Curtain Rod Glossary

Apron

Horizontal decorative wood trim below the sill.

Clearance

The distance from the mounting surface to the back of the curtain rod. Important consideration if an under treatment is to be used.

Finial

Decorative end-piece of a rod or pole.

Heading

The top of a rod-pocket curtain which forms a ruffle when the curtain is on a rod. The pleated portion of a pinch-pleated drapery.

Holdback/Scarfholder

Decorative drapery hardware designed to hold draperies off to the sides of the window. Also used to hold scarves and create swags treatments.  View Products

Pin-on Hook

A metal pin designed to slide into draperies, and then to attach (hook) to the carriers/slides of a traverse rod.

Recess

The available depth of the window opening. Important when considering an inside-mounted treatment. For most treatments, it is necessary to deduct the space that is taken up by a window crank, latch, sash, or any other protrusion, to assure smooth operation.

Return

The drapery fabric that covers the area from the end of the curtain back to the wall. In shirr-on curtains, the fabric is eased around the corner of the curtain rod. In pin-on draperies, an additional pin is used at the outside top corners of the drapery and hooked into the rod bracket hole.

Rod Pocket

A pocket or casing sewn across the top (and sometimes bottom) of a curtain panel through which a rod is inserted. Generally, the pocket should measure 1/2" to 1" larger than the rod.

Sash

The part of the window which includes the glass and the frame that holds the glass. Normally, the moveable part of the window.

Sash Rod

A small rod designed to be mounted inside a window frame on the sash.  View Products

Sconce

A decorative bracket through which fabric is threaded.  View Products

Shirr

Gathering a piece of fabric onto a rod through a rod pocket.

Sill

The horizontal ledge at the base of the window.

Stackback

The amount of wall space occupied by draperies or vertical blinds when they are completely open.

Swag

Fabric which is draped above a window, possible extending down the sides.

Tab Top

A strip of material attached to the drapery which slides over the rod or pole, eliminating the need for rings.

Traverse Rod  

A rod which incorporates draw cords and a pulley system to open and close draperies. Available in decorative and non-decorative styles. Designed for use with pin-on draperies.  View Products

Valance

A decorative fabric treatment installed horizontally across the top of the window.