Curtain, more commonly known as drapery are strung up in window or any
other opening, which functions as a screen as well as decoration. They frame
the look and appearance of a room and are a part of window dressing. In
order to improve the look and appearance of a room with curtains, they
should be posited properly. The hardware products that are used to fix the
curtains and draperies are known as curtain hardware.
Curtain hardware products are popular among people for their functional as
well as decorative aspects. Decorative curtain hardware comes in a variety
of sleek and contemporary designs, which impart an elegant look to
interiors. For maximum value, curtain hardware should be selected as per the
requirement.
Some of the most common materials that are used to make curtain hardware
are - steel, brass, bronze, nickel, plastics, nylon, wrought iron, among
others.
Industry Overview
Curtain hardware industry include establishments primarily engaged in the
manufacturing and supply of curtain and drapery rods, venetian blinds;
poles, and fixtures; horizontal mini blinds; among others.
Companies engaged in the manufacture of curtain hardware have witnessed an
astonishing demand for their wares since the 1980s, and have ushered in
various new types of products to fulfill the varying customer needs.
However, the manufacturers in US and other developed countries are facing
stiff competition from their overseas competitors offering cheap imitations
of expensive products for the consumer market.
The value of consignments fathered by this industry increased steadily
throughout the 1990s, growing from $1.7 billion in 1991 to $2.6 billion in
2000. This is a clear indication of the growth and development in this
industry.
Trends & Developments in Industry
Prior to the development in interior window coverings industry, there was a
relatively narrow range of styles and choices for consumers. Curtain
hardware was comparatively standardized and available in a limited range of
styles. Originally the Venetian blinds were made of wood, however later on
aluminum version came in fashion.
The companies, which offer venetian blinds originally sold them to
institutions, such as schools and offices. Majority of the interior window
treatments in bathrooms, bedrooms and kitchen consisted of curtains made of
a lightweight fabric with a pull-down vinyl shade traversing the window.
Regardless of their popularity in commercial settings, venetian blinds were
in fact found in the home with rising frequency.
The popularity of the aluminum mini blind helped drive the enormous growth
of this sector of consumer home furnishings industry. Afterwards, vertical
blinds and window shades produced from stronger, light-emitting materials
were also innovated.
The curtain hardware industry has made a conjunctive attempt to come out
from behind the scenes. When long, heavy, pinch-pleated curtains were in
fashion for so many years, the curtain hardware was designed to remain
hidden. The poles, rods, and tieback components served up a functional
requirement and were correspondingly useful in design. However, the growing
popularity of top treatments for windows-belts of fabric, which added a
decorative element to the mini blind or pleat-shade covered window
below-paved the way for a new emphasis on curtain hardware.
These products are typically manufactured using a variety of metals,
including bronze, steel and brass, but some manufacturers offer poles and
rods in several wood finishes. Consumers may buy curtain hardware in a
variety of novelty styles.
Buying Tips
If someone wants to enhance the look and appearance of window, then he
can't afford to miss a curtain and hence curtain hardware. However the
curtains should be fixed keeping in the mind the color theme of the house
and finish of the window. Once you have selected the curtain your next job
is to select the curtain hardware that is quite often a difficult and
confusing one.
Before going to buy curtain hardware, a buyer should know exactly what type
of hardware constitute curtain hardware, the different choices and options
available in the market, popular materials, current design and style trends,
among others. These days the market is full with a variety of latest designs
and style in the curtain hardware market, which is fast catching on with the
people. Some of the popular materials, which constitute the curtain hardware
are: curtain tie back holders, eyelet rings, screws, hooks, pole ends, loop
and pockets, curtain rings, tapestry, finials, knob, brackets and rings.
While buying the curtain hardware keep the following tips in mind -
- Type of Window
- Fabric of Curtain
- nterior finish of the house
- Non corrosiveness of the hardware
- Durability of the hardware
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