Choosing between wooden curtain poles and metal curtain poles might feel like a tiny decision, but it changes the whole vibe of your room. The pole is basically the backbone of your curtains, so picking the right material matters for style, practicality and how well your made-to-measure curtains actually behave. 

Wooden Curtain Poles Are Warm, Classic and Surprisingly Versatile

A wooden curtain pole instantly brings warmth to a room. It adds texture, softness and a more traditional, homely feel. If your interiors lean cosy, cottagey or natural, wood just fits without trying too hard. It also works brilliantly in period homes, painted interiors and anything with natural materials.

Quality wooden poles are strong, sturdy and able to handle heavy curtain fabrics with ease. They also feel quieter in the room, visually and literally. If the thought of metal eyelets screeching across a pole makes you grind your teeth, wood is absolutely the calmer option.

When Wooden Poles Make the Most Sense

• If you’re going for pencil pleat or pinch pleat curtains that need a softer drape.
• If the room has traditional architectural details.
• If you want the hardware to complement furniture rather than contrast with it.
• If you prefer silence over that metallic scraping sound that some poles make.

And let’s be real: wooden poles are forgiving. They soften bold curtains and elevate simple ones. They give you that lived-in, curated feel without feeling twee.

Metal Curtain Poles: Modern, Sleek and High Impact

A metal curtain pole instantly changes the tone of a space. It’s sharper, more contemporary and pairs well with clean lines, modern furniture and minimal interiors. If you have chrome, brass, black, brushed steel or matte finishes elsewhere in the room, a metal pole pulls everything together.

Metal poles are strong, durable and excellent for wider windows where you need more structural integrity. They’re also the better match if you want your curtain hardware to feel like part of the design, not just something holding fabric up.

When Metal Poles Shine

• If you have eyelet curtains. The movement is smoother, and the look is much cleaner.
• If the room leans modern or industrial.
• If you want a pole that feels like a design detail rather than background furniture.
• If you prefer crisp lines and minimal fuss.

However, be warned: metal eyelets on a metal pole can make that horrid scraping sound if you choose the wrong combination. If that noise makes your soul leave your body (it does for me!), go for curtain headings like pinch pleat or pencil pleat that glide on rings instead.

Styling Considerations: What Works With What

Different curtain styles behave differently on wooden vs metal poles.

• Eyelet curtains look best on metal poles. The rings sit cleaner, and the fabric stacks more neatly.
• Pencil pleat curtains and pinch pleat curtains look great on both wooden and metal poles, depending on your room style.
• Heavy interlined curtains are often better on wooden poles because the warmth and weight feel more balanced.

If you’re going for made-to-measure curtains, the choice becomes easier because the fullness, drop and heading will be tailored to the pole you’ve chosen.

Which Should You Choose?

If you want warmth, texture, softness and a bit of traditional charm, go wooden. But if you want crisp, modern, clean lines and a sleeker look, go metal.

There is no wrong answer here, but there is definitely a better answer for your specific room. Your interior finishes, curtain heading style and the amount of visual impact you want will point you in the right direction.

Both wooden curtain poles and metal curtain poles have their own strengths, but the best choice depends on your style, your curtains and the atmosphere you want to create. 

If you want curtains that actually fit your home beautifully and hang perfectly from whichever pole you choose, buy your made-to-measure curtains and curtain poles from The Sewing House for a finish that looks intentional, not accidental.