Tension curtain rods are often used for hanging shower curtains. The rod is spring loaded so that it can be compressed, placed between two walls or a wall and an upright, and then released so that the rod is fixed tightly by the tension of the spring. A shower cubicle is not the only place in which a tension curtain rod is appropriate.

It is also possible to hang window curtains with one if it is an alcove window where the alcove will support the curtain rod.

Top Tension Curtain Rods For Sale

Maytex 40 to 72-Inch Tension Rod, White List Price: $14.99 Average Rating:

Umbra Coretto 15 to 24-Inch Decorative Tension Rod, Black List Price: $14.99 Sale Price: $12.99 Used From: $10.99 Average Rating:

Umbra Mission 54 to 90-Inch Double Tension Curtain Rod, Darjeeling Bronze List Price: $74.99 Sale Price: $74.99 Average Rating:

Aquatico Milano Shower Curtain Tension Rod, Chrome List Price: $45.00 Sale Price: $39.99 Average Rating:

Aquatico Ivy Shower Curtain Tension Rod, Oil Rubbed Bronze List Price: $45.00 Sale Price: $39.99 Average Rating:

Affixing Tension Curtain Rods

When you affix a tension curtain rod you need to make sure you buy one that will adequately cover the entire window. Adjust it to the right size so that the unexpanded rod fits just inside the sides of the alcove and then release the spring. The curtain rod will then jam itself into the opening to provide a curtain that can hold lightweight curtains.

The handy thing about tension curtain rods is that they do not need any special tools or knowledge to install them. They are quick and simple to use but because they are not actually affixed to the wall with screws or nails, they are not able to hold up weights as heavy as a normal curtain rod.

Tension curtain rods are limited in length because they don’t come with a center bracket for support. If the curtain rod is too long it will bow in the middle and the tension holding it up will be lost causing the whole assembly to fall down.

These curtain rods are a great way to put up temporary curtains or to install curtains in places where it is not possible to screw in a set of brackets. They're certainly different to the more formal decorative curtain rods that you might use to create a more formal display of your window treatments.