Can curtain tracks be recessed into the ceiling?
Updated
Yes. A curtain track can be set into a recess in the ceiling so that only the curtain shows. It has to be planned before the ceiling is finished, because the recess is formed when the ceiling is built. Ask your builder and your retailer early.
A recessed curtain track sits in a pocket cut or formed in the ceiling, so the track is hidden and the curtain appears to come straight out of the ceiling. It is a neat, built in look, popular in new homes and renovations. It is not something that can easily be added after the ceiling is complete.
Why it has to be planned early
The recess is part of the ceiling. It is formed when the ceiling is built, so the plasterer and builder need to know the exact position and length of the track before the ceiling is set. After that, the only way to add a recess is to cut into the ceiling, which means repair and repainting. A track that is added later is fixed to the ceiling surface or the wall instead.
What to decide before the ceiling is built
- Where the track will run, including any corners or bends.
- How long it needs to be, including room for the curtain to stack clear of the glass.
- What type of curtain it will carry. A Wave Fold or S Fold curtain needs room in front of and behind the track for the wave.
- Whether it will be hand drawn, cord drawn or motorised, and where power is needed.
- How the track will be reached for servicing and for replacing runners (gliders).
Who to involve
The builder or plasterer forms the recess. The curtain retailer or installer advises on the track and the curtain. Talking to your retailer before the ceiling is lined means the recess can be sized for the track and for the curtain you plan to hang.
| Recessed | Surface fixed | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Track hidden, only the curtain shows | Track visible, or hidden by the curtain |
| When to decide | Before the ceiling is finished | Any time |
| Who is involved | Builder, plasterer and retailer | Retailer or installer |
| Changing later | Hard | Easier |
If you are not sure, a surface fixed ceiling track gives a similar tall, clean line without building a recess. Ask your retailer which of the tracks they supply can be recessed and what the builder needs to know. Speedy Blinds makes curtain tracks for retailers.
Other ways people ask this
Can I recess a curtain track in an existing ceiling?
It means cutting into the ceiling and repairing it, so it is much easier to plan before the ceiling is built.
What is a recessed curtain track?
A track set into a pocket in the ceiling so only the curtain is visible.
Do recessed tracks work with motors?
Often yes, but power and access have to be planned with the track.
Is a recessed track better than a ceiling fixed track?
It is neater but needs planning in advance. A surface ceiling fix is easier to add later.
This answer is general information. For your own windows, your retailer's advice and your order with them come first.