Decorating
9 Times a Ceiling-mounted Curtain Track Saved the Day
These window dressings all have style and sophistication thanks to tracks that can solve several problems
Curtains don’t have to be hung on wall-mounted tracks or poles. Systems that fix to ceilings instead can make a huge difference to how curtains look, adding a sense of height and drama. Discreet top fix curtain tracks are also a practical solution if, for example, there’s little or no wall space above a window. Check out these rooms that have all been elevated by a ceiling-mounted curtain track.
Line your patio doors
A ceiling-mounted curtain track system is the perfect match for these glazed doors in a bright, open-plan living room. Without wall space for brackets and poles, any other system would have been tricky to fit.
As an added bonus, a ceiling-mounted track that runs wall-to-wall can whisk curtains right back from the doors, maximising every last bit of light and keeping the drapes out of the way when the doors are fully open.
What to consider when planning bifolding doors
A ceiling-mounted curtain track system is the perfect match for these glazed doors in a bright, open-plan living room. Without wall space for brackets and poles, any other system would have been tricky to fit.
As an added bonus, a ceiling-mounted track that runs wall-to-wall can whisk curtains right back from the doors, maximising every last bit of light and keeping the drapes out of the way when the doors are fully open.
What to consider when planning bifolding doors
Help your curtains fall beautifully
In this chic, light space, the pale curtains are the perfect finishing touch, falling in soft, flowing pleats from the ceiling.
Tracks come in a variety of materials, commonly aluminium, steel or plastic. When choosing a curtain track, consider whether you want something that blends with your ceiling so it disappears.
Also think about strength – metal tends to be stronger than plastic, so more appropriate for heavier curtains. Metal tracks are also more likely to have corded options, which allow you to open the drapes at the pull of a string – handy if your windows and curtains are very tall.
In this chic, light space, the pale curtains are the perfect finishing touch, falling in soft, flowing pleats from the ceiling.
Tracks come in a variety of materials, commonly aluminium, steel or plastic. When choosing a curtain track, consider whether you want something that blends with your ceiling so it disappears.
Also think about strength – metal tends to be stronger than plastic, so more appropriate for heavier curtains. Metal tracks are also more likely to have corded options, which allow you to open the drapes at the pull of a string – handy if your windows and curtains are very tall.
Work with a wide window
A ceiling-mounted track is a smart solution for a wide, short window, as it helps to lengthen the space and creates an illusion of height. In this calm, neutral bedroom, the window initially feels much larger than it really is.
Unless you’re going for a dark and dramatic look, light curtains are a good choice in smaller rooms, as they
help ‘open’ things up.
A ceiling-mounted track is a smart solution for a wide, short window, as it helps to lengthen the space and creates an illusion of height. In this calm, neutral bedroom, the window initially feels much larger than it really is.
Unless you’re going for a dark and dramatic look, light curtains are a good choice in smaller rooms, as they
help ‘open’ things up.
Go round the bend
In this elegant space, a circular flexible ceiling-mounted track has been used to screen an elegant dining area in a round bay window. Any other kind of system would have either looked messy and clunky, or would simply have been impossible.
Look for a flexible system or bendable track, so you can tailor it to the dimensions and shape of your window. Think about whether you want to fit DIY rails yourself, which you can often also bend, or whether you’d feel happier getting a professional curtain specialist to do it for you – it will be pricier, but may be worth it if your window arrangement is complicated.
Always double check what’s possible, and how much weight tracks can support, before committing to buying.
In this elegant space, a circular flexible ceiling-mounted track has been used to screen an elegant dining area in a round bay window. Any other kind of system would have either looked messy and clunky, or would simply have been impossible.
Look for a flexible system or bendable track, so you can tailor it to the dimensions and shape of your window. Think about whether you want to fit DIY rails yourself, which you can often also bend, or whether you’d feel happier getting a professional curtain specialist to do it for you – it will be pricier, but may be worth it if your window arrangement is complicated.
Always double check what’s possible, and how much weight tracks can support, before committing to buying.
Maintain the modern
A pair of drapes mounted on a pole above the window would have changed the whole feel of this bedroom, giving it a more old-fashioned mood. As it stands, the ceiling-mounted system offers all the softness of curtains in a modern, clean way.
Discover the key dimensions for the perfect bedroom layout
A pair of drapes mounted on a pole above the window would have changed the whole feel of this bedroom, giving it a more old-fashioned mood. As it stands, the ceiling-mounted system offers all the softness of curtains in a modern, clean way.
Discover the key dimensions for the perfect bedroom layout
Close up the gaps
These rich blue curtains on a ceiling mounted double curtain track add a block of colour across the whole window. Top-fix curtain tracks work particularly well in rooms with large windows. If you have a recess above, like the one here, so much the better, as it means your track can be tucked out of sight for a neat finish.
These rich blue curtains on a ceiling mounted double curtain track add a block of colour across the whole window. Top-fix curtain tracks work particularly well in rooms with large windows. If you have a recess above, like the one here, so much the better, as it means your track can be tucked out of sight for a neat finish.
Add a touch of elegance
While curtains add softness and a timeless feel to period rooms, bunched up fabric and fussy poles and finials can sometimes tip them into fustiness. A super-simple, ceiling-mounted rail side-steps this problem, helping material to fall in elegant lines with minimal fuss. These curtains really help to show off the lovely panelled period windows in this room.
When choosing and fixing rails and curtains, think about your windows and whether anything else will sit behind them – are you planning to fit them alongside nets or blinds?
While curtains add softness and a timeless feel to period rooms, bunched up fabric and fussy poles and finials can sometimes tip them into fustiness. A super-simple, ceiling-mounted rail side-steps this problem, helping material to fall in elegant lines with minimal fuss. These curtains really help to show off the lovely panelled period windows in this room.
When choosing and fixing rails and curtains, think about your windows and whether anything else will sit behind them – are you planning to fit them alongside nets or blinds?
Bring in modern drama
In this spectacular contemporary bedroom, a panel of dark curtains blends with a feature wall of polished lime plaster in a similar hue. The ceiling-hung track means the curtains line up with the top of the wall for a dramatic, streamlined effect that neatly frames the bed.
Have you gone for a ceiling-mounted curtain track? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
In this spectacular contemporary bedroom, a panel of dark curtains blends with a feature wall of polished lime plaster in a similar hue. The ceiling-hung track means the curtains line up with the top of the wall for a dramatic, streamlined effect that neatly frames the bed.
Have you gone for a ceiling-mounted curtain track? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
Having a large window can make rooms feel and look chilly, especially in winter. In this bedroom, the long, ceiling-hung curtains save the day, helping the whole space seem extra snug by covering a large area.
Choose a curtain colour that blends with your scheme, but won’t dominate too much when fully closed. Here, the mid-grey coordinates beautifully with the bedside tables and throw.