What is French return hardware?
There are two distinct characteristics of French return rods: They doesn’t use finials, and the rods return to the wall.
This hardware consists of a rod with curved ends that point back towards the wall, creating a seamless and clean-lined look. The modern simplicity of this hardware is what makes it popular and versatile.
There are many options for customizing this hardware for your projects, including the finish, backplate shape, rod shape, and rod diameter. Some vendors also offer French return hardware for Ripplefold drapes and double French rods!
Wall to Wall French Return Rods:
Precision Matters
Stylish pied-a-terre designed by the talented Stella Ludwig
We had the privilege of working with the wonderful Stella Ludwig and her dream team on this high rise office space in Philly. Stella’s work has been featured in several publications including House Beautiful, Architectural Digest, and Philly and Home Design among many others.
Here we installed wall-to-wall window treatments on French return hardware.
This project required precise measurements to ensure we ordered the proper rod length. We had to take into consideration the width and placement of the backplates.
Look closely at the center bracket: We chose a ceiling mounted option due to space restrictions.
These are stationary panels layered over a roller shade, with the drapery mounted on a lovely French return rod.
Due to the width of the window and the thinness of the rod – a center support was required.
However, because of space restrictions, rather than use a more typical wall mounted center support, we went with a ceiling mount. This project took place in a high-rise, and the ceiling is concrete – this presented a slightly more challenging installation than a typical wall mount.
Anytime you install in concrete, there are special tools and considerations needed…this is where experience and knowing what to expect makes a big difference!
Fabric Weight Matters
Lovely layers! Wool drapes mounted on a thicker French rod. Collaboration with the talented Meadowbank Designs.
These lovely and layered window treatments were a collaboration with the fabulous Meadowbank Design.
Due to the heaviness of the wool drapery fabric, both in feel and look, we needed to use a thicker rod than typically employed.
Where’s the window? This roller shade coordinates perfectly with the grass cloth wallcovering.
The ladies at Meadowbank prefer a beautiful, traditional look, so we used a bronze French rod for this project, a design choice that kept pace with the overall look desired.
The woven wood shade coordinates so well with the wallcovering, you can’t even tell where the wall covering ends and the roller shade begins! This gives the room a seamless look. We also added this really beautiful Samuel & Sons tassel fringe, giving the project it’s finishing touch.
See more on Window Treatment Friday Live!
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