Bamboo Tension Rod from Umbra

Sometimes we get weary of shiny things like chrome, craving a natural, grounding element instead. So for us, this bamboo veneer tension rod is a novel and refreshing departure from the typical shower tension rod...

Available from Umbra and designed by Luciano Lorenzatti, this $37 rod is available in natural (pictured) and espresso. The downside to tension rods is that rings don't always slide easily across the tension juncture. But it could be that you're only needing to slide the curtain across the continuous part of the rod. The usability caveat aside, we can envision the natural colored shower rod in a bathroom with lots of natural light and creamy whites. Lovely.

Has anyone tried this tension rod?

Comments (10)

I like it. It is a nice change from the metal bar....a natural touch. It's a little pricey, though not outrageously so, and I would try it. Because of the wood texture, I can see a not so smooth movement of the rings, though.

Seems like a bamboo veneer is a bad idea in a damp place like a bathroom, especially with that much friction on it. I can see it splitting and peeling within a year, if not sooner.

The metal on metal sound of the curtain being pulled along the rod is like nails on a chalkboard for me. And I don't like the look of the plastic rods. I think you've rescued me!

Such a nice change. Really beautiful. I wish I had a light filled bathroom. I may put it in my windowless ones someday!

Emily

want. my shower rod is terrible, and falls down at very inconvienent times.

I really like that! I do wonder about durability.

sounds gross. there's a reason some things should be metal--they get wet.

Tension Rods always seem to be problematic - If you need a rod there, why not just bolt one in at the height required?

I've recently been replacing beat up, older stuff with bamboo products, so this post really made me smile.

Our kitchen is kind of stretched out with counter space, and so we have just replaced two vertical paper towel holders with bamboo ones that we got from BB&B, and an old beat-up cutting board with a bamboo, fish-shaped one from Marshalls.

Love all things wood & bamboo. This veneered shower rod is a stroke of genius.

Thanks for the heads up!