Best curtain poles: Wooden, black, white and extendable options
The Evening Standard's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Of all the fixtures and fittings in a home, curtain poles don’t really get a look in - and who would blame you?
They’re there to safeguard your modesty when you’re indoors, whether that’s because you’re doing your best George Michael impression as you clean or you’re trying to sunbathe in the only patch of sun the living room gets in the afternoon.
Unless you’re planning to put up blinds over every window in the house, curtain poles are a necessary inclusion.
What types of curtain poles are there?
There are two ways to hang curtains: by a track or with a pole.
Poles come in fixed-length or extendable versions and are often sold with curtain rings so that you can fix and hang drapes easily. Eyelet curtains don’t need rings and can be threaded directly onto the pole - although, be warned: they won’t look as good.
While track designs are fairly basic with gliders to hook up the curtains, there’s more opportunity to make curtain poles part of your home’s interiors.
Choose from different materials and finial designs (the decorative knobs at each end of the pole to ensure curtains don’t slip off) to give them subtle character and help them tie in more easily with the rest of your interiors.
There’s a huge selection to choose from, so we’ve drawn up a list of the best curtain poles to give your windows the finishing touch they deserve. From extendable designs to suspend pencil pleat curtains to polished wood to give structure to billowing net drapes, find the best options below.
Shop now
Argos Home 1.1-3m Extendable Metal Curtain Pole - Walnut
Dark wood and gold-coloured details are a winning combination. The warm palette is perfect for all sorts of interiors, from industrial chic to modern farmhouses. It’s an extendable design and can go from 110-300cm simply by slipping the wider pole out. Sold with brackets, curtain rings, finials, fittings and fixtures.
Dunelm Ashton Room Darkening Extendable Metal Eyelet Curtain Pole
Blackout curtains only work properly if they cover the entire window, but light can still peak through the edges. This pole prevents all light from entering the room thanks to the curved design which wraps the ends of the curtain at a 90-degree turn to stop light edging out of the sides.
Available in six colours, this pole comes in three sizes with the longest option going from 210-360cm, meaning unless you’ve got truly massive windows you should be able to find a version that fits.
Dunelm Trumpet Extendable Metal Eyelet Curtain Pole
Metallic details can lift a room and give it an elegant feel, even if it’s as unassuming as a curtain rod. This streamlined design comes with trumpet-style finials and matching wall brackets. Offered in three lengths, choose between antique brass and chrome to get the finish you’re after.
John Lewis Wood and Metal Eyelet Curtain Pole Kit, Dia.28mm
Crafted in walnut wood with brass details, this kit has everything you need to get your curtains up quickly and effectively. There are two lengths to choose from, but the larger comes with extra accessories - think screws, wall plugs and double-ended joining screws. You’ll need to source curtain rings for this unless you’ve got eyelet curtains to hang.
Argos Home Ext Metal Classic Ball Curtain Pole - Black
If you’re just looking for a basic design for a spare bedroom or rented property, the simple clean lines of this Argos curtain pole are up to the job. Finished with ball finials, the piece comes with matching black curtain rings for a polished, uniform look.
John Lewis Acorn Fixed Curtain Pole Kit, Antique Brass, Dia.28mm
The key to a beautiful home is all down to the details. Even curtain poles can feel like a little work of art with the right finials. Crafted in antique brass, and available in five lengths, this contemporary-looking fixed-length design is finished with acorn shapes at each end to keep the drapes in their place.
Dunelm Camden Wood Effect Light Oak Ceiling Fix Curtain Track
Prefer a track fitting? Steer clear of all-plastic looks with Dunelm's design, which uses a light wood effect for the main length.
The Camden track works bet on pencil pleat curtains and is designed to be fixed to the ceiling, meaning the fabric will run the height of the room for those with floor-to-ceiling windows. The set comes with brackets, finials and pre-set gliders so you can get the fixing up with ease.
Telescopic Shower Curtain Rod
Thanks to social media, we now know the many uses of a tension rod, from magicking up extra hanging space in the wardrobe, to keeping order in messy cupboards. This one may say ‘shower’ on the label, but you can use it to hang sheer curtains too. Simply fit it between the window recess once the fabric has been threaded on.
The best bit? No drilling is required.