take down for dry cleaning though!
Allyson says
Thank you for this post!!!! I “ordered” a set of these rods from well known company on line and after I ordered them I realized the ship date was February! I came across your post and I am going to try to DYI! I bet your version will come out far better quality than the ones I will be stopping my order on! Stay tuned!…..
Kris Jarrett says
Good luck! I’ve been really happy with mine!
Yvette says
Hoping you still have this active even though its been a couple years. I bought my pole, the hardware and end caps for my curtains. Received and I am so excited to put up. My only issue is I bought the 1 1/2″ thick pole and it seems that its hard to find an end cap that fits this size. Did you buy the 1 1/2 or 2″ size from Van Dykes because they now offer both. I wonder if these were ( like every where else) originally to fit inside a tube for banisters and maybe you bought the 2″. I had to return one set already that I bought from another site that were 2″ and way too big and could not be used at all. Thanks for the help and for taking this diy a whole other notch. I am looking through fabrics on the same site you got yours. I’m in love so many options!!
Kris Jarrett says
Hi Yvette! Yes the 1 1/2″ end caps are too small to fit a 1 1/2″ rod – I used 2″ end caps and they are a little too big so that’s why I used the double stick duct tape. The good news is that they don’t look too big and they’ve never fall off in the two years that I’ve had them.
Yvette says
I did find an etsy shop who sells exact 1.5 inch caps but they are a bit pricey ($30 each , highly robbery!) if anyone wants to try that option if not slightly bigger is okay as long as it isn’t huge like my last ones were. Do you mind explaining how you got your curtains made? I want to get a fabric and take to a shop but don’t even know where to begin. How do you know what to hooks to buy and from where? How do you know what to ask for? How many circles do you need to hang? Thanks for all the wisdom this might be a ton of info maybe a future post idea.
Kris Jarrett says
Hi Yvette! I had mine made by someone local and they helped make all of those decisions! The main things you have to figure out for yourself are how full you want your drapes and how you’d like the top of the drapes done (like a simple pinch pleat or something else). The person making the drapes will typically add the hooks themselves and tell you how many rings you’ll need!
Jodi Wicks says
Hi!
Love the look and plan to replicate it in my reading room. My question for you is what color/brand is the paint on the walls?
Really beautiful!
Thanks!
Kris Jarrett says
Thank you! It’s Benjamin Moore Nightfall!
Jennifer says
Hi. Your rods look gorgeous, and I’m inspired to try this for the new apartment I just moved to. One quick question before I attempt this: I noticed you got the 1.5″ rods and the 1.5″ brackets. Is that a typo? I’m wondering because if the diameter is exactly the same, I’m concerned that the rod might be too tight to fit through the bracket (or if it fits, that it might scuff up the rods). Thoughts? Thanks much!
Kris Jarrett says
Hi Jennifer! It’s not a type-o – I used the 1.5″ rods and brackets and had no problem!
Tisa says
Love! Going to attempt this! Do you think any polished gold rings will work or are these worth it. They are still a little pricey at 34$ for 6. I need 84 rings so that’s almost 500$ in rings.
Kris Jarrett says
Hi Tisa,
They are definitely pricey! If you can find other gold rings that size I think they’d be fine – at the time that I did this project the ones I used were the cheapest I could find but that was a few years ago. 🙂
Patience says
Love this and how it ties everything together in your office.
I have a question; since the brass supports you are using are actually for railing and they have no tightening screw, how do you keep the rod from moving when you draw the curtains?
Kris Jarrett says
Thanks Patience! Honestly I’ve thought about that – I don’t know why the rod doesn’t move around but it doesn’t! Maybe because it’s a fairly snug fit in the supports!
Kristin says
Love this post! Great pictures highlighting your project. Do you have to install the brackets into a stud or can they go into the drywall directly using anchors? I have 120″ rod and planned on 3 brackets (2side, 1 center). Some sources say that the brackets should be every 4 feet to prevent bowing of the rod- so in my case it would mean 4 brackets which would look less visually pleasing PLUS i’d have to use C-rings, which I am trying to avoid. Nationwide plastics said 3 brackets would be fine- so wondering your opinion.
Kris Jarrett says
Thanks Kristin! All of mine are simply anchored into drywall because I didn’t want the studs to dictate where I placed the brackets. I think that 120″ is right on the borderline for three brackets vs. four.
Steph says
Hi Kris! I adore this look and actually am doing a similar look in my formal dining room. We’re having troubles installing the brackets though. Were you able to use a drill to get them in the wall or did you use a screwdriver? The access to the mounting seems to be a bit challenging and wondered f you had any suggestions. Thanks!
Kris Jarrett says
I just used a screwdriver 🙂
Carrie says
Hi Kris!
I love all of your spaces, but wanted to ask about the hardware choices you made to go with your acrylic rods. Why did you select the 2″ end cap as opposed to the 1.5″ end cap since the rod is 1.5″? Also, why did you choose to use the curtain rings instead of having your panels made with grommets? I’m worried if I use rings, they will pull out over time with opening and closing my panels. Thoughts?
Thanks!
Carrie
Kris Jarrett says
Hi Carrie! The 1.5″ cap doesn’t fit (too small). And I just used rings out of personal preference – I’ve just never been much of a fan of the grommet look but either would work equally well!!
Jenifer Andrews says
Hi there. Where did you get your brackets? I want to make sure they’ll fit the rod. Some places tell me acrylic can run big. Did you get 1.5 inch brackets?
Kris Jarrett says
The brackets I used are the exact ones I linked in the post 🙂
Erin Wagner says
So I love the curtain rods. I want to do them over are accordion fold glass doors. However the opening is 144 inches and I was told that nationwide plastics acrylic rods don’t come in any great length than 8 ft.
Should I do only one support bracket in the middle? If so I could join equal lengths of the acrylic together. But if you think I need to support brackets I don’t know what lengths to have the rods cut.
What are your thoughts?
Kris Jarrett says
I’d probably do two equal sized rods. I’m guessing that for that distance you might end up needing three support brackets (one in the middle plus two more) but you could try it with just a single center bracket first and just add the other two if they have too much sag!
Laurie Norris says
I just want to thank you for this post! I was getting ready to spend more than I wanted to when I found it. I got everything ordered today and am very excited about getting my master bedroom done. I appreciate your having all the links and info ?
Laurie Norris says
And btw, your office is beautiful!
CathyBoyer says
Thank you for your help with sourcing for DIY.
Annette says
I love this look, you did a lovely job. I am doing almost exactly the same thing you did, and I am wondering if you had any issues with scratching on the acrylic rod when you threaded it through the brackets? Or scratches from the curtain rings during regular use?
Kris Jarrett says
I don’t have any scratching on my rods but they’re in a room where I rarely close them so I can’t speak to whether or not that would happen with daily use.
Leigh says
Hi I ordered the curtain rod and brackets as you did (1.5”) and the rod won’t fit in the bracket? Did I do something wrong or missing something? I’m worried if I try to cram it in it will scratch. Thanks!
Kris Jarrett says
Make sure that you ordered the exact model number that I linked. There are other similar brackets (but different models) that say 1.5″ but the actual measurement is less for some reason.
Lois O'Daniel says
I’m really wanting this look for a shower rod but don’t know how to achieve it. Any ideas?
Madison Kaplan says
Love love love. You put this together perfectly! Do the rings ever scratch the lucite curtain rod?
Kris Jarrett says
If there is scratching, it’s not anything noticeable. But I don’t open and close these drapes nearly as frequently as you would bedroom drapes so I can’t speak to whether there would be scratching with daily use over time.
Nancy Burke says
Hi, absolutely lovely room!! I want to get lucite rods with brass, and notice your fixture in the middle is also brass. Do you think it would look really ‘off’ if I did this w/a nickel ceiling fan? Also, the walls are a light taupe, so I won’t get the pop. Think I should go with nickel rings with the lucite? Thanks so much!!
Kris Jarrett says
I think it’s totally fine to mix metal finishes!