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Short answer
A curtain box is a recess built into the ceiling, usually in plaster ceiling, that hides the curtain track and blocks the light gap above the curtain. Size matters most: allow about 12 to 15 cm deep for a single track, about 20 to 25 cm for a double track, and more for motors, and extend the box past the window on both sides. Confirm sizes with your installer.
Curtain box, pelmet or exposed track?
| Curtain box | Hard pelmet | Exposed ceiling track | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Look | Hidden, built in | Visible box, often fabric-covered | Track visible |
| Light gap above | Blocked | Blocked | Small gap |
| Built | With the plaster ceiling | Added later | Any time |
| Best for | Condos and new homes | Renovations and period rooms | Quick, low-cost fits |
See Swags, Valances and Pelmets for decorative toppers.
How big should a curtain box be?
Every track and its curtain need room for the folds to move without rubbing the box or the glass. Ask your curtain maker or track installer for exact sizes; these are planning ranges only.
| Tracks | Typical inside depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single track | About 12 to 15 cm | One curtain, usually a dimout or blackout |
| Double track (sheer + main) | About 20 to 25 cm | The most common in condos |
| Double motorised track | About 25 cm or more | Motor heads need extra room at the ends |
| Heavy, lined or velvet curtains | Add a few centimetres | Deeper folds |
- Length: extend the box past the window on each side, typically 15 to 30 cm, so open curtains stack beside the glass.
- Fixing: the track needs solid timber or framing inside the box; plasterboard alone is not enough.
- Power: for a motor, plan a power point inside the box before the ceiling is closed. See Fabrics for Motorised Curtains.
Watch out
A box that is too shallow is the most common problem: the sheer rubs the glass or the two curtains catch each other. Plan the depth for a double track even if you start with one.
Light gaps and blackout
A curtain box blocks light from above. To make a bedroom properly dark, also extend the curtains past the window, overlap them in the centre, and take them to about 1 cm above the floor. See Blackout Curtains and How Long Should Curtains Be?.
Measuring curtains for a curtain box
- Width: the length of the track inside the box.
- Drop: from the top of the track, or the ceiling inside the box, to about 1 cm above the floor. Say which you measured.
- Clearance: check the curtain clears the bottom edge of the box.
Frequently asked questions
How deep should a curtain box be for a double track?
About 20 to 25 cm inside, or about 25 cm or more for a double motorised track. Confirm with your installer.
What is the difference between a curtain box and a pelmet?
A curtain box is built into the ceiling; a pelmet is a box or board fixed above the window, often covered in fabric.
Does a curtain box block light?
Yes, it blocks the light gap above the curtain. For a dark bedroom, also extend the curtains past the window and take them close to the floor.
Can I add a curtain box after renovation?
Yes, as a pelmet or a new box in plaster ceiling, but it is easier and neater to plan it before the ceiling is built.
Curtain maker, upholsterer or designer?
Specifications are public on every collection page. JOTEX dealers can log in for live stock and pricing, and our team can send samples or open a dealer account.