For many months, retail stores have taken extra safety precautions to protect customers from COVID-19. Now, according to the CDC, with a total of 161,473,715 Americans fully vaccinated, or 48.6 percent of the country's population, the same retail stores are starting to relax some of those precautions, including opening their dressing rooms back up to customers. Yea!

Depending on the store, when it comes to retail design, you might see hard structure walls and doors with locks. For more upscale boutiques or stores with unique design, you might see dressing rooms that have lush curtains rather than doors. One particular national chain in Chicago does just that – they use thick curtains for their changing rooms. They added hooks to the edges of the curtains so the customer can secure the panels as they would a door. The curtain is attached to the ceiling with a ceiling mount curtain track and uses carriers that provide a seamless opening and closing. This type of design provides an upscale feel.

Ceiling mount curtain tracks are designed to be mounted by either being screwed directly into the ceiling through mounting holes or attached directly to the ceiling with ceiling mount hardware. This hardware can include clips, clamps, brackets, or retainers. The 52124 Ceiling Mount Curtain Track is a solid option for this type of retail project. This track is an aluminum track with silver satin finish that will not rust. Depending on the height of the ceilings, the 6200 Heavy Duty I Beam Track is another great choice. This track can be mounted to the wall or the ceiling and is super strong to hold even the most plush curtains.

Bridal salons also often use curtains for their dressing room spaces. As brides-to-be try on their dream gown, many of these bridal boutiques put them in a room that is much larger than a standard dressing room to accommodate the many dresses in various shapes and materials. Rather than using a cold, harsh door, you will see beautiful curtains. They soften the space and create an elegant feel – just what every bride deserves.

The next time you take a few moments to try on clothing in a store, take note of the dressing room situation. You might just see some curtain tracks and beautiful curtains instead of walls and doors. These quality, durable curtain tracks will last for years.

SMART INVESTMENT

Investments in home improvement projects have skyrocketed over the past 12 months due to people staying home. With budgets accustomed to trips, concerts, plays, movies, gym memberships, and dining out, that money is being spent elsewhere. Bathroom remodels, creating living space in an unfinished basement, kitchen upgrades, pool installations, and adding a screened-in porch or four seasons room are just some of the common projects taking place. In fact, one study shows home extensions and additions jumped 52% compared to a year ago.

BEING OUTSIDE

For this article, we wanted to talk about screened-in porches and four seasons’ rooms. These spaces that are connected to the home, offer a taste of the outside while still being protected from the elements. Once these rooms are built, depending on the structure and if there are windows or just screens surrounding the room, curtains can come into play. Curtains add a feature that not only can complete the look of a room but can also protect against weather. For a screened-in porch, adding curtain tracks, like the 42124 Ceiling Mount Curtain Track or the 3118 Aluminum Ceiling Mount Track and curtains that are weatherproof, can keep rain from blowing in through the screens and saturating the furniture. As soon as the storm blows through, open the curtains and enjoy your screened-in porch immediately (no need to wait for that furniture to dry out)!

FOUR SEASONS

For four seasons rooms with windows surrounding the space, curtains can again, add a finishing touch to the room and allow the design of the home to flow naturally onto the added bonus room. The problem with a room that is surrounded by windows, a space like this can become quite hot in the middle of the summer. Having curtains that can be drawn closed mid-afternoon, will help keep the space much cooler. Not only that, but curtains can also allow for privacy.

HONEY DO LIST

Curtain-Tracks has been able to help many homeowners complete their plans by providing tracks, glides, wands, and curtains. We can help you as well! We truly enjoy working with homeowners on their home improvement projects and we love seeing the finished product. If you have used a Curtain-Tracks product and would like to share some pictures with us, please email them HERE. We just may share them on our social media channels or in a future blog post!

SHINY AND NEW

Oftentimes when you move into a new house the window treatments stay. Perhaps it’s because they match the current wall color and the sellers think the new owners will love the existing decor and style and won’t want to make any changes. But more often than not, those curtains/blinds/valences and curtain rods come down to make way for something new. If this is the case for you and your new home, may we suggest something? We suggest replacing those old, tired curtains and rods with a sleek, durable curtain track and panels that actually match your design style.

FROM CURTAIN RODS TO CURTAIN TRACKS

A curtain track has many benefits including it can be mounted to the wall or the ceiling. Not only that, a track is sturdy and welcomes the frequent opening and closing of curtains. A curtain rod isn’t always so durable. How many times have you seen a curtain rod ripped out of the wall because someone was just a bit too rough when pulling the curtains closed? When this happens, you not only have to replace the rod, you also have some drywall repair that needs to be done. Curtain tracks are attached to the wall or ceiling at multiple points making it extra strong and reliable. Plus, our curtain carriers are made for these tracks so you are getting the best of the best.

CURTAIN CHOICES

When it comes to curtain selection, stick with the theme of high quality by purchasing curtains that not only look good but can withstand repeated use. We offer a wide selection of fabrics to match any décor, plus all of our fabrics are fire retardant and machine washable. Whether you are looking for blackout curtains, ripplefold curtains, or fabric that looks like linen, with Curtain-Tracks, you have options.

Don’t settle for some other homeowner's design style, make your own statement on your new home by starting with your windows. We can help!

RELAX

A recent visit to a spa showed several safety measures in place: masks worn by all, hand sanitizing stations, socially distanced markers on the floor, and plexiglass dividers at the main check-in desk. All these precautions that now seem so normal, made the experience no less enjoyable. In fact, it was quite pleasant having the opportunity to visit a spa, safely.

JUST WAIT

An observation at this particular spa was the waiting area near the hair salon. The space boasted floor-to-ceiling windows that allowed natural light to stream through from space to space. The open floor plan was welcoming and allowed guests to see many different areas from the front door, including a small shop selling products, the front desk, and a hair salon.

GORGEOUS

On the large windows we noticed the subtle curtain tracks, carriers, and curtain sheers. Simple. Elegant. Beautiful. While the curtains did provide a touch of privacy, the main function was to soften the look of the lobby while also allowing light to reach the adjoining spaces.

ELEGANT

Even with all the social distancing guidelines, the waiting area was still extremely comfortable with seating areas placed at 6’ distances. The simple touch of adding curtain tracks and sheer panels to the windows in the waiting area was just another welcoming factor. It created a high-end, elegant feel. A simple addition with a big impact.

LOVE IT

You don’t have to go “over the top” when designing your space, whether that be a spa, business or home. Curtain-Tracks can help you create a welcoming space that you, and your guests, will love.

SPRING IS IN THE AIR

Spring isn’t just for spring cleaning, it’s also for making some design updates in your home. Updating a room doesn’t mean you have to put all your furniture on the curb for someone else to take and purchasing all new. Making updates can be simple and affordable.

THAT’S FRESH

Making a fresh update can be as simple as adding a new accent color to your space. Adding throw pillows with splashes of a new and unexpected color can make a statement in a room. Splashes of orange or yellow can make a neutral room fun and welcoming. Lauren Lowe of Lauren Elaine Interiors says, "We are loving soft yellows used as a neutral or as an accent to pretty blues, and ochre and mustard block prints paired with earthy tones. We would love to see a room painted soft yellow with lots of stained antique case pieces and layered with collections and treasures." You can also continue with that color theme by adding a vase or picture and even, dare we say, curtains!

REPLACE THE OLD WITH NEW

Replace tired old curtains with new ones! A fresh new pattern on your panels will instantly make an impact. And of course, hang them from durable, and affordable, ceiling or wall mount curtain tracks and use glides that allow for easy opening and closing. Add a wand to avoid messy fingerprints on your new statement-making curtains and your redesign of your space is complete.

ON A BUDGET

Redesigning a space doesn’t have to cost a ton of money. Making some of these subtle updates can make a large impact. For more ideas and inspiration about current hot color trends, check out this article in Veranda. Happy decorating and Happy Spring!

INDUSTRIAL TRACKS

Warehouses, auto body shops, and car washes often require heavy-duty industrial tracks. The Industrial Roller Track - 16 Gauge Galvanized Steel track just might be the best track for these industrial applications.

NOW THAT'S HEAVY DUTY

Made from 16 gauge hot-dipped galvanized steel (which helps prevent corrosion), this track is compatible with a variety of mounting hardware, curved sections, trolleys, splicers, and end stops (like the Industrial End Stop - Top Mount), making it adaptable to many different applications. The Industrial Roller Track can support heavy loads up to 100 pounds per linear foot if the load is evenly distributed between supports spaced 3 feet or less, with a maximum load rating of 175 pounds. This track assists in guiding trolleys safely when the curtain is pulled and is punched and beveled on both ends for splicing and connecting multiple pieces. It is crafted with a safety flange that assists in guiding trolleys safely when the curtain is pulled. Need chains to suspend this track? Add the Industrial #2 Chain to your list. This chain is sold by the foot and is compatible with the B1137-1 S-Hook.

SLIGHT BEND

If your project requires a bend in the track, the Industrial 16 Gauge Curved Track - 90 Degree Bend is a great partner to the Industrial Roller Track. Also made from 16 gauge hot dipped galvanized steel the 90-degree bend of this track allows it to be connected to straight sections of Industrial Roller Track with the connectors that are included. This track can support loads up to 100 pounds per linear foot and mounting options include flush ceiling mount, chain mount, beam flange mount, wall mount, or threaded rod mount.

TOUGH APPLICATIONS

No matter the type of project you have or how tough your need your curtain tracks and accessories to be, you've found everything you need in one place at www.curtain-tracks.com. We work with customers across the country on their industrial projects and we can help you as well. Contact our team to speak with a customer service representative: (888) 465-0274.

DON'T BE BORING

You have options when you hang your shower curtains. The standard rod that comes in most homes is fine if you like something plain and boring like the picture below. But hanging your shower curtain from a curtain track will not only be more durable, it also looks better! Especially when you add your shower curtain from a track that is ceiling mounted.

OPTIONS

The 4108 Bendable I-Beam track is an amazing option. This silver or black anodized aluminum track has a satin finish and can also be hand bent to a minimum 2-inch radius. Another option is Track 88001. This is a popular aluminum track with a silver satin finish. If you are looking to add chains to your curtains, try this track with the 88102 carriers with ball chain and hook. This is an incredibly popular look that is often seen in model homes because it creates a clean, sleek, yet stylish, feel to the bathroom. You can add a beautiful vanity, mirror, and light fixtures but if your shower curtain hangs on a regular old rod, well that’s just plain boring. And don’t forget: if you are looking for a great shower curtain, we have an amazing selection!

TIME TO UPGRADE

If you are upgrading your bathroom, don’t forget about your shower. For more inspiration and bathroom design ideas, check us out on Pinterest. Just remember that when it comes to adding shower curtain tracks to your bathroom, you have so many options!

STUFF, STUFF and MORE STUFF

As Christmas decorations are put away you may notice that you seem to have more stuff now than you did at the beginning of December. Perhaps you’re not ready to get rid of some of these items. Maybe some items hold a sentimental value or perhaps you just want to hold onto stuff because you will use it again. What do you do if you just don’t have enough storage for your stuff? Create it!

WHEREVER, WHENEVER

We work with a lot of customers who create storage in various areas of their home, in the basement, the garage, classrooms, or a corner of a room. One customer even created an extra pantry in their home. Wherever you want to create your new storage space, curtain tracks is here to help.

OPTIONS

There are many options when it comes to the type of curtain track you use. For heavier applications and for curtains that will be opened and closed on a frequent basis, consider the Extra Heavy Duty Curtain Track. This track is available in silver or black anodized aluminum and it has a thicker top wall for added support. The Extra Heavy Duty Track is available as a 12 foot track and cut to 8 ft. and 4 ft. or 6 ft. and 6 ft. sections. It is compatible with our 7140 Double Wheel or 7146 Short Snap Carriers. For storage areas created in spaces with curves or angles, the 6100 Flexible Curtain Track is a great choice. This flexible track can be ceiling or wall mounted and used for straight applications or bent by hand for curved applications. Once you have your tracks installed, just add curtains and your storage space is ready to go.

SUPER SIMPLE

Creating extra storage space doesn’t have to be difficult. Start by selecting your space then look for the materials needed, like curtain tracks, end stops, carriers and curtains, to complete the project. Creating a space in your home or office to conceal extra items is a snap!

We are always excited to learn what fantastic color will receive the honor of being named the Pantone Color of the Year, and this year is no different. For over twenty years, Pantone’s Color of the Year has influenced design, home furnishings and so much more.

This year is just a bit different. Instead of selecting just one color, Pantone announced they have selected 2 colors! The 2021 winners are… drum roll please… Pantone 17-5104 Ultimate Gray + Pantone 13-0647 Illuminating!

According to Pantone, this is “a marriage of color conveying a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting.” And after a year like 2020, a little uplifting will do us all good!

These are two independent colors that share a message of happiness, aspiration and to give us hope. Pantone shares, “As people look for ways to fortify themselves with energy, clarity, and hope to overcome the continuing uncertainty, spirited and emboldening shades satisfy our quest for vitality. PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating is a bright and cheerful yellow sparkling with vivacity, a warming yellow shade imbued with solar power. PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray is emblematic of solid and dependable elements which are everlasting and provide a firm foundation.”

The Color of the Year is meant as a trend forecast and if you enjoy keeping your interior design current and trendy, there are so many different ways to incorporate these colors in your design. Paint a room, an accent wall, a piece of furniture or purchase new curtains for your curtain tracks. If you decide to use Pantone 17-5104 Ultimate Gray + Pantone 13-0647 Illuminating for a decorating project in 2021, have fun!

HERE TO HELP

The American Red Cross continues to collect blood, even during a pandemic. In fact, there is a critical need for blood right now and if you donate in the month of January, you have a chance to win 2 tickets to the 2022 Super Bowl in LA!

IS IT SAFE

You might wonder how safe is it to donate blood during a pandemic? A Curtain-Tracks team member recently donated platelets and plasma after recovering from COVID-19 and shared that the blood drive center she visited had implemented several enhanced safety precautions. These precautions included all staff wearing masks, taking temperatures upon entry, hand sanitizing stations, laundering blankets between each platelet donor, and so much more. One additional safety precaution she noticed was the use of curtain tracks mounted on the ceiling with plastic curtain dividers between each bed. The curtains were clear plastic with mesh at the top, allowing everyone in the center to have a clear view of the room. Even though each bed was spaced at least 6 feet apart, these curtain tracks and divider curtains added an extra layer of protection.

DONATE TODAY

If you are interested in donating blood, you can find a Red Cross blood drive or donation center, click here. If you have recovered from COVID-19, there is a convalescent plasma shortage. Convalescent plasma contains antibodies that attack the virus. To learn more, visit the Red Cross.

Your help is needed more than ever.

UP, UP AND AWAY

As people return to travelling on airplanes, there are several safety precautions many airlines are taking to ensure the safety of their guests and staff. Everyone on the plane is required to wear a face masks and upon boarding, many airlines will give travelers wipes for their area to ensure their seat and tray tables are clean. Beverage and snack services are suspended on many airlines to ensure masks stay on all passengers for the entire duration of the flight. Another safety measure that some airlines use is closing the curtain in the galley when in flight. The galley is where flight attendants would prepare beverages but also congregate with other flight attendants. You may notice on your next flight that this curtain gets closed on more frequently to allow flight attendants a short break and to further distance themselves from others.

BEHIND THE CURTAINS

The galley curtains and curtains dividing first class from the main cabin are attached to the ceiling of the airplane on current tracks. There are a couple tracks that could be used for these applications. The 3120 Heavy Duty Curtain Track is perfect for the space between first class and the main cabin as these curtains get opened and closed frequently. The 6100 Flexible Curtain Track is an excellent option for spaces that need a track that can be slightly bent to accommodate the space.

CHECK IT OUT

On your next flight, be sure to check out the additional safety precautions and share in the comments any additional measures that take place on your next flight. We look forward to the day when we can all travel without the worry of COVID-19.

Did you know 18% of the workforce works from home? That's almost 2 out of every 10 people! With coronavirus hitting the United States in March, that number has increased dramatically. Now as businesses look to return to a "new normal", they are evaluating the effectiveness of remote employees vs. having a physical office space for their team. Studies show that employees that work from home can be just as productive, if not more so, than those who work in an office space. In fact, one study cites that 77% reported higher productivity as remote work allows for more flexibility with work schedules. If your temporary work from home situation has become permanent, do you have an office space that encourages productivity and is equipped to enable success?

You may have been on a Zoom call with a colleague who is working remote and noticed a child or dog in the background. Perhaps they are in a space that is clearly the kitchen table or a bedroom. For those who have not anticipated their office space to reside in their home for months on end, they may not be properly equipped in a space that is best suited to be successful. To transition a space into a home office, there are some factors to consider:

1. Does the space allow for privacy?

2. Is there ample light and strong connectivity for technology?

3. Is the size large enough that it can fit all needed equipment but not be distracting?

PRIVACY

For the first point and if the space allows for privacy, if your new home office is located in a public area like a kitchen, distractions can be at a peak. Moving your office to a basement if available or a guest room with a door, will allow you focus with less interruptions. For a basement, consider adding curtain tracks and curtains around a space that will be designated at "the office". Curtains can be closed when you need privacy for a call or open when you are heads down working on a project. One evening and weekends, close those curtains again so kids are discouraged from wandering over to your space. If you have a drop ceiling, the 85000 track system along with 85510 Drop Ceiling Clips work well together.

LIGHTING

When it comes to ample light, if your new office doesn't have access to windows, invest in quality light fixtures and desk lamp. It is important to create a comfortable space where you can easily spend 8 hours a day. The same does for internet connection. Best Buy offers several options to ensure fast internet connectivity.

SPACE

Finally, is the space large enough that you can fit a desk and ergonomically fit chair? Sitting on a wood chair at the kitchen table could be a temporary solution to working at home but if you are at home for the long run, consider investing in an office chair that will be comfortable. Your new office space should be able to accommodate the proper equipment for your new workspace.

If your work from home situation has been extended to 2021 or beyond, take the time to make your space comfortable, functional and equipped for success.

AGAINST A WALL

We often talk about ceiling mount curtain tracks and how they are designed to be mounted to the ceiling or any other horizontal surface. Depending on the track, it can be screwed directly into the ceiling, attached to the ceiling using specific hardware, or it can even be recessed into the ceiling. But we don't just carry ceiling tracks, we also have a robust selection of wall mount curtain tracks - and they are not all the same.

FLUSHED

Some wall mount tracks like the 5400 curtain track and 3112 plastic track can be mounted flush to the wall. These tracks only need screws and there is no need for any additional mounting brackets or hardware. The 5400 Wall Mount Track is available in 3-foot sections and has mounting holes every 9”. These tracks can even be overlapped for longer applications. What makes this track so fantastic is it can be bent to a 15” radius horizontally, and vertically 5” per 36-inch section. The way to do this is to heat the track in hot water first and then slightly bend it for arched and bent installations making it perfect for your project.

The 3112 Wall Mount Track (pictured below) is made of PVC plastic and is available in 8-foot sections. This track allows for mounting holes to be easily drilled during installation and is also flexible for arched applications. This versatile track is available in a variety of colors including white, brown, gray, and black.

DOUBLE TROUBLE

Others tracks like the 84003 or 4108 track both use wall brackets that enable for a space between the wall and the track. The 84003 track also offers double wall brackets which allow for a pair of wall mounted drapery tracks to run parallel. This use is common with sheers on one track and curtains on the second.

OPTIONS GALORE

No matter the project, we have the largest selection of curtain tracks giving you options when it comes to your curtain track project. Check out other articles on our Blog to learn more about wall mount curtain tracks or reach out to our customer service team with your questions: 888-465-0274.

NO MORE PROCRASTINATION

Americans are staying home more and while they are hunkering down, they are tackling those long-awaited home improvement projects. Contractors are busier than ever and home improvement stores are bustling with DIYers. In fact, according to the Wall Street Journal, "Daily foot traffic to Home Depot stores since April has been running at least 35% above last year’s, according to Unacast Inc., which tracks location data from 25 million cellphones on any given day. In 26 states, traffic doubled following a surge in late May." If this sounds like you, read on because we have some easy and affordable updates that you can complete all on your own.

SWAP ‘EM

Swap out those old dated curtain rods for seamless curtain tracks and freshen up the room with new curtains. Curtain tracks, unlike rods, can be mounted to the ceiling or the wall and the smooth track allows for seamless opening and closing due to the curtain carriers or glides. These carriers help the curtains smoothly - and quietly - glide along the track, unlike large curtain rings that are often found on curtain rods. Curtain tracks are also extremely durable as they are affixed in various places along the track. With curtain rods, the bracket can easily pull out of the wall causing you to take on a whole new project: drywall repair.

LOOK UP

Studies show that the average person spends at least 30 minutes in the bathroom every day. If that sounds accurate to you, maybe it's time to switch out that tired curtain rod and update your bathroom by adding a ceiling mount curtain track, drop chains and a sleek new shower curtain? For many of the same reasons listed above, curtain tracks are super sturdy and they look great, plus they create a sleek, modern and fresh look to your bathroom.

LOOK OUTSIDE

Curtain tracks aren't just for living rooms and bathrooms, they can be used outside. Adding curtain tracks and weatherproof curtains to your porch or pergola can help protect against the hot afternoon sun and windy days and they also allow for privacy. Some great products for a project like this include: the 3120 Heavy Duty Curtain Track in Silver, the 7127 Stainless Steel End Stops, 7140 Large Double Wheel Carriers and 7142 Stainless Steel Curtain Hooks.

TAKE ON THAT PROJECT

Each of these projects can be completed easily and quickly. So whether one, or all, of these projects are on your Honey-Do list, we have you covered. For the best selection of curtain tracks, curtains, hardware and accessories, look no further than www.curtain-tracks.com.