Rod and Rings or Tracks?

Which option would suit your drapery & home best? Let’s take a more in depth look into the options you have. 

The size, weight, design, or even fabric of your drapery could all have a factor in which option would suit you best. Let’s start with the differences between rods, rings and tracks.

Your typical rod has two basic functions; holding your drapery and also working as a decorative piece in the home. They are made to be seen and appreciated. Rods can be manufactured in a multitude of materials. You can find wooden rods, steel rods, plastic rods, vinyl rods and more, they all give a unique look and style to your home. At the end of each rod is a “finial,” a decorative piece to give the rod some more appeal. Rods are mounted directly to your wall, trim or ceiling, pending style, and the curtains go straight onto the rod itself with the finails showing at each end.

Tracks are a bit more intricate, the tracks themselves could be made from plastic or metal. Tracks are specifically made to be hidden from plain sight. You can have tracks installed to look like a rod that's installed above the actual window, or more common for tracks, they can be installed inside the top of the actual window frame to be completely hidden from sight. 

So, now that we understand the difference between the two, which one works best for you? If your curtains are elaborate, have a bold design or you simply want them to be the main focus, a hidden track system might be your best bet. The hidden track system will keep all focus on the curtains. If you have a more simple curtain fabric and want to add another decorative element, a rod with decorative finials or rings might be more suited for you to give the room that little extra “pop.”

There are some other smaller factors that could determine which option works best for your home. If your drapery are on a track, they will open and close easier without “fluffing” to make look good.  If you have curtains that are more heavy than most curtains, a motorized track might be your best/safest option. Light drapery can go on any rod or track. Depending on the height and shape of your window also plays a factor, tracks are best suited for taller windows or windows that are rounded at the top. 

With all of this information, you are much more well equipped to make a decision on which option best suits you and your home.