Curtains can offer a wonderful way to add style and personality to your room. Curtains are the perfect solution for those who want to be able to close off an area from one part of the house from another. However, there are some challenges you may face when it comes to hanging curtains on a track. These challenges may include fabric that is too heavy or not long enough, difficulty moving the curtains on the track, or a curtain rod that has a center pole that is too thick for your curtain rod brackets. Here are some tips and tricks for how to make curtains run smoothly on a track.
Related Article: How to Repair a Tear in Sheer Curtains.
Understand the issues
The first step in solving curtain related problems is understanding the issues that may cause them. There are three common challenges to contend with when it comes to hanging curtains on a track.
* Fabric that is too heavy:
Fabric that is too heavy will make it difficult to move the curtains on the track and may cause them to sag and wrinkle. One solution for this problem is to install a shorter, but wider rod. The weight of the fabric will be distributed over a larger area, making it easier to move and less likely to ripple or sag.
* Difficulty moving the curtains on the track:
If you’re having difficulty moving the curtains on your rail, there are two possible solutions. First, you can try attaching one end of your drapery brackets to either end of your pole; then attach the other end of your brackets at your desired location on your wall. This could help give you more leverage and make it easier for you to slide your curtains along the track. Another option would be installing an opener kit which makes it easier for you to move your curtains without having to touch them or pull them away from the wall as much as you would have had to do before installing an opener kit. * A center pole that is too thick for your curtain rod brackets:
If there is not enough clearance between either side of your center pole and either side of bracket, you can try using brackets that have extensions or purchase brackets with longer arms/ends attached so they fit around
What to do about a curtain that is too heavy
One problem you may face is a curtain that is too heavy. If this is the case, your first option would be to use a thinner rod and brackets. But if this does not work, you should look for a different fabric that is less heavy.
If none of these options sound like they would work, then it is time to get creative. You can call up any local fabric store and ask them how much weight their fabric can hold. Some materials are heavier than others, so they will be able to let you know what type of fabric will work best for your project.
Add a center bracket to your track
One common difficulty with curtains on a track is that they may not be long enough. This can be especially true if you are using thick fabric or have very large windows. To solve this problem, you can add a center bracket to your track.
This will allow the fabric to hang smoothly on the track and make your curtains appear longer than they actually are. A center bracket should be at least four inches wide, and it should attach to the top of the bottom rail of your curtain rod. You can purchase these brackets at any home improvement store or online retailer like Amazon for around $5-$6 each depending on size.
Simply install the bracket onto your window sill (or wherever else you plan to place it), then attach the other end to your curtain rod in between two curtain rod brackets that are already installed on either side of your window. It’s that easy!
Make the right measurements for your window
When measuring your window, it is important to measure the length of the curtain rod. Length includes the brackets or clips that attach to your window frame or wall studs. It is also important to measure the fabric width of your curtains. Some curtains are very wide and need additional lengths of fabric to be cut off before they are hemmed.
Consider adding a few inches of extra fabric on each side for seam allowance if you are not sure how long your curtains should be. Add another inch or two for hems so that you have enough material once you hem the curtain so that it does not curl up on the bottom edge.
If you want the curtain rod to be hidden inside a window recess, measure from the top of your window frame to where you want it mounted under the casing molding near floor level.
Hang curtain rod brackets
at the same height as the track
Many tracks are adjustable and can be hung at a variety of heights. However, it is important to make sure that your bracket and the track are at the same height. If they aren’t, you’ll need to compensate for this when hanging your curtains. You can do this by either adding spacers or by drilling new holes in the brackets to make them hang higher on the wall.
Install curtain rod.
Install a curtain rod on the wall where you want to hang your curtains. Make sure it is level and in an appropriate place.
What if the curtain rod has a center pole that is too thick for your curtain rod
brackets?
If the center pole of the curtain rod is too thick for your bracket, you can use a rubber ring or a washer to help create an extra bit of space needed to hang the curtains. This will help to ensure that the brackets are not being pushed down onto the rod.
Fabric weightand length
One of the most common challenges is that fabric is too heavy or not long enough. Curtains can be made from a variety of materials, and some materials may be heavier than others. For example, velvet and heavy upholstery fabrics can make it difficult to move the curtains on the track. If you’ve got a heavy material like this, you may need to have extra sewing done to the bottom portion of the curtain panels so that you can use clips or tension rods to hang them from ceiling hooks as opposed to a pole.
In terms of fabric length, it’s important to take into consideration how wide your curtains are as well as how long they need to be. You’ll want your panels to be at least 1 inch longer than your curtain rod brackets so that they can be hung properly and so that there isn’t any excess fabric pooling near the rod. This will also help with making sure that your curtains can easily slide on and off of your track when desired. If you’re still experiencing problems with too much weight or too little fabric after taking these measures into account, then you may need to consider getting custom-made curtains made for your window space instead.
FAQS
What if your curtain fabric is too heavy?
If the fabric is too heavy, you may need to use a lighter weight fabric or choose a different way of hanging your curtains. Another option is to weight the bottom of the curtains with something heavy like a bucket filled with water.
What if your curtain rod has a center pole that is too thick for your brackets?
You may be able to purchase an extension piece to make up for the difference in thickness, but this will depend on the manufacturer and type of hardware you are using. You can also try hanging one set of brackets on each side of the center pole and then hang two sets of curtains from them (one above and one below). This should work as long as there isn’t more than an inch difference in thickness between the brackets and center pole.
Conclusion
With these nine steps, you should be able to get your curtain to run smoothly on track.
You might be wondering what to do if these tips don’t work for you. The truth is that the problem could be the weight of your curtains, or the materials you’re using. The best thing you can do is experiment and see what works for you and your curtains. And if all else fails, give the professionals a call and we’ll be glad to help.
