Since it is impossible to directly think of window rods without taking a peep into some exciting weft and warp, we decided to visit the Rastogis who have exclusive showrooms in the country and also retail their curtain fabrics in large stores and malls. Huge rolls of curtain material occupy the insides of the Rastogis’ showroom but it is their recent release of readymade curtains, sheers, scallops, tassels and variety décor in valances that beckon your attention.

“The options are more than confusing for doors and windows in our readymade collection,” says Bharati Rastogi, interior designer.

“If you choose the knitted white-resplendents in polyester with leafy designs, the loop-less self-gathers with a simple valance form a complete picture. The transparency could be tapped for showcasing the single metal rod designery and tastefully designed finials (rod-end supports).”

If you want your sheers not to be totally bare, their patchwork door curtain with shinnel costing Rs. 750 would be ideal for plain and heavy silk or jacquard mains (with and without loops). Here it is left to your ingenuity, but since it is heavy, brass would be ideal with simple rod-ends that don’t overplay it.

Be it the imported paper transfer for ‘cool cotton leather design’ in a gorgeous deep-maroon scallop or double-sided polysilk with satin valance and frill borders, “we deal with fabric dressing for Bay windows, French windows and diverse arches in our new branded readymade packaging ‘Warps & Wefts’," says K.K. Rastogi.

Contemporary styles see the need for showcasing the metal-accessories that hold the curtains as they are worth the display, in contrast to old-timers who preferred to keep the aluminium rods under wraps with wooden pelmets.

Says Pankaj Bhandari of Smart Creations, dealing with rods, brackets and accessories: “We grow parallel with the curtain market. So, as the variety-textile enclosures swell, our customised offerings to hold the curtains upright in all possible aesthetic curves and formats also increase.”

Creating channels (curtain rods) in brass (Rs. 360/ ft), copper, special grade stainless steel (SS - Rs.110/ ft), mild steel (MS) and plastic isn’t big. What Smart Creations focuses on is the Coating, Polishing and Finishing (CPF) that nattily meets the up-to-date fabric head on.

Consider his smart range of finishes: brass, brass antique, copper, copper antique, powder coating in any colour and shade, combination finishes like brush nickel and gold plating, gold and brass antique and much more.

Says Pankaj, “Powder coating can be done on aluminium and MS rods (Rs. 45/ ft), but stainless steel and brass channels are tempered and last a lifetime.”

“The final look is in the finish and we will advise you for any kind of mix-and-match for wall-curtain-furniture-accessories. These are also re-coatable. We use a special protection lacquer, a ceramic polyurethane, for additional life. No polish or maintenance is required.”

Finally the finials. “Ascertain the character of your house, we have finials too to match your theme,” says Pankaj. Leaf, Georgian, flower buds, crystal studded, royal pyramids, metal tassel... from a transnational design to Chettinad grandeur (Rs. 470 to Rs. 2000 a pair), your house could be labelled accordingly with variety finial additions softly underlining your taste.

Also available are metal tie-backs, hold-backs and single-double-triple-hooked brackets for holding your sheers, scallops and curtains in compelling grace and sophistication.

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