Curtain tracks and poles

Tracks and poles: finding the right fit

The right track or pole helps curtains move smoothly and hang beautifully. Whether you want something discreet or a pole that's part of the room's style, we'll help you work through the practical details.

Whether you choose your curtains or your hardware first, the two work best when they are planned together. The track or pole decides which headings you can use, how smoothly the curtain moves and how much weight it can carry, so it is a lovely idea to think about them side by side. We are always happy to help you match them.

Tracks: neat, quiet and flexible

A track is a slim rail fixed to the ceiling or wall, with glides that carry the curtain. It is a popular, practical choice.

• The curtain can sit close to the ceiling, which helps the room feel taller and keeps light from showing above the heading.
• Glides move smoothly along the whole length, with no brackets in the way.
• Some tracks bend, so they follow a bay window beautifully.
• A track is the natural partner for wave curtains.

Poles: decorative and simple

A pole is a rod held on brackets, with rings or eyelets carrying the curtain. The pole is part of the look, with a choice of finials and finishes.

• Poles suit eyelet curtains, and rings work well with pencil pleat curtains.
• On a long pole, brackets can sit in the way of the curtain, so a centre support is worth planning in.
• Straight poles suit straight windows best. For a bay there are corner connectors and bay-shaped poles.
• Rings can make a little noise on a metal pole, depending on the finish.

Weight and fixings

Heavy curtains, especially lined or interlined ones, need a firm fixing. A long span may benefit from support at the centre, and ceiling fixings are best placed into joists or with suitable fixings. Plasterboard on its own often needs extra support, and the right choice depends on your wall or ceiling. If your curtains are heavy, just let us know and we will check what the hardware suits.

Bays and corners

A bay works with a track or pole that bends or is joined at angles. Tracks can often be bent on site to the angle of the bay, or supplied pre-bent, depending on the system. Poles use corner joints, and the curtain will pause at each corner unless special connectors are used. For ideas beyond curtains, see blinds for bay windows.

Hand drawn, corded or motorised

• Hand drawn. You draw the curtain along the track or pole. It is simple and reliable, and a baton or wand helps keep the leading edge looking its best.
• Corded. A cord and pulley draws the curtain without touching the fabric, which keeps curtains cleaner and suits tall windows. Where little ones are around, keep cords tucked up out of reach with a tension device or cleat, and see our child safety page.
• Motorised. Some tracks can be motorised. Ask us what is available for your system, and see motorised blinds for a feel of how it works.

A friendly way to choose

If you have a bay, a wide window or a patio door, a track is usually the easiest. If you would like a decorative feature and a relaxed curtain on a simple straight window, a pole is a lovely choice. Not sure? Tell us about your window, the curtains you like and how often you draw them, and we will help you pick. For the wider picture, see curtains.

Measuring for your track or pole

A track or pole that is longer than the window lets the curtain stack beside the glass rather than in front of it, and a little height above the frame helps it clear. It is worth leaving room for radiators and checking what is behind the wall or ceiling before drilling. We will take care of all of this when we visit.

Would you like a second pair of eyes on your window? Book a free measure and we will talk you through what suits before you decide anything.