How to choose a curtain pole or track: a practical guide
Ceiling or wall-fixed, single or double, pole or track? Six questions to answer before you buy.
Six questions before you buy a curtain pole or track
Ceiling or wall-fixed?
A ceiling track is hidden: it cannot be seen from below and gives a clean, minimalist look. A wall-fixed pole is a decorative element, with finials, a tube and details. Choose by the style of the interior.
Load and the weight of the fabric
Light voile and net sheers suit standard poles. Heavy velvet, linen and blackout fabrics need a thicker track or roller gliders, special gliders that reduce friction.
Window width and a centre support
Windows wider than 200 cm need a centre support bracket, so that the pole does not sag. For a double track (sheer + lined), check there is enough distance from the wall.
Bay windows and awkward shapes
Bendable tracks are bent to the line you want, and they suit L-shaped, U-shaped or round bays. They are fixed to the ceiling with special brackets.
Single or double?
A single pole or track takes one row of curtains. A double one takes two rows (sheer + lined, or net + velvet). A double track saves wall space and gives flexibility.
Type of ceiling and fixing
Concrete, plasterboard and timber joists each need a different plug. Check the ceiling material first, then choose the way of fixing. This matters most for heavy fabrics.
The main types of pole and track
Each type suits a different window: choose by the style of the interior and the weight of the fabric
Ceiling aluminium tracks
Hidden or semi-recessed. They give a minimalist look and suit heavy fabrics with roller gliders.
- — An invisible mechanism
- — A good fall of the fabric
- — Suit bay windows
Wall-fixed decorative poles
A tubular pole with finials, which is a decorative element. It suits lighter fabrics.
- — Decorative finials
- — Easy to fit
- — Classic and contemporary designs
Bendable tracks (bay windows)
They bend to any line. Essential for bay windows.
- — Flexible and adaptable
- — L, U and round shapes
- — Awkward windows
Electric tracks
A motorised mechanism with a remote control, an app or voice commands.
- — Remote control
- — Smart-home connection
- — Comfort without effort
A quick guide to choosing
| Situation | Recommended type |
|---|---|
| A modern home, with the mechanism to be hidden | A ceiling aluminium track |
| A classic interior, with a decorative element wanted | A wall-fixed pole with finials |
| A bay or awkward window | A bendable track |
| Heavy fabrics (velvet, linen, blackout) | A ceiling track with roller gliders |
| Tall or hard-to-reach windows | An electric track with control |
| A sheer and a lined layer | A double track |
Questions
How do you choose a curtain pole?
The choice depends on five things: the type (a tube or a track), the fixing (ceiling or wall), the length (at least 20–30 cm wider than the window on each side), the diameter (16–28 mm, by the weight of the curtains) and the load. A standard pole suits light curtains, and a ceiling track with roller gliders suits heavy blackout ones.
Which is better, a ceiling track or a wall-fixed pole?
A ceiling track is fixed to the ceiling, makes the room look taller and cannot be seen, and it suits a modern interior and wave headings. A wall-fixed pole is a decorative element with finials and holds heavy curtains better. Choose by the style of the interior and the weight of the fabric.
How much wider than the window should the pole be?
The pole should be at least 20–30 cm wider than the window on each side. Then curtains drawn back fit at the side without covering the glass, and the room gets more natural light. Poles longer than 200 cm need a centre support bracket.
What diameter of pole should you choose?
The diameter is chosen by the weight of the curtains: 16 mm for light sheer curtains (voile, net sheer), 20 mm for medium-weight fabrics, and 25–28 mm for heavy blackout and velour curtains. A pole that is too thin bends under heavy curtains.
What kind of track does a bay window need?
Bay windows and windows of unusual shape need bendable tracks, which are bent to the line you want: L, U or round. They are fixed to the ceiling with special brackets and let the curtains move smoothly round the corners.
Ready to start?
The designer comes with fabric samples and measures the windows. Measuring is free in Vilnius. In Kaunas and Klaipėda it is free on orders of €200 or more. Elsewhere in Lithuania the visit is paid, and the price is agreed beforehand.
Warranty: 12 months on sewing and tracks, 24 months on mechanisms and motors · 500+ projects · Made in Lithuania