January 19, 2021, 9:51 am | Read time: 5 minutes

If there are no blinds in the apartment, curtains or drapes are a practical way to protect yourself from the prying eyes of neighbors. Additionally, the thermal and sound insulation provided by suitable textiles should not be underestimated. But above all, curtains in front of windows create a different room atmosphere–they complete the decor and are much more than just decoration. However, before that comes the installation. The market offers various systems for hanging curtains.

1. Curtain Tracks

Tracks are a classic option for hanging curtains or drapes. In many apartments, they are installed above the windows–though relatively inconspicuous, especially compared to rods. The big advantage: Due to the subtle mounting, the curtain automatically becomes the focal point. Additionally, the textiles usually fit snugly against the ceiling, blocking out extra light.

The curtain glides along the tracks with curtain rollers, hooks, or clips, available in various designs and profiles on the market. They are also made from different materials; besides plastic, they are available in aluminum or wood. The systems are generally mounted securely to the ceiling. Often, they consist of multiple tracks, providing space for several layers of fabric. This allows curtains and drapes to slide past each other, offering many options for room design.

Advantages

• Secure and stable mounting
• Unobtrusive, focus is on the curtain
• Various options for hanging curtains
• Curtains can be easily removed, for example, for washing
• Tracks are easy to maintain and durable

Disadvantages

• Curtains should be adjusted to the respective room height
• Installation often not feasible with porous old building ceilings

Related: A trick to make curtains hang more beautifully

2. Curtain Rods

The more elegant but also more noticeable option for hanging curtains is definitely curtain rods, which adorn many living rooms. Installation is quite simple–they are anchored into the ceiling or wall–and they come in numerous varieties. Most are made of stainless steel, but they are also available in other materials like copper or wood. Curtains are hung directly on the rod with loops or eyelets. Knobs at the ends prevent the curtain from slipping off the rod and also serve a decorative purpose. For long window fronts, continuous, long rods are recommended, although additional supports are necessary.

Advantages

• Elegant and minimalist design in many variations
• End knobs offer additional design possibilities
• Relatively easy to install

Disadvantages

• Curtains often cannot be easily removed
• Additional center supports needed for long rods to prevent sagging
• Usually not possible to layer multiple curtain layers with drapes, etc.
• Sometimes not feasible for floor-to-ceiling windows and doors

Related: How to properly clean curtain rods

3. Internal Track Curtain Rods

Internal track curtain rods combine the advantages of rods and tracks. Essentially, they are a suspended rod with an integrated track where the hangers are attached. The big advantage: The curtain can be freely moved along it, even over the supports. Internal track curtain rods are available in various materials and are mounted just like regular rods.

Advantages

• Advantages of rods and tracks in one system
• Curtains can be moved along the entire length

Disadvantages

• Slightly more expensive than regular curtain rods
• Rod with integrated track is somewhat thicker and more dominant

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4. Metal Cable Systems

A more unconventional option for hanging curtains is metal cable systems. They impress with a certain lightness, are visually striking, and perfectly complement a modern interior style. However, this system is less suitable for heavy fabrics–the tensioned cable would sag more.

Typically, the cable is made of braided wire and is stretched between two supports. These are mounted on the ceiling or wall–even around corners. Even if you have a curved wall, you can hang curtains on a flexible cable system.

Advantages

• Interesting and minimalist design
• Length of the cable can usually be adjusted

Disadvantages

• Only partially suitable for heavy curtains, more for light drapes
• Installation is somewhat more complicated (tension on the cable)
• More expensive to purchase than tracks and rods

Also interesting: How to shorten long curtains without sewing

Hanging Curtains – Installation Guide

Generally, installing rods and tracks is not particularly complicated. Important beforehand: Measure the required length. Additionally, consider whether to mount rods on the ceiling or the wall. Ensure that the window can still be opened easily.

For installation, you need a level, pencil, anchors, and screws (often included in the set), and a drill with a suitably large masonry bit. For concrete walls, you may need a hammer drill or rotary hammer. These tools can be rented at hardware stores. Installation example for a curtain rod:

1. Check the correct length again before installation.
2. Mark the center of the window recess on the wall with a pencil and mark the center of the rod. Only then will it sit perfectly centered.
3. Position the rod about 10 centimeters above the window and align it with a level.
4. Mark the position of the supports and the drill holes.
5. Drill holes in the wall with the drill and appropriate masonry bit drill and insert anchors. Screws and matching anchors are often included.
6. Screw the two supports to the wall.
7. Slide the curtain or drape onto the rod (or cable).
8. Insert the rod into the support elements. Done!

For curtain tracks, the process is similar, but they are mounted on the ceiling and secured with multiple screws, making it a bit more labor-intensive. If unsure, you can hire an expert for this.

Tip: When hanging curtains in an old building, the wall may be too porous or crumbly, and the system may not hold. In that case, a larger or longer drill hole and a correspondingly longer anchor may help. You can also try lining the larger hole with plaster to stabilize it, then insert the anchor. Important: Thoroughly vacuum the drill hole beforehand.