When two pieces of metal or wood are joined, any ring of metal that is sleeved over to create both the join and an effect is a ferrule. It’s also a protective ring or cap that may be more or less visible.
Walking stick ends are effectively ferrules that are primarily there for protection, to increase the wear, but as with most details are subject to the whims of decoration – carved, coloured or shaped in some way.
* In furnishings we use ferrules mostly as alternative ends to curtain poles, where finials are considered to be unnecessary or intrusive, or where there is little space for them.
* When simplicity is the essence and the design asks for fine metal poles and understated window treatments, the ferrules we use are no more than neat caps. Made of the same colour and material as the pole, they fit snugly over the ends, virtually invisible, serving only protect the pole end from damage to itself, to walls or to fabric, demanding nothing.
* At the other end of the scale a highly decorative metal ferrule of say, silver or gilded filigree, will bring points of brightness high up, and carry just enough relevant decoration to a room that is smarter and grander than most.
* Some rooms need a bit more decoration than others and these pole ferrules fulfil the brief admirably – they are less obtrusive than decorative finials and being neat help to keep the window treatment more contemporary, even when the fabrics themselves are opulent.
* Other places where ferrules are used for purpose or effect are with simple metal lamp bases, bed posts, fenders and stair rods.