About the fit - Poles vs. Tracks

When it comes to hanging your curtains, you have two main options: curtain poles or curtain tracks. Your choice will depend on practical considerations like ease of use, but also on aesthetics; it’s important for your chosen fixture to look the part. Here we’ll explain the main issues you’ll need to consider when choosing between curtain poles or tracks.

Type of curtain

Curtains with eyelets or tab tops are designed to be threaded onto a curtain pole. These are not always the most practical to draw, but they are visually modern and very popular. If your chosen curtains have these features, poles are almost certain to be the best choice for you. Do check, though, that you can get poles that are big enough; they are often only available in sizes up to 360cm, while tracks are often made to measure and can be made in lengths of up to 600cm.

Type of window

The way that your curtains are hung may depend on the type of windows you have. For bay windows, tracks are usually more suitable, because they can bend more easily to fit the curve; this allows the curtains to glide all the way around without obstruction. In some cases, bay window poles have joints or knuckles built to go around the corners, and this can result in the curtains getting caught on the join. However, all our curtain poles and tracks can be made to measure in one continuous length so there are no knuckles or joins.

If your heart is set on curtain poles for your bay window, Metropoles or the Bradbury Pole could be the solution; these are a types of curtain poles that can be bent like a track.

Aesthetic effects

One deciding factor, when considering curtain tracks or poles, is the visual effect you want to achieve.

Curtain poles are a more decorative option than curtain tracks, and are available in a variety of different materials, colours, finishes and styles. It’s possible to make a feature of your curtain poles by adding finials onto the ends.

Tracks tend to be more functional, and are not visually interesting. People often choose to hide their curtain tracks using pelmets and valances. It’s usual to hang curtains so that the tracks are not visible when the curtains are closed.

Letting the light in

If blocking out the light is important to you, this may influence your choice. Curtain poles with rings or eyelet curtains have to be suspended down from the ceiling, meaning that there may be a small gap where sunlight can enter the room. Tracks, on the other hand, can be fitted flush to the ceiling or even hidden within the ceiling - perfect for creating a completely dark sleeping environment.

Practicality and ease of use

If your biggest concern is being able to draw your curtains easily and smoothly, curtain tracks are probably the best choice, as poles tend to be obstructed by brackets, creating a drag effect. The exception to this is the Metropole, which is an amalgamation of the best features of tracks and poles put together.  It works like a track but looks like a pole, with all the additional options poles bring, such as finials and a range of colours to suit your interior.

Still need more information? Our buying guide has more details on choosing between poles and tracks.