How to Select Curtain Poles and Rails

How to Select Curtain Poles and Rails

Often too little thought is put into curtain tracks or poles. We spend hours finding the perfect pair of curtains, but hang them on the existing pole (which may not be suitable) or purchase a new curtain track or pole based purely on it being the right length. In fact, there are many different types of curtain tracks and poles, ranging from these basic poles, to corded curtain tracks and corded curtain poles, and even electronic opening and closing systems for ease of use and security. Each type of curtain track or pole affects the way which your curtains hang; so it is important to choose your pole just as carefully as you would the curtains.

Uncorded and Corded Curtain Poles

Curtain poles were traditionally wooden or metal poles with rings to hang the curtains from, fixed to the wall with a horizontal or vertical bracket. Nowadays they are much more effective and interesting; they can be accessorised with finials, misdials and holdbacks in a range of designs, and alternative C shape rings to allow curtains to move past the bracket with an ease (a function impossible with O rings).

Uncorded and Corded Curtain Tracks

Curtain tracks (sometimes called curtain rails) differ from traditional curtain poles as they feature a track system with gliders. These work to reduce the amount of friction when opening or closing the curtains, allowing them to be opened and closed more easily and adding the option of choosing corded curtain rails. Both uncorded and corded curtain rails are available in a range of colours and can be made-to-measure to fit bay windows.

Corded curtain tracks (or corded curtain rails) are opened and closed with a string pulley at the side of the track. This makes corded curtain tracks an easy way to protect fragile or lightly coloured curtains from contact, and makes opening and closing curtains easier, ideal for heavy or tall curtains or frail or disabled residents.

If you choose to purchase corded curtain tracks to benefit from their neat, minimalist look and their ease of use, shop for brands such as Silent Gliss. The Silent Gliss 3000 and Silent Gliss 3900, in particular, are popular corded curtain rails due to their high quality design. They allow for extremely smooth running of curtains and the cords do not fall out. The Silent Gliss 3900 is suitable for medium to heavy weight curtains, and the Silent Gliss 3000 is suitable for lined curtains or short interlined curtains.

Another alternative is electronically-operated uncorded or corded curtain rails. Electronically-operated tracks add extra ease of use and security due to their light or time sensors.