120 Inches of Perfectly Hung Curtains: Our Adjustable Tension Rod Guide
Having floor-to-ceiling windows or extra wide sliding glass doors in your home can be gorgeous, letting sunlight pour in and giving you beautiful unobstructed outdoor views. But finding curtain rods long enough to properly cover them can be a real challenge. Standard size rods just don't make the cut. For windows taller than the standard 84 inches, you need an extra long adjustable tension rod that can extend up to 120 inches or more.
We'll cover how they work, when you need one, features to look for, proper installation, decorating ideas, and our top product recommendations. With the right 120 inch tension curtain rod, you'll be able to hang beautiful floor-length drapes, control light and privacy, and take advantage of the full height of your windows.
How Tension Rods Work
A tension rod is a spring-loaded telescoping pole that extends to press firmly between two surfaces, using force to hold itself in place. The rods feature plastic or metal brackets on each end that compress when squeezed and expand to provide tension against the mounting surfaces to support the rod. No nails, screws, or wall anchors needed!
Tension rod brackets grip onto the walls or window frames, staying up by friction and pressure. Just twist the plastic end caps to easily extend the rod to your desired length. The twist-tight mechanism locks the telescoping inner poles in place at the right size. This allows you to custom fit the rod to any width opening and adjust as needed.
When You Need an Extra Long 120" Tension Rod
Standard tension rods max out at around 48 to 84 inches long. While that's fine for average height windows, it won't work for those that are taller. Here are some situations where an extra long 120 inch tension rod is your best choice:
- Floor-to-ceiling windows
- Tall sliding glass patio doors
- Vaulted ceilings and tall window openings
- Bay windows
- Hanging very long curtains without bunching
- Maximum light blocking and privacy
The adjustable length gives you the flexibility to extend the rod to cover any wide or tall window precisely. And the heavy-duty build stands up to the thickness and weight of long draperies without sagging.
Features of Quality 120" Tension Rods
Not all tension rods are made equal. To properly support long heavy curtains, you need one designed for the job. Here are key features to look for when shopping for an extra long 120 inch tension rod:
| Heavy-Duty Metal Construction | Sturdy steel or aluminum rods support the span without bending or bowing under the weight of hefty curtains. |
| Locking Telescoping Pole Design | The inner poles lock tightly in place at the selected length to prevent slippage or sagging. |
| Plastic Brackets | Plastic end brackets protect your walls and mounting surfaces from damage. |
| Medium to Heavy Weight Capacity | The rod should be rated to reliably support thicker medium to heavy curtains. Check the product specs for the max capacity. |
| Color Options | Choose from metal finishes like brushed nickel, bronze, and black to coordinate with your room's decor. |
Measuring Correctly for a 120" Rod
Taking proper measurements before buying your extra long tension rod ensures you get the right size for a custom fit. Consider the following when measuring:
- Mounting height - Measure from where you want the rod installed to the floor. Consider the window height and desired hanging length for your curtains.
- Room for adjustment - Add a few extra inches to give yourself wiggle room for adjusting.
- Finials and hardware - Account for the length finials and end caps will add if using decorative hardware.
- Length needed - Measure the full width you need to span, accounting for any windows or doors in the span.
Having these measurements on hand will allow you to select just the right length rod for your space. Our adjustable tension rods give you the flexibility to fine tune within a range. Just be sure the maximum extended length meets or exceeds the full width you need to cover.
Installing 120" Tension Rods
Extra long tension rods install just like standard size ones, with easy, tool-free assembly.
Be sure to get the tension tight enough for the rod to remain firmly in place, but not so tight that the brackets dent or damage walls. It may take some trial and error to find the right tension balance.
Adjusting the Length
One of the convenience factors of tension curtain rods is the tool-free adjustability. You can easily fine tune the length of your 120 inch tension rod:
- Locate the plastic twist end caps on each end of the rod.
- Twist counter-clockwise to loosen tension and unlock telescoping inner poles.
- Carefully extend or retract rod to desired new length.
- Twist end caps clockwise to re-tighten back into place.
Take care when handling lengthy rods during adjustment to avoid accidentally pulling away from the wall. Having a helper makes length adjustments easier and safer.
Special Considerations for Extra Long Rods
Spanning super wide windows or sliding glass doors with a 120 inch tension rod presents some unique considerations versus standard size rods:
- Midpoint support - Longer rods may need support brackets along the span to prevent sagging in the middle under heavy curtains.
- Stabilizing hardware - For extreme lengths, installation kits are available to firmly anchor the rod ends and keep centered.
- Corner and bay windows - Flexible bendable tension rods are ideal for wrapping around corners and conforming to bay window angles.
Leverage specialty hardware fittings and be strategic with bracket placement to provide the stability and support an extra long tension rod needs.
Choosing the Best 120" Curtains
To beautifully dress your floor-to-ceiling windows or sliding glass doors, select curtains that properly coordinate with your 120 inch tension rod. Here are our top tips:
- Allow enough fabric fullness for optimal coverage and light blocking. Panel styles like pinch pleat curtains work well.
- Choose rod pocket curtains that easily slide over the rod, minimizing bunching on longer rods.
- Consider the proper hanging height and puddling for floor-length curtains. An extra 12-18 inches below the rod is ideal.
- Sheer under-curtains let light in while still providing privacy and softness.
- Match heavy curtain fabrics weight to the tension rod's capacity to prevent sagging issues.
With the right combinations of stylish curtains and properly installed hardware, you can beautifully decorate windows of any shape and size.
Troubleshooting Common 120" Tension Rod Issues
Despite best efforts, you may encounter occasional issues with extra long curtain rods. Here are some quick troubleshooting tips:
- Sagging rod - Add midpoint support brackets. Check curtains aren't over capacity. Re-install with tighter tension.
- Rod pulls away from wall - Use screw-mounted stabilizer brackets at ends for added support. Re-adjust tension.
- Wall damage - Add plastic pads under brackets. Reduce tension strength. Use drywall anchors if needed.
With some minor adjustments and the right hardware, you can resolve most common issues that arise with extra long tension curtain rods.
Decorating with Long Tension Rods
Once you've conquered the installation, it's time for the fun part - decorating! 120 inch adjustable tension rods open up many stylish possibilities for showcasing your beautiful tall windows:
- Layer longer sheer curtains under heavier drapes for dimension and light control.
- Incorporate alternating solid and patterned panels for an elegant asymmetrical look.
- Use decorative holdbacks attached to walls or floor to keep sides pulled open.
- Match wide swaths of fabric to your rod length rather than multiple panels.
- Hang coordinating valances above the rod for a polished finished look.
Don't limit yourself to just window curtains either. Use your adjustable tension rod creatively as a room divider, closet rod, or over a bed as an attached canopy. The possibilities are endless!
Our Top Picks for 120" Curtain Rods
Ready to finally get the perfect long curtains you've been dreaming of? Here are our top recommendations for quality 120 inch adjustable tension curtain rods:
| Springs Window Fashions 120" Twist & Lock Rod | Heavy duty steel construction. Extends fully to 120". Holds up to 50 lbs. |
| Kenney Darla 120"- 144" Tension Rod | Durable aluminum rod rated for medium to heavy curtains. Extends to 144". |
| Umbra Twilight 120" - 160" Rod | Bronze steel rod spans up to 160 inches wide. Decorative screw mounts. |
Be sure to measure properly and check the product specs before ordering. With the perfect extra long tension curtain rod, you'll be able to beautifully decorate any large window or opening with elegant floor-length curtains.
Our adjustable tension rod guide covers everything you need to know for selecting, installing, and decorating with an extendable 120 inch curtain rod. Measure precisely, look for heavy-duty steel construction and plastic brackets, and follow the simple installation steps. For tall windows, these super long rods are just what you need to finally hang curtains without frustrating gaps or bunching. Properly show off your beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows while controlling light and privacy with the perfect long drapes.