Electric Curtain Track Buying Guide
Everything you need to know about choosing, ordering, and installing motorised curtain tracks from Silent Gliss.
In this guide
Why choose electric curtains?
Electric curtain tracks let you open and close your curtains at the touch of a button, by remote control, on a timer, or even by gently tugging the fabric. Here is why thousands of UK homeowners have made the switch.
Effortless convenience
Open and close curtains from anywhere in the room using a wall switch, remote control, or programmable timer. No more reaching up to heavy curtains.
Home security
Set your curtains to open and close on a timer while you are away. Your home always looks occupied, deterring potential intruders.
Hard-to-reach windows
Perfect for tall windows, mezzanines, or any space where manually drawing curtains is impractical. No more ladders or long poles.
Bay window friendly
Tracks can be factory-bent to follow the shape of your bay window for a perfect, seamless fit.
Whisper-quiet operation
Silent Gliss motors are engineered for near-silent, smooth curtain movement. You will barely notice them operating.
Easy DIY installation
The Autoglide 5100 comes fully assembled with a fitted UK mains plug. Just mount the brackets, hang the track, and plug in. No electrician needed.
Where are electric curtain tracks used?
The majority of our customers install them at home for the convenience and security benefits above. But electric curtain tracks are also popular in commercial settings: boardrooms, offices, meeting rooms, hotel suites, and even theatres for smooth, silent stage curtain retraction.
Silent Gliss Autoglide tracks are installed in some of the most prestigious developments around the world, from luxury apartments to high-end hotels.
Our electric curtain track range
We offer three distinct track systems from Silent Gliss, each designed for different needs. Use the comparison table below to find the right one for you.
| Autoglide 5100 | 5600 | Metropole | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Most homes | Large / heavy curtains | Decorative visible pole |
| Installation | DIY, plug in | Electrician required | Electric: DIY plug in Manual: DIY |
| Power | UK mains plug | Hardwired mains | UK mains plug / manual |
| Bay windows | ✓ | ✓ | Manual only |
| Smart home | Not currently compatible | ✓ | Not currently compatible |
| Max length | 9 metres | 25 metres | 6 metres |
| Max curtain weight | 30 kg | 65 kg | 25 kg (electric) |
| Remote control | ✓ | ✓ | Electric model only |
| Timer | ✓ | ✗ | Electric model only |
| Our discount | 35% off RRP | 20% off RRP | 30% off RRP |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years |
All prices include VAT and free delivery to the UK mainland.
Not sure which track is right for you? Give us a call on 01543 279996 and we will talk you through the options. No hard sell, just honest advice from people who know electric curtains.
Silent Gliss Autoglide 5100
Our best seller. The UK's most popular electric curtain track, simple to install, whisper-quiet, and available at 35% off the recommended retail price.
Best SellerAutoglide 5100 Complete Kit
Every Autoglide 5100 kit includes the track, motor, fixing brackets, your choice of controller, a 5m power cable with fitted UK mains plug, and full fitting instructions. All custom-made to your exact measurements.
Choose your control option
All four Autoglide 5100 models use the same high-quality track and motor. The difference is which controller is included. Every model also features Touch and Go, where a gentle tug on the curtain fabric starts the motor to fully open or close your curtains automatically.
5100 B
Wireless wall button
5100 R
Wall button + remote control
5100 T
Wall button + programmable timer
5100 TC
Wall button + remote + timer
Wall Switch
Three-button wireless switch (open, stop, close). Mounts with adhesive pad or screws, no wiring needed. Included with all models.
Remote Control
Handheld wireless remote for convenient curtain control from anywhere in the room. Included with 5100 R and 5100 TC.
Timer
Set daily open and close schedules. Perfect for home security when you are away, as your home always looks occupied. Included with 5100 T and 5100 TC.
Tip: The 5100 R (with remote) is our most popular model. If you want the added security benefit of timed opening and closing, go for the 5100 TC for complete control. Compare all four models in detail.
Silent Gliss 5600
20% off RRP
The professional's choice. Powerful enough for heavy curtains and tracks up to 25 metres. Used in hotels, theatres, and high-end homes. Integrates with smart home systems including Control4, KNX, and more.
Silent Gliss Metropole
30% off RRP
When you want the pole to be part of the design. A beautiful decorative curtain pole available in 9 colours with 9 designer finials. Choose electric (with a fitted UK mains plug and the same control options as the 5100) or hand-drawn operation.
Why Silent Gliss?
We know there are cheaper electric curtain tracks available. Here is why we have chosen to partner exclusively with Silent Gliss after more than a decade of experience.
Whisper-quiet
Noticeably quieter than budget alternatives. Smooth, fast DC motor technology.
Built to last
Professional-grade engineering, not made to a budget. Long service life you can rely on.
Clean installation
Sleek design with no ugly exposed parts. Looks as good as it works.
5-year warranty
Backed by Silent Gliss, with our expert support if anything goes wrong.
Did you know? Silent Gliss is the leading global supplier of motorised curtain systems to the high-end market, trusted by architects and interior designers worldwide.
Silent Gliss Wave Curtains
Complete your Autoglide track with made-to-measure Silent Gliss Wave curtains. Wave technology makes your curtains always hang in a professional-looking, uniform wave, the finishing touch of high-end installations.
What makes Wave curtains special?
Unlike standard curtain headings that rely on hooks and gathering tape, Wave curtains use specially designed gliders built into the Autoglide track combined with a special wave header tape sewn into the curtains. The two must be matched (you need wave curtains with a wave track) and together they create a continuous, even wave from one end of the track to the other. No bunching, no uneven folds, just a beautifully consistent drape every time.
The Wave system is the same technology used in luxury developments and five-star hotels. Now it is available for your home at our discounted prices.
Our fabric ranges
Both Colorama 1 (lighter, more sheer) and Colorama 2 (thicker, more opaque) are available in the same wide range of colours. Choose Colorama 1 for soft light filtering, or Colorama 2 for greater light blocking. Blackout lining is available on both ranges for complete darkness.
On our Autoglide product page, select "Add curtains" and the configurator will guide you through choosing your fabric, colour, and lining step by step. Your curtains are made to perfectly fit your track and will be delivered together.
You can also have your own curtains made for the Wave track, provided they use the correct Silent Gliss wave header tape. Measuring guides and wave tape specifications are available on our product pages.
Please allow up to 20 working days for delivery when ordering curtains with your track. Your curtains and track will be shipped together to ensure a perfect match. Browse our curtain fabrics or call us on 01543 279996 if you are not sure which fabric to choose.
Measuring for your track
Measuring for your electric curtain track is simpler than you might think. Here is everything you need to know.
Inside a window recess
Measure the gap from wall to wall where the track will sit, then subtract 1cm from your measurement. For example, if the recess measures 245cm, order a 244cm track.
The electric motor is included within the length of the track, so you do not need to allow extra space for it.
Outside a window recess
If fitting the track flush to the wall above the window, simply enter the exact length you would like. Many people choose to extend the track 15 to 20cm beyond each side of the window frame so curtains can stack fully clear of the glass.
Bay windows
If you have a bay window, the track can be factory-bent during manufacturing. Select the bending option when configuring your track online, and we will contact you after your order to work out the exact bend positions for a perfect fit.
Need help measuring? Give us a call on 01543 279996 and we will talk you through it. Everyone who has ordered a bent track from us has been happy with the results.
Measuring confidence: Every track is custom-manufactured to your exact measurements, so accurate measuring is important. Our measuring guide walks you through it step by step. Our team is always happy to check your measurements before you order. In nearly 20 years of supplying made-to-measure tracks, we have not had a problem.
Installation and delivery
Your Autoglide 5100 track arrives fully assembled and custom-made to your exact measurements. Installation is simple DIY, no specialist skills required.
Four simple steps
Mount brackets
Fix the supplied brackets to your wall or ceiling
Hang the track
Click the track into the brackets
Hang curtains
Attach your curtains to the gliders on the track
Plug in
Route the cable behind your fixed curtain stack and plug in
No electrician required for the Autoglide 5100. It comes with a standard UK mains plug. The cable runs down behind the fixed section of your curtain, keeping it hidden from view. Position the motor on the side nearest to your power socket. The 5600 is the only model that requires hardwiring by a qualified electrician.
What you will need: Your kit includes everything except screws and fixings (which depend on your wall type). Standard gliders are fitted to the track for use with standard curtain hooks. If you order Silent Gliss Wave curtains, your track will come with wave gliders pre-fitted and your curtains will have wave header tape, ready to hang. A comprehensive fitting manual is included with every kit.
Delivery
All products are made to measure. Please allow 5 to 7 working days for delivery. You can choose a specific delivery day and time slot during checkout. If ordering Wave curtains with your track, allow up to 20 working days as your curtains and track will be delivered together.
Delivery is free on all orders to mainland UK.
Why choose Discount Electric Curtains?
We are not just another online shop. We are a family business with decades of hands-on experience in window furnishings.
Family business since 1986
Discount Electric Curtains is a trading name of Haywoods Contracts Ltd, a family-run window furnishing company. We fit all manner of blinds, curtain tracks, and commercial products across the country.
Silent Gliss direct partner
The commercial side of our business is the largest distributor of Silent Gliss products in the Midlands. We work closely with Silent Gliss on a day-to-day basis, not just another box shifter.
Huge discounts off RRP
Our close relationship with Silent Gliss gives us access to trade pricing. We pass these savings directly on to you, up to 35% off the recommended retail price.
Expert product support
We live and breathe Silent Gliss products every day. Whether you need help choosing, measuring, or troubleshooting, we are a phone call away. Many customers tell us our support was a key reason they bought from us.
5-year warranty
All Silent Gliss tracks come with a 5-year manufacturer's warranty. If anything goes wrong, we will troubleshoot over the phone or arrange a repair or replacement.
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Frequently asked questions
Are your Autoglide curtain tracks 100% authentic Silent Gliss?
Can the Autoglide 5100 be bent for a bay window?
Do I need an electrician to install the Autoglide 5100?
What weight curtains can the tracks support?
How long will delivery take?
Can the tracks be operated manually in a power cut?
Can I control multiple tracks from one remote?
What colours are the tracks available in?
Is the track length inclusive of the motor?
How much does delivery cost?
Prefer a PDF? A downloadable version of this guide is available on our Autoglide 5100 product page. It contains all the same information you have just read, formatted for easy printing or saving.
Ready to get started?
Get instant pricing for your custom-sized electric curtain track. Configure your perfect setup online, or give us a call for expert advice.
How to order
Choose and configure
Select your product and enter your measurements. Our configurator calculates your price instantly.
We make it
Your order is custom manufactured by Silent Gliss to your exact specifications.
Free delivery
Delivered free to your door on the UK mainland. Most products are designed for DIY installation.