Electric Curtains Buying Guide
Why Choose Electric Curtains?
Electric curtains are ideal for modern interiors, particularly where manual operation isn’t practical due to long spans or other accessibility challenges. They’re also increasingly popular in smart homes, offering integrated control with remotes, timers, or home automation systems.
Track or Pole: What’s the Difference?
The first decision is whether to choose a track or a pole. Functionally, both are the same; the curtain track with a built-in motor. A pole is essentially a track enclosed in a tubular casing, offering a more traditional or decorative appearance.
The Silent Gliss Metropole range combines the look of a curtain pole with the performance of a track. It comes in a variety of finishes, with multiple finial styles, making it ideal if the pole will be on show.
Fitting Options
Both tracks and poles can be wall- or ceiling-mounted, depending on your window layout and preferences. For a cleaner, contemporary look, motorised tracks can also be fitted into a ceiling recess, creating a seamless finish with no visible hardware.
Smart Control & Home Automation
Both Silent Gliss and Raex systems can be operated using remote controls, wall switches or timers. However, there are key differences when it comes to smart home integration.
Only the Silent Gliss 5600 and Raex models include Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing them to be controlled via a smartphone app. This is built into Raex systems out-of-the-box, making them easy to set up for remote or app-based use.
In contrast, Silent Gliss products require a separate home automation hub to enable app control and voice assistant integration. Without this hub, Silent Gliss motors can only be operated using switches or remotes.
Both brands are compatible with wider home automation setups, but Raex offers a simpler path to smart control without additional components.
Silent Gliss vs Raex: Which Brand is Best for You?
- Silent Gliss is a premium, well-established brand known for high-quality, design-led solutions.
- Raex is a UK-based company that offers great value and competitive smart features at a lower price point.
- Wave curtains: Both systems are compatible, but Raex only supports the 60mm wave, while Silent Gliss offers both 60mm and 80mm options.
- Finishes: In terms of motorised curtain poles, the Silent Gliss Metropole has a much broader range of colours and finials. When it comes to tracks, Raex only offers a white finish, whereas the Silent Gliss 5600 is also available in black.
- Bay windows: Both can be custom-bent to suit curved or angled installations.
- Warranty: Both brands offer a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Do Electric Curtains Work with Alexa or Google Home?
Raex systems support Alexa and Google Home natively through their Smartphone app.
Silent Gliss systems can be integrated with voice assistants, but this requires the Silent Gliss Smart Hub, which acts as a bridge between the motor and your smart home ecosystem.
What Sizes Are Available?
Electric curtain tracks can be made up to 6 metres wide in a single run. For particularly heavy curtains, or installations with bends (e.g. bay or L-shaped windows), the recommended maximum width may be slightly reduced to maintain performance and motor lifespan.
Can I Install Electric Curtains Myself?
Yes — fitting the track or pole is straightforward for a confident DIY-er, especially for surface-mounted systems.
However, note that the Silent Gliss 5600 model is supplied without a plug, and must be hardwired by a qualified electrician.
Are They Suitable for Bay Windows?
Yes. All motorised systems from both Silent Gliss and Raex can be custom-bent to suit bay windows, corner windows, or L-shaped layouts. This makes them ideal for period homes, modern extensions, and tricky window configurations.
Do You Sell Somfy Products?
Not yet, but we will soon be adding a full range of Somfy motorised curtain tracks and accessories to our website. Somfy is one of the most established brands in home automation, and their products will be available to order online shortly.
Need Help Choosing?
We’ve been helping customers with made-to-measure electric curtains for over 20 years. If you’re unsure what’s right for your space, get in touch - our experts are here to help.
