Made-to-Measure Curtain Tracks:
Everything You Need to Know

If you're looking for a curtain track that fits your window perfectly, a made-to-measure curtain track is often the best solution.

Unlike off-the-shelf tracks that come in standard lengths, made-to-measure curtain tracks are manufactured to your exact dimensions, providing a precise fit, smooth operation and a professional finish.

Whether you're dressing a standard window, a bay window or a large expanse of glazing, this guide explains everything you need to know before choosing a made-to-measure curtain track.

What Is a Made-to-Measure Curtain Track?

A made-to-measure curtain track is manufactured specifically to the size and configuration of your window.

Rather than cutting a standard track yourself, the track is professionally prepared to your exact measurements before dispatch.

Depending on the system selected, tracks can be:

• Cut to your exact length
• Bent for bay windows
• Wall fixed or ceiling fixed
• Suitable for light, medium or heavy curtains
• Designed for hand-drawn operation
• Configured for standard or wave heading curtains

The result is a cleaner installation, smoother operation and a better overall finish.

Why Choose a Made-to-Measure Curtain Track?

Perfect Fit

One of the biggest advantages of a made-to-measure track is accuracy.

The track is produced to your exact dimensions, eliminating the need for on-site cutting and reducing installation time.

Smooth Operation

Premium made-to-measure systems are designed to allow curtains to glide effortlessly across the track.

This is particularly important for:

• Heavy curtains
• Long curtain runs
• Bay windows
• Wave curtains

Ideal for Bay Windows

Made-to-measure tracks are often the best solution for bay windows.

Unlike many curtain poles, tracks can be bent to follow the exact shape of the bay, allowing curtains to move smoothly around corners.

Suitable for Ceiling Fixing

If you want a modern, minimalist appearance, a ceiling-fixed track can create a beautiful floor-to-ceiling look.

Many made-to-measure systems are specifically designed for ceiling installation.

Curtain Track or Curtain Pole?

Many customers initially assume they need a curtain pole, but a track can often offer greater flexibility.

Curtain tracks are particularly popular when:

• The track should remain discreet
• Curtains are heavy
• The window is unusually shaped
• A ceiling-fixed installation is required
• Smooth operation is a priority

For a full comparison, see our Curtain Pole vs Curtain Track Guide.

If you like the appearance of a curtain pole but want the smooth operation and practicality of a curtain track, there are specialist systems available that combine both benefits. Our Silent Gliss Metropole Range and Paloma Styleline Curtain Tracks are designed to offer the decorative look of a curtain pole with the functionality of a premium curtain track.

Which Made-to-Measure Curtain Track Is Right for You?

The best track will depend on the size of your window, the weight of your curtains and the style you're trying to achieve.

Silent Gliss Curtain Tracks

Silent Gliss is widely regarded as one of the leading names in curtain track systems and offers solutions for everything from lightweight curtains to large, heavy installations.

Popular Silent Gliss systems include:

• Silent Gliss 1025
• Silent Gliss 1080
• Silent Gliss 1090
• Silent Gliss 1280
• Silent Gliss 3900
• Silent Gliss 6010
• Silent Gliss 6243
• Silent Gliss 6840
• Silent Gliss 6870

Whether you're looking for a discreet hand-drawn track or a heavy-duty system for larger curtains, Silent Gliss offers a solution to suit most applications.

Silent Gliss Metropole

The Silent Gliss Metropole range combines the appearance of a decorative curtain pole with the smooth, gliding performance of a Silent Gliss curtain track.

Unlike a traditional curtain pole, the curtains hang from gliders concealed within the profile, creating the look of a pole while retaining all the practical benefits of a track system.

Benefits of the Silent Gliss Metropole range include:

• Decorative pole appearance
• Smooth and quiet operation
• Suitable for hand-drawn curtains
• Available in a range of contemporary finishes
• Ideal for wave curtains
• Available for straight and bay window applications

The Metropole collection is particularly popular with homeowners who want a stylish, modern look without compromising on functionality.

If you like the appearance of a curtain pole but want the superior performance of a curtain track, Silent Gliss Metropole is often the perfect solution.

Paloma Curtain Tracks

Paloma Styleline tracks combine the decorative appearance of a curtain pole with the smooth functionality of a curtain track.

This makes them an excellent choice for homeowners who want the look of a pole without sacrificing the practical benefits of a track system.

Available in a range of finishes and finial styles, Paloma Styleline tracks are particularly popular in living rooms, bedrooms and dining rooms.

Ceiling Fix vs Wall Fix Curtain Tracks

Ceiling Fix

A ceiling-fixed track is mounted directly to the ceiling.

Benefits include:

• Contemporary appearance
• Maximises window height
• Ideal for wave curtains
• Excellent for floor-to-ceiling installations
• Creates a clean, minimalist finish

Wall Fix

A wall-fixed track is mounted above the window using brackets.

Benefits include:

• Suitable for most installations
• Easy to install
• Ideal where ceiling fixing is not possible
• Works well with both standard and wave curtains

Understanding Bracket Options

Choosing the correct bracket is important to ensure your curtain track is fitted securely and performs as intended.

Standard Wall Fix Brackets

Wall fix brackets are mounted directly to the wall above the window.

They are the most common installation method and are suitable for the majority of applications.

Ceiling Fix Brackets

Ceiling fix brackets allow the track to be mounted directly to the ceiling.

They are ideal for creating a modern, streamlined appearance and maximising curtain drop.

Smart Fix Brackets

Smart Fix brackets provide additional projection from the wall and are commonly used with wave curtain systems.

This additional clearance allows the wave folds to form correctly and ensures smooth operation.

Smart Fix Bracket Sizes

For wave curtain systems:

• 60mm Wave Gliders typically require 80mm Smart Fix Brackets
• 80mm Wave Gliders typically require 100mm Smart Fix Brackets

This ensures the curtain can move freely without catching on the wall or window frame.

Understanding Gliders

Gliders are the components that run inside the curtain track and support the curtains.

Curtain hooks attach directly to the gliders, allowing the curtains to move smoothly along the track.

Standard Gliders

Standard gliders are suitable for most curtain headings and everyday applications.

They provide reliable, smooth operation for both lightweight and medium-weight curtains.

Roller Gliders

Roller gliders feature small wheels that help curtains move more freely along the track.

They are particularly beneficial for:

• Larger windows
• Heavier curtains
• Long curtain runs

Wave Gliders

Wave gliders are designed specifically for wave heading curtains.

They create the elegant, uniform folds associated with contemporary wave curtain systems.

60mm Wave Gliders

Produce a tighter wave effect and are ideal for smaller windows and more compact installations.

80mm Wave Gliders

Create a deeper, more pronounced wave and are often preferred for larger windows and floor-to-ceiling curtains.

What Are Carriers?

Carriers are the leading gliders that pull the curtain along the track.

They sit at the front edge of the curtain and help guide the fabric as it opens and closes.

High-quality carriers ensure smooth operation, particularly on larger tracks and with heavier curtains.

What Are Brakes?

Brakes are small components fitted within the track that help hold the curtains in position.

They prevent curtains from drifting open or closed and help maintain a neat stack when the curtains are drawn back.

Brakes are particularly useful for:

• Wave curtain systems
• Lightweight fabrics
• Long curtain tracks
• Large windows

Choosing Your Curtain Stack

When ordering a made-to-measure curtain track, you'll need to decide how you would like your curtains to open and stack when drawn back.

Centre Opening (Even Split)

This is the most popular option.

The curtains meet in the centre of the window and stack evenly on both sides when opened.

Best for:

• Most windows
• Symmetrical room layouts
• Living rooms and bedrooms

Open to the Left

Both curtains stack to the left-hand side of the track.

This option is useful where furniture, doors or other obstacles make a centre opening arrangement less practical.

Open to the Right

Both curtains stack to the right-hand side of the track.

This is often chosen when access is required from one side of the window or where room layouts dictate a one-way draw.

What Is an Overlap Arm?

Some made-to-measure curtain tracks offer an overlap arm option.

An overlap arm allows the leading edge of one curtain to overlap the other when closed.

This helps eliminate the small gap that can sometimes occur where the curtains meet in the centre.

Benefits of overlap arms include:

• Improved privacy
• Reduced light leakage
• A neater appearance when closed
• Particularly beneficial in bedrooms

Overlap arms are often recommended when using blackout curtains or where complete window coverage is important.

One Piece or Two Piece Curtain Tracks?

Most made-to-measure curtain tracks can be supplied as either one-piece or two-piece systems depending on the overall length of the track.

Tracks Up To 6 Metres

Tracks up to 6 metres may be supplied as either one piece or two pieces depending on the system selected and transportation requirements.

Tracks Over 6 Metres

Tracks over 6 metres are supplied in two sections.

Where a track is supplied in multiple sections, a joining bridge or connector is included to ensure smooth operation across the join.

Made-to-Measure Curtain Tracks for Bay Windows

Bay windows can be challenging to dress correctly.

A professionally bent made-to-measure track allows curtains to glide smoothly around corners while maintaining a neat appearance.

This is often the simplest and most effective solution for:

• Victorian bays
• Edwardian bays
• Curved bays
• Angled bays

For more advice, see our Bay Window Curtain Pole Buying Guide.

How to Measure for a Made-to-Measure Curtain Track

Accurate measurements are essential.

As a general guide:

1. Measure the total width required.
2. Decide whether the track will be wall fixed or ceiling fixed.
3. Identify any obstacles such as radiators, furniture or light fittings.
4. For bay windows, measure each section individually.

For detailed measuring advice, see our How to Measure for a Curtain Pole Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are made-to-measure curtain tracks worth it?

Yes. They provide a precise fit, smoother operation and a more professional finish than many standard off-the-shelf tracks.

Are made-to-measure curtain tracks suitable for heavy curtains?

Yes. Many premium aluminium track systems are specifically designed to support heavier curtain fabrics while maintaining smooth operation.

Can made-to-measure curtain tracks be used for bay windows?

Absolutely. In fact, they are often the best solution for bay windows because they can be manufactured to follow the exact shape of the bay.

What is the difference between Silent Gliss, Silent Gliss Metropole and Paloma tracks?

Silent Gliss curtain tracks are designed primarily for performance and discretion, offering exceptionally smooth operation across a wide range of applications.

Silent Gliss Metropole combines the appearance of a decorative curtain pole with the functionality of a curtain track, making it ideal for customers who want a visible, contemporary design feature.

Paloma Styleline follows a similar concept, providing the look of a curtain pole with integrated track functionality and a wide choice of decorative finishes and finials.

Do I need standard gliders, roller gliders or wave gliders?

Standard gliders are suitable for most curtains, roller gliders are ideal for larger windows and heavier curtains, while wave gliders should be selected when creating a wave heading curtain system.

Do I need Smart Fix brackets for wave curtains?

Yes. Wave curtain systems require additional clearance from the wall to allow the folds to form correctly. For this reason, Smart Fix brackets are typically recommended, with the bracket size depending on whether 60mm or 80mm wave gliders are selected.

Can I fit a made-to-measure curtain track myself?

Many customers successfully install their own curtain tracks. However, accurate measuring and following the installation instructions are important to achieve the best result.

Are ceiling-fixed curtain tracks modern?

Yes. Ceiling-fixed tracks are one of the most popular choices in contemporary interiors and can help create a clean, elegant appearance.

Still Need Help?

If you're unsure which made-to-measure curtain track is right for your project, our team is always happy to help.

Browse our full range of:

• Silent Gliss Curtain Tracks
• Paloma Curtain Tracks

Or contact us for expert advice before ordering.