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Short answer
Almost any curtain fabric can be motorised, but the motor and track must be rated for the total weight of the curtain, including lining. S-fold is the most popular heading for motorised tracks because its even waves open and close identically every time; French pleats work well too. Light to medium fabrics run most smoothly; heavy velvets and long lined curtains need a stronger motor. A sheer and a main curtain on a motorised double track can each have their own motor.
Weight comes first
Every curtain motor has a maximum load. The total weight of the curtain depends on the fabric's weight per square metre, its fullness, the drop and the width, plus any lining.
| Curtain | Relative weight | Motor |
|---|---|---|
| Sheer | Light | Standard motors handle long runs |
| Dimout | Medium | Standard motors for most windows |
| Coated blackout | Medium to heavy | Check capacity on wide windows |
| Velvet, or any lined curtain | Heavy | A stronger motor; check the track too |
Watch out
Give the installer the fabric's weight (gsm), the lining, the fullness and the finished size, so they can choose a motor and track rated for the real load.
Headings for motorised tracks
- S-fold (ripple fold): the most popular; carriers on a spacing cord keep every wave identical each time it opens. See S-Fold Curtains.
- French or pinch pleat: works well on motorised tracks with gliders. See French Pleat Curtains.
- Eyelet: generally not; eyelets hang from poles, and most motorised systems are tracks.
Fabric choices
- Sheers: light and fluid; ideal for motorised day curtains. See Wide-Width Sheer Curtains.
- Dimouts: the everyday motorised main curtain.
- Blackouts: perfect for timed opening in bedrooms; check the weight.
- Velvet: beautiful but heavy; confirm motor and track capacity. See Velvet Curtains.
- Stiff fabrics: very stiff coatings can make S-fold waves uneven; choose a supple blackout or a lined dimout.
Double tracks and smart control
On a double track, the sheer and main curtain can each have a motor, so they can be scheduled separately: the main curtain opens at sunrise, the sheer stays closed for privacy, and both close at sunset. Motors can be controlled by remote, wall switch, app, timer or voice assistant. For motorised tracks and blinds, see JOTEX Sunshades.
Tip
Set west-facing curtains to close automatically before the afternoon sun reaches the glass. The room stays cooler and the fabric fades less. See Curtains That Reduce Heat.
Tips for smooth running
- End curtains about 1 cm above the floor so the hem never drags.
- Keep furniture clear of the curtain's path and stack area.
- Use a weighted hem on sheers so they do not flare in air-conditioning drafts.
- Choose wide, seamless fabric so seams do not catch in the carriers. See Railroaded Fabric Explained.
Frequently asked questions
Can any curtain be motorised?
Almost any fabric can, as long as the motor and track are rated for the total curtain weight, including lining.
What is the best curtain heading for a motorised track?
S-fold, because its carriers keep every wave identical each time the curtain opens and closes. French pleats also work well.
Can blackout curtains be motorised?
Yes. Check the weight on wide windows, and choose a supple blackout so S-fold waves stay even.
Can a sheer and a main curtain be motorised separately?
Yes. On a double track, each layer can have its own motor and schedule.
Are velvet curtains too heavy to motorise?
Not necessarily, but they need a motor and track rated for the weight, especially when lined. Give the installer the fabric details.
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.