Ceiling-mounted vs wall-mounted curtains – what’s right for your site?

When you’re selecting curtains for a hotel room, care home, or any other non-domestic setting, there are lots of decisions to make. From choosing the right fabric and colour, to picking the perfect heading style and length, every detail counts. One of the practical choices to consider along the way is where to mount your curtains: from the ceiling, or the wall.

At Bridge Contract Interiors, we’re all about making these decisions easy. We understand that even the small, detail choices can influence the finished look and functionality, so we’re here to help you get it right.

 

What’s the difference between ceiling-mounted curtains and wall-mounted curtains? 

Let’s start with the basics. Ceiling mounted curtains are fitted on a track that is attached directly to the ceiling. This results in an uninterrupted drop from top to bottom, which is great for a modern, streamlined look.

Wall mounted curtains are fixed above the window, using brackets that project out from the wall to hold the track in place.

You may also hear this described as ‘top fix’ (for ceiling-mounted) or ‘face fix’ (for wall-mounted).

It’s worth noting that ceiling-mounted tracks only work with certain curtain heading styles: pencil pleat, pinch pleat, or wave. Eyelet headings use a pole and usually are wall mounted. However, it is possible to ceiling-mount eyelet curtains by securing the brackets to the ceiling.

 

When to choose ceiling-mounted curtains

Ceiling mounting is an increasingly popular choice in new builds and modern refurbishments.

Because the track is mounted from the ceiling, curtains can be made to extend all the way to the floor without any visual interruption. This can help make rooms feel taller, particularly in spaces with low ceilings.

It’s often seen in contemporary hotels, as well as lounges and communal areas in care homes that have chosen a clean, premium style. Ceiling mounting is also a good way of providing extensive cover for a window, for example, when creating a full blackout effect in a bedroom

Wave-headed curtains are always installed on ceiling mounted tracks, as the undulation of the waves means that the curtains project a little way out from the window. Wave curtains are especially popular for creating that elegant, flowing look, and because they draw back neatly, they help maintain a sleek, uncluttered line when open.

 

When to choose wall-mounted curtains

There are some situations where wall mounting is the better (or only) option. If you’re working with particularly heavy or oversized curtains, such as those made from heavy fabrics such as velvet, or they have a weighty lining, a wall-mounted track is typically the safest bet. This is because the wall brackets cantilever out from the wall, offering a sturdier fixture to support heavier loads.

It would also be chosen if the ceiling is in some way unsuitable for mounting tracks, for example, if it is uneven, made of a material that doesn’t hold fixings well, or features a suspended ceiling grid. In these cases, a wall provides a more reliable mounting surface.

Wall mounting is also often used in rooms with very high ceilings. If you mounted the curtains from the top of a 3.5m space, that’s a lot of extra fabric, and this will significantly increase cost. Mounting from the wall just above the window helps you control both the curtain drop and the budget.

Finally, if your building features cornicing or architectural detailing near the ceiling, wall mounting avoids interfering with those design elements and will complement the overall style if you’re going for a more traditional look.

 

How to choose the right option for your site

Ultimately, the best choice depends on the specifics of your space and what you want your curtains to achieve.

• Do you have low ceilings and want to maximise the sense of height?
• Are your curtains lightweight and minimal, or thick and luxurious?
• Is there enough space above the window to install a wall bracket, or is the ceiling the better option?
• Do you want a bold design feature, or something that blends quietly into the background?

At Bridge Contract Interiors, we take the time to understand what your project requires before recommending a mounting style. Every room is different, and we’ve seen (and fitted) it all.

 

Let’s get it right

Whether you’re working on a care home refurbishment or a brand-new hotel fit-out, our team can help you make a confident, informed decision. Want to check if your ceiling’s up to the job? Book a site survey and let’s talk through your options.