Tension rods are one of the more mundane things around the household. Despite that, you may have wondered at one point in your life how much weight it can hold. Your curiosity was likely spurred by a recent home remodeling. Or you may have recently installed curtains using a tension rod. Whatever the case may be, we’re here to answer the question, “how much weight can tension rod hold?” And we’re even sharing more tips and tricks to make the most out of a tension rod.
Here’s a quick answer.
A typical tension rod can hold around 20 pounds which is the usual weight of a curtain. Heavy-duty tension rods are capable of supporting more than 20 pounds. Some heavy-duty tension rods can accommodate up to 30 pounds with their advanced features like a non-fall tension mechanism. Others are made of steel instead of the usual aluminum for more strength.
What’s a Tension Rod?
A tension rod is a type of curtain rod that differs in the method of hanging. Unlike other rod types that are mounted to the wall or window frame with hardware, a tension rod works simply by fitting it between two walls. It is usually adjustable in length, allowing you to fit it as tightly as possible. It also commonly comes with rubber tips on both ends to protect the walls against scraping.
A tension rod is an affordable, easy-to-install, and practical solution for hanging a window curtain, drape, and shower curtain. It’s highly useful in a rental property as you won’t have to put holes in the walls. With a tension rod as a shower tension rod, you can hang a shower curtain in your bathroom without risking damage to the shower walls.
There are also other solutions to hang curtains without using nails like using command strips; however, these strips aren’t able to hold as much weight and can fall off the walls after some time because of the water splash and moisture in the bathroom.
But just like any other household item, it has its pros and cons.
One distinct advantage of a tension rod is affordability. It is a lot cheaper compared to other types of curtain rods. You can get a basic one for less than $10. As mentioned earlier, it is a practical solution to hanging your curtains because it won’t need screws to attach them to the walls. Installation is also easy as you won’t need the use of special tools.
The weight of a tension rod can be a disadvantage, though. It’s designed only for curtains. There’s also the possibility that heavy curtains may not be supported by tension rods.
The length of tension rods usually doesn’t exceed longer than 84 inches. Thus, it would only work in small spaces. Finally, tension rods aren’t for decorative purposes. These are simply plain and lightweight materials that lack the flair of higher-quality rods.
How Much Weight Can a Tension Rod Hold?
Now let’s go back to the question posed at the start of the article– ‘how much weight can a tension rod hold?’
Because of the way it is installed, a tension rod is not as capable of holding as much weight as other types of rods like a closet rod. On average, a typical tension rod can hold around 20 pounds which is the usual weight of a curtain.
There are some heavy-duty tension rod types, though, that are capable of supporting more than 20 pounds. Some heavy-duty tension rods can accommodate up to 30 pounds with their advanced features, like a non-fall tension mechanism. Others are made of stainless steel instead of the usual aluminum for added strength.
Still, a tension rod can hold several clothes, especially those of kids, because children’s clothes don’t weigh as much as those of adults. You can use a tension rod in a closet to hold your kids’ clothes as long as the length is adjustable. Place the ends of the rod on opposite walls of the closet.
Now, you can hang several children’s clothes on the tension rod. But you don’t want to hang too many clothes as a tension rod is generally not designed for this purpose. The ordinary tension rod is made of aluminum, which may break or get damaged when you hang multiple clothes on it.
What Are the Uses of a Tension Rod?
Although it isn’t advisable to hang clothes on a tension rod, it doesn’t mean that this type of rod should only be used in hanging curtains. Versatile and easy to use, a tension rod can serve a variety of purposes in your household.
Organizing Cleaning Supplies
There are many clever ways to make good use of a tension rod. One is to utilize it in organizing cleaning supplies. A cupboard teeming with cleaning supplies such as spray bottles can be an eyesore. And it’s not only a matter of aesthetics as it can get difficult to find the cleaning supply you need when you’re in a rush. Here’s something you can do with a tension rod– install it between the walls of the cupboard. Adjust the length of the tension rod accordingly so that it would fit. Once the tension rod has been installed, you can then hang the spray bottles on it. This would also free up floor space where you can place other cleaning supplies.
Hanging Plants
You can easily also turn a tension rod into the anchor of a hanging herb garden. This is something you’d find useful if your indoor plants are not getting enough sunlight to thrive. You can use the tension rod to hang plant pots by your window. This is also easy to pull off. Place a tension rod in between window frames at your desired height.
Make sure, though, that the placement of the tension rod would allow the planted pots to get enough sunlight. Aside from the benefit, it would have in terms of plant growth, this can also keep your pets away from chomping your planted pots.
You may also be asking if a tension rod is strong enough to hang plants. The answer is yes; a normal tension can hold 20 pounds, while the heavy-duty options can accommodate up to and over 30 pounds. So take these measures into account before you decide to hang lightweight or heavy plants onto these rods.
Arranging Accessories
A tension rod can also come in handy in arranging your accessories like necklaces and scarves. Install a tension rod that’s long enough to fit your closet. You can then use it in hanging accessories like small bags, necklaces, ties, and other smaller items.
Create Privacy
If you have a bunk bed at home, you can create a screen using a tension road. Your kids will love the extra privacy that this would offer. This is more ideal for a bottom bunk bed, though, as the rods would be installed between the posts of the bed.
To do this, prepare three tension rods that would fit the side, foot, and head of the bunk bed. You’ll also need a pair of scissors, four lightweight curtain panels that would fit the size of the bed, an iron, and straight pins. The first step is to place the rods between the bedposts. To determine the length of the curtain, measure the height from the rod down the bed’s platform or past the mattress.
Next is to lay each curtain flat with its backside facing you. Measure the same distance from the rod pocket. You should then add a couple of inches as the extra fabric will serve as the hem. Mark the spot with pins and proceed to cut each curtain along the line.
Get a piece of the iron-on and lay it across the curtain, about 3 inches from and parallel to its end. Then fold up the em over the web and pin it in place. Iron the hem so that it would be fused in place even as you remove the pins as you go. You can then install the curtains on the rods once the fabric has cooled down. You now have a place where you can hang the curtains separating the bunk bed for added privacy.
Storing Bathroom Items
The bathroom is another part of the house where a tension rod could prove useful. Is your drawer packed with things like hairbrushes and hair ties, among others? You can make good use of a tension rod for storing bathroom items. Install a tension rod between the walls of the bathroom. Now you can have a place where you can hang on to your things.
As you can see, you can do a lot of things with a tension rod!
Shopping for Tension Rods
Now that you have a better appreciation of the versatility of tension rods, you’re likely planning to shop for one. As mentioned earlier, tension rods aren’t that expensive, so the budget should not be much of a concern.
Where can you find tension rods? This household item is commonly available in brick-and-mortar retailers. You can find good deals on tension rods from these establishments. But if you like to stay home and shop from the comfort of your abode, you can check the websites of home improvement stores. Amazon is another good online store to shop for great deals.
But before purchasing a tension rod, you should have an idea of the distance between the two walls where you intend to hang it. Measure the space between the two walls so you’ll know the exact measurement. Keep in mind that the tension rod should fit tightly from one wall to another.
Conclusion
To sum up this article, a typical tension rod can hold around 20 pounds. Heavy-duty models, meanwhile, can hold up to 30 pounds. However, most tension rods are designed only to hold curtains and items of similar weight. You should keep this in mind the next time you shop for a tension rod.
