IKEA Kvartal track curtains for Scamp

[chuyler1]

My first modification for our new Scamp was to install a track system for wrap around curtains. It came out nicely so I'll share a few photos...

The Kvartal system is modular like everything else IKEA sells. There are numerous examples you can find on the web by searching for images...



I picked up the following parts for our 16' Scamp.

From IKEA:
(2) Corner pieces
(4) Single channel rods
(12) Top Mount brackets (but I only used 9)
(2) Packets of plastic channel hooks
(2) Packets of metal fabric hooks
(2) Packets of cloth
(1) Mitre saw kit

From Home Depot:
(1) Packet of #10-32x2" Machine screws
(1) Packet of #10-32x3/4" Machine screws
(1) Packet of #10 lock washers









After taking measurements and playing around with the pieces I realized I was going to have to think outside the box.

I sliced the corner pieces in half.



Then I tried simply switching ends so there was a wide section in the center of the curve. This helped, but the rod stuck out too far from the window.



I eventually settled on placing a 9" piece of rod in between the curves. This allowed the channel to better follow the curve of the scamp's walls.

[chuyler1]

While assembling, I filed down the edges of the channel to help the curtains roll past all the connections without snagging.



It turned out the scamp cabinets weren't perfectly level so I had to build a shim for one mounting bracket by cutting another one in half. I used the 10-32 screws to mount everything up with a 2" screw for the bracket that required the shim.



And here is the end result.



And when we want to let the light in, we can collapse all the curtains into the corners.



The project took an entire afternoon so I treated myself to some shrimp on the barbie



Special thanks to my mother-in-law for sewing on the fabric strips to the backs of the curtains we picked out. Unfortunately IKEA did not have any curtains we liked and none were the right size anyway, so we got these at a local store.

[_Scamp87_]

I love an Ikea hack! Very nice!

[Otters]

I installed new curtains using the track but used their wall hanging brackets instead of the ceiling mounts. I wanted to use the existing holes from the previous curtain brackets. It was challenging with the wall curvature of the scamp, but all in all I'm please. I'll post pictures later.

[Bob Miller]

I used the same track system for the front and side curtains in my Hunter Compact-II, with 90 degree curves in the corners for a continuous track on all three sides.

A word of warning.... apparently not all of the little wheeled trucks are crated equal. I had to hand select from three packages to find enough that would travel around the curves without hanging up. Of course I took the defective ones back and IKEA gave a refund, even on what was a partial package.

[Otters]

Yep, those little wheel hangers are not made very well, and I'm wondering how they will hold up. My Airstream has a different system and the plastic hangers are much more substantial. That was my biggest disappointment with the system.

[chuyler1]

I had no trouble with the wheeled hangers. They snag a little bit on the corners when you try to pull them quickly but it's about what I expected. I have plenty of extras in case some get damaged. I think shaving the ends of the track really helped make sure they pass between each section. Before I did that they would always get stuck.

[Shirley LaMoine]

Looks great. I used this system in my living and dining room and it works well for the price I paid. Many of my mods are Ikea inspired. I wonder if we could have a sub-forum for us Ikea hacks.

[EllPea in CA]

Originally Posted by Shirley LaMoine

Looks great. I used this system in my living and dining room and it works well for the price I paid. Many of my mods are Ikea inspired. I wonder if we could have a sub-forum for us Ikea hacks.

Yes yes! I vote yes for Ikea hacks sub-forum!

LP

[frankcfx]

I need a 3' piece of straight track for my folding screen door. I didn't see a listing for it in your post.

[Bob Miller]

Originally Posted by Shirley LaMoine

Looks great. I used this system in my living and dining room and it works well for the price I paid. Many of my mods are Ikea inspired. I wonder if we could have a sub-forum for us Ikea hacks.

That sounds like a great idea, if only to share, Here is a partial list of what I have used from Ikea

Curtain tracks
Solid Beech counter tops
Offset counter supports
Round s.s. sinks
Single handle faucets
Pull out drawers
Laminated Flooring
All kinds of kitchen & storage items
Mattresses (memory foam and folding futon)
Seat cushions
Bread boards
LED Lighting
I'd have to go look to find more, here are some pics:

[frankcfx]

Your interior pics look great. Lots of work and it looks very good.