Do You Need Battens on a Bay Window Ceiling?
Introduction
Hi, I’m Lee Stevens from ezecurtains.co.uk. One of the most common questions I get asked is:
“Do I need to fit wooden battens to the ceiling in my bay window before installing the curtain track?”
The short answer is absolutely not. Here’s why.
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10-Year Guarantee
Free remake if it doesn’t fit — even if mis-measured
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Video Measuring Guides
Short step-by-steps so you know it’s right
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No Charge Per Bend
You pay for length only — big savings on multi-bend bays
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Fast UK Delivery
Recyclable, eco-friendly packaging as standard
Why Battens Aren’t Necessary
Wooden battens don’t add any real strength or support to a bay window track — and they tend to look plain ugly. You’ll get a much neater, more professional finish by fixing the track directly to the ceiling.
All of our bay window tracks are designed to fit flush to the ceiling without the need for battens.
Strong Fixing Without Battens
More Brackets, Better Support
We supply twice as many brackets as most other suppliers. This spreads the weight of your curtains evenly across the ceiling, giving plenty of support without needing wooden strips.
Fixing Into Plasterboard
Most bay ceilings are plasterboard, which is perfectly fine. The supplied plugs will do the job in the vast majority of cases.
- If one or two spots don’t feel firm enough, there are alternative fixings you can use.
- For example, toggle bolts (see our toggle bolt guide) are a great fallback option.
Fixings at the Bay Ends
At each end of the bay, just before returning onto the walls, the brackets normally fix into the lintel above the window.
- In older houses, that’s often timber — great for a strong hold.
- In newer builds, it’s usually metal. A small pilot hole with the right drill bit lets the screw grip securely.
- If your track returns out of the bay, those fixings will go into brickwork, which is very solid.
When to Use Toggle Bolts
- Only use them if the red plugs we supply aren’t giving you a firm enough fixing.
- Ideal for plasterboard ceilings in bays or straight windows.
- A backup option — not something you’ll usually need, but handy if you hit a soft spot.
Final Recommendation
So, do you need battens? No. Our tracks are designed to be fixed directly to the ceiling:
- Flush, neat, and professional.
- Securely supported with plenty of brackets.
- Built to hold even heavy, full-length curtains.
Skip the battens, and you’ll have a cleaner, better result.
Watch the Video
Do You Need Battens on a Bay Window Ceiling?
Introduction
Hi, I’m Lee Stevens from ezecurtains.co.uk, and I want to talk to you about battens on bay window ceilings.
Do You Need Wooden Battens?
People ask me all the time: “Do I need to fix wooden battens to the ceiling in my bay?” The answer is absolutely not. They just look plain ugly and don’t achieve anything. You might as well fix your track directly to the ceiling. Our tracks are designed to be fitted securely to ceilings in bay windows.
Bracket Distribution
We supply twice as many brackets as most competitors. This means the weight is spread more evenly, giving greater stability and support without the need for battens.
Fixings in Plasterboard Ceilings
Most bay ceilings are plasterboard, which is fine with the plugs we supply. If you come across a spot where the plugs don’t give a firm fixing, there are alternative fixings you can use. I’ve made a separate video that shows how those work.
Fixings at the Bay Ends
At the ends of the bay, just before the track returns out onto the walls, you’ll normally be fixing into the lintel over the top of the window. In older houses this may be timber, and in newer houses it’s usually metal. Either way, you’ll get a good strong fixing. If your track returns out of the bay, those fixings will go into brickwork — which is also very solid.
Final Recommendation
So, when it comes to wooden battens: don’t use them. Fit the track directly to the ceiling. Our tracks are designed to sit flush, they’re sturdy and solid, and you’ll get a neat, professional finish without unsightly battens.
- You do not need wooden battens on a bay window ceiling.
- Tracks are designed to fit directly and flush to the ceiling.
- We supply twice as many brackets as most competitors for even weight distribution.
- Plasterboard ceilings are fine with the supplied plugs.
- If one fixing feels weak, use alternative fixings (see our toggle bolt guide).
- End fixings usually go into lintels or brickwork — both strong and secure.
Video Highlights
- No battens needed — tracks fit flush to ceiling.
- Extra brackets spread the load evenly.
- Lintel and brickwork ends give solid fixings.
Video Highlights
Next Steps
If you’re planning to fit a bay window curtain track, take a look at:
- [How to Fit a Curtain Track to a Bay Window Ceiling] (overview guide)
- [Using Toggle Bolts to Fit a Curtain Track to a Ceiling] (when you need extra fixing strength)
👉 Haven’t ordered your track yet? Browse our [Custom Bay Window Curtain Tracks] — pre-bent to your bay shape, supplied with all the brackets and fixings you need.
Need Help?
We specialise in the tracks that make them effective for fitting to bay ceilings. If you’d like tailored advice for your bay window, just send us a quick photo using the button below. We’ll be able to recommend the best track option for your setup. Or browse our bay window curtain track options.