Double curtain poles, explained
Two rails on one set of brackets: your curtains on the front, a voile behind. Here is how a double pole works, when it is the right call, and how to choose one.
What is a double curtain pole?
A double curtain pole is two parallel rails carried on a single set of brackets. The front rail is the one you see: full diameter, finials on show, carrying the main curtains on rings. Behind it, closer to the wall, runs a slimmer second rail carrying a voile or sheer on its own rings. One fitting, one install, two layers of fabric that draw independently.
Why choose one
- Two layers of light control. Voile drawn by day for privacy without losing the light; curtains drawn at night for warmth and dark. Each moves on its own rings, so you never disturb one layer to use the other.
- One neat assembly. The alternative is two separate fittings fighting for wall space above the window. A double pole solves it with one set of brackets, aligned by design.
- The hardware still reads as a pole. From the room you see a proper pole with finials; the voile rail all but disappears behind the fabric.
The Cameron Fuller double packs
Cameron Fuller makes its double poles in two pairings, both supplied as complete packs: both rails, four finials, brackets and rings in the box, hand-finished in Devon.
- 19mm double (19mm front, 19mm rear): the slim choice, right for light and medium curtains with a voile behind. From £170.95.
- 32mm double (32mm front, 19mm rear): the all-rounder, with the front rail sized for full-length lined curtains. From £202.95.
Lengths run from 1.5m to 4.0m, in any of eleven metal finishes from soft neutrals through to Bronze, Graphite and Chrome, with seven finial styles (Ball, Spear, Collar, Cage, Barrel, Basket and Curl) and a choice of Standard or Adjustable Loop brackets. Like all Cameron Fuller hardware it can also be colour-matched to your scheme.
Fitting and measuring notes
- Measure exactly as for a single pole. Width beyond the window for stack-back, height above the frame, drop from the front rail's rings. The rear rail needs no extra measuring: it comes aligned on the same brackets.
- Allow for the projection. A double bracket stands further off the wall than a single, so the front curtains clear handles and trickle vents easily; just check the pole's reach against any deep window board.
- Solid fixings matter more, not less. Two rails of fabric is real weight. Fix into masonry, timber or a batten, never plasterboard alone, and follow the bracket spacing guide on long runs.
- Headings: the front rail takes any ring-hung heading (pencil, pinch, goblet). Keep the voile simple: a light pencil pleat or gathered heading on rings draws most smoothly.
A double pole is a straight-run fitting. For layering voiles behind curtains in a bay, or where the fixing must be ceiling-mounted, use a double track instead: Speedy's double track sets and the track collection cover both. Our pole or track guide settles the choice.
Common questions
Can I hang blackout curtains on a double pole?
Yes, on the 32mm pairing. The 32mm front rail is sized for full-length lined curtains; keep the rear rail for the voile. For very heavy interlined curtains over long spans, consider a track or add a centre support.
Do both rails take rings?
Yes. The main curtains hang on rings from the front rail and the voile on its own rings from the rear rail, so each layer draws independently without touching the other.
Can a double pole go around a bay window?
No. Double poles are straight fittings. For a bay, layer with a double track, which bends or is made to the bay's angles: see the callout above.
What is the difference between the 19mm and 32mm doubles?
The rear voile rail is 19mm on both. The difference is the front rail: 19mm for light and medium curtains and a slimmer look, 32mm where the main curtains are full-length and lined.