Ceiling-Mounted Curtain Tracks Open Up Possibilities
These window treatments show what you can do when a wall-mounted drapery rod is awkward or unworkable
Curtains don’t have to hang from wall-mounted rods or tracks. Systems that attach to ceilings instead can make a huge difference in how curtains look, adding a sense of height and drama. They’re also practical if, for example, there’s little or no wall space above a window or door. See how a ceiling-mounted curtain track elevates these rooms.
Line patio doors. A ceiling-mounted curtain track is the perfect match for these glass doors in a bright open-plan living room. Since there’s no wall space for brackets and rods, any other system would have been tricky to install.
As a bonus, a ceiling-mounted track that runs from wall to wall can whisk curtains right back from the doors, maximizing every last bit of light and keeping the drapes out of the way when the doors are fully open.
As a bonus, a ceiling-mounted track that runs from wall to wall can whisk curtains right back from the doors, maximizing every last bit of light and keeping the drapes out of the way when the doors are fully open.
Help curtains fall beautifully. In this chic, light space, the pale curtains are the finishing touch, falling in soft, flowing pleats from the ceiling.
Tracks come in a variety of materials, such as aluminum, steel and plastic. When choosing a curtain track, consider something that blends with your ceiling.
Think about strength too. Metal tends to be stronger than plastic, so it’s more appropriate for heavy 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.
Tracks come in a variety of materials, such as aluminum, steel and plastic. When choosing a curtain track, consider something that blends with your ceiling.
Think about strength too. Metal tends to be stronger than plastic, so it’s more appropriate for heavy 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, since it helps 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 because they help open things up visually.
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Unless you’re going for a dark and dramatic look, light curtains are a good choice in smaller rooms because they help open things up visually.
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Go around the bend. In this elegant space, curtains on a circular ceiling-mounted track screen an elegant dining area bordered by a curve of windows. Any other kind of system would have looked messy and clunky or wouldn’t have worked at all.
Look for a flexible system or a bendable track that you can tailor to the dimensions and shape of your window. Think about whether you want to install it yourself or whether you would feel happier hiring a professional. Using a pro may be worth the extra cost if your window arrangement is complicated.
Always double-check what’s possible and how much weight the track can support before buying.
Look for a flexible system or a bendable track that you can tailor to the dimensions and shape of your window. Think about whether you want to install it yourself or whether you would feel happier hiring a professional. Using a pro may be worth the extra cost if your window arrangement is complicated.
Always double-check what’s possible and how much weight the track can support before buying.
Maintain the modern. A pair of drapes mounted on a rod above the window would have changed the whole vibe 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.
Close the gaps. These rich blue curtains add a block of color across the whole window. Ceiling-mounted tracks work particularly well in rooms with large expanses of glass. If you have a recess above, like the one here, so much the better, since it means that your track can tuck out of sight for a neat finish.
Add elegance. Although curtains lend softness and a timeless quality to traditional rooms, bunched-up fabric and fussy rods and finials can sometimes tip them into fustiness. A super-simple ceiling-mounted track sidesteps this problem, helping material fall in elegant lines with minimal fuss. These pale curtains really show off the lovely paneled windows in this room.
When choosing and installing tracks and curtains, think about your windows and whether anything else will sit behind the drapes. For example, are you planning to install them alongside sheers or blinds?
When choosing and installing tracks and curtains, think about your windows and whether anything else will sit behind the drapes. For example, are you planning to install them alongside sheers or blinds?
Bring in drama. In this contemporary bedroom, a panel of dark purple curtains blends with a feature wall of polished lime plaster in a similar hue. The ceiling-hung track means that the curtains line up with the top of the wall for a dramatic, streamlined effect that neatly frames the bed.
Tell us: How has a ceiling-mounted curtain track worked for you? Share your experience in the Comments.
More
How to Hang Your Curtains Just Right
Your Guide to Window Treatments
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Tell us: How has a ceiling-mounted curtain track worked for you? Share your experience in the Comments.
More
How to Hang Your Curtains Just Right
Your Guide to Window Treatments
Find a window treatment professional
See more window coverings
Choose a curtain color that blends with your scheme but won’t dominate too much when the drapes are fully closed. Here, the medium gray coordinates beautifully with the bedside tables and throw.