Planning a masculine home

Curtain Track vs Curtain Pole: Three Factors to Consider

18 January 2017

Felicia Carr

When buying curtains, the first thing that most people think about is what kind of material and design they would most enjoy, but a more pressing concern should be whether to use a track system or a pole header to keep those curtains up.

Curtain tracks sit close to the wall and glide curtains along a fixed track using small hooks. Poles are a little simpler; the top of your curtain will be attached through several pleats or eyelets. Neither option is better than the other, but each choice does come with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Here are just three factors that you should think about when deciding between pole and track curtains.

1. Style

Both curtain tracks and curtain poles can look great, but you'll want to consider your own specific needs before choosing between them.

Curtain tracks are usually less visible than curtain poles. In fact, they can be completely obscured when the curtains are drawn, and you can have them coloured to match the wall to ensure inconspicuousness while the curtains are open. This makes them an excellent option if you would prefer a more modern, minimalism appearance.

Curtain poles will be more obvious, so homeowners can use them to make more of a statement. With a variety of finishes, colours, and materials on offer, the right curtain pole can suit anything from period home to contemporary styling. If you want the curtains to stand out more, poles are the way to go.

2. Weight of Curtain

In general, you're going to want to opt for a pole system if you're picking up heavier curtains. If you're using a heavier material and adding lining, the weight could place too much strain on a tracking system; even if the system lasts for a while, it could eventually need repairs due to the added stress. You can, of course, find tracks that are built around the needs of heavyweight curtains, but they can be quite hard to source and are usually quite expensive.

When you use heavier curtains with a pole system, you'll still need to make some adjustments. However, it's quite easy to find poles of a larger diameter that are made from stronger materials, and damage is less likely to occur since pole systems are simpler than track ones.

3. Shape and Size of Space

Finally, take the time to consider the space that you're placing curtains over. If the curtains will need to cross quite a large span of space, track is your best option. An extra-long track can be made quite easily, so you can cover the whole side of a room with curtains if you choose. You can technically accomplish the same feat using poling, but you'll have to use lots of supports, and those supports restrict the movement of curtains. This means that you'll have to use lots of curtains instead of just having two that meet in the middle.

On the other hand, poles work better when dealing with smaller or oddly-shaped spaces. If you only need to cover a door or a very small window, a track system can seem a little excessive and out of place, and they aren't as useful when dealing with tricky spaces, such as bay windows.

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