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Wave Curtains & Tracks Explained: Everything You Need to Know
Wave curtains have become an increasingly popular choice for modern homes, creating soft, even folds that hang beautifully from the curtain track.
But if you're considering wave curtains for the first time, the terminology can be confusing. What exactly is a wave curtain? Do you need a special curtain track? What's the difference between 60mm and 80mm wave? And how much space do the curtains need behind the track?
These are questions we're regularly asked at Curtain Pole Store, so we've put together this guide to explain how wave curtain systems work and what you need to consider before ordering your track or curtains.
What Are Wave Curtains?
Wave is a type of curtain heading that creates a series of smooth, evenly spaced folds along the length of the curtain.
Unlike pencil pleat or pinch pleat curtains, where the shape is largely created by the heading itself, a wave system relies on specially spaced gliders within the curtain track to control the position of the fabric.
As the curtains are closed, the fixed spacing between the gliders encourages the fabric to form a consistent S-shaped wave.
The result is a clean and contemporary curtain style with folds that remain neat and evenly spaced whether the curtains are open or closed.
How Do Wave Curtains Work?
The secret is in the curtain track.
A wave curtain track uses wave gliders that are connected together by a cord at fixed intervals. This maintains an equal distance between each glider as the curtain moves along the track.
Special wave heading tape is sewn onto the back of the curtain and curtain hooks are positioned at the required intervals. These hooks are then attached to the wave gliders.
When everything is correctly configured, the spacing of the gliders and the amount of fabric used work together to produce the distinctive wave effect.
This means that the curtain, heading tape, hooks and track all form part of the wave system – it isn't simply a particular style of curtain hung from a standard track.
Do Wave Curtains Need a Special Curtain Track?
You need a curtain track that is compatible with wave gliders.
Many curtain tracks can be configured for either conventional curtains or wave curtains, but they need to be supplied with the correct gliders.
A standard curtain track normally has individual gliders that can move independently of one another. Wave gliders are different because they are connected at precise intervals.
If you're having wave curtains made, it's therefore important to make sure that the track you choose is suitable for a wave system.
At Curtain Pole Store, we offer a range of made-to-measure curtain tracks that can be configured specifically for wave curtains.
What Is the Difference Between 60mm and 80mm Wave?
This is one of the questions we're asked most frequently.
The 60mm or 80mm measurement refers to the spacing between the wave gliders, rather than the size of the curtain itself.
60mm Wave
With a 60mm wave system, the gliders are spaced 60mm apart.
This creates a smaller, tighter wave and requires less depth behind and in front of the track.
It can be particularly useful where space is limited or where you want a more compact curtain stack.
80mm Wave
With an 80mm wave system, the gliders are spaced 80mm apart.
The greater distance between the gliders creates a deeper, more pronounced wave.
80mm wave is a popular choice for large windows and floor-to-ceiling curtains where there is sufficient space for the folds to form.
Neither is inherently better. The choice between 60mm and 80mm refers to the spacing and appearance of the wave; it shouldn't be confused with choosing between standard and roller gliders, which relates to how the gliders travel through the track.
What Are 80mm Roller Wave Gliders?
In addition to standard wave gliders, some compatible curtain tracks are available with 80mm roller wave gliders.
They work on the same principle as standard 80mm wave gliders, with the gliders connected at fixed 80mm intervals to create the consistent wave effect. The difference is that roller gliders use small wheels to travel along the track rather than simply sliding through it.
This provides smoother operation and makes roller wave gliders particularly suitable for heavier 80mm wave curtains.
Roller wave gliders aren't compatible with every curtain track, so check the options available with your chosen track before ordering.
Do Wave Curtains Need More Space Behind the Track?
Yes – and this is an important consideration that can easily be overlooked.
Wave curtains don't hang flat beneath the track. The fabric folds alternately in front of and behind it.
You therefore need sufficient clearance between the track and the wall, window frame, handles or any other obstruction behind the curtain.
If there isn't enough room, the rear of the wave can rub against the wall or window, preventing the curtain from hanging correctly and potentially making it more difficult to operate.
The deeper the wave, the more clearance is generally required.
This is particularly important when wall fixing a curtain track.
For example, when using compatible Silent Gliss systems, we typically recommend:
- 60mm wave gliders – 80mm Smart Fix brackets
- 80mm wave gliders – 100mm Smart Fix brackets
This provides the additional projection required for the wave folds to form correctly.
Always check the requirements of your particular track and curtain system before ordering.
Are Wave Curtains Better with a Ceiling-Fixed Track?
Wave curtains work extremely well with ceiling-mounted tracks.
Fixing the track directly to the ceiling creates a particularly clean appearance because there are no visible wall brackets and the curtains can appear to flow directly down from the ceiling.
Several of our made-to-measure tracks can be ceiling fixed and supplied for wave curtains, including the Silent Gliss 6010, Silent Gliss 6840 and Silent Gliss 6870.
This combination is especially effective with full-length curtains and larger expanses of glass, such as patio doors and bifold doors.
For an even more discreet finish, a recessed curtain track can be installed into the ceiling so that the track itself is largely hidden from view. The Silent Gliss 6243 recessed curtain track can be supplied with wave gliders, making it an excellent option for contemporary interiors where you want the curtains to appear to fall directly from the ceiling.
However, wave curtains don't have to be ceiling fixed.
A wall-mounted track works equally well, providing the brackets give the curtain sufficient clearance to form the wave correctly.
Can Wave Curtains Be Used on a Curtain Pole?
A conventional curtain pole with rings isn't designed for wave curtains because the rings move independently and cannot maintain the precise spacing required to create the wave.
There are, however, systems that combine the appearance of a curtain pole with an internal curtain track.
Silent Gliss Metropole is a good example. From the outside it has the appearance of a contemporary curtain pole, but the curtains actually run on gliders within an internal track.
Paloma Styleline is another option for customers who prefer the appearance of a curtain pole but want a system that can be configured for wave curtains.
Systems like these allow you to achieve the decorative appearance of a pole while still benefiting from a wave curtain system.
Are Wave Curtains Suitable for Large Windows?
Yes. In fact, large windows are one of the places where wave curtains can look particularly impressive.
The uniform folds work beautifully across wide expanses of glass and can create a much cleaner appearance than some more traditional curtain headings.
They're particularly popular for:
- Bifold doors
- Sliding patio doors
- Floor-to-ceiling windows
- Large living room windows
- Contemporary extensions
- Open-plan living spaces
For very wide windows or heavier curtains, however, it's important to select a curtain track that's capable of supporting the weight of the finished curtains.
Do Wave Curtains Take Up Less Space When Open?
One of the benefits of wave curtains is their neat, organised appearance when stacked.
Because the folds are controlled by the glider spacing, the curtains form a relatively uniform stack when they're opened rather than bunching together randomly.
However, wave curtains still require space at the side of the window.
The amount of stack will depend on factors including:
- The width of the window
- The amount and thickness of fabric
- Whether you choose 60mm or 80mm wave
- Whether the curtains split in the centre or stack to one side
If maximising the amount of glass visible when the curtains are open is important, the required stack space should ideally be considered when measuring for the track.
What Type of Fabric Is Best for Wave Curtains?
Wave headings can work with many different curtain fabrics, but the way a fabric hangs will affect the finished appearance.
Softer fabrics tend to create flowing waves, while heavier or stiffer fabrics can produce a more structured appearance.
The weight of the finished curtains also needs to be considered when choosing the curtain track.
If you're having curtains professionally made, your curtain maker should be able to advise whether your chosen fabric is suitable for a wave heading and recommend the appropriate fullness.
Can I Convert Existing Curtains to Wave Curtains?
It's not normally as simple as changing the hooks.
Wave curtains require the correct heading tape and need to be manufactured with the appropriate amount of fabric and hook spacing for the chosen wave system.
Although an experienced curtain maker may be able to alter some existing curtains, you shouldn't assume that conventional curtains can simply be attached to wave gliders and produce the correct result.
If you're considering converting existing curtains, speak to a curtain maker before ordering your track.
What Are the Main Benefits of Wave Curtains?
Wave curtains have become popular for good reason.
They provide:
- Clean, contemporary styling
- Consistent, evenly spaced folds
- A neat appearance when both open and closed
- Smooth operation when combined with a quality curtain track
- An excellent solution for large windows and doors
- A particularly attractive floor-to-ceiling appearance
- A discreet heading with no bulky pleats
They're an excellent choice if you want the fabric to be the main feature of the window rather than the curtain heading or hardware.
Are There Any Disadvantages?
Wave curtains aren't the right choice for every installation.
There are a few things to consider:
They require more clearance.
The wave extends both in front of and behind the track, so you need sufficient space around the window.
The whole system needs to work together.
Track, gliders, heading tape, hooks and curtains all need to be correctly configured.
Not every track is wave compatible.
Always check before ordering.
Accurate planning is important.
Track position, curtain stack and any window handles or other obstructions should be considered beforehand.
Getting these details right at the beginning will help ensure the curtains hang and operate as intended.
Which Curtain Track Should I Choose for Wave Curtains?
There's no single best wave curtain track for every window. The right choice will depend on your curtain weight, fixing position, the appearance you want and the size and shape of your window.
Some of the wave-compatible systems available from Curtain Pole Store include:
Silent Gliss 6010 – a versatile made-to-measure track suitable for wall or ceiling fixing.
Silent Gliss 6243 – choose this if you want the track recessed into the ceiling for an especially discreet, minimalist finish.
Silent Gliss 6840 – a hand-operated track for medium to large applications that can be wall or ceiling fixed and is also suitable for bending.
Silent Gliss 6870 – a versatile option for medium to large applications that can be wall or ceiling fixed and also offers a recess-fitting option.
Silent Gliss Metropole – choose this if you want the appearance of a decorative curtain pole combined with the functionality of an internal track system.
Paloma Styleline – another decorative pole-style system available for wave curtains.
Each made-to-measure track is cut to your required length and can be supplied with the appropriate wave components where available.
Wave Curtains: Frequently Asked Questions
What are wave curtains?
Wave curtains use a heading system that creates smooth, regularly spaced folds using specially spaced gliders within a compatible curtain track.
Do wave curtains need special gliders?
Yes. Wave curtains require compatible wave gliders connected at fixed intervals. Standard independent curtain-track gliders won't maintain the spacing needed to create the consistent wave effect.
What's the difference between 60mm and 80mm wave?
The measurement refers to the spacing between the gliders. A 60mm system creates a tighter wave, while an 80mm system produces a deeper, more pronounced wave.
What are roller wave gliders?
Roller wave gliders use small wheels to travel through a compatible curtain track while maintaining the fixed spacing required for wave curtains. They provide smoother operation and are particularly suitable for heavier wave curtains.
Can I put wave curtains on a normal curtain track?
Only if the track is compatible with the appropriate wave gliders. Standard independent gliders won't create the controlled spacing required for a wave heading.
Can I use wave curtains with a curtain pole?
Not with a conventional pole and curtain rings. However, track-based systems such as Silent Gliss Metropole and Paloma Styleline provide the appearance of a pole while allowing compatible wave gliders to run inside the profile.
Can wave curtains be ceiling mounted?
Yes. Ceiling-mounted tracks are particularly popular with wave curtains and can create an attractive floor-to-ceiling appearance.
Can wave curtains be wall mounted?
Yes, providing the track is projected far enough from the wall for the wave folds to form without touching the wall, window or other obstructions.
Are wave curtains suitable for heavy curtains?
They can be, but the track must be rated for the weight of the finished curtains. For heavier fabrics, choose a suitable heavy-duty wave-compatible track. Where available, 80mm roller wave gliders can also provide smoother operation for heavier wave curtains.
Are wave curtains suitable for bedrooms?
Yes. Wave curtains can be used in bedrooms, living rooms and many other areas of the home. If you're using blackout curtains, remember that the shape of the wave and the distance from the wall can affect light leakage around the edges.
Still Unsure About Wave Curtains?
Wave curtains can create a beautifully simple and contemporary window treatment, but choosing the correct track and configuration is essential.
If you're unsure whether you need 60mm or 80mm wave, whether standard or roller wave gliders are most suitable, which track to choose, or how much wall clearance you'll need, our team at Curtain Pole Store is happy to help before you order.
Browse our made-to-measure curtain tracks and Silent Gliss curtain tracks, or contact us with details of your window and curtains and we'll help you choose the right system.