lovely windows with blue curtains

When you’re dressing a window, the curtain pole is more than a support, it’s a defining detail in the room. At The Curtain Pole & Track Company, we specialise in bespoke solutions with professional bending services and exceptional craftsmanship. Whether you’re deciding between the timeless warmth of wood or the sleek precision of metal, this guide will help you choose the right material for your style, curtains and space.

What You Might Be Wondering

  • Do I want a pole that blends in or makes a statement?
  • Will metal feel too modern for my traditional décor?
  • Can wood support the weight of my curtains?
  • Should the pole match existing finishes in the room?
  • Do I need something custom-bent for a bay window?

The Case for Metal Curtain Poles

Metal poles offer modern simplicity, strength and finish flexibility. They're ideal in:

  • Contemporary, industrial or minimalist interiors
  • Homes with heavy or interlined curtains
  • Large spans or wide windows where strength is key

We often recommend:

Bradbury Stainless Steel Poles – offering a brushed, architectural finish with strength to suit heavier drapes.

Silent Gliss Metropole – a high-end, discreet system that looks like a pole but performs like a track. This premium option is ideal for clean, minimalist aesthetics and glider-style curtain movement.

Why choose metal?

  • Smooth glide for rings or gliders
  • Strong performance across wide spans
  • Broad finish options: chrome, antique brass, matte black
  • Custom-bending available for bay windows and recessed fittings

The Appeal of Wooden Curtain Poles

Wood brings character, depth and warmth. If your space leans traditional, rustic, or textured, a wooden pole can elevate the look beautifully.

We recommend our Byron & Byron range, which is rich in decorative detail, heritage finishes and handcrafted quality. These poles are perfect for:

  • Classic and period homes
  • Interiors with natural timber, painted furniture or warm tones
  • Statement styling with ornate finials or layered window dressing

Why choose wood?

  • Textural richness and warmth
  • Painted, stained or natural grain finishes
  • Ideal with Byron & Byron’s elegant designs
  • Decorative presence — especially in visible, feature areas

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature Metal Pole Wooden Pole
Aesthetic Sleek, minimal, industrial or high-end finishes Warm, decorative, classic or rustic
Strength for heavy curtains Excellent (especially Bradbury or Metropole) Good with Byron & Byron’s robust options
Finish choices Brushed steel, chrome, matte black, brass Painted, stained or natural wood tones
Customisation Bendable for bay windows (esp. Silent Gliss) Decorative finials, rich painted finishes
Interior match Contemporary, modern, clean-line décor Traditional, period or layered interiors

How to Choose – Design & Practical Considerations

Curtain Fabric & Weight

Heavy curtains? Opt for Bradbury metal poles or the Silent Gliss Metropole for a track like glide with pole aesthetics.

Room Style & Finish

Matching brushed metal fittings? Metal’s your match. Blending with wooden furniture or panelling? Choose from Byron & Byron’s beautifully crafted poles.

Visual Role

Want a subtle finish? Metropole offers discretion. Prefer a statement? A bold wooden pole with decorative finials delivers impact.

Window Type

Bay window? Our bespoke bending service ensures your chosen pole fits perfectly – in both metal and wood options.

Longevity & Feel

If you prefer modern mechanics with a high-end look, Silent Gliss Metropole combines the best of both worlds: track behaviour in pole form.

 

Whether you lean towards the natural elegance of Byron & Byron wooden poles or the modern strength of Bradbury stainless steel, your choice of pole shapes the feel of your room.

Need a high-end metal option with smooth functionality? The Silent Gliss Metropole gives you the aesthetics of a pole with the gliding precision of a track, ideal for contemporary homes.

At The Curtain Pole & Track Company, we bring together technical precision and design excellence. Whatever your vision, our team can help you select and customise the perfect curtain pole, tailored to your style and space. For help and advice, our team are on hand to help with any queries you might have, click here to contact the team.