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Tension rods are an old standby for apartment dwellers. They're inexpensive, simple, and they get the job done when you need to hang a shower curtain without damaging your tile. Although they might not be the most attractive hardware, they can come in handy in other parts of the home as well…

  • We've used them many times on a small window to hang a sheer, sleeve-top curtain. Since the rod is mostly hidden, you can use a cheap tension rod without worrying too much about its looks.

  • If you rent your apartment and the landlord bars you from drilling holes, you can also try the Umbra Mission Double Tension Rod, which mounts outside the window frame for a more formal look.

  • Indoors or outside, a tension rod is an easy way to hang a curtain room divider. Used in a passageway between a patio or deck, it can create an instant outdoor room.

  • Although a tension rod won't hold as much weight as a normal closet rod, you can use one in a wardrobe to add extra hanging room for lightweight objects, like ties or jewelry.

  • Another clever idea comes from Real Simple: use a tension rod in a cabinet or drawer to create a makeshift divider/rack for pot lids.


For good-looking tension rods profiled on Apartment Therapy, check out the Bamboo Tension Rod from Umbra and the Polder Duo Shower Rod.

Photo: Sarah Coffey