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?
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.
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.
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
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
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.
Modern, Pop-Art-Inspired Bedroom
For a bedroom with a modern, pop-art-inspired design, a French return rod adds a clean, elegant look to the tops of your windows. Lafayette Hardware in Matte Black adds stark contrast to your white ceiling and crown molding while complementing the black window frames and the black-and-white design of your drapery fabric.
Pictured: Tailored Pleat Drapery, The Novogratz, Daisy Bloom in Zebra Black with Lafayette Hardware in Matte Black, design by The Novogratz, photography by Anne Gattilia
Colorful Boho-Inspired Living Room
Add a subtle touch of elegance to a colorful, boho-inspired living room with French return curtain rods in a soft, dark grey like Lafayette Hardware in Gun Metal. The deep matte gray complements the bright yellow hue of your drapery for an attractive, balanced look. Be sure to complement other bright tones with neutrals or darker colors throughout your space to ensure an overall balanced aesthetic.
Pictured: Tailored Pleat Drapery, C.O.M., Holland & Sherry, Patagonia in Lemon Grass with C.O.T., Samuel & Sons, 2-inch French Grosgrain Ribbon in Fern, and Lafayette Hardware in Gun Metal, design by Katie Tidder for the 2023 Kips Bay Palm Beach Showhouse, photography by John Bessler
Refined, Luxe Bathroom
For a luxurious bathroom with a refined, classic style, where rich dark colors are balanced with warm, off-white hues, a French return rod like Lafayette Hardware in Matte Black perfectly suits the design. Carry through the theme of balances dark tones with warm hues by choosing a warm-toned drapery like Harbor Stripe in Sand to contrast the black rod.
Pictured: Pinch Pleat Drapery, Victoria Hagan, Harbor Stripe in Sand with Lafayette Hardware in Matte Black, design by Mallory Klebba and photography by Erik Fossum
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.
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?
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.
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