Motorised Curtains

Motorised curtain tracks open and close suitable curtains without drawing them by hand. Power and control options depend on the track system chosen, and we confirm them before you order.

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How motorised curtain tracks work

A motorised track has a motor, usually at one end, that drives the curtain carriers along the track. The curtains themselves are made in the normal way, but the heading and track are specified together so the motor can move the fabric smoothly and stop in the right place.

Which curtains suit motorisation

Wave and pleated headings on compatible tracks are the usual choices. Wave is a natural partner because its even folds stack neatly at each end. Eyelet curtains run on a pole, so they are not normally motorised. See curtain headings to compare.

Where it makes the most sense

large, wide or heavy curtains that are hard work to draw by hand
tall glazing and hard-to-reach windows
bedrooms, where curtains can open and close on a schedule on selected systems
home cinemas and media rooms
children's rooms and family homes, because there are no operating cords
new builds and renovations, where power can be planned early

Power: battery or mains

Motorised curtain systems can be battery-powered or mains-powered, depending on the system. Battery options can avoid new wiring; mains power suits heavier curtains and longer tracks and is best planned early in a renovation or new build. Which options are available for your curtains depends on the track and motor, which we confirm at survey.

Control options

Depending on the system, control can include a handheld remote, a wall switch, an app, schedules and grouping several curtains together. Smart-home control is available only on selected compatible systems; we confirm compatibility with the system you already use before you order, rather than assuming it will work.

Designing the system

Motorisation is designed around the curtain weight, track length, draw direction, any bends, the stack position, the power route and access for future maintenance. Our guides on motorised blind reliability and looking after motorised blinds cover many of the same principles.

Measuring and fitting

We measure the window and the fixing surface, check where power can reach the track, and agree the draw direction and stack. Everything is confirmed at your free home survey.

Motorisation: Available on selected ranges

Honest suitability

Is it right for your window?

Every recommendation comes with a reason. Where something else would serve you better, we say so — and suggest what to consider instead.

Where this works well

Large or heavy curtains Recommended
The motor does the work, so wide or interlined curtains open smoothly every time.
Worth knowing: Motor and track must be specified for the curtain weight and width.
Tall and hard-to-reach windows Recommended
Opens and closes curtains that are awkward to reach by hand.
Children's rooms and family homes
No operating cords, so no looped cords within reach.
Bedrooms
Curtains can open and close on a schedule on selected systems.
Worth knowing: Scheduling depends on the control system chosen.
New builds and renovations
Power routes can be planned before decorating.
Worth knowing: Mains wiring should be agreed early with your electrician.

Where we’d suggest something else

Eyelet curtains on a pole
Why: Eyelets thread onto a pole, which is not a motorised system.
The limitation: You would need a different heading on a motorised track.
Consider instead: Wave curtains
Small, rarely drawn curtains
Why: A hand-drawn curtain is usually all a small window needs.
The limitation: Motorisation adds a motor and power supply for little everyday benefit.
Consider instead: Curtain tracks & poles

Fabrics and linings

Motorised tracks work with lined, blackout and interlined curtains, provided the motor and track are specified for the weight and width of the curtain.

Standard lining is a separate backing layer sewn behind the face fabric. It protects the fabric from direct sun, adds body and helps the curtain hang and fold consistently.

Blackout lining is designed to stop light passing through the curtain itself. It does not make a room completely dark: light can still find its way around the edges, above the track or pole, beneath the hem and where the curtains meet.

Interlining is a soft layer placed between the face fabric and the lining. It adds weight, fullness and a more insulating construction, and gives many fabrics a richer drape.

The exact fabrics and linings available, and how they behave together, depend on the fabric you choose. We confirm the construction at your consultation.

Tracks, poles and operation

Motorised curtains are the main focus here, but the same curtains can often be specified manually instead. The options:

Hand-drawn: the simplest option, and quiet in use. Suits most headings on poles and tracks.
Wands: a slim rod clipped to the leading edge, so you draw the curtain without handling the fabric. No cords involved.
Cord-drawn tracks: a continuous cord opens and closes the curtains. Any looped cord must be held taut by a tensioner or safety device fixed to the wall.
Motorised tracks: available on selected track systems, with control options that depend on the system chosen. Motorisation removes operating cords altogether.

On motorised systems, control can include remotes, wall switches, apps, schedules and groups, depending on the system. Smart-home integration is available only on selected compatible systems.

Child safety

Where a curtain track is operated by a looped cord, the loop must be held taut by a cord tensioner or safety device fitted to the wall, so it cannot form a hanging loop within reach of children. We fit any required safety devices as part of installation.

Hand-drawn curtains and wands have no looped cords, and motorised tracks remove operating cords altogether, which makes them sensible choices for children's rooms and family homes. See our guide to child-safe window coverings.

Compared with the alternatives

Motorised blinds

Powered roller, Roman and other blinds on selected systems. Often combined with motorised curtains so both layers work together.

Wave curtains

The most common heading for motorised tracks, with even folds that stack neatly. Can also be hand-drawn.

Curtain tracks and poles

Manual tracks and poles, including wands and corded tracks with safety devices, for curtains that do not need motorisation.

Related options

Related advice

Questions we get asked

Can I motorise my existing curtains?

Sometimes, if the heading and weight suit a motorised track. We assess them at your consultation.

Battery or mains?

Both exist, depending on the system. Battery can avoid new wiring; mains suits heavier curtains and is best planned early. We confirm the options for your curtains.

Will it work with my smart-home system?

Smart-home control is available only on selected compatible systems. We confirm compatibility with what you already use before you order.

Can motorised curtains open and close on a timer?

Scheduling is available on selected systems. We explain the control options for the system we recommend.

Are motorised curtains safer for children?

They remove operating cords altogether, which is why they are a sensible choice in children's rooms and family homes.

More curtain options

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We’ll measure properly, bring samples to see in your own light, talk you through what suits each window, and give you a no-obligation quotation.

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