If you think that curtains are just pieces of fabric used to cover windows you should think again. Aside from providing privacy, lighting versatility and climate control, curtains are also a fantastic way to change or enhance the appearance of your home. Available in a range of textures, fabrics, designs and patterns, curtains can meet every kind of aesthetic requirement.

When deciding which type of curtains to choose for your home, you will have to consider a few factors such as colour, fabric, length and lining. You will also have to decide if you want it to go on a rod or on a track. The type of placement you choose can make a big difference to the overall look of your curtains.

What is the difference between curtain tracks and poles?

Tracks and poles are items used to hang curtains. Although both have the same function, curtain poles are more visible and come in a wider range, helping create a more complementary look. A sliding curtain track is a subtler option that can be almost entirely hidden once the curtains are closed. Curtain tracks are generally made from either metal or plastic and are used to hang and draw curtains that have heading tape. Eyelet curtains and tap top curtain can't be used with a curtain track. Curtain poles are often made from metal or wood and can range from simple to decorative styles. A wider range of curtain styles can be hung on curtain poles including tab top, eyelet and pencil pleat.

What types of curtain tracks and poles are available?

A sliding curtain track is a fairly basic system available with corded and uncorded options. Some metal tracks are also available as extendable options, which means if you have a specific large window, you won't need to buy two separate tracks and join them together. The standard face-fix track is the most commonly used track type. It is generally fixed directly to the architrave or wall just above the window. With this track type, the curtain hooks are usually placed low on the curtain heading, covering the track. Standard face-fix tracks in neutral colours are the preferred choice as they can easily blend into the surroundings. There is also the designer face-fix track. Although it functions the same as the standard face-fix track, it is available in more bold and attractive colours and designs, which allow it to act as a design feature in home decor. With this type of track, the curtain hooks are often placed hight on the curtain heading so that it coves the glides but sits just below the track.

Curtain poles also come in different formats to suit different needs.

  • Fixed length pole kits - as the name suggests, these kits contain a single pole that can be cut down if necessary using a saw. If you can't find a pole long enough to meet your needs, consider joining two poles with the help of a joiner, which is often sold separately.
  • Eyelet pole kits - this kit is designed specifically for eyelet curtains and doesn't include hanging rings as they aren't necessary. If you can't find the style you want in an eyelet pole kit format, you can purchase a fixed-length kit and discard the rings.
  • Extendable poles - To avoid cutting poles down and get the exact size and fit for your window, an extendable pole kit is a perfect solution. Made from metal, this pole features two interconnecting poles, one slightly narrower than the other so that it can slide into the larger pole and be adjusted to the desired length, then secured in place by the brackets. Wooden poles aren't available in extendable options.

Which curtain style is compatible with tracks or rods?

For curtains with header tape, a track curtain rail system is the perfect choice. Plastic tracks support light to medium weight curtains while metal tracks support heavier weight curtains. Whilst eyelet or tab top curtains can be used directly on the pole while pencil pleat curtains will need header tapes and rings to be used on poles. Smaller poles are suitable to light to medium weight curtains and large diameters can carry heavier weight curtains.

Track vs Pole - Which one to choose?

Curtains that are hung on a rod tend to lead a common problem - a gap between the top curtain edge and the rod. This gap can allow annoying light or sun-glare at certain hours of the day. To correct this issue, the rod must be placed at a point significantly higher than the top of the window. Curtain tracks are designed to virtually disappear when installed, blending against the wall or completely hidden behind your curtain, valance or pelmet. This prevents gaps that admit outdoor light.

Curtains installed with corded tracks are easy to be opened and closed. Corded tracks are also very helpful for adjusting curtains installed on very tall windows or curtains made of heavy fabric. Even for curtains made from delicate fabric, a non-corded track offers smoother manual curtain adjustment than curtain rods provide.