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Where to install curtain track when there is a cornice, blinds and security monitor?

Hi there,

I purchased some sheer curtains and curtain track with the aim to install them floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall but I’ve hit a couple of obstacles in terms of where to install the track as I would like to my existing roller blind which doesn't fit flush.

-If I install the track under the cornice and into the wall, the curtain track bracket isn't long enough to clear the blinds.

-If I install the track into the ceiling, there’s an old motion sensor mounted in the top corner right where the track would ideally go. It is no longer functioning so I could remove it, I'm just unsure if it would leave a big hole and if it is attached to any wires.

If anyone has any suggestions or advice on how I can keep the roller blinds and still have the wall-to-wall and ceiling-to-floor look please let me know!

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EricL

Hello @alexreed092

Thank you for sharing your question about your sheer curtain. I believe both your suggested options are possible. In regards to the length of the track bracket, I suggest contacting the manufacturer and asking them for an extended bracket so that it clears your roller blind.

As to the ceiling installation, it's possible that the hole is not that big, but if it is patching it is not that difficult. Once the old motion sensor has been removed you can then anchor the bracket to the ceiling. I suggest having a look at this discussion - How to fill hole from ceiling fan? by @tarragindi_haus

Just a friendly reminder: homes built before the mid-1990s may contain asbestos in some materials. It’s worth having the ceiling checked before fixing anything to it. If asbestos is detected, a licensed specialist will need to handle it. If not, you’re fine to proceed.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1, @Nailbag and @Noyade for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

alexreed092

thanks @EricL , would the curtain track hold up if it’s installed into the patched over area once the monitor has been removed?

The house is 100 years old so I don’t believe there is an asbestos risk.

In terms of an extension bracket, the manufacturer said to consider extension brackets from a third party supplier that are compatible with S-fold rails and are physically compatible as well.

I see Bunnings stock some, would they be compatible?

EricL

Hello @alexreed092

If the patched area is re-enforced properly, it should be able to take the weight of the curtain rail and curtain itself. In regards to the brackets, I suggest bringing your existing brackets to the store so that you can physically compare the one you have and the extension set at the store. I'm unable to give you an exact model number so comparison is your best bet. I also suggest speaking to a team member at the store who is familiar with the curtain rail brackets.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Dave-1

Good Evening @alexreed092

If you use a stud finder you may be able to see some points to attach the curtain rail to. The cables from the monitor, I would tape them up and poke the wire back through and plaster the smallish hole/s

Just had a second look at your photo and if you look closely at the picture rail you may be able to see some bullet head nails on the rail if you are lucky. They may show where the studs are.

Love the idea of the curtain you are going for.

Dave

Nailbag

Hi @alexreed092

If the way the brackets work to hang the curtains from them being ceiling mounted, then thats definitely the way to go. It allows you to position the track in front of the cornice, and clear the roller blind. There isn't much to remove the PIR detector. It will just have a couple of small fixings screws and detachable cable going through the middle. If the PIR doesn't have a quick connect, it would be safe to cut the cable and just push it into the roof space via a small hole that can be easily patched up.

Use a stud-find to locate the ceiling joists will be spaced either 450mm or 600mm which will allow ample fixing points for the track.

Nailbag

MitchellMc

Hi @alexreed092,

Just to clarify, we’ve corrected the dates above regarding asbestos use in Australia.

While your home is around 100 years old, asbestos was already being used in building materials from the early 1900s and became more common from the 1920s onward. In addition, many older homes have had renovations or ceiling replacements carried out over the decades, particularly between the 1940s and 1980s when asbestos-containing materials were widely used.

Because of that, the age of the original structure doesn’t necessarily rule out the possibility of asbestos being present in ceiling materials.

We’re not suggesting that it is present, only that, as a precaution, it’s worth confirming before fixing anything into the ceiling.

Please let us know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

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