Motorized Curtains: Tracks, Motors and Fabrics That Work
Motorized curtains open and close on a quiet track at the touch of a button, on a schedule or by voice. They're the easiest way to handle long walls of glass, heavy drapery and curtains you can't comfortably reach.
In short
- A motor at the end of the track pulls the curtain smoothly on a hidden belt.
- Tracks can mount to the ceiling or wall, curve around bays and open one way or from the centre.
- Ripple-fold glides most evenly; pinch-pleat works on the right track.
- Every motor and its programming is fully covered by our 3-year in-house warranty.
On this page
How a motorized track works
A motorized curtain track is an aluminium track with a motor at one end. Inside the track, a belt pulls the curtain's lead carrier and the rest of the curtain follows. Because the motor pulls evenly from the top, heavy and very long curtains glide smoothly without anyone tugging on the fabric.
Ceiling or wall mounting
- Ceiling-mounted tracks let the curtain start at the ceiling, make rooms feel taller and stop light spilling over the top. They need solid blocking in the ceiling.
- Wall-mounted tracks sit on brackets above the window and suit rooms with bulkheads or crown moulding.
Straight, curved and bay tracks
Tracks can be bent to follow bay windows and curved walls and can turn corners, so one curtain can cover a whole corner of glass. We measure and shape the track to fit.
One-way or centre opening
- One-way draw: the whole curtain stacks to one side. Best when one side has wall space, or a door that must stay clear.
- Centre opening: two panels part in the middle and stack to both sides. Balanced and classic for picture windows.
Fabrics that move well
Ripple-fold is the best match for a motorized track: the fabric is spaced evenly on carriers, so it moves and stacks the same way every time. Pinch-pleat curtains can be motorized on the right track and carriers. Sheers, blackout and decorative fabrics all work; very heavy or lined fabrics need the right motor, which we check at the measure. See curtain styles.
Double tracks for sheers and blackout
Two motorized tracks, one for sheers and one for blackout, let you set scenes: sheers closed for daytime privacy, blackout closed at bedtime, both open in the morning. See layering sheers with blackout.
Power and control
Curtain motors can run on low-voltage hardwired power, our specialty in new builds and Control4 homes, or on plug-in and battery options where wiring isn't practical. Control them by remote, wall switch, app, voice or schedule, and with whole-home systems such as Control4, Crestron and Savant. See Control4 motorized shades and curtains.
Safety
Motorized curtains have no cords or chains at all, which makes them a safe choice for homes with young children and pets.
Common questions
Can I still open motorized curtains by hand?
Many curtain motors let you give the curtain a gentle pull to start it moving, and every one can be run from a remote or switch. We show you the options for your track at installation.
How long can a motorized curtain track be?
Long enough for most walls of glass in a home. Very long runs can open from the centre or be split into two tracks; we plan it at the measure.
Are motorized curtains noisy?
No. They make a soft, low hum for the few seconds they move.
