Potentialy stupid question regarding curtain tracks

Suitcasesparks

Hello, I have just purchased a property that has no curtains but does seem to have a track thing above each window. I am rather useless in general and am really struggling to understand how to attach curtains to these tracks.

The below photo is the back of the track - I imagine some small runner type things are needed but I don't get how they can run along the widest gap in the middle without hitting the big thing on the right (these big things are every 30cm or so and are holding the track on the wall), and the small gap at the bottom seems too small to fit any type of runner in.

Does anyone have something similar and/or know how they work?

ellie99

Not a stupid question if you don't know the answer!  The sellers should really have left the hooks which fit the track, but you can buy new ones. 

You need ones that look like this

50pcs Curtain Hooks Plastic White, JUYOO Curtain Rail Glider, Curtain Track Glider, Curtains Hooks for Window Curtain, Door Curtain and Shower Curtain : Amazon.co.uk: Home & Kitchen

They hook over top and bottom of the rail, and you slide your curtain tape over the bit that sticks up at the back. They are for curtains with tape along the top, not the ones with holes for a pole.
Hope that helps.

Suitcasesparks

Aaaaah I get it...thankyou! You have saved me from an awkward conversation in a curtain shop.

They didn't leave the hooks, but they left me a bottle of wine so I can't be mad.

Thanks again.

Northern_Wanderer

I think it might be a different curtain track glider that you need, not what @ellie99 said

https://www.candh.co.uk/curtains-blinds-c211/curtain-tracks-poles-c214/curtain-tracks-c215/swish-superluxe-curtain-track-roller-gliders-pack-of-10-p121 

Not easy to tell which you have from your picture if I'm honest. Whichever it is, you'll have to get the one that fits your track. Is there a manufacturer name anywhere on the track or the wall brackets? You might have to undo the brackets and take track off to see. Tracks are for Pencil Pleat/ Taped curtains, not Eyelet Curtains.

EDIT - also, the track might have been put back on the wrong gap, there are two gaps, one for the brackets and one for the gliders.

FreeBear

Not all curtain tracks are created equal. You will probably find the sliders for one track won't fit on a different track.. You also need to be careful about curtain weights. Some of the cheaper plastic rails will sag/break if you try to hang a heavy insulated curtain.

Suitcasesparks

Northern_Wanderer said:

I think it might be a different curtain track glider that you need, not what @ellie99 said

https://www.candh.co.uk/curtains-blinds-c211/curtain-tracks-poles-c214/curtain-tracks-c215/swish-superluxe-curtain-track-roller-gliders-pack-of-10-p121 

Not easy to tell which you have from your picture if I'm honest. Whichever it is, you'll have to get the one that fits your track. Is there a manufacturer name anywhere on the track or the wall brackets? You might have to undo the brackets and take track off to see. Tracks are for Pencil Pleat/ Taped curtains, not Eyelet Curtains.

EDIT - also, the track might have been put back on the wrong gap, there are two gaps, one for the brackets and one for the gliders.

Thanks, the gliders seem quite cheap so I'll order a few types that look feasible and hopefully one works!

Emmia

FreeBear said:

Not all curtain tracks are created equal. You will probably find the sliders for one track won't fit on a different track.. You also need to be careful about curtain weights. Some of the cheaper plastic rails will sag/break if you try to hang a heavy insulated curtain.

OT but one of the best things I did in lockdown was replacing the cheap curtain pole in our lounge with a good quality one (I really have no idea why I waited 5 years to do it) - if money allows I'd definitely consider replacement, you'll also then have all the right fittings.

Suitcasesparks

Emmia said:

FreeBear said:

Not all curtain tracks are created equal. You will probably find the sliders for one track won't fit on a different track.. You also need to be careful about curtain weights. Some of the cheaper plastic rails will sag/break if you try to hang a heavy insulated curtain.

OT but one of the best things I did in lockdown was replacing the cheap curtain pole in our lounge with a good quality one (I really have no idea why I waited 5 years to do it) - if money allows I'd definitely consider replacement, you'll also then have all the right fittings.

Thanks, I think I will longer term, for now I just want something to keep it dark at night!

twopenny

Careful to measure the hooks and glider thingies.
Old tracks are usually a firkin or two different to the extras as they are made now.
I'd go to a curtain shop with photo and if you can measure the depth of track or trace round the end to try the sliders for size against their stock would be quickest.

I second that when replacing the good stuff is much better to use and buy spares of gliders.
The cheap stuff will do the job but full of minor agrivations and spares quickly unavailable.

Northern_Wanderer

If you want a dark room then a curtain track is the best thing because it sits next to the wall with less gaps for light to penetrate at edges of curtains. Eyelet cutains and poles are at least 12-15 cm away from the wall and let in a lot of light - I have a real dislike for modern because despite them looking nice, they usually have more draw backs than what was made in the old days.

The track you have may be far better quality than the crap sold nowadays.