Blog

Curtain-Tracks.com uses FedEx to delivery a large majority of our packages to our customers.  Whether the curtain tracks are shipped via ground service, 2nd day, or next day delivery, FedEx does a very good job for us of delivering our drapery hardware promptly and in good condition.  An article today about hidden images in logos caught our eye this morning, and inspired one of those "ah ha" moments.  Despite having a FedEx truck at our facility daily, and having their packaging boxes and envelopes around constantly, we had never noticed the hidden image in the FedEx logo.  Can you spot it?

One of the interesting things we encounter by providing drapery hardware to customers all over the  US  and Canada is the wide range of locations where we ship parts.  Curtain-Tracks.com has satisfied customers in all 50 states in the US, and people from Hawaii and Alaska order frequently.  However, sometimes the destination of an order will catch our eye, and yesterday was just such a day.  It was the first time we had shipped anything to that particular location, and of course we had to check the name to be sure it wasn't for Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, or Santa Claus.  That's not to say we are not just as excited to earn the business of Donna T. from North Pole, Alaska versus that of a jolly old soul in a red suit.  Besides, everyone knows he has his elves make his curtain tracks anyhow.

Curtain Carriers are often referred to by a wide range of terms including curtain glide, curtain glider, curtain slide, curtain slider, curtain trolly, and even a do-hickey or thing-a-ma-jig. We've had customers even call not knowing what to call them other than the things the roll or slide back and forth on the curtain track or curtain rail. Regardless of what the curtain carriers are called, they typically fall into one of three categories: wheeled curtain carriers, friction curtain carriers, or master carriers. We will provide a bit of insight into the purpose and pros and cons of each.

As summer winds down, countless students are packing their possessions and preparing for their first year away at a college or university.  With that experience for many, it includes moving  into a dormitory (dorm) and taking up residence with a roommate.  Regardless of whether that roommate is a friend from high school or a stranger met on dorm “move in day,” there will certainly be times when most students will crave some privacy.  Dorm rooms typically offer very little of that precious commodity we call solitude, but Curtain-Tracks.com may be able to help.  With the  simple addition of a ceiling mounted curtain track, a divider curtain can be installed from floor to ceiling.  The track can be mounted to the ceiling with a few screws or by the use of clamps that leave no holes at all if the ceiling is a drop/acoustic ceiling with tile suspended in a grid system.

When Garrett at Cricket Trailer set out to combine his expertise in the design of small living quarters honed working for NASA on the Habitation Module of the International Space Station with his interest in camping, the concept of an "innovative, lightweight, compact, and flexible small environment" in which to travel and explore was born. As he worked through the design process, it eventually came time to address the need for a toilet and shower in his creative camper. Logically he set out to find the right curtain track that could be used to hang a curtain that would offer privacy and retain water. That's were the relationship between Cricket Trailers and Curtain-Tracks.con was born.

As much of the US endures record temperatures, it seems an appropriate time to remind our customers of an important benefit of curtains – maintaining the interior temperatures in homes and offices.  Direct sunlight shining through windows can  drastically increase the temperature of a room.  By utilizing blackout curtains at certain times of the day to block out direct sunlight can help to insulate the room and reduce the resulting heat increase.  This helps to improve the comfort level of the room, as well as save money by reducing your air conditioning costs and energy consumption.

In thumbing through the current issue of Departures magazine, I came across an interesting article about Airstream travel trailers by Jesse Will.  He chronicles a number of interesting facts (some of which are shared below) and it is certainly worth a look if you have any interest in Airstream Trailers, Travel Trailers in general, or RVs.  Here is some of the history shared about the iconic manufacturer of the unmistakable aluminum skinned trailers:

We always like to get feedback from our customers to help us understand what we are doing well and where we need to make improvements. While some companies are afraid to acknowledge anything negative, we confess that we do get the occasional complaint. Sometimes the issue is our fault, sometimes there is an issue with Fedex or USPS with the product in transit, and sometimes the customer makes a mistake in placing their order. Regardless, we do our best to tackle these challenges and work hard to satisfy the customer. More times than not, customers usually only invest the time and energy to contact us after the sale if there is an issue or problem.

It is always fun when our products get to make cameo appearances in television shows and movies. Since we do know drapery hardware but don't know acting, this is about as close to Tinsel Town as we are likely to get. The set designers for The Good Wife on CBS recently purchased curtain tracks to be used in an upcoming episode of the popular TV show.

Here is a preview of the first episode of the Man Card Crew home improvement show that should be begin airing in the Chicagoland area soon. Curtain-Tracks.com provided the curtain track hardware and curtain panels to conceal wall shelving units and overhead storage shelves suspended in the center of the room above the main light fixture, allowing for an interior look despite being a garage. By covering these storage areas, the designers can hide what is typically an unsightly mess on storage shelves with a simple and inexpensive curtains option. The use of curtains also provides flexibility since they don't take up the room a standard door or wall may require and provide easy access to the full span of the shelves. Small curtain panels also provide accents along the back wall, helping to soften the look and make it feel more like a den than a garage.