How to Choose a Curtain Pole

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Dylan Pugh has 41 Published Articles

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How to Choose a Curtain Pole

Posted On : Dec-04-2011 | seen (605) times | Article Word Count : 546 |

Selecting a curtain pole may seem like a simple task: until you get home and realise that the pole is to short or bending in the middle from the weight of the curtains. This guide will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different types of curtain poles and give a step-by-step guide on how to measure one to fit your window.

A good curtain pole will change the way your curtains hang, improving the look of your room. Choosing a curtain pole may not be as straightforward as you first thought; they can range between straight plastic poles with rings to a curtain track with automatic opening and closing on a light sensor.

Curtain poles can be both manually operated and cord-operated, poles with rings or gliders, or even electronically operated for home security and ease of use. Curtain rails are available in different materials and colours to complement a room; either coloured plastic, or wood or metal with a different finish (paint or varnish). Whichever material you use for your track or pole, it is important that it will support the weight of the curtains which will hang from them; it might be better to splash out on a top quality pole which will last for years.

Corded tracks work differently to simple poles with rings as they allow the opening or closing of the curtains by pulling a cord which works on a system of gliders and pulleys. This avoids you having to handle the curtain, which will protect delicate fabrics from damage. Pull-cord openings are also practical if the curtains are particularly tall and difficult to manage. Investing in a spray-lubricant will guarantee that the tracks work as efficiently as poles with rings.

Electronically operated curtains are an alternative to manually operated poles with rings or cord-operated curtains, but are more expensive. They offer similar advantages as corded tracks, but can be remotely controlled by a controller, light sensor or timer. The latter two enable the opening and closing of the curtains when nobody is in the property, adding to home security.

Whichever style of curtain pole you choose it is important to ensure that the shape and size are right. Curtain rails come in different sizes, so measuring the window area is essential. Measure the recess width of the window with a metal tape measure, and note the number down. Also choose the number of centimetres you will need either side of the window for when your curtains are open, you will need this so the curtains do not restrict daylight once open. The number is usually around 15cm to 20cm on each side, but may need to be more for wider or thicker curtains. Add two times this width (once for each side) to the width of the actual window to get a total. This will give you the length required for your new curtain rail. Extra wide windows will need multiple rails combined together by a joiner or good curtain rail retailer. Bay windows are all different shapes and sizes, meaning that measuring is more difficult. You will need to add the depth of your bay to the total length of the rail, but it is very likely that the rail will need to be adjusted to measure by the retailer, or, if you are handy, bent and cut at home.

You can give poles with rings a number of unique features to add to the appearance of the room. Finials and midials can be bought in different materials and effects to finish the look of your window, as can curtain ties or hold-backs.

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<h1>How to Choose a Curtain Pole</h1> Author: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/profile_Dylan Pugh.aspx'>Dylan Pugh</a> A good curtain pole will change the way your curtains hang, improving the look of your room. Choosing a curtain pole may not be as straightforward as you first thought; they can range between straight plastic poles with rings to a curtain track with automatic opening and closing on a light sensor.

Curtain poles can be both manually operated and cord-operated, poles with rings or gliders, or even electronically operated for home security and ease of use. Curtain rails are available in different materials and colours to complement a room; either coloured plastic, or wood or metal with a different finish (paint or varnish). Whichever material you use for your track or pole, it is important that it will support the weight of the curtains which will hang from them; it might be better to splash out on a top quality pole which will last for years.

Corded tracks work differently to simple poles with rings as they allow the opening or closing of the curtains by pulling a cord which works on a system of gliders and pulleys. This avoids you having to handle the curtain, which will protect delicate fabrics from damage. Pull-cord openings are also practical if the curtains are particularly tall and difficult to manage. Investing in a spray-lubricant will guarantee that the tracks work as efficiently as poles with rings.

Electronically operated curtains are an alternative to manually operated poles with rings or cord-operated curtains, but are more expensive. They offer similar advantages as corded tracks, but can be remotely controlled by a controller, light sensor or timer. The latter two enable the opening and closing of the curtains when nobody is in the property, adding to home security.

Whichever style of curtain pole you choose it is important to ensure that the shape and size are right. Curtain rails come in different sizes, so measuring the window area is essential. Measure the recess width of the window with a metal tape measure, and note the number down. Also choose the number of centimetres you will need either side of the window for when your curtains are open, you will need this so the curtains do not restrict daylight once open. The number is usually around 15cm to 20cm on each side, but may need to be more for wider or thicker curtains. Add two times this width (once for each side) to the width of the actual window to get a total. This will give you the length required for your new curtain rail. Extra wide windows will need multiple rails combined together by a joiner or good curtain rail retailer. Bay windows are all different shapes and sizes, meaning that measuring is more difficult. You will need to add the depth of your bay to the total length of the rail, but it is very likely that the rail will need to be adjusted to measure by the retailer, or, if you are handy, bent and cut at home.

You can give poles with rings a number of unique features to add to the appearance of the room. Finials and midials can be bought in different materials and effects to finish the look of your window, as can curtain ties or hold-backs.About the Author: For more information on choosing curtain poles visit <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.tracks-direct.com">Tracks-Direct</a>, who offer installation instructions, brochures and a measuring guide, as well as an advice helpline so you can talk to a curtain rail consultant. Tracks-Direct have been specialist retailers of luxurious <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.tracks-direct.com/prodtype.asp?PT_ID=11&strPageHistory=cat">made-to-measure curtain poles</a> for over 40 years, supplying to high street stores as well as individua Article Source: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/Article_How-to-Choose-a-Curtain-Pole_113942.aspx'> http://www.articleseen.com/Article_How to Choose a Curtain Pole_113942.aspx</a>

Article Source : http://www.articleseen.com/Article_How to Choose a Curtain Pole_113942.aspx

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For more information on choosing curtain poles visit Tracks-Direct, who offer installation instructions, brochures and a measuring guide, as well as an advice helpline so you can talk to a curtain rail consultant. Tracks-Direct have been specialist retailers of luxurious made-to-measure curtain poles for over 40 years, supplying to high street stores as well as individua

Keywords : Poles with rings, curtain poles with rings, curtain poles,

Category : Home and Family : Home Improvement

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