Kirsch Drapery Hardware, A Fascinating History

When you think about high quality and outstanding beauty in drapery accessories, your first thought should be Kirsch Drapery Hardware.

The Kirsch brand dates back to the invention of the first flat curtain rod and the first telescoping rod, both invented by none other than Charles Kirsch in 1907. Today, more than 100 years later, Kirsch is known for its high-quality and highly fashionable line of Blinds & Shades, Decorative Hardware and Basic Hardware.

Here’s a little history that will help to explain why Kirsch is considered the best in quality window treatment hardware.

Charles Kirsch established The Kirsch Company in 1907 for the purpose of perfecting, manufacturing and making available the simplest and most serviceable rods for current drapery needs and, in doing so, met the demand for strong, practical and durable rods.

The Kirsch rods didn’t sag, tarnish or rust and their telescoping ability made fitting any size window possible. Kirsch immediately began packaging these rods, complete with brackets, and was soon shipping them to customers all over the world. Kirsch also began to develop distinctive and unique curtain rods in varying design and finish. So not only were they highly practical, they quickly became highly fashionable as well, adding that perfect touch for so many different decors with their stunning designs.

Not only were the first flat and first telescoping curtain rods invented by Charles W. Kirsch, even though they were not in use until the 1920s, Mr. Kirsch also invented the famous traverse curtain rod in 1928. A traverse rod is one that will “traverse” or move your drapery panels across the window or door.  Instead of pulling on the fabric with your hands, you just pull on a cord to smoothly slide the drapery open or closed. All operating parts were now concealed within the rod, eliminating any unsightly problems such as dropping or tangled cords and drawn draperies were no longer an expensive luxury.

While you have likely seen the old style of traverse rods, which were white and utilitarian, today there are many other more decorative options. Of course the original white traverse rods are still available and are the most affordable type, however our Kirsch lines now include many variations in wood, wrought iron and metal, with a wide array of finish selections available.

Also in the early 1900s, Mr. Kirsch published his first “Style Book” to assist and guide others on the specialties and options of drapery accessories. His hope was that the book would prove valuable to dealers, managers and clerks of drapery departments in presenting to their customers the latest and most popular suggestions in window and door treatments.

Due to the overwhelming popularity of Kirsch products, by 1923 the Kirsch Company had grown from less than 500 curtain rods produced per day to a capacity of over 20,000 fixtures daily, made in over 75 different sizes, styles and finishes. Kirsch rods were so well known and popular they were even used to create the magnificent window treatments seen in  movie “Gone With the Wind.”

In the1990s Kirsch introduces a wide array of decorative window hardware, featuring one-of-a-kind hand-painted finials and an interchangeable collection of designer poles, traverse rods, rings and finials, providing flexibility and a broad range of possible options.

As well, the new Buckingham® Collection was introduced offering exquisite detailing, excellent craftsmanship and intricate, hand-finished pieces. This line was engineered to handle heavier fabrics, allowing for luxurious functionality.

With all of this, in 2001, Kirsch® breaks all records and literally sweeps the annual Drapery Hardware Category Industry Awards.

In 2006, Kirsch launched their Wrought Iron Curtain Rod line and updated its Metal Accessories lines.

Inspired by neo-classical and American influences, the Metal Accessories collection’s various components – Medallions and Knobs, Holdback Extensions, End Caps and Swivel Sockets – can function alone or in pleasant harmony with other Kirsch collections.

Kirsch© clearly understands the importance of recognizing consumer needs. Conducting consumer research and analysis has enabled this outstanding company has also worked to develop products that address and solve issues such as energy efficiency, as well as to explore ways in which products can be designed or created that maximize the use of natural energy such as sunlight. Kirsch window decor products offer innovative solutions that greatly improve energy efficiency and reduce utility costs in the home.

To that end, Kirsch products include innovative features that provide the best options for energy efficiency and light control, saving energy and utility costs in the home.

How does Kirsch© practice environmental sustainability? Kirsch manufacturing and plant initiatives include:

• Repurposing scrap materials.
• Eliminating waste by using remnant fabrics and material to provide consumers with product samples and swatches. 
• Reducing of disposal footprint by repurposing scrap metal. 
• Recycling all corrugated material monthly to further reduce disposal footprint. 
• Minimizing consumer interaction with solvents by using water-based inks and colorants in product production. 
• Eliminating disposable container waste by reusing polymer-based containers to store and transport materials from suppliers to manufacturing plants. 
• Minimizing the release of chemicals and fumes into the atmosphere by using in-line air filters to clean air propelled paint systems.

Knowing the long and innovative history of the Kirsch Company, you can clearly see why Kirsch has become the leader in high quality and functionality, not to mention the stunning beauty of their design variations and options, for drapery accessories and window treatments.

As the top distributor of Kirsch Drapery Hardware for the west coast, the goal of Williams Drapery is to bring that Kirsch quality and practicality to you with literally thousands of options in style, size, function, finishes and designs.