Living in a home with unique architectural details and windows can give a space a sense of character that homeowners don’t want to lose when they’re designing their window treatments. But these details can make it harder for homeowners to find the right drapery hardware.
In high-end residential projects, designers want to work with space they have rather than compromise the design around standard, easily available hardware. Respecting the architecture of the space and unique details of the window means that it’s more difficult to find parts that fit the space. That’s where custom bending comes in, said Marc Thiergart, president of Brimar.
Custom bending gives designers more freedom. But it can also add another layer of planning and cost. Getting a successful result requires careful measuring and communication.
Interior: Studio W Interiors Photography: Ryan McDonald
Diana Wagenbach, principal & founder of Studio W Interiors selects dark metal rods for this moody bedroom suite, which are custom curved by Brimar then ceiling suspended to discreetly disguise the corner.
When Should You Consider Custom-Bent Drapery Hardware?
High-end spaces are more likely to include unique window shapes and architectural details. A standard, straight rod often won’t work in these environments. Custom bending gives designers the option to follow the architecture and use hardware that fits the character of the space.
Custom bending works for different types of spaces and windows, and is often used to cover corners. For example, Brimar can create bow bends for curved windows and bay bends that follow the angles of a bay window.
“When you’re looking at a complicated window space and there are solutions with custom bending, it opens up a lot of different options for you,” Thiergart said.
Custom bending is an option for both stationary and motorized drapery. When designers review Brimar hardware collections, they can see what configurations each collection supports. Not every collection can be bent into every configuration, so the specific hardware and material matter.
How Does Brimar Make Sure a Custom-Bent Rod Fits the Space?
The finished rod may be custom, but Brimar first uses this process to understand the space you’re working with:
- Start With Your Space: Send Brimar a picture or drawing of the area you’re working with. Once we see what the window looks like and what kind of architectural space it’s in, we can give you an initial quotation.
- Create a Physical Template: Once the initial quotation is approved, the designer or installer creates a physical template of the space and sends it to Brimar. This gives the Brimar team the actual dimensions and shape they need to create the custom bend.
- Review the Details: Brimar carefully goes through the template with the designer to confirm dimensions and answer any questions. At this point, Brimar finalizes the quotation and makes sure the details are settled before bending the rod.
- Bend the Rod: Brimar creates your custom-bent rod based on the template you’ve approved.
- Check the Finished Piece: Once the rod has been bent, Brimar places the finished piece back on the template and photographs it. The photo is sent to the designer for approval before the finished hardware is shipped.
Because of the extra steps we take to make sure that we have all the details correct before we bend, we’re able to catch any issues with measurements before they create a bigger issue. “That eliminates a lot of errors,” Thiergart said. “It ensures that the project gets installed properly the first time, and everybody is happy in the end.”
Which Brimar Drapery Hardware Collections Can Be Custom-Bent?
Many of Brimar’s hardware collections are available for custom bending. View Collections. They are good examples of how hardware with different styles and aesthetics can be custom-bent for different window configurations. Affinity and Innova rods are stocked in 19-foot lengths, eliminating the need for splicing and ensuring a seamless, continuous rod for optimal performance. They can also be used with either motorized or hand-drawn drapery, depending on the designer’s preference.
Every collection has different bending capabilities. Designers can explore collections online to see what custom bending options are available. Don’t choose the collection first and assume it can be bent into whatever shape you need. Think about the window configuration you need, then confirm that the collection supports it.
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Sometimes walls aren’t the best surface to support your drapery hardware. At Alice in Ivory bridal boutique in Chicago, Brimar fabricated custom curved rods with suspension brackets to create private dressing areas for their blushing brides.
What Can Custom Bending Make Possible For Your Next Project?
A difficult window doesn’t necessarily mean you have to abandon your initial design idea. Custom bending gives you another way to work with an unusual or architectural space without changing the overall design. Commercial interiors also require unique solutions. Brimar provides the bendability and flexibility commercial projects require.
If you’re not sure what configuration would be the best fit for your design or if you’re not sure what hardware collection best fits the room, you can get feedback from an expert. Reach out to Brimar and send us a photo of your space, and we can help you determine what custom-bending options may work for your project.
