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Choosing a track for wave curtains

Wave curtain tracks: which track is suitable?

A wave curtain track is not a separate type of track. In theory, almost any good curtain track can be used for wave curtains, as long as suitable wave gliders on cord fit in the track profile. After that, you mainly choose what fits technically and what you like: a small track that almost disappears, or a track that is meant to be seen.

  • 8 types of gliderswhite/black · 6/8 cm · narrow/wide
  • Ceiling or wallpendant rods and recessed fitting are also possible
  • Discreet or on showwhite, black, stainless steel, bronze, brass and more
  • Electricwave curtains can also go on a motorised track
Dark wave curtains on visible black pole-style tracks in a spacious kitchen
The track may be seenbut it can also almost disappear completely

The basics are simple

Which curtain tracks are suitable for wave curtains?

Short answer: a track is suitable for wave curtains if suitable linked wave gliders on cord fit in the track profile and those gliders can run freely everywhere. So the track does not have to be sold specifically as a ‘wave track’.

With wave curtains, the gliders are joined together by a cord. When the cord is taut, the distance between the gliders is 6 or 8 cm. When opening, they slide towards each other. This keeps the waves neatly distributed.

Already have a track? Then we mainly look at the opening the glider runs through. If a wave glider fits there, that track can often simply stay in place.

1

The glider must fit. Too wide or too narrow does not work well.

2

The gliders are on a cord. You choose 6 or 8 cm spacing.

3

Bends and joints must run smoothly. The gliders must not get stuck anywhere.

4

The track must be strong enough. Especially with wide or heavy curtains.

See how the wave system works
White wave curtain on a small white track that almost disappears against the ceiling
Small white trackA white track against a white ceiling is barely noticeable.

Order straight away with your curtains

Wave gliders on cord: see the 8 types

Gordijnen.com specialises in made to measure wave curtains. Suitable gliders and end spreaders are part of that. You can order the gliders with your curtains: white or black, with 6 or 8 cm spacing, for narrow gauge or wide gauge.

Narrow gauge or wide gauge?

Most tracks are wide gauge. Do check the profile of your track: the glider must fit in it and be able to run smoothly. Some tracks require their own model. If in doubt, send a photo of the underside of the track and of an existing glider. Then we will see which one you need.

How to have your track checked

6 or 8 cm wave?

This is the distance between two gliders when the cord is taut. Choose the same spacing as for your curtain. Narrow or wide gauge is about the track profile and is separate from the wave spacing.

Compare 6 and 8 cm wave

8 cm wave gliders

White wave gliders on a cord with 8 cm spacing for wide channel tracksView photo
8 cm · whiteWide channel
Black wave gliders on cord with 8 cm spacing for wide gaugeView photo
8 cm · blackWide gauge
White wave gliders on a cord with 8 cm spacing for narrow channel tracksView photo
8 cm · whiteNarrow channel
Black wave gliders on cord with 8 cm spacing for narrow gaugeView photo
8 cm · blackNarrow gauge

6 cm wave gliders

White wave gliders on a cord with 6 cm spacing for wide channel tracksView photo
6 cm · whiteWide channel
Black wave gliders on cord with 6 cm spacing for wide gaugeView photo
6 cm · blackWide gauge
White wave gliders on a cord with 6 cm spacing for narrow channel tracksView photo
6 cm · whiteNarrow channel
Black wave gliders on cord with 6 cm spacing for narrow gaugeView photo
6 cm · blackNarrow gauge

We send the right number

When designing your curtain, choose ‘Add gliders on cord to your order’. There you will see the number of gliders needed, the cord length and the extra cost. We match the number to the chosen width, wave spacing and split into one or two panels.

End spreaders in the same colour

If you order black gliders, we supply black end spreaders. With white gliders you get white end spreaders. The end spreaders make sure the first and last fold also hang nicely.

Only together with curtains

We only supply the gliders with a curtain order, not separately. Do you already have enough suitable wave gliders in your track? Then you can choose ‘Don’t include’ with your curtain.

Already have a track?

Can I keep my existing curtain track for wave curtains?

If suitable wave gliders fit in your track, the track can stay in place. The make and type help, but a clear photo often says a lot too.

1. Look at the make and typeIs there a name or number on the track? Write it down.
2. Take a photo of the undersideWe need to see the opening the glider runs through.
3. Take a photo of an existing gliderThat makes it quicker to see which model you need.
4. Do you have a bend?Show that too. The wave gliders must run through it without catching.
Not sure?

Send us photos of the track and glider. We will take a look before you order anything new.

Send your track photos
Light wave curtains on a visible black track in a living room
Black track in the interiorWith a visible black track, black gliders usually look best.

How do you fit the track?

Wave track on the ceiling, the wall or on pendant rods

All three are possible. Choose what suits the room and above all make sure the curtain doesn’t touch anything.

White wave curtain on a small white ceiling track
Ceiling

Small and calm

A small white track against a white ceiling almost disappears. That is often the calmest solution if you mainly want to see the curtain.

Chrome track on wall brackets with Dim out 17 rust
Wall

With a wall bracket

With 6 cm wave, allow a projection of approximately 8 cm. With 8 cm wave approximately 10 cm. If a window sill or handle sticks out further, the bracket needs to come further forward.

Wave curtain on a black track with pendant rods
Pendant rods

Hanging the track lower

With pendant rods, the track hangs lower than the ceiling. That can be useful in a tall room or if you want to keep the track visible.

Track in a pelmet box

Wave track in a pelmet box or ceiling recess

In a pelmet box the track disappears. So the colour and shape of the track matter much less there. Mainly check whether the right wave gliders fit and whether there is enough space for the curtain.

With two curtains one behind the other, the depth becomes even more important. Think, for example, of an inbetween on the window side and an opaque curtain on the room side. The exact distances are on our measuring page.

Enough depthThe waves must be able to move freely.
Keep the track accessibleGliders must still be replaceable or adjustable later.
Watch out for spotlights and handlesThey must not get into the curtain’s space.
See how to measure for double wave tracks
Two wave curtains one behind the other, with the front track concealed in the ceiling
Double wave in a pelmet boxHere it is mainly about space and positioning; the track itself disappears.

A track can look good too

Visible wave track: white, black, stainless steel, bronze or brass

A white track can blend in quietly. If you want to show the track, black, stainless steel, bronze, brass and chrome are attractive options.

Chrome track with Dim out 17 rust

Premium tracks

A track that is meant to be seen

Premium tracks and pole-style tracks with attractive brackets and finishes make a big difference, especially with a visible track. Gordijnen.com can supply these on request.

Ask about premium tracks

A few combinations

The colour of the track and the colour of the fabric can complement each other quietly or create a contrast.

Matt black track with Inbetween 072 beige grey
Matt blackInbetween 072 beige grey
Stainless steel-look track with Semi-sheer 06 natural
Stainless steel lookSemi-sheer 06 natural
Matt brass pole-style track with Blackout 14 green
Matt brassBlackout 14 green
Bronze pole-style track with a semi-sheer wave curtain
BronzeSemi-sheer fabric
Black track with Dim out 17 rust
BlackDim out 17 rust

Bay window, corner or long track

Wave track for a bay window, corner or long run of windows

Do you have a bay window or does the track need to go round a corner? Then choose a track that can be bent. How tight the bend can be differs per track. A wide bend runs more easily than a very tight one.

With a long track, one piece looks best if that is practical. If the track has to be joined, the two parts must line up neatly. The wave gliders must be able to run over the joint without clicking or catching.

Bay window or corner

Ask beforehand whether the chosen track can be bent and how tight the bend can be.

Long track

Preferably in one piece. Joining is also possible, as long as the gliders run through without catching.

Heavy curtain

A wide blackout puts more demands on the track and brackets than a light voile.

Stacking side

When the curtain is open, a lot of weight hangs on a small part of the track. Extra support may be needed there.

Electric curtain track with wave curtain
Electric wave curtainHandy for wide, tall or frequently used curtains.

Electric wave track

Electric curtain track for wave curtains

Then choose an electric track that works with wave gliders. You decide a few things beforehand: which side the motor goes on, whether the curtain opens to one side or from the centre, and where the power supply is.

Motor left or rightPreferably choose the side where the motor is least noticeable.
One side or centre openingThat determines how the track is built up.
Straight or curvedNot every motorised track can make the same bends.
ControlRemote control, wall switch and control via home automation are possible. Which options you have differs per system.

We work with well-known motorised systems, among others, and electric tracks from premium track makers are also available. Which track suits best depends mainly on the length, weight and shape of the track.

Ask for advice on electric

Before you order

Check this before you choose a wave track

1Does the glider fit?

Check which glider fits in the track: narrow or wide gauge.

26 or 8 cm?

Choose the right cord spacing for your wave.

3Enough space?

Keep the curtain clear of the wall, handle and window sill.

4Brackets right?

For wall mounting, at least approx. 8 cm for 6 cm wave and approx. 10 cm for 8 cm wave.

5Bend or joint?

Gliders must be able to run freely everywhere.

6Weight well distributed?

Heavy and wide curtains need a strong track and enough brackets.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions about wave curtain tracks

Here you will find short answers. For exact measurements at your window, use the measuring page.

Do I need a special wave track?
No. An ordinary curtain track can work perfectly well for wave curtains if suitable wave gliders on cord fit in the track.
Can I keep my existing track?
Often you can. Check the make and type or send clear photos of the track and an existing glider.
Which wave gliders can you supply?
White or black, 6 or 8 cm and for narrow gauge or wide gauge. You can only order them together with curtains. We send the right number, with white end spreaders for white gliders and black end spreaders for black gliders. See all eight types.
What is narrow gauge or wide gauge?
It refers to the size and shape of the opening in the track. It is separate from the choice of 6 or 8 cm wave.
How far should a wall bracket project?
Allow approximately 8 cm with 6 cm wave and approximately 10 cm with 8 cm wave. If a window sill or handle sticks out further, you need more space.
Can a track go in a pelmet box?
Yes. In a pelmet box you hardly see the track. Mainly pay attention to the right gliders, enough depth and whether you can still reach the track later.
Can a wave track go round a bend?
Yes, if the track can be bent and the wave gliders can follow the bend properly. How tight the bend can be differs per track.
Can a long track be joined?
Yes. The joint must be flush, though, so the gliders can run over it without catching.
Can I choose a black or metal track?
Yes. There is plenty of choice: white, black, aluminium, stainless steel look, bronze, brass, chrome and more. With a visible track, the track can really become part of the interior.
Do you supply premium tracks?
Yes, on request. We can supply attractive, high-quality tracks and pole-style tracks in various finishes.
Can wave curtains be electric?
Yes. Choose a motorised track that works with wave gliders. The motor side, opening, power supply, length, weight and any bends determine which system fits.
Can wave curtains hang from a pole-style track?
Yes. A pole-style track is suitable if suitable wave gliders on cord can run in the channel. This gives you the look of a curtain pole with the technology of a curtain track.
Which track is best?
That depends on what you want. If you hardly want to see the track, choose a small ceiling or recessed track. If it is meant to stand out, you can choose a designer track or pole-style track.

Do you know which track you are using?

Then measure the track and drop

On the measuring page you can see exactly how to measure the track width, drop and clearance. If you are still unsure about your existing track, send us a photo first.

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