Curtain Tracks & Poles

Tracks or poles?

Poles are part of the look, as the finish and finials (the decorative ends) are on show. Tracks sit discreetly behind the curtain and can bend around bay windows. Some headings need a particular type: wave curtains need a compatible track, while eyelet curtains need a pole. If you're not sure which is right, we'll help you choose.

Fitting matters

Curtains are heavy, so the hardware needs to be fixed securely, with brackets spaced to take the weight. That's why we fit tracks and poles ourselves, so you know they'll hold.

Choosing curtain tracks and poles for each window

Most of the decision comes down to the window and the heading you'd like. A pole suits a straight window where you're happy for the hardware to be part of the look — in a living room, for example, a pole in a finish that picks up your door handles or light fittings can help tie the room together. A track is usually the better choice when the window is wide or shaped, or sits in a bay, because it can follow the wall and lets the curtains run smoothly from end to end.

A ceiling-fixed track is worth considering where there's very little wall above the window, or where you'd like curtains to run from ceiling to floor to make a room feel taller. We'll look at what's above each window before suggesting anything.

Width, stack-back and drop

When curtains are open they gather at each end of the track or pole — this is called the stack-back. If the hardware only matches the width of the window, the gathered curtains sit over the glass and take away some of your daylight. That's why we'd usually suggest extending it past the frame on each side, so the curtains can draw fully clear.

The height matters too. Fixing the track or pole a little above the frame helps hide the top of the window and cuts down light over the top, and it decides the drop — the length the curtains need to be. We measure all of this together, so your curtains and hardware are made to suit each other.

Electric tracks and everyday care

For tall windows, wide patio doors or curtains that are awkward to reach, an electric track can make life easier. We use Somfy curtain motors, which you can run from a remote, wall switch or timer, through the Somfy TaHoma app, or by voice with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. You can read more on our motorised curtains page.

Day to day, tracks and poles need very little looking after. A wipe with a dry or slightly damp cloth keeps them clean, and drawing curtains by the leading edge rather than tugging the fabric helps them run freely. If something does stop working, have a look at our repairs and spares page.

Measuring and fitting

If you'd like us to take a look at your windows, book a free home appointment and we'll measure up and talk you through the options.