Sometimes a window treatment calls for some sort of specialty hardware.  A “swing arm” is just such a thing.  This might be used over a shutter so that it can swing open with the shutter door.  Or perhaps another application when the drapery rod can only be attached to the wall on one side.  At a trade show earlier this year, I found a fabulous new type of swing arm rod.  It is made by Helser Brothers and comes in many fabulous finishes.  You can see in the photo that what makes this rod different is the attached holdback.  This can easily be used for swinging the arm, in addition to holding back the drapery.  This is much better than having to reach up  to the top of the swing arm to move it, especially on a tall window.

Hanging a drapery or valance on a window can be done using and endless number of options.  In this photo, drawer knobs were used instead of traditional rods.  With a little ingenuity and the advice of a professional, creating truly custom window treatments will be fun!