Should I use a curtain track to hang my curtains on rather than a pole?

It’s been an exciting time at County Fabrics with a large section of the shop getting refurbished.  We are almost finished the building work and now it gets to the exciting part – a whole new set of displays!  We thought it may answer some of your queries if we took you on this journey with us, starting with what to hang your curtains on?

There is no point investing money and time in gorgeous new curtains if they are not hung on an appropriate pole or track.  You could compromise the look or functionality of your curtains with poor fixings but worse they could fall and damage your walls (…lets avoid the hole filling and redecorating hassle).

Let’s start with the basics – are your walls strong enough to take the weight of the curtains?  Can you get a good fixing into wood (or another solid material) at the right place?  Screwing into plasterboard alone will only hold for small/lightweight curtains.  To avoid future problems consider installing a strapping board onto the wall that you can fix into the studs.  As well as providing the necessary support you then also have complete freedom as to where to place your brackets on the strapping.  Incorrect bracket placement for curtain poles is one of the most common errors when fitting curtains (we will come onto this in a future blog post).

When discussing what to hang the curtains on we normally start with the questions – would you like a pole or a track?

What are the advantages of using a curtain track?

• Tracks can be ordered in many sizes and are often available in numerous colours.
• Tracks are great for covering very wide expanses – there really is no limit.
• Easy to install.
• Good for blocking light (if used with appropriate black-out lining) as fitted close to wall.
• If a size does not fix exactly many tracks can be cut to size at home (or we can do it!).
• Depending on the track selected it will provide all the necessary support for your curtains. Extra brackets can be fitted to provide additional support.
• Some tracks can be bent on site for use around bay and curved windows that is substantially cheaper than a made to measure bay track.
• Many tracks can be either top fixed (onto the ceiling) and face fixed (onto the wall).
• Curtains will run smoothly – even around bends (invest in a can of silicon spray if your track gets a bit sticky!)
• Tracks can be corded or uncorded depending on the exact track chosen.
• Tracks can work well with a wave heading but please ask as you need to ensure you have the right track and the right gliders!
• Often tracks are a cost-effective way to hang your curtains

What are the disadvantages of using curtain track?

• When the curtains are open the track is visible. Many customers don’t like the look of a curtain track.  If this is an issue in your home but you still want to use a track consider a curtain pole or pelmet.
• If you are considering a pinch pleat heading  and want the track covered the flat section between each pleat will be pushed forward when the curtains are open (rather than back that is preferable).
• You cannot have an eyelet curtain on a track and not all tracks will take a wave heading

What the functionality of a track and the look of a pole?  Why not go for a metropole, metroflat (or equivalent) or a corded curtain pole.  These will be discussed in future blog posts.