Get Your Curtains to Glide - Using Hooks and Tracks
If your curtains never seem to hang quite right, it may be time to try out hooks and tracks. This effective system makes operating curtains smooth and effortless.
Using a track and hooks to hang curtains offers many advantages over other options. Rods can sag over time, causing curtains to bunch up. Pins and other basic hooks often snag fabric. But tracks and hooks let curtains glide silently and evenly. The hardware stays secure and helps curtains maintain their shape. Read on to learn all about maximizing these benefits for your own windows.
Types of Curtains for Tracks and Hooks
To reap the rewards of track-hung curtains, start by selecting the right curtain style. The main types ideal for using with tracks and hooks are pinch pleat and sheer pleat curtains.
Pinch Pleat Curtains
Pinch pleated curtains feature narrow, tightly gathered pleats. The compact pleats give these curtains their distinctive sculpted look. When buying pinch pleat curtains for a track system, specialized hooks are required. The hooks fit right into the pleats without ruining their shape.
Popular hook choices for pinch pleats include drapery pins with pointed tips to pierce the pleats or hooks that slide snugly beside the pleats. Both ensure a secure hold within the narrow pleats. Pinch pleat curtains create a formal, elegant look and their dense pleats accentuate the smooth operation of curtain tracks.
Sheer Pleat Curtains
Sheer pleated curtains have wider, looser pleats than pinch pleat drapes. The softer pleats create an airy, lightweight appearance. These billowy curtains pair perfectly with tracks and hooks to promote effortless movement. The hooks attach directly into the back seam of each soft pleat.
For sheer pleat curtains, choose pleat hooks with pins rather than pointed tips. The pins fasten into the pleat seams securely without damaging the delicate fabric. Sheer pleated curtains gracefully sweep open and closed, showcasing the fluidity of the curtain tracks.
Hardware Needed for Installation
Once you've selected the curtains, it's time to pick out compatible hardware. Proper tracks and hooks are key for optimizing the benefits of this hanging system. Here's an overview of the components involved.
Curtain Tracks/Rods
The curtain track provides the foundation for smoothly operating curtains. The main options are ceiling and wall mounted tracks. Ceiling tracks are best for wide windows to allow full exposure when open. Wall mounts work well for privacy and light filtering.
Tracks come in various materials like metal, wood, or plastic. The style should match your room's decor. Many metal tracks have a white powder-coated finish to blend in subtly. For adjustability, some tracks telescope to custom sizes.
Mounting Options
Proper track installation is crucial. Ceiling mounts use screws anchored into wood or metal support. Wall tracks require anchors and screws placed into studs. Alternatively, you can install tracks with clips for non-damaging fastening.
Clips make repositioning easier though screws provide the most stability. Measure precisely and use a level to ensure even, smooth operation.
Curtain Hooks
Choosing the right hooks prevents sagging. Hooks come in varying lengths. Measure the desired height from track to floor and get appropriately sized hooks. For drapes puddling on the floor, get longer hooks.
As mentioned, opt for pin hooks for sheer pleats and pointed or slide-in hooks for pinch pleats. Hooks should glide effortlessly when using quality tracks.
Other Hardware
Don't forget small details like finials for embellishment and holdbacks to keep curtains open. Rings create another layer of smooth motion within the track. Clips connect curtain panels and carriers at center openings.
Measuring and Installing the Track
With all the hardware selected, it's time for the fun part: putting it all together! Careful measuring and installation ensures everything operates just right.
First, precisely measure the window's length and height. Add overlap for a more luxurious look. Telescoping tracks can be cut down or fully extended as needed. Use a level and secure fasteners to affix the track into studs or joists.
Hanging the Curtains
Once the track is ready, hang curtains by gliding hooks into place. We recommend spacing hooks every 6 inches for even suspension and weigh curtains down for a clean drape. For multiple panels, connectors attach at the overlap.
Check that pleats correctly fasten onto hooks without sagging. Adjust hook locations and curtain lengths until the drapes hang just right with fabric smoothly traversing the track.
Final Touches
The finishing touches complete the system's polished elegance. Install holdbacks to keep curtains open when desired. Decorative finials add flair while stabilizing curtain ends. For further stabilization, weight curtain hems with chains or drapery weights.
Ensure hooks align properly on the track and slide without snagging. Adjust lengths and pleats if needed. Soon you'll be able to fluidly open and close your perfectly gliding curtains!
Installing curtains using hooks and tracks takes a bit more effort than basic rods. But the payoff is well worth it. Your curtains will operate seamlessly while maintaining their form and shape.
Choosing compatible tracks, hooks, and curtains is the first step. Precise installation and adjustment completes the process. Follow our tips and soon you'll have curtains that glide smoothly across windows to beautifully filter light and enhance privacy.