GUIDE
Curtain tracks
Curtain tracks are a popular choice in many homes, offering both flexible curtain hanging and a stylish, discreet solution that suits most rooms. In this guide, you'll get a complete overview of how to measure and install ceiling/wall mounted curtain tracks, what to consider before purchasing, as well as practical tips and answers to common questions – all to help you find the right curtain track for your windows.
How to measure for curtain tracks
Wall-to-wall curtain track
If your curtain track is to be installed wall-to-wall, start by measuring the entire distance between the walls. To prevent the track from being too long and not fitting, we recommend subtracting 2 cm from the total measurement.
This margin makes installation significantly smoother, while not affecting the curtains' drape or the visual appearance. The result is a curtain track that fits perfectly without touching the walls.
Curtain track for curtains next to the window
If your curtains are going to hang next to the window – and not cover the entire wall – choose a curtain track of the exact length you desire. We recommend that the curtains frame the window instead of covering it when open. This maximizes light intake, makes the room feel larger, and highlights the window instead of concealing it. This solution is particularly suitable when you want to create soft waves with curtains at the side of the window.
This also applies to blackout curtains. If you want to be able to fully close the curtains, it is an advantage to have the track wider than the window itself. The wider the curtains are, the less light will enter from the sides.
Therefore, we always recommend that you choose a curtain track that is at least 1 meter wider than the total width of the window – meaning about 50 cm extra on each side. This will give you both maximum blackout and a stylish look around the window.
Mount curtain track
When it comes to installing curtain tracks, the instructions may vary slightly depending on the model and whether you are mounting the track on the ceiling or on the wall. However, there are several general tips that are good to keep in mind regardless of the type of curtain track you choose.
Tips for mounting curtain rails
- Consider the surface. Many curtain tracks come with screws, but depending on the ceiling or wall material, you may need to supplement with other screws and plugs to ensure a secure installation.
- Measure the placement before you start. Carefully mark where the track or brackets should be placed before drilling or screwing – this will prevent unnecessary screw holes and ensure a straight and stable hanging.
- Space the brackets evenly. An even spacing of about 50 cm between the brackets will stabilize the track. If the track is joined, you may need extra brackets at the joint, especially if you plan to hang heavier curtains.
- Follow the assembly instructions for your specific model. Different curtain tracks have different mounting solutions, so always check the specific instructions for the track you have chosen. Here you will find our instructional videos showing how to assemble our most common models.
How far from the wall should the curtain track be mounted?
When considering the distance of the curtain track from the wall, there are several factors to take into account. The first is any obstacles, such as window sills, radiators, or pipes. If any of these protrude further than the wall itself, always measure the distance from the edge of the obstacle – not from the wall – so that the curtains can hang freely.
The choice of curtain heading also affects how far from the wall the curtain track should be placed. Pinch pleat hooks take up very little space backward, meaning the track can be mounted closer to the wall. Hotel waves, on the other hand, take up about 10 cm backward, which means the curtain track needs to be placed at least 10 cm out from the wall or from the edge of the window sill. If you think the curtain track is too far out and looks odd from the side, there are angles available to purchase for several of our most common tracks, so you can cover the gap between the track and the wall with the curtains on the sides.
For ceiling mounting, it is easy to adjust the distance between the curtain track and the wall by simply placing the track further in or further out on the ceiling. For wall mounting, however, you may need to supplement with various accessories, such as wall brackets in different depths, to get the correct placement. For more detailed information – read our guide for mounting curtain tracks on the wall.
Extra long curtain rails
Using long curtain tracks over wide areas offers several benefits:
- Creates a soft and luxurious hotel feel
- Makes windows appear larger and maximizes light intake
- Provides flexible screening and easy adjustment of privacy
- Can be extended almost indefinitely thanks to connectable tracks
When you need an extra-long curtain track, you can either order a single, long track (up to 5.8 meters) or connect several shorter tracks with a splice.
- Connecting multiple tracks to create one long track
Using several shorter tracks can be practical, especially if you live in an apartment with a stairwell or elevator. It makes transport smoother and simplifies handling during installation. A long track often requires the help of several people to put into place. - Single track without a splice
For those who prefer a uniform appearance, many curtain tracks can be ordered in full lengths up to 5.8 meters. Although splices are usually discreet, a single track can provide a more seamless impression.
Some tracks, such as the hotel track with two separate channels, cannot be spliced and can only be ordered in fixed lengths. If you desire double curtains but want a connectable solution, you can instead mount two single tracks parallel for the same effect. See our guide for hotel curtains on curtain tracks here.
Curtain tracks for heavy curtains
For heavy curtains, such as blackout curtains, the load on the track can be high. Therefore, it is important to choose a curtain track that can handle heavy curtains, regardless of whether you mount it on the ceiling or wall. Many tracks work well even with high weight, but you may need to use more brackets and shorter distances between them to prevent the track from sagging.
Another common problem is that curtains can start to slide less smoothly when the load increases. You can avoid this by choosing a curtain track with roller glides, which allows the curtains to glide easily even when they are heavy.
For more detailed advice on choosing a track and accessories for high loads, please read our guide to curtain tracks for heavy curtains.
Common questions about curtain measurements
Should I choose a ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted track?
It depends on your circumstances. The choice is also a matter of aesthetics – some people want curtains from floor to ceiling, while others prefer to hang them closer to the window.
A ceiling-mounted track is sometimes easier to install and makes it easy to adjust the distance from the wall.
A wall-mounted track may require more planning and accessories, especially if you need to adjust the distance. In some rooms, ceiling mounting is not possible at all, for example with sloped ceilings, stucco, or if it's not possible to drill into the ceiling.
How do you attach a curtain track to the ceiling?
A curtain track on the ceiling is usually attached with ceiling brackets that are screwed directly into the ceiling. Some models, like the hotel rail, have pre-drilled holes and can be mounted without separate brackets.
Keep in mind that different ceiling materials require different types of screws and plugs, so even if screws are included, you may need to purchase additional fasteners that are suitable for your specific surface.
How far out from the wall should the curtain track be?
A curtain track should be placed approximately 10 cm from the wall for the curtains to hang freely if they are to hang in waves. For pleats with finger hooks, the curtain can hang closer to the window.
If you have a windowsill, a radiator, or pipes that protrude further, always measure the distance from the edge of that object.
Which curtain track is best for hotel waves?
For hotel waves, a discreet curtain track allows the curtains to take center stage. A neat U-track or a hotel track for double layers is therefore a popular choice as they highlight the wave form without visually taking up space.
With hotel waves, the curtains need to be able to run both in front of and behind the track, so they need to hang below the track. With hotel waves, you therefore cannot cover the track, which makes a thin track the most discreet choice.
How do I cover my curtain track?
By combining the curtain track with low-profile finger hooks, you get a setup where the curtain covers a large part of the track, as these hooks lift the curtain closer to the ceiling.
Please note that this only works with certain models, as other tracks would cause the curtain to hit the ceiling. In our overview of curtain tracks, you can see which models can be combined with these gliders.
Curtain rails for sloped ceilings, do they exist?
For sloping ceilings that incline in one direction, the curtain track can be mounted diagonally along the slope. Use gliders on a cord and a stop or brake, and note that the curtains may need to be re-hemmed to hang nicely.
However, if the ceiling slopes upwards from the wall, it's not possible to mount the track to the ceiling. In this case, you'll need a wall-mounted track installed as high as possible to achieve the same effect.
Can I cut the curtain track to the correct length myself?
Yes, you can cut most curtain tracks yourself as long as you cut perfectly straight, so that accessories like end stops still fit. However, the easiest option is to order a custom-sized track, so you get a curtain track in the exact length you need.
How far apart should the rail mounts be?
Under normal load, the brackets should be spaced approximately 50 cm apart. For heavier curtains, you may need to place the brackets closer together to stabilize the rail and prevent it from sagging.
How do I install a curtain track in a corner?
Many curtain tracks have corner bends or return bends that allow you to join the track at a corner. With such a bend, you can let the curtain run through or over the corner for a uniform and cohesive suspension.
Which curtain rails have two tracks?
For double curtain sets, you can choose a ceiling-mounted curtain track with two channels, known as a hotel track. You can also achieve the same effect by mounting two single curtain tracks in a double layer.