This is exactly what you'd hope it would be - a standard black matte modern rod. I ordered this in two sizes. The small rod was as easy to adjust as a shower curtain rod. The large rod is a two piece system that has a hidden skinnier extension that slides out to bridge the two pieces. Ours did not come with instructions so it took us a while to find it! There is a white plastic plug where the extension comes out, just shove something in the other end and it will extend. Very sturdy rods!