Glossary of Terms

Sometimes buying curtain poles, tracks and blinds is tricky so we have put together a glossary of all key terms you’ll need to know in alphabetical order to help you on your way. 

A –

B

Basic switch operation – The curtain track can be operated using a switch to open and close the curtains. 

Bay window curtain poles – Poles that are bent to fit bay windows; a window that projects outwards from the outside wall of a house.

Bi-fold doors – A glass door with panels that fold and stack up when slid open. Also known as folding, sliding or concertina doors.

Bow windows – A curved window that projects outwards from the outside wall of a house.

Brackets – Can be fixed to support curtain poles and tracks.

• Adjustable brackets can be adjusted to make fitting the pole or track easier.
• Blok brackets are designed for use with the Silent Gliss Metropole.
• Centre and end brackets support the pole in the described positions.
• Drop brackets are used to attach the pole from the ceiling.
• Extension brackets project the pole further away from the wall.
• Face fixed brackets are used to attach poles to the wall.
• Maxi brackets are the standard brackets used on the Silent Gliss 6140 hand drawn poles, the 6160 corded Metropole and the 6150 electronically operated Metropole. 
• Passing brackets are used with C-rings to allow curtains to pass brackets.
• Recess brackets are used to fit the pole into a recess. See ‘Recess’.
• Top fixed brackets are used to secure the pole to the ceiling.

C

Connection bridge – Used to join two curtain tracks or poles if they need to be in two halves. 

Control chain/sidewinder – A chain or cord that you can use to open or close blinds.

Corded curtain poles – A pole with a cord that can be pulled to open and close curtains. Compare to ‘Uncorded curtain poles’.

Corded curtain tracks – Tracks which have an attached cord to open and close curtains. Compare to ‘Uncorded curtain tracks’.

Curtain poles – A pole which is used to hang curtains as an alternative to tracks. Curtains can be attached using rings or gliders. Can be operated by hand, cord or electronically. 

Curtain tracks – A rail with built-in gliders to attach to curtains. Makes opening and closing the curtains smoother than poles with rings. Available in corded, uncorded and electronically operated designs.

D

Double curtain track systems – A track that has two channels to hang two layers of curtains.

Double layered roller blinds – A style of roller blinds featuring two layers of fabric. Transparent and opaque sections line up behind one another to adjust the level of light.

Draw rods - A rod that clips to uncorded tracks or poles to draw the curtains. Ideal for hard-to-reach tracks or poles on smaller windows.

E

Electric curtain poles – Curtain poles that are electronically operated by remote, switch, radio or timer.

Electric curtain tracks – Curtain tracks that are electronically operated by remote, switch, radio or timer.

Electric double layered roller blinds – A style of roller blinds featuring two layers of fabric. Transparent and opaque sections line up behind one another to adjust the level of light. Electronically operated, meaning they can be adjusted either by a handheld transmitter, switch or a timer.

End caps – Accessories that can be fixed to the end of a pole to complete the look. Compared to finials, these offer a minimalist style.

Eyelet curtains – Curtains with small round holes at the top of the fabric to insert the pole through.

F

Finials – Decorative accessories that can be fixed to each end of the pole.

G

Gliders – Hooks which attach to the curtain and run along a track. An alternative to rings. Also known as runners.

• Standard glider – Plastic or metal hooks which run across a track.
• Roller glider – Gliders with wheels to allow smoother movement.
• Wave glider – Gliders designed for use with wave curtains.

H

Hand drawn curtain track – Curtain tracks that are operated by hand.

Heading tape – Tape which can be added to the top of the curtain to provide shape.

Holdbacks – Wall fixtures to hold curtains away from the window. A more durable alternative to tiebacks – strips of fabric that pull the curtains to the side.

Hooks – Hooks that attach to curtain heading tape and hang curtains from a pole or track.

• Pleat hooks – Hooks designed to hold pleats together.

I

Interlined curtains – Curtains with a layer of hidden fabric sandwiched between the front and back fabrics. They are thicker and heavier than unlined curtains.

Intermediate pulley - Used to cord a curtain pole on both sides. This is recommended if the pole is over 2.75m long, bent, or your curtains are heavy.

J –

K –

L –

M

Metro flat – A Silent Gliss pole designed to suit bay windows and long curtain expanses. A contemporary style to suit modern interiors.

Metro pole – A curtain pole designed by Silent Gliss which can be bent to suit bay windows.

Midials – Decorative accessories that can be fitted along the length of a curtain pole. Used with curtain tracks or poles with gliders. 

N –

O

Overlap arm - Allows curtain overlapping to avoid gaps between the curtains.

P

Pull cord – A cord that is used to operate corded poles and tracks by pulling manually.

Q –

R

Radio remote operation – A track or pole that uses a handheld transmitter to open and close the curtains. 

Recess - The cavity in the wall where the window sits.

Recessed track – Tracks that can be fixed into the ceiling so that the profile is invisible.

Rings – Rings fit around a curtain pole to hold up curtains. An alternative to gliders.  

• C-ring - A ring used with passing brackets so that the rings can pass the brackets. Ideal for use with bay windows. Also known as passing rings.
• O-shaped rings – Standard curtain rings which make up a complete loop.

Roller blinds – A window blind fixed onto a rod which rolls down the fabric when operated.

S –

T

Tab curtains – Curtains which use loops made from the curtain fabric to fit the pole.

Timer operation – Poles, tracks, or blinds that use a timer to open and close the curtains/blinds at a set time.

Total control operation - A pole which can be operated either by a switch, timer or remote control. 

U

Uncorded curtain poles – Curtain poles that are opened and closed manually, without a cord.

• Uncorded poles with gliders – Poles that are fitted with gliders for the ease-of-use of a track. See ‘Gliders’.
• Uncorded poles with rings – Poles with rings fitted around them to hang curtains. See ‘Rings’.

Uncorded curtain tracks – Curtain tracks that do not have an attached cord to operate them. Curtains are opened by hand.

V –

W

Wave curtains – Curtains that use heading tape and a Wave glider-cord to create a stylish flowing wave effect.

X –

Y –

Z –

 

Don’t worry if you still need help, we are always here to guide you through the process. Call our team today on 01494 535699 or drop them an e-mail at info@thecurtainpoleandtrackcompany.com for more help.