Buying Guides
Buying Curtain Tracks & Poles
When you choose a pole or a track, you'll need to decide what's the best for your window and the type of curtains it will support.
We offer a range of curtain poles, tracks and accessories in a variety of materials and finishes. Our step-by-step guide shows you how to take quick and accurate measurements for readymade or made to order options, or use our virtual appointment service to get help and advice from an estimator.
Alternatively for window treatments that we will measure & fit, book an in-home visit where one of our experts will come to your home and measure your windows for you.
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Curtain poles
- Using a pole to hang curtains creates a more decorative look and compliments your curtains and decor.
- Curtain poles allow you to have a wider choice of curtain headings such as pencil pleat, eyelet, tab top, wave shape, etc.
- Choose metal for a modern look and wood for a more traditional crafted style
What type of curtains are you hanging?
- Eyelet curtains simply require a pole
- Pleated curtains require a pole with rings
- For wave headed curtains consider our made to order glider pole
Why not consider matching curtain holdbacks to go with your pole?
We offer a choice of ready made pole kits in fixed or extendable lengths ideal for simple sized windows with the option to be cut to size. We also sell accessories such as additional rings or curtain holdbacks.
Or why not choose from our Select range, made to order in the UK and delivered to you in just 7-14 days. Great quality, easy to install, with matching finishes and finials.
Alternatively, consider our bespoke Designed For You ranges ideal for larger or more complex windows in a wider array of styles and finishes. This is an ideal choice for bay windows as our professional teams will bend them as part of our fitting service.
Curtain tracks
They are ideal when there is limited space between the top of the window and the ceiling.
Our tracks are made of high quality aluminium, are simple to fit and bend.
Corded or Uncorded tracks?
- Do you want to open and close the curtains using a pull-cord
- Do you have tall or tricky-to-access windows
- Would you prefer to minimise handling of more delicate fabrics
If any of these are a factor, then corded tracks are a great option. Otherwise you can opt for uncorded tracks.
We offer a range of tracks suitable for light, medium and heavy weight curtains with both wall or ceiling mounted options depending on your requirements. You can choose from uncorded or corded options.
Our tracks are made of high quality aluminium, are suitable for all types of curtain headings except eyelet and tab, suitable for bay & recess windows and are bendable and can be cut to size.
Alternatively, consider our Designed For You ranges ideal for larger, bespoke or more complex windows. This is an ideal choice for bay windows as our professional fitters will bend them as part of our fitting service. You can choose from uncorded, corded or motorised options.
Tension, Net & Cafe Rods
Tension rod: require no brackets or screws to be fitted as the rod has a spring inside that provides the tension needed to keep the rod in place.
Net rod: are thinner than a tension rod and require screw fittings. We offer set sizes and extendable options as well as a flexi rod which is suitable for bay windows.
Cafe rod: are decorative and require brackets.
Measuring up for curtain poles
Measuring up for curtain tracks
Outside recess
- When measuring, allow a minimum of 15cm (6") each side of the window to let in the maximum amount of daylight.
- For very full curtains allow even greater width.
- Narrow windows can be made to appear wider by extending the track on either side.
- Aluminium tracks can be cut to fit.
- Heavy-duty aluminium tracks can be ordered in exact lengths from our shops.
- An extendable steel track can be used where you're unsure of the exact measurements.
Inside recess
- To fit a curtain track inside a recess, the overall length of the track should be slightly shorter than the actual width of the recess.
- Slim aluminium tracks can be cut to fit using a hacksaw.
- When measuring, allow for bends; the gentler the bend, the smoother your curtains will run.
- Most aluminium tracks can be bent to fit. If the track is heavy-duty aluminium you'll need to order it ready bent – just fill in one of our measurement forms in store and we’ll do the rest.
Fitting & after care
Attaching curtains to poles
- For pencil pleat curtains, fit the curtain hooks into the “eyes” on the bottom part of the curtain rings.
- The curtain should hang below the eyes, not cover them. If the rings are partly covered, they will push the heading forward, making the curtain stick out rather than sit flush.
- Place the end ring between the bracket and the finial to keep the end of the curtain in place when the curtains are closed.
- Tab top and eyelet curtains fit directly onto the pole. Place the end eyelet or tab between the finial and bracket.
- For more detailed help, take a look at our curtains buying guide.
Cutting and bending tracks
Aluminium tracks are also easy to cut with a hacksaw:
- Aluminium can be made into tighter bends but work carefully because once bent, an aluminium track will not spring back.
- Follow the pack instructions and bend in stages, checking the angle of the bend regularly against the shape of the window.
Fitting tracks
Brackets
- Most tracks come with universal brackets that can be fixed either to the wall or ceiling.
Wall fixing
- Fix the track to a wooden batten above the window frame, or to brickwork using long screws and raw plugs.
Ceiling fixing
- Attach the track to ceiling joists or a wooden batten.
Cleaning tracks
Occasional cleaning will improve the performance of your track and help prolong its life. Wash with a household detergent, allow to dry, then spray with a silicone-based lubricant.
Ordering
What are my delivery options?
Spend over £30 online and you can Click & Collect your curtain tracks or poles free of charge from our shops.
We’ll deliver free when you spend over £50.
Returns
Made to measure blinds can’t be exchanged or refunded unless faulty or not as described. Ready-made blinds can be returned if unsuitable, but please keep all packaging and parts.