Buyer's guide to curtains, curtain track & curtain poles There are several variations of curtains and poles available from B&Q and we offer a wide range of options to suit every style. Many of the Colours range has been designed to co-ordinate with other Colours products such as paints and cushions. This is a great way to ensure the colour scheme will match when decorating a room. What is the difference between curtain poles and tracks?Essentially both can be used for the same purpose, however curtain tracks can only be used to hang pencil pleat curtains whilst curtain poles can hang both pencil pleat and eyelet curtains.Why choose curtain tracks?Curtain tracks are made from white plastic or metal, and sit close to the wall. Curtains are hung, using curtain hooks, from ‘gliders’ which move smoothly along the curtain track. Curtain tracks tend to be less visible than curtain poles and make an excellent choice when you would prefer your soft furnishings to make a statement, or are looking for a more minimalist, clutter free option.

If suitably primed, curtain tracks can be painted to match the wall behind for an ‘invisible’ look, plus tracks can easily be fitted to bay windows. Corded versions make it easy to pull your curtains, and are an ideal option when mounting curtains above a high window. Should you wish to add a decorative valance at the top of your window; a valance rail can be hung in parallel to the curtain track.Why choose curtain poles?Curtains poles are available in a range of materials, finishes and colours and can be used with a variety of curtain types, making this a versatile choice for most homes. Choosing the right curtain pole can help to make a feature of your room, and it is easy to add style and individuality to your space by choosing complementary finials. Choose the right weight of track for your curtains – unlined and or shorter length curtains suit lightweight track, lined and long length curtains will require heavier weight track Decide whether you would prefer corded or uncorded track.

Corded tracks make it easy to draw your curtains, and are an ideal choice where the window may be difficult to reach Most packs include brackets and gliders (which allow the curtains to move along the track), but if buying parts separately ensure that you have enough for the length of track and weight of curtains Don’t forget: If not included in the curtain track pack, you will need curtain hooks to hang your curtains Consider the weight and type of curtains you will be hanging. Heavier curtains (such as lined, or long length curtains) the wider the diameter of pole you will require. Lightweight curtains can be hung on a 13/16mm or 16/19mm pole, heavyweight curtains will require a 25/28mm pole or larger. Consider the material of the pole. Wood is ideally suited to classic, traditional or rustic interiors; metal suits many interiors from traditional to sleek contemporary. The finish or colour of the pole will also help to dictate the overall look. Choose whether you prefer to buy a curtain pole kit containing brackets, curtain rings (if required) and finials or if you prefer to add individuality by mixing and matching

Don’t forget: If you plan to hang pencil pleat curtains from a pole, you will require curtain rings and curtain hooks to attach the curtain to the rings. kavanaghs curtains dublinConsider adding extra rings to the pole if you want a more gathered lookroc lon blackout drapery liner stores What length of curtain pole or track should I choose?buy ready made curtain bouroullecBegin by measuring the width of the window recess, and allow an extra 15-20cm either side of this. lunaris curtainsIf you are planning to hang heavyweight or wider curtains consider adding further allowance on either side as the fabric may be more bulky. the tortilla curtain compare contrast

If you are unsure of how much allowance you will need, consider extendable length poles and trackI have a bay window, what are my options?teng yong curtainsBoth tracks and poles can be fitting to bay windows. curtains and blinds direct mineheadIf choosing curtain tracks, opt for plastic tracks which can be bent by hand to fit a curve, and use additional brackets to ensure that it fits close to the wall. If you would prefer curtain poles, look for metal curtain pole kits designed for bay windows. These include flexible bay window joining pieces which ‘add curves’ between straight lengths of pole. They also include special brackets and curtain rings which will allow the curtain and rings to be moved along the full length of pole Choosing curtains for your room can be both an exciting and daunting task.

Soft furnishings are the perfect way to bring a room to life, adding personality, warmth and texture, but there are a number of factors to take into consideration when shopping. Curtain headersThere are two main types of curtain header. The header determines how the curtain can be hung and will, to some extent, be determined by the type of curtain pole or track you wish to hang your curtains from. Eyelet curtains Eyelet curtains are distinguished by punched metal rings within the top of the curtain. The curtains are threaded on to a curtain pole, through the eyelets, allowing the curtains to hang with a soft drape. They are easy to hang and add a sleek, contemporary finish to any room.Pencil Pleat curtains Pencil pleat curtains are a more traditional style, with a gathered header which conceals fixings to the curtain pole or rail. The top (or header) of the curtain comprises a wide strip of fabric fitted with drawstring cords, which can be adjusted to control the amount of ‘gather’ in the curtain.

Pulling the drawstrings tighter will give a more gathered, luxurious look, but will also adjust a larger curtain to fit a smaller window. A looser gather gives a more relaxed feel and can be useful when a fitting curtains to larger windows. Once adjusted, the drawstring cords can be tucked out of sight. Hooks are then attached at regular intervals along the curtain header, and used to attach the curtain directly to a curtain track or to curtain rings on a pole.Once you’ve selected the curtain type, consider whether you would prefer lined or unlined curtain. Unlined curtains are ideal for summer use or in rooms where the window hangings are mostly for decorative purposes. They will drape nicely but filter out less light than lined curtains, and offer less of an insulating effect. Lined curtains will block out more light (ideal for children and light sleepers) and tend to offer greater insulation properties, helping to keep rooms warmer in winter and cooler in summer. The heavier weight of the fabric will look more luxurious when gathered at the side of the window, but can add bulk to smaller windows.

Curtain MaterialCurtains are available in a wide range of fabrics, each with their own benefits. Faux silk curtains have the same look as an expensive, delicate silk but are machine washable for easy care. For a softer, authentic feel consider natural fibres, such as our range of 100% cotton curtains. Jacquard and velvet are ideal choices when looking for warmer, more luxurious heavyweight materials. Don’t forget to consider the washing advice for your new curtains – machine washable curtains are ideal choices for kitchens, children’s rooms and busy spaces.What size curtains will I need?The size of curtain you will need to fit your window will be dependent on the type of curtain you choose. Follow the advice below to help gauge the right size for eyelet and pencil pleat curtains.Measuring for eyelet curtains Begin by measuring the width of the existing curtain pole or track. If fitting a new pole, measure the width of the window recess and add an extra 30-40cm. The total width of a pair of eyelet curtains required for the window will be approximately one and half to two times the width of the curtain pole or track

Don’t forget: Eyelet curtains need at least 4cm clearance between the curtain pole and ceiling Measuring for pencil pleat curtains The total width of a pair of pencil pleat curtains required for the window will be approximately two times the width of the curtain pole or track If you prefer a more gathered look, choose a wider curtain and gather the curtains more tightly Measuring the dropIt is important to consider the length of curtain to ensure that it covers the window completely. The minimum drop for any curtain needs to be the length from the top of the curtain pole or track to window sill. Add at least 4cm to this if you are hanging eyelet curtains. Longer length curtains (such as floor length curtains) may be more desirable in some rooms, as these can add elegance and warmth, and will be required for French doors. Otherwise curtains can be shortened to the required length – either by sewing (many dry cleaners offer this service) or for small adjustments on lightweight curtains, using iron-on hemming tape.