Curtain Rails and Tracks

Curtain rails and tracks

When choosing a window treatment style and design in New Zealand, it's essential to consider how the drapes will be hung. Selecting the right curtain accessories, such as the rails, tracks, and other pieces of hardware, is a vital part of the final decision from both a functional and aesthetic point of view.

The first thing to think about is whether the curtain carrier should be visible, or even make a prominent part of the ensemble. Typically, the rails and tracks are more subtle, while a curtain rod can provide a striking visual feature to enhance the window treatment appeal. The curtain track can be hidden behind a pelmet or installed on a ceiling cavity or bulkhead. It's also possible to hide it behind the curtain heading.

Curtain rails and tracks should be of good quality, above all, and ready to hold layers of heavy curtain fabrics.

Curtain tracks vs curtain rods

A curtain rod is a pole commonly made from metal or wood. It can be either fed through the curtain heading or through a set of rings attached to the top of a curtain. It features a higher decorative value than trails and tracks as rods are meant to be visible and often come in a variety of designs, including a broad range of rod finials to match. 

A curtain track is a functional tracking system that uses carriers or glides to hold the curtain. Typically, these systems are made of aluminium or, sometimes, plastics. Curtain rails and tracks feature some handling advantages, making them a popular choice for residential and commercial applications in New Zealand.

Advantages of curtain tracks & rails    

• Ease of use: Many prefer the internal tracking system due to the smoother way to open and close. Manoeuvring can be performed by a cable, which is convenient for hard-to-approach areas. 
• Clean, discreet profile: Glides or carriers are usually hidden behind the curtain heading.
• Flexibility: Curtain tracks can be moulded to shape, which makes them ideal for situations where angles and curves are a necessity, such as bay windows.
• Versatility: Curtain rails fit with a plethora of curtain heading styles, especially pleated or S-fold. 
• Affordability: Simple design makes tracks and rails a cost-effective solution, often more affordable than curtain rods. 

Curtain rails & tracks components

Curtain rail brackets

There are two typical systems to attach the curtain track to the brackets. 

The clip system is used with many curtain tracks in New Zealand. It's a plastic clip joined to the underside of the bracket with a loosening screw. 

Lock-and-cam is a traditional system. Here, the groove on the top of the trail is forced up over the cam and rotated to lock in place. 

Curtain tracks gliders

A glide is a plastic component used to attach a curtain. It slides along the system in a loose, smooth way. Gliders are commonly designed to be universal and suited to most pleated curtain styles in New Zealand.

Curtain carriers

Carriers are an alternative to glides, typically used for S-fold styles. They hang from a string at equal intervals, designed to create uniform folds and prevent the curtain heading from losing its shape.

Curtain track end stops, end caps and finials

End stops/end caps are inserted on each end of the trail. They serve to prevent the first glide from moving along the curtain rail and keep the curtain end fixed. That way, the drape can't fall off the track.

Finials are more visually prominent versions of end caps. They come in a variety of designs, materials and shapes, to suit many different styles. 

Where to use curtain tracks 

Lightweight, sheer curtains fit equally well with both curtain rods and tracks in New Zealand. On the other hand, heavy drapes, such as thermal curtains, are easier to handle using curtain pulls or motorised trails. 

Window size and shape are also determining factors. Tracks and trails are very handy for tall windows and inaccessible areas. Again, motorised systems and curtain pulls move the tracking gliders quickly, opening/closing the curtain regardless of the fabric's weight.  

Double curtain tracks are ideal for holding blackout curtains in bedrooms. They can be installed inside the window recess, allowing the curtains to prevent virtually any light from leaking inside.

A ceiling-mounted curtain track makes a convenient solution for areas with insufficient space to install a rod above the window. 

Flexible, curved and corner curtain track can be adapted per need to suit all wall shapes and bays. 

If you need assistance to select the best curtain rails & tracks for your windows in New Zealand, ArchiPro provides a connection to the various professionals, ready to assist with all requirements and questions. Simply click "Contact supplier" on the product's page, or visit the supplier's website directly from the product's page.