Wood vs Metal Curtain Poles: Which Is Right for Your Home? (The Complete Guide) I Loby UK

Choosing the right curtain pole is one of the simplest ways to transform a room’s overall style and finish. While curtains often take centre stage, the pole you choose plays a major role in creating a polished, cohesive interior. The question most homeowners face is simple: should you choose a wooden or metal curtain pole?

This guide breaks down the key differences to help you choose the perfect pole for your home, your décor style, and your curtains.

Why Your Curtain Pole Choice Matters

A curtain pole is more than a functional item. It influences:

• The overall style and atmosphere of your room

• How smoothly your curtains open and close

• The durability and strength needed for various curtain types

• The final, finished look of your window area

Wooden Curtain Poles: Warm, Timeless, and Full of Character

Best suited for:

• Bedrooms

• Living rooms

• Traditional, Scandinavian, or warm-toned interiors

• Homes seeking a softer, natural aesthetic

Benefits of Wooden Curtain Poles

1. They add warmth and depth to a room
Wooden poles complement cosy, neutral interiors and pair beautifully with beige, taupe, natural wood floors, and textured furnishings.

2. Ideal for softer, fabric-led curtains
Linen, cotton, pencil pleat, and eyelet curtains all sit naturally against wooden tones.

3. Perfect for popular 2025 trends
Warm neutrals, Scandi minimalism, Japandi, and natural textures are defining UK interiors — wooden poles align effortlessly with these styles.

4. Strong enough for most medium-weight curtains
Loby’s wooden poles, especially in 28mm thickness, provide excellent support without compromising design.

Metal Curtain Poles: Modern, Sleek, and Built for Strength

Best suited for:

• Contemporary interiors and new builds

• Homes featuring modern hardware (black, brass, chrome)

• Heavy or blackout curtains

• Large windows or patio doors

Benefits of Metal Curtain Poles

1. A clean, modern finish
Metal poles provide a crisp, contemporary look. Popular finishes like matte black, brushed steel, and brass are leading interior trends.

2. Increased strength and durability
Metal is the preferred choice for heavy curtains and wide-span windows, offering reliable support and smooth movement.

3. Greater versatility in colour and finish
From chrome to antique brass to matte black, metal allows for more design expression and coordination with other hardware.

4. Extendable options
Metal extendable poles offer flexibility, easy installation, and a practical solution for renters or shifting room layouts.

Direct Comparison: Wood or Metal?

How to Choose: The Simple Loby Method

If you’re still undecided, follow these three steps:

1. Match your hardware
Check your room’s finishes — door handles, light switches, sockets, and furniture accents.

• If they lean warm or natural, choose wood.

• If they’re metallic or modern, choose metal.

2. Assess your curtain weight

• Lightweight to medium curtains work well with either material.

• Heavy, thermal, or blackout curtains perform best with metal.

3. Consider your interior style

• Warm, neutral, or traditional interiors suit wooden poles.

• Minimalist, modern, or monochrome spaces suit metal poles.

Why Choose Loby Curtain Poles

Loby poles are designed specifically for modern UK homes and feature:

• Strong, reliable brackets with excellent weight capacity

• Premium finishes in both wood and metal

• Smooth gliding performance

• Multiple size options, including 150cm, 180cm, 240cm, and 300cm

• Easy, clear installation suitable for beginners

Every Loby pole is engineered to enhance both design and function, giving your home a refined, stylish finish.