Choosing Poles & Tracks

Poles

Curtain poles are sold in lengths of up to 3 m (10 ft), often with a wide choice of finials - decorative ends that prevent the curtains sliding off. Most poles are supplied as kits with wall fixings. The brackets should be fitted about 10 cm (4 in) in from either end of the pole.

• To decide what length to cut the curtain pole, hold it above the window with one curtain attached, and position it with enough pole protruding beyond the frame to allow the curtain to overlap the wall. Allow at least 20 cm (8 in), depending on the thickness of the cloth. Pull the curtain into the open position to make sure it draws right back from the window and lets in the maximum light.
• Telescopic poles save the need for cutting to size, but they are not as strong as solid poles. Check that the pole will take the weight of the curtain fabric you've chosen, including the linings.
• Poles allow you to hang curtains with rings or tabs of material. Tabs are available in kits that include decorative buttons, clips, pins, and iron-on tab templates. Cut leftovers of your curtain material to size and simply iron on the templates to make the tabs.
• Choose slim, lightweight rods for hanging muslin, lace, or voile curtains. Make cafe blinds by fitting a brass rod across the window, and fixing the fabric in place with pincer clips.

Tracks

Curtain tracks are sold in lengths of up to 3 m (10 ft) and come with fixing brackets, slip-on hooks, end stops, and instructions for hanging the curtains.

• Some tracks have integral cords to allow you to draw the curtains without handling the fabric.
• Some are fitted with motorized accessories that allow you to open and close the curtains automatically with a remote-controlled unit.
• If you want a valance to hide the top of the curtains and the track, opt for a combined track and valance rail kit. Check the track packaging to make sure it will support the weight of your curtains, including linings.
• As with a pole, track should extend beyond the window frame by at least 20 cm (8 in), depending on the thickness of the curtains, to allow in as much light as possible when the curtains are open.