The track determines where the curtain sits, how it moves and how its weight is supported. Compare mounting and operation options before agreeing your final curtain dimensions.
Ceiling mountedA ceiling fixing positions the track below a suitable overhead support. The stand-off must accommodate the window projections, folds and any second curtain layer.
Both ceiling and wall mounting can work with suitable curtain systems. The choice follows the available support, the curtain position and the space the heading needs. Fixing type and spacing come from the selected system and the actual substrate.
SIDE SECTIONILLUSTRATIVE / NOT TO SCALE
Ceiling mountedA ceiling fixing positions the track below a suitable overhead support. The stand-off must accommodate the window projections, folds and any second curtain layer.
Ceiling mounting
Useful where the design calls for a high curtain line or a track clear of the window reveal. It can accommodate separate layers when the ceiling area has enough room.
Confirm a suitable supporting structure; a suspended ceiling finish is not automatically a load-bearing fixing point.
Check lights, vents, detectors, access panels and any ceiling services along the route.
Allow space for the full heading, folds and open stacks, not only the narrow track profile.
SIDE SECTIONILLUSTRATIVE / NOT TO SCALE
Wall mountedA wall bracket projects the track into the room. Bracket reach and strength must suit the curtain build-up, the wall construction and the selected track.
Wall mounting
Useful where an appropriate wall surface is available and the curtain needs to project clear of the opening. The bracket establishes the track’s stand-off from the wall.
Check the wall construction, fixing location and the selected bracket’s supported load and projection.
Allow for window handles, sills, radiators and the depth of the curtain folds.
Plan bracket positions and any joins without obstructing the curtain’s travel.
No universal bracket spacing.
A heavier acoustic cloth, lining, long span, bend or motor can change the support requirement. The installer should use the chosen track manufacturer’s instructions and the site conditions; the curtain calculator is not a fixing or track-load approval.
02 / THE DETAIL
A concealed track needs an early decision.
A recessed ceiling track sits in a prepared channel so that the profile is partly or fully concealed by the ceiling finish. It needs coordination with the ceiling construction, supporting structure and installation sequence.
Agree the exact profile, recess dimensions and fixing access before plasterboard or other finishes are closed. For a motorised system, include the motor envelope, power route and future access. A visually neat detail still needs enough room for the curtain to move.
This is different from fitting a surface-mounted track inside a window recess. The window reveal dimensions and a ceiling track channel are two separate measurements.
Recessed ceiling trackThis is a track recessed into the ceiling construction. It is different from hanging curtains inside a window reveal. Profile dimensions, backing and access are coordinated before the ceiling is finished.
03 / THE DETAIL
Decide how you want to open the curtains.
Choose the operating method around curtain size, daily use, reach and the room’s controls. Single curtains and pairs can be designed with suitable manual or motorised systems; the exact opening arrangement must be specified.
SYSTEM OVERVIEWILLUSTRATIVE / NOT TO SCALE
Choose how the curtain moves.A manual system is moved by hand or a compatible draw rod. A motorised system drives the curtain along the track and requires a confirmed power and control arrangement.
Manual: hand or draw rod
A compatible draw rod can help users move the curtain without repeatedly gripping the fabric. Check the effort required, access to the leading edge and the ability of the carriers to travel smoothly under the full load.
If considering a cord-operated system, discuss its suitability, control location and safety provisions with the installer. It is a distinct operation type, not the same as an uncorded hand-drawn track.
Motorised: powered movement
A motor drives the curtain along the track. Specify the motor side, power provision, preferred controls and opening limits. Depending on the selected system, control may use a wall switch, remote or compatible automation interface.
Confirm control compatibility, service access, operating noise and power-loss behaviour for the exact model. Manual override and smart-home support are not universal features. Electrical work is arranged with an appropriately qualified installer.
Manual suits a brief where…
Users can reach the curtain, operation is manageable and a simple control method is preferred.
Motorisation is worth discussing when…
The curtain is difficult to reach, used frequently, or needs coordinated operation with room controls. Track capacity and motor suitability still require checking.
A wave-style curtain needs a compatible carrier arrangement to keep the folds regularly spaced. Choosing a wave heading does not make an ordinary track suitable for it.
Identify the system. For an existing track, provide the make and model plus photographs of the profile, carriers and end fittings.
Match the components. Carrier spacing, heading tape, hook positions, leading-edge fittings and end treatment must work together.
Check the fabric and space. Weight, stiffness, lining and seams affect how the waves form and stack. Confirm front-to-back fold clearance and available stack space.
Confirm the making specification. Agree the compatible fullness and hook arrangement with the workroom before manufacture.
The online wave option adds 5% for making.
It does not include a track, motor or hardware, and it does not approve every selected fullness for a particular wave system. Compatibility and the final making plan are confirmed with the order.
Pencil and double pinch headings also need compatible hooks and carriers with adequate capacity. No heading style by itself establishes improved acoustic performance.
PLAN VIEW / LOOKING DOWNILLUSTRATIVE / NOT TO SCALE
The track and heading work together.S is carrier spacing along the track. P is the space occupied by the folds. Heading tape, hook spacing, fabric behaviour and carrier system must be matched; this diagram gives no universal spacing or clearance.
05 / THE DETAIL
Check the complete load and movement.
A curtain is more than a fabric weight per square metre. Support must be assessed for the assembled curtain and how it will be operated, with the appropriate system limits.
Weight & support
Include face fabric, lining, heading, hooks and other components. Consider total weight, load distribution and operating forces. The configurator’s cloth-mass estimate excludes lining and hardware and is not a track rating.
Stack & travel
Plan where each open panel will gather and whether the stack covers the window or blocks a door. Fullness, heading and fabric thickness affect this space. Do not assume a fixed percentage will work for every curtain.
Layers & cavity
Separate face and blackout curtains need enough space to move independently. Agree the intended acoustic wall cavity and fold depth alongside the track positions; compare performance with the relevant tested assembly.
Bays, bends and long spans need a system drawing.
Supply each straight length, angles or a template as requested, the opening direction and the proposed stack positions. Joints, curves, motor limits and overlap carriers are checked against the chosen track—not inferred from total room width.
Discuss survey and installation for your UK project. We’ll establish the scope around the room, curtain assembly, access and proposed track. Track, hardware, motorisation, installation and delivery are quoted separately from the online curtain total.
01
Share the brief
Send the postcode, room photographs, dimensions, chosen fabric and heading, and details of an existing track. Include access restrictions and your preferred timing.
02
Agree the survey & scope
Confirm whether site measurements and fixing checks are required. Establish the track route, supports, obstructions, power provision and any work by other trades.
03
Approve the specification
Review final dimensions, fabric, lining, heading, track system, controls and the written quotation. Stock and scheduling are confirmed before the order proceeds.
04
Fit, check & hand over
The agreed fitting scope should include checking travel, stops, stacks and the finished hang. For motorised systems, include limits, controls and operating instructions.
Useful details for the quotation
Room dimensions, mounting height and fixing surface.
Track lengths, bends, opening arrangement and stack locations.
Fabric, lining, heading and any acoustic or blackout requirement.
Site access, power/control needs and project postcode.
Agree what is included
Ask the quotation to identify survey, track supply, fixing works, curtain hanging, commissioning and access equipment where relevant. Confirm responsibility for electrical provision, ceiling preparation, removal of old tracks and making good.
A request through the website starts an enquiry; it does not reserve an installation date or confirm stock.
Possibly. We need its make or profile, carrier type, condition, fixings and available capacity, plus the proposed curtain specification. A track that carried a lightweight curtain may not suit a lined acoustic curtain.
Does motorisation improve acoustic performance?
No. It changes how the curtain is operated. Acoustic performance depends on the fabric and installed assembly, including coverage, fullness and wall spacing.
Does a ceiling-mounted track guarantee blackout?
No. Light can still enter around the top, sides, centre and hem. Review the complete arrangement, including any head treatment and overlaps, against the required room result.
Is a track included in the live curtain price?
No. The displayed price covers fabric, selected lining and sewing, with the chosen heading addition. Track, hardware, delivery and installation are separately quoted.
