We’re sure,
like many homeowners, the first thing you think of when it comes to curtain
fittings is a curtain pole. These poles are probably the most traditional form
of curtain mounting and work by feeding a series of loops through a pole which
is mounted to the wall above the window. There are, of course, some benefits to
a curtain pole system. They’re affordable and easy to maintain. However, in
recent years, curtain tracks have become more and more popular and after
looking at the benefits there's no guessing why. So, what are curtain tracks
and how do they work?
What are curtain tracks?
In essence
curtain tracks work using a small plastic track which is fixed to the upper
frame of the window. These tracks can at times be hidden or on display
depending on the type of track you have installed and the budget you’ve set
aside for the project. These then have a series of tracking gliders which lay
in the main system. The gliders effortlessly move from side to side using
minimal force or application.
Tracking methods
There are a variety of ways in which a curtain hung in tracks can be pulled open or closed. For example, there is the more traditional and inexpensive manual option where you simply pull the curtain. This has many benefits such as ease of use and inexpensive fitting costs.
Another method of application is the string-based pulley system. These work in a very similar style to household blinds and can be pulled open or closed using a string on either side of the window. Of course, this option is practical, easy to use, and fairly cheap to install. However, a corded system is a touch more expensive than the standard manual tracks and will take a bit more time to install.
The final
application method for tracked curtains is a motorised tracking system. This
method is by far the most expensive and the most time-consuming to install as
the motorised technology is more intricate and difficult to get going. However,
once a motorised system is up and running they are easily the most convenient
of the three options.
Types of tracks
As you might
well expect with a well-designed and popular household appliance there are many
different forms of curtain tracks which can be applied to your own home. With
this vast choice, it is important to consider all of the options for your own
home as many of these tacks and rails come with specific benefits and
drawbacks. So, what are the different types of tracks available?
Single tracks
Single-track
rails have one very specific purpose. They are almost always used for one
single curtain as the rail has less structural integrity than some of the other
rails on the market. For this reason, they are often found on smaller windows
rather than larger double doors or floor-to-ceiling windows.
Double track
These rails
have two tracks running parallel to one another and are used to add two layers
to the curtain. This can be for multiple reasons however the main purpose is to
produce a higher degree of privacy. Many homeowners also choose to add a
black-out curtain to one of these layers which will help to block out most of
the daylight in a room. This feature can be particularly useful in a bedroom or
living room.
Triple track
Much like
double-track curtains, triple tracks are mainly used to increase the privacy of
a home. Though unlike the double track option the upgraded version can produce
an almost total blackout effect. What's more, a triple-layered curtain can
drastically improve noise reduction in your home. So, your bedroom or living
room can be a quiet and tranquil space.
Long-length track
As the name
would suggest these curtain tracks are designed for the longer and larger
windows in the home. Often with larger windows, conventional curtain rails
don’t quite do the job as the number of metal hoops makes the curtain fairly
difficult to pull open or closed. With curtain rails, however, the smooth
gliding tracks don’t suffer from the same issues that hoops do and the curtain
can easily be pulled closed.
S-fold tracks
S-fold
tracks are slightly different again from the other options in this list. Their
primary use is to create the sleek waving pattern that is so common and popular
with high-grade curtains. This pattern doesn’t only create a pleasing design.
It also helps block the light from outside and creates an extra feeling of
comfort and privacy. The real beauty of using rail tracks for your s-line
design is they’re so easy to use. The smooth running of the tracks makes the
application of your new curtains easier than ever before.
Flexible curtain tracks
As the world of home design moves on into the 21st century we are beginning to see more and more interesting design interpretations. One of these striking modern additions is the curved wall and window. Many homes are seeking inspiration from the famous art-deco and modernism movements to style and create their homes in this cutting-edge fashion.
Of course,
these new curved windows still need curtains to give the homeowner that desired
sense of security and privacy. With flexible curtain tracks, these can be bent
and moulded into the shape of the wall and then applied to the frame of the
window.
Why choose Rail tracks?
So, no
matter what your home or your curtain needs there is certainly a rail and track
option that will suit you but what are the benefits of this system?
Versatility
As we’re sure you’re aware from reading the previous list, rail tracks are extremely versatile and can be used on just about any window and have just about any variety of curtains fitted to them. Therefore, you can have rail tracks fitted throughout your home for multiple different curtains and uses. This is partially useful if you think you might want to change the use of any of your rooms in the future. As you can simply remove your current curtains from the rail and replace them with the new desired ones.
The curtains
are also incredibly versatile when it comes to different windows they can be
applied to. In fact, a track can be fitted to just about any window type. From
large floor-to-ceiling windows to curved bay windows a rail track can be fitted
to them all.
Strength
Aside from rail tracks having brilliant versatility they’re also incredibly strong. The main rail is supported by a series of metal brackets which, using wall plugs and screws, are fastened to the main wall of the building. Not only does this make the rail incredibly strong but it also safeguards the system for years to come.
Having a
curtain rail that can both stand the test of time and keep its structural integrity
during day-to-day use is incredibly important. We’re sure that you use your
curtains multiple times each day and that steady daily use can really damage
some rail systems if they’re not built with quality. However, with rail
curtains, you can rest assured that the systems are built with care and
precision.
Easy of use
It goes
without saying really that one of the best things about a rail track curtain
system is the superior ease of use. The curtain glides across the smooth rail
system with incredible ease meaning you can seamlessly pull your curtains
closed after a hard day's work. It’s these small differences in your home that
really make a difference to your everyday quality of life.
How to measure a window
Before you get your trusted tape measure out you’ll need to decide where your rail track is going to be placed. Usually, this is just above the window however you may want the track slightly higher or in a different position.
After you’ve
decided where the track is going to be you’ll have to measure the exact width
of your window from one side to the other and then add 15 to 25 cm to this
length on either side. So, 30 to 50 cm overall. This is so the curtain fully
blocks out the light when drawn.
How to install a curtain track
First things first you should measure where the curtain brackets are going to be placed and then fit the brackets precisely and level. Then after the brackets have been applied to the wall you can then mark these on the track and fit the track to the brackets. The track should simply click into these brackets so it’s a quick and easy process. Then all that’s left for you to do is fit your new curtains to the track and enjoy your new rail track system!
If a track system for your new curtains sounds like
something you would be interested in, our friendly staff can talk you through
the entire process. Contact us today to find out more!