Window treatments are a must-have for every home and most
other types of buildings, as well. Curtains are made from an assortment of
fabrics, but they serve multiple purposes. People often spend quite a lot of
time determining which fabric and styles to use for the best look.
Hanging the curtains is another task and one that requires
choosing between curtain tracks and curtain poles. Which option
should you select? That depends on several factors.
Why We Need Curtains
There are many benefits to hanging some fabric in your
windows. While the designs differ greatly from style to style and you can
choose everything from flat curtains to long, pooling options, they serve
similar purposes.
First, curtains provide some privacy for those who need it.
Without window dressings, anyone could look into your home. This is
particularly true at night when the lights on the inside allow for full viewing
of what is going on in your kitchen or living room, etc. No one wants people
watching them from outside, so a curtain, even a sheer one, will provide you
with more privacy.
The fabric stops direct sunlight from fading wallpaper and
carpets, as well, so it’s quite useful. Since harsh UV rays can destroy just
about everything in their way and will affect everything from hardwood or vinyl
floors to brand-new carpets.
Also, preventing direct sunlight means you can keep the
space at a better temperature without needing too much electricity. The fabric
can actually provide some insulation. The thickness of the fabric will
determine just how much, but it does have an impact.
In addition to keeping out heat, cold, and light, curtains
also provide a form of noise insulation. While they won’t block all noise,
heavier curtains can considerably reduce it. The curtains look beautiful and enhance
your space while providing all these benefits. Now you just need to hang them.
How you hang the curtains will depend on what is available
to you, the design looks you’re going for and what you like best. Let’s take a
closer look at your choices.
What Are Curtain Tracks?
Curtain tracks require the curtain to have track gliders set
into the fabric at regular intervals. These gliders slot into metal tracks that
are set above the window and can be easily moved from side to side with the
touch of a hand.
Tracks tend to be barely noticeable and they’re very easy to
move around. You can set the track into the windowsill, or you can add it to
the ceiling so the curtain falls in front of the window. These tracks can be
nearly invisible if you’re not looking for them, because of the way they tuck
away. In fact, there are even recessed curtain track systems that will
eliminate the visual profile and make it even more invisible. Your curtains
will fairly glide through the air.
What Are Curtain Poles?
Curtain poles are simply poles that are mounted above a
window or door so you can hang your curtains on them. The poles are perfect for
holding curtain rings, which are looped through the fabric. These rings slide
easily along the pole so you can open and close the window dressings as needed.
Curtain poles come in a range of materials, so you should
determine what you need before you purchase. Here are the most common materials
used for the poles:
Metal:
Modern-styled metal poles make for a nice, modern touch. They are ideal for
minimalist spaces or anywhere you intend to use stainless steel or aluminium.
However, you’ll also find that a more elegant look is available in antique
brass and weathered metal.
Metal poles are easiest for curtain rings and eyelet curtains
to slide along, so keep this in mind when you are making your decision.
Wood: A more
rustic option, wood poles look quite distinguished and can be stained or
painted to match the décor. The wood lends a warmer look than metal and it
works well with farmhouse-style homes or anywhere with a slightly more rustic
or welcoming feel to the room.
You may also choose a corded curtain pole, which uses a track set
into the underside of the pole. Instead of using curtain rings that will slide
over the pole, you use track gliders to give you the look of curtain poles with
the convenience of curtain tracks. It’s a good alternative if you can’t decide
which option to go with. Both wood and metal can be corded.
You’ll also need brackets for curtain poles. These are the
pieces that hold the poles up and attach them to the wall. They may be simple
hooks or can be much more complex designs that add to the décor of the room.
There’s no reason to feel limited by your curtain brackets as they can easily
be tailored to suit your space.
The Difference Between Curtain Tracks and Poles
The basic difference between a curtain rail track and a
curtain pole is the way the curtain is attached. The curtain poles are rather
obvious since they require the curtain to have rings attached to the upper part
of the fabric. These can be quite visible and are rarely unnoticed. However,
tracks use tiny pieces that will sit in the track and make the curtains look as
though they hang almost by magic.
Aside from this, both options are quite similar. The way
they’re mounted may make a difference, however. The track system is mounted on
the wall or the ceiling, usually with a little extra space so the curtain can
move smoothly. The poles are mounted with brackets, which attach to the wall
and hold the pole. These can be difficult to use if there are multiple poles.
They can’t slide past the brackets.
Some curtains, called eyelet curtains, have rings built
right into the upper levels of the fabric. This provides you with the ability
to thread the pole through the holes. This partially hides the pole and can be
a nice alternative to showcasing the poles throughout your home.
Which Should You Choose?
Now that you know the difference, should you start looking
for a curtain track system or do you need a set of curtain poles? The only
person who can truly make that choice is you. There are many personal
preferences, so you’ll need to carefully consider the pros and cons of each
system and then decide.
Aside from personal styles, you can determine which type of
curtain-hanging system you need by looking at the following factors:
Space: Rooms with
minimal space will benefit from tracks as they can be attached to the wall or
ceiling to help reduce the profile. They all but hide when installed correctly,
so no one will ever suspect. They’re quite useful when you set them up for
cramped areas, such as bay windows and if they are tucked away by
floor-to-ceiling windows.
Ease of Use: For
most people, a curtain track system or a bespoke curtain rail is the easiest
way to move curtains. If you have arthritis or limited movement in your hands,
you can easily open and close the curtains. They may even use a draw cord so
you can open and close even easier.
Styles: Curtain
tracks tend to have fewer options when it comes to design than curtain poles.
If you want something special and unique, you’ll want curtain poles. They are
available in multiple shapes and designs to thrill pretty much everyone. Eyelet
curtains will hang better on a pole, but most other options are more for taste
than use.
Fabric: The
fabric chosen will also have an impact on the system selected. Heavier pieces
of fabric will not flow as easily on some bespoke curtain rail systems. For
this reason, you may need to use a curtain pole for heavier fabrics. Depending
on the weight, it may pull the hooks out if you use the tracks.
As you can see, the end decision is rather difficult and
you’ll need to spend some time considering which choice is best. It’s a good
idea to take a look at both options and consider which you’ll like best.
Still can’t decide which option is best for your needs?
Don’t worry, we can help. Contact us today to learn more.
Call 0330 127 2002 or send an email to [email protected].