The IKEA Vidga curtain track system is the modern successor to the discontinued but popular Kvartal system, offering significant improvements in installation and flexibility. While both offer a minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic for hanging curtains or dividing rooms, the Vidga system features an easy click-in bracket design and is built for layering curtains, whereas the Kvartal was a more rigid, modular system with a more involved assembly process.
Here's a detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and see why Vidga is today's go-to solution for modern window treatments.
IKEA Kvartal Curtain Track System
The Kvartal was IKEA's long-standing modular curtain track system hailed for its ability to create sleek, custom room dividers and window solutions at an affordable price. Though it has been discontinued, its influence is still seen in many homes, and understanding its features provides context for the improvements made in its replacement, the Vidga system.
- What it is: A now-discontinued modular track system made from aluminum, used for both standard window curtains and as a ceiling-mounted room divider.
- Key features: Available in single, double, or triple tracks. Required specific hardware to connect track pieces and navigate corners, often demanding precise installation.
- Price: Originally sold with basic kits starting around $20-$30, making it an extremely budget-friendly option for DIY projects.
- Style: Minimalist and functional with clean, straight lines that fit seamlessly into modern and Scandinavian decor.
- Materials/Construction: The system used aluminum tracks, plastic gliders, and metal fittings, which were known for being sturdy once properly installed.
- Pros: Affordable and versatile for creating simple, fixed partitions. Had a very clean, unobtrusive look. Sturdy and reliable when assembled correctly.
- Cons: Has been discontinued, making replacement parts very difficult to find. Installation could be tricky and less forgiving than newer systems. The gliders could sometimes stick or snag over time.
Kvartal was a fantastic choice for those needing a simple, fixed partition, but it has officially been phased out in favor of a more user-friendly and versatile alternative.
IKEA Vidga Curtain Track System
The Vidga system is IKEA's current and highly flexible curtain hanging solution, designed to be incredibly easy to install while offering more versatility than its predecessor. It serves every function the Kvartal did but with a focus on simplicity, layering, and adaptability for walls, ceilings, and even around corners.
- What it is: A modern, flexible curtain track system for both wall and ceiling mounting, capable of creating single-panel solutions, layered looks, or complete room divisions.
- Key features: Simple click-in brackets that fit ceiling or wall mounts. Available in single, double, or triple track setups for layering. Corner pieces create smooth glides around curves. Comes with quiet gliders.
- Price: Varies by configuration, with basic track kits starting around $30 and more complex setups for larger rooms ranging over $100.
- Dimensions: Available in various standard lengths that can be cut down to size or extended to over 13 feet.
- Materials/Construction: Aluminum tracks finished in white, with fittings and glider components made partly from recycled plastic.
- Style: Sleek and discreet, with hardware designed to blend into the wall or ceiling for a modern, integrated look.
- Pros: Exceptionally easy to install thanks to the smart "click" bracket system. Versatile for both walls and ceilings. Perfect for creating layered looks with sheer and blackout curtains. All parts are readily available from IKEA. Gliders move very smoothly and silently.
- Cons: Some may find the plastic components feel less substantial than the older metal parts from the Kvartal system. Can become more expensive than Kvartal for elaborate, multi-track setups.
The Vidga is for anyone - from DIY beginners to seasoned pros - who needs a reliable, attractive, and straightforward curtain system that can adapt to almost any space.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/cat/vidga-curtain-hanging-system-37817/
Kvartal vs. Vidga Comparison
Installation & Assembly
This is the single biggest difference. The Kvartal system required you to slide brackets onto the track and then screw them into the wall or ceiling, which demanded precision. It wasn't hard, but it was finicky.
The Vidga system revolutionized this with its two-part hardware: you first attach the small ceiling or wall fittings, then simply click the track into place. This approach is much faster, more forgiving if your measurements are slightly off, and makes removal just as easy. Vidga is the clear winner for ease of installation.
Flexibility & Versatility
While Kvartal was modular, it required specific connector pieces to join tracks and rigid corner pieces for turning 90 degrees. This worked well but limited its adaptability for unique room shapes.
Vidga improves on this by offering flexible corner pieces that allow for smooth curves, and its core design supports single, double, and triple-track configurations for easy layering. This makes it ideal not only for room dividers but also for sophisticated window treatments that combine sheer and heavy curtains.
Materials & Durability
Both systems use durable aluminum for their tracks, ensuring they won't sag under the weight of most curtains. Kvartal featured some sturdy metal hardware, which gave it a robust feel. The Vidga system incorporates more plastic into its fittings and gliders, which contributes to a smoother, quieter glide but may feel less premium to some users. Both are designed for long-term indoor use and hold up well to daily operation.
Price & Availability
As a discontinued product, Kvartal parts are only available on secondhand markets like eBay or community forums, often at inflated prices. It can be a challenge to find the exact piece you need. In contrast, the IKEA Vidga system is a current product line with readily available components in-store and online at predictable IKEA prices. For any new project, Vidga is the only practical and cost-effective option.
Which One Should You Choose?
While both are excellent IKEA track systems for minimalist curtain solutions, the choice is fairly simple since Kvartal has been discontinued and fully replaced by Vidga.
Choose to seek out Kvartal parts if:
- You have an existing Kvartal system installed and only need to replace a single, specific part.
- You've found a complete secondhand Kvartal system and are prepared to hunt for any missing pieces if needed.
- Your current setup has custom cuts that a modern Vidga system could not easily replicate.
Choose the Vidga system if:
- You are starting any new curtain or room divider project from scratch.
- You value a simple, fast, and frustration-free installation process.
- You want to create a layered look with sheer curtains behind blackout drapes.
- You need a flexible system for corner windows or oddly shaped rooms.
- You want confidence that you can easily buy more components if you decide to expand your system later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between IKEA Kvartal and Vidga?
The main difference is installation and availability. The Vidga system replaced the discontinued Kvartal and features a much simpler "click-in" installation design. Vidga is also more flexible, especially for corner applications and layering curtains.
Is IKEA Vidga compatible with Kvartal parts?
No, the two systems are not compatible. The track profiles, brackets, gliders, and corner pieces are designed differently and cannot be used together.
Can you hang heavy curtains on the IKEA Vidga system?
Yes, the Vidga system is quite strong. When installing, follow IKEA's guidelines for bracket spacing - placing them closer together provides more support for heavier curtains like thick velvet or blackout panels.
Why was IKEA Kvartal discontinued?
IKEA regularly updates its product lines to introduce improvements in design, materials, or manufacturing processes. Kvartal was replaced by Vidga, which offers a significantly easier installation process and greater versatility, reflecting improvements based on customer feedback.
Where can I find IKEA Kvartal parts?
Since it is discontinued, you can no longer buy Kvartal parts at IKEA. The best places to look are secondhand online marketplaces like eBay, Etsy, or local community forums where people may be selling spare parts.
Can you cut IKEA Vidga tracks to a custom length?
Yes, the aluminum tracks for the Vidga system are designed to be cut to size. You can easily cut them with a fine-toothed hacksaw to get a perfect fit for your specific window or space.
Does the Vidga system work on sloped ceilings?
The Vidga system is primarily designed for flat horizontal surfaces, either on a wall or a flat ceiling. It is not designed to be mounted on a sloped or angled ceiling.
How do you create a layered look with Vidga?
To layer curtains, you can use a double or triple track rail. This allows you to install multiple parallel tracks using the same set of brackets, making it easy to hang, for example, a sheer curtain on the inner track and a blackout curtain on the outer track.
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