I am doing ceiling mounted track and floor to ceiling sheers and drapes with blackout. This is essentially a custom proposition. The rod is made of standard components, but the whole assembly is custom. However, I am not doing a valance so the top of the drape to the floor measurement has to be perfect (and this is some measurement like (Floor to ceiling measurement) - (hardware height measurement) also taking into account location of the hooks on the drapes. I am also doing double traverse rods with pulleys. I think you have to use traverse rods and carriers to hook the curtains on, with or without pulleys because nothing can go over the rod because the rod is attached to the ceiling.

You can get Ripplefold Drapes with ceiling track included from The ShadeStore and they have measuring instructions.

But if you are making a valance it may not be necessary to do ceiling mounted drapery hardware, you could do wall mounted hardware and hang the fixed valance only from the ceiling.

I want to do the ceiling mount, as I like the simplicity -- plus, there have been prior mounts on the drywall over the sliding door -- that weakens it, makes it messy. I like the sliding tracks as they are simpler. I think a 90" curtain would be fine for my application. I did find some track brands out there that come in pre-specified lengths (on Amazon).

We live in a "cookie cutter" world, it seems. If you have an application that doesn't fit within what the industry feels you should have, you're on your own.

I'll check out the Shade Store (thanks for the reference).

My application abuts a soffit from the kitchen, so it's a little awkward and will require some tinkering. I felt the ceiling track would be ideal for this application.

Hi forrie - you don't need super heavy (commercial grade) drapes to have blackout. The blackout lining we use in our shop is very soft and lightweight. I'd recommend you get in touch with a drapery workroom in your area and have them custom made.

I'm waiting for a response from Residence Inn corporate about who supplies their drapes and ceiling tracks. I like the heavy drapes for insulation -- where I live (townhouse that abuts cement) the heat is prominent even through wood blinds; but also, I'm in New England, so that would be great for the cold weather.

I am really confused about what ceiling track to buy. There are some which I think may be inappropriate (ie: the hospital-type partition tracks).

I talked with JCPenney and they didn't really know much; they don't sell ceiling tracks.

With tracks, I would want to be cautious about distance from window. I like my curtains and sheers to be close to the window, to (mostly) prevent light leakage, but for a tighter fit.

Thanks!

Talk to a curtain installer.