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A bedroom has Tailored Pleat Drapery made with Sunbrella Alma in Beige and French return curtain rods Lafayette in Gunmetal
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March 22, 2024

French Return Curtain Rods: Simple Elegance

When outfitting your windows with drapery, the hardware you choose is just as crucial to your décor — and functionality — as the pleat style or fabric of your curtains. Among the most refined and understated hardware options are French return curtain rods. This uniquely designed style of hardware adds a touch of simple, timeless elegance and provides excellent functionality in terms of light control.

To decide if this style of hardware is right for your home, learn more about what it is, purchase options and benefits. Plus, see curated spaces featuring French return curtain rods for ideas for your own design and learn about measuring and installation to get a sense of how to apply this hardware to your room.

Cover photo: Outer Layer: Tailored Pleat Drapery, Sunbrella Alma in Beige with Lafayette Hardware in Gunmetal and Inner Layer: Relaxed Roman Shades, Sunbrella Vitela in Silver, design by Sunbrella

What Are French Return Curtain Rods?

A close-up shows details of Tailored Pleat Drapery made of Alma in Beige & French return curtain rods Lafayette in Gunmetal
Pictured: Outer Layer: Tailored Pleat Drapery, Sunbrella Alma in Beige with Lafayette Hardware in Gunmetal and Inner Layer: Relaxed Roman Shades, Sunbrella Vitela in Silver, design by Sunbrella

French return curtain rods are a style of drapery rod that don’t use finials (the decorative end caps of the rod), but instead feature curved ends of the rod that return and fasten to the wall. That’s where the “return” in “French return curtain rods” comes from. The result is a clean, simple design that allows you to pull your drapery panels right up against the wall for excellent light and privacy coverage.

French return curtain rods typically operate as a rod and ring system, where your drapery panels are attached to rings that are threaded over the rod. However, it’s also compatible with styles of drapery that don’t require rings, including Grommet Drapery and Rod Pocket Drapery.

If a French return rod sounds like the right fit for you, consider the Lafayette Hardware Collection.

A product image of French return curtain rods Lafayette Hardware shows all the colors like Satin Nickel and Satin Brass

French Return Rod: Lafayette Hardware

The Lafayette Hardware Collection is the perfect example of a French return rod.

  • Features 1 3/16-inch diameter steel tubing that curves back toward the wall.
  • Available in 5 finishes to suit your aesthetic: Polished Chrome, Satin Nickel, Satin Brass, Gun Metal and Matte Black.
  • Compatible with the following pleat styles: Tailored Pleat, Pinch Pleat, Inverted Pleat, Goblet, Grommet and Rod Pocket.

What Is a Return on a Curtain Rod?

It’s important to understand that a “return” generally refers to the distance between the rod and where the draperies hang to the wall. However, a French return is specifically designed to provide a wraparound effect with its curved ends that return and fasten to the wall.

French return curtain rods like Lafayette in Satin Brass allow Pinch Pleat Drapery to sit flush with the wall

Room Darkening Efficiency

The curved rod minimizes light seepage by fitting your drapery flush against the wall.

Pictured: Pinch Pleat Drapery, C.O.M fabric with Lafayette Hardware in Satin Brass, designed by Rivers Spencer for the 2023 Kips Bay Dallas Showhouse, photography by John Bessler

Refined Style

The simple elegance of the French return rod adds a sleek, clean look to your window without the need for finials.

Pictured: Pinch Pleat Drapery, C.O.M Wells Textiles Rose Cummings with Lafayette Hardware in Satin Brass, designed by Ashley Avrea Cathey for the 2022 Kips Bay Dallas Showhouse, photography by John Bessler

French return curtain rods like Lafayette in Satin Brass offer refined style with Pinch Pleat Drapery in a blue bedroom
French return curtain rods like Lafayette in Matte Black offer easy use for Pinch Pleat Drapery in Feather Palm Embroidery

Uninterrupted Gliding

Enjoy smooth sliding of your curtains across the rod with no obstructions — as long as there is no need for auxiliary support brackets (which are typically needed for rods 72 inches or wider).

Pictured: Pinch Pleat Drapery, The Novogratz, Feather Palm Embroidery in Vintage Lace with Lafayette Hardware in Matte Black, design by The Novogratz, photography by Anne Gattilia

Perfect for Small to Standard-Sized Windows

A French return rod is best suited for windows up to 72 inches wide, as larger windows may require additional bracketing.

Pictured: Tailored Pleat Drapery, Holland & Sherry, Andes in Fountain with Lafayette Hardware in Satin Brass, design by Eneia White for the 2023 Kips Bay Palm Beach Showhouse, photography by John Bessler

French return curtain rods like Lafayette in Satin Brass with Tailored Pleat Drapery are perfect for small windows

Inspiration for French Return Curtain Rods

See our Lafayette Hardware in several applications for a better sense of this elegant, versatile style and get ideas for your own space.

How Do You Measure for French Curtain Rods?

Measuring your window for French curtain rod installation is the same as measuring for any rod installation. These measuring steps are based on the best practices for hanging drapery to ensure they look their best and operate in the most functional way.

An illustration shows best practices for hanging drapery including how high and how wide to install drapes

Measuring Steps for a French Return Rod

Step 1: Measure Length (Height) – Measure from the floor to above your window where you want the curtain rod to hang. A good rule of thumb is to place your rod just below the ceiling or about halfway between the top of the window and ceiling, plus an inch or two.

Step 2: Measure Width – Measure your window’s width and add at least 12 inches on each side of your window. This will ensure the drapery can be pulled fully off your window for a lean, unhindered view.

How Do You Hang French Return Curtain Rods?

A professional window treatment install attaches a bracket for French return rods into the wall above a window

Hanging French return curtain rods is very similar to installing any other drapery hardware. The main difference is that you’ll need to fasten the ends of the rod to the wall versus just installing brackets. Below are the basic steps for installing a French return rod but make sure to review the full installation instructions before starting your project.

  • Step 1: Gather tools.You’ll need a drill with a 1/8” bit and a Phillips bit, a Phillips screwdriver and a metal tape measure.
  • Step 2: Mark the placement of the French returns and any brackets (for rods wider than 72 inches) based on the height and width measurements you performed above.
  • Step 3: Fasten the French returns into the places marked on your wall — these bent rod pieces will come as separate pieces from the larger rod.
  • Step 4: Attach any additional brackets (if applicable) as well rings onto the larger curtain rod and then attach the rod to the fastened French returns.
  • Step 5: Fasten additional brackets (if applicable).
  • Step 6: Attach drapery to rings.  

Make Your Selection & Place Your Order with Experts

French return curtain rods are a sophisticated hardware choice that add charm and character to your interior. With a better understanding of what a French return rod is, ideas for using it in your own home as well as best practices for measuring and installation, you’re ready to solidify your choice. Visit a local showroom to explore your hardware options in more depth, as well as look at drapery materials, pleat styles, and more. Plus, you’ll meet our expert Design consultants who can answer your questions and help you make the best decisions for your home.  

A round white table with cream chairs sits in a custom window treatment showroom with drapery, shades and blinds displayed.

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