Selecting the right features for your curtains can feel like a daunting task. After all, there are so many nuances in the process that you want to get just right. One key decision is concluding whether to use curtain tracks or poles. They both perform the same function, holding up your curtains; however, they come with their own nuances that are important to know before purchasing.
This guide will walk you through the differences between the two and help you determine which option is best suited to your home.
Appearance
Curtain tracks are made from either plastic or metal and can be completely hidden behind closed curtains. As they are not visible, they are available in a smaller range of designs and materials.
Curtain poles are made from metal or wood and are much more visible than tracks. You can choose from a wider range of designs and colours to complement your interior space, allowing them to match your décor and add an extra element of style to your room.
Compatibility
Tracks can only be used with curtains that have heading tape, such as pencil pleat curtains. They are hung by simply attaching curtain hooks to gliders. If you have eyelet or tab top curtains, you’ll need to use poles instead of tracks.
Curtain poles are compatible with most curtain styles, including pencil pleat and eyelet curtains. Pencil pleat curtains can only be hung on poles with curtain rings, whereas eyelet and tab top curtains can be hung directly on the pole.
Types and Features
Curtain tracks can be made with or without a cord. The cord system is used to open and close curtains rather than requiring you to do it manually. This helps to protect the curtain fabric, tracks and gliders. It is also an ideal solution for curtains in awkward or hard-to-reach spaces, such as extra-tall windows or windows on stairways.
Curtain tracks are also available in extra-long sizes and extendable options to fit the exact size of the window. Extendable tracks are ideal for students or renting families, as the tracks can be taken down and fitted to other windows when needed.
You can also get double curtain tracks or tracks with valance rails that allow you to hang two different types of curtains in front of each other and create a unique style. For example, you could display a thick blackout curtain with a lightweight voile behind it.
Curtain poles are available in many options to suit different needs, for example, fixed length or extendable. Like tracks, fixed-length poles can be trimmed down to size with a saw or extended by joining two poles together – typically a task for a professional joiner. Extendable poles, on the other hand, are easy to adjust to fit your window perfectly, making them convenient and cost-efficient. This is an ideal choice for renters or those looking to reuse tracks in various spaces over time.
However, unlike tracks, curtain poles can also be made of wood. Wooden poles are not available in extendable options, but can still be cut down and extended traditionally, using a saw and joiner.
Curtain poles can come with or without curtain rings. It depends on which type of curtain you intend to get. However, you can purchase these separately, in case you decide to make changes in the future, for example, switching to pencil pleat curtains.
Tip: Wooden poles often come with matching wooden curtain rings, but if you intend to hang eyelet curtains, look for wooden poles that are designed for eyelet curtains to avoid paying extra fees for curtain rings you won’t use!
Tracks vs Poles – Which is better?
As curtain tracks are often completely hidden behind closed curtains, their design is purely functional. However, they are more flexible than poles; they can be easily fitted on difficult windows, such as bay windows and dormer windows, with limited space to manoeuvre.
Poles can be used with a wider range of curtain types and are available in many different colours and materials. Due to their visibility, they are frequently treated as decorative alongside functional. They can complement the look of your window dressing by adding an elegant and contemporary touch to your interior décor. Their attractive finials are available in a wide range of designs and materials, enabling you to choose the style you wish to achieve
However, the choice depends on your own personal preference. If you like the seamless look of curtains, where the focus is solely on their design, then curtain tracks are likely best suited to you. If you want to make an impact and add a contemporary element to your décor, then you may benefit more from curtain poles!
If you’re still unsure which to go for, chat with our support team, and they will be able to provide more examples of both to help you find the best fit for you.
Get in touch here, or call us on 01226 756 111. Alternatively, feel free to visit our Barnsley showroom for inspiration!
