There are many different types of curtain tracks and poles that are used from hanging curtains from. Uncorded tracks form the head rail and may be made from plastic or aluminium. They have a basic track that has grooves over which track gliders are fitted for a smooth action when drawing the curtains across or apart. Different styles of tracks require different styles of gliders so you must make sure that any accessories you purchase will fit the track; it's best to use products from the same manufacturer to guarantee effectiveness and a good fit. Some of the tracks available can be easily bent by hand to create a curve to match your walls and windows. The tracks are fitted to the wall or window frame using brackets with screws and rawlplugs and they also come with an end stop to prevent the curtains flying off the end if you have pulled on them rather too vigorously. The overgliders for tracks form a basic 'C' shape to clip on to the track, they have a pointed spigot to insert upright into the curtain heading tape slots and an open hook at the bottom for attaching hooks too if your curtains are of a different configuration. When using the bottom holes you must make sure that the curtain tape heading covers the track so usually the slim curtain hooks are placed in the lowest tape slots of the curtain in this instance. An 'I beam' track uses roller gliders or runners to attach hooks to and is well suited to heavier fabrics. Uncorded double tracks are also available so that valances can be hung and most tracks can be cut to size using a hacksaw. Metal or wooden poles can be used without cords fitted and are mainly used for tab-top curtains though they can be used for curtains with hooks too. In this case the rings remain on view as a decorative feature of the window dressing to compliment other features in a room.
Corded tracks have a cord within the mechanism, so that you can draw the curtains, in a similar fashion to closing blinds. This is useful if you don't have easy access to the full width of the curtains when you want to draw them open or shut, perhaps because furniture blocks all or part of the way to them. A disadvantage of corded tracks though is that many of them cannot take curtains that have a stiff finish or have pinch, goblet or triple pleats unless the top edge of the heading tape is fitted below the track. Wooden and metal poles are available as corded items so that you can have the finish you want to match in with your other decor and the convenience of a cord pull for drawing your curtains.
Full Size Bed Rail
Coronet or corona track sets are available to finish off a dramatic, romantic bed canopy and are best used with lighter fabrics, as they have to be fitted both to the wall and the ceiling in the room in which they are used.