Learning to correctly calculate the length of the cornice in relation to the window (5 photos)

The traditional method of decorating window openings in a room is curtains. They help to put the finishing touch on the interior of the apartment and create comfort in the house.

Before choosing a curtain, you need to decide on the style. It can be decorative. This type is used in various formal and assembly halls, often in large living rooms. It implies that the curtains will be decorated once: they represent an interior item. This type of curtain provides only aesthetic pleasure, but is not a functional item.

The next option for curtains are curtains in living rooms, which help hide residents from prying eyes, and during sleep they hold back excess light from the window. They are laconic and sewn from dense fabrics.

The most common type is mixed. Then the curtains have a practical benefit - they hide what is happening from prying eyes and at the same time look beautiful and expensive. This is a win-win for any living space.

Types of cornices

Let's first talk about the existing types of cornices. According to the type of fastening, cornices are:

1. Wall-mounted - attached to the wall between the window and the ceiling, with sufficient distance between them.
2. Ceiling mounted – attached to the ceiling and suitable for small spaces.
3. Side (flanges) – mounting on vertical slopes between two walls or in a window opening.

For reliability, fastenings are placed with a certain frequency. Every one and a half to two meters for wall cornices, and every half a meter for ceiling cornices.

The following classification is also distinguished:

• curtains;
• strings;
• rails;
• multi-tiered structures.

Design

Determines not only the appearance, but also the installation features. It also determines how easy it will be to move the curtains and remove them for washing. Let's talk in more detail about what types of cornices there are.

• Tubular

They are a pipe with a round, or less often square, cross-section, which is laid on brackets. Loops, rings or eyelets are threaded onto this rod. The crossbar can be single or double row.

The main advantage of this option is variety. You can choose a product from any material and with different designs, so these fasteners are used in all stylistic directions. The tube itself looks very simple and is usually decorated with fleurons - decorative tips.

Tubular rods are also used to decorate cafe curtains and doorways. In this case, a short crossbar is mounted.

This group also includes rotating structures, when one or two slats open like doors into the room.

There is also such an exotic variety as a spacer cornice. It is a round rod and is installed between the walls. It is held in place by springs installed inside, which “push” the ends out. Heavy textiles cannot be hung on such a mount. In addition, the crossbar puts constant pressure on the wall and can damage its coating.

• Strings

This is a thin steel cable stretched from one bracket to another. Only curtains are hung on a string, since the thread sags in the middle from the curtain material.

They are practically invisible in the interior, so they do not weigh it down. The curtains are fixed with clips or eyelets and seem to float in the air.

• Profile

Design - a guide in which there are one, two or three grooves. Curtain holders are installed in these grooves, which slide freely along their recess.

This type is often mounted to the ceiling and made hidden. If the fasteners remain visible, then the outer part is decorated with a hood - a narrow decorative strip. A properly installed aluminum profile can withstand any load. Plastic samples are best used with weightless materials.

Due to the fact that the profile is made from flexible materials, the finished product can be given any shape. Popular options are those with rounded ends (good for the bedroom), as well as those curved along the contours of the window opening.

• Baguettes

This is rather not a separate group, but one of the types of decoration. It looks like a beautiful panel that covers the entire mechanism. In this case, a string or profile type is used.

However, the baguette is appropriate only in certain styles: classical, rococo and the like, where stucco molding, various patterns and luxury are welcome. Typically, elaborate models are installed in large halls. Although there are also laconic strips suitable for most designs.

How to choose a cornice according to window size

Having decided on the mounting option, you can proceed to calculating the required length. You can understand how to choose the correct length of the curtain rod for a window by measuring the length of the latter and adding 10-40 centimeters, depending on the size of the room and how heavy the curtains are supposed to be hung.

In some cases, the length of the cornice is equal to the size of the window. This option is preferable if the window is draped only with light tulle. Or if the windows in the room are panoramic, covering the entire wall, or if there are Roman blinds.

There is a nuance in how to choose the length of the ceiling cornice if it is hidden (with stretch ceilings). Its length will depend on the size of the window sill.

Heating panels may be located under the window, then the cornice should move away from the wall at a distance sufficient for the curtains to hang freely. The height of the wall cornice is usually fixed 5 cm above the window, and at least 5 cm below the ceiling.

Refining the width parameters to perfection

The width of the curtain is not only the distance from the first to the last hook, but also takes into account the drapery that the owner wants to make. The splendor and volume of the folds also depends on the area and decor of the room. If the window is located in a spacious room, there is no furniture close to it, then a large amount of drape will look impressive.

Less noticeable folds fit better into modest sizes.

The most accurate measurements are obtained by using a metal tape measure rather than the usual measuring tape.

This means that the following must be taken into account.

1. A large bedroom or living room often has small windows, so a lot of drapery is inappropriate there. The same goes for the doorway.
2. If the window design is characterized by two layers, then the top panel should be 15 cm longer to achieve a more impressive result.
3. If the room is not spacious, but not too modest, then you can use standards based on the length of the cornice. Its duration (if there are two or three leaves) is usually multiplied by a factor of one and a half. And long fastenings for curtains from two to four meters are multiplied with values ​​of two and three, respectively.
4. If the sizes of the window and the room are not proportional and not standardized, then you can start from the type of material. The values ​​of curtain sections are usually multiplied by one point and seven tenths, and the veil, organza with print - by two. If the last fabric is without a pattern, then you can safely multiply it by three.

The use of ceiling cornices allows you to beautifully decorate windows, as well as separate part of the room with a curtain.

Important: the lambrequin is not counted in the same way as the curtains; their duration is equal to the length of the fastening pipe.

How to choose a cornice for Roman blinds

Roman blinds are very popular types in modern interior design. This is a canvas tightly fixed to the cornice and has a special design. They rise and fall like blinds. The canvas is completely flat or retains decorative folds.

These curtains are convenient for decorating rooms of almost any style, window openings where ordinary curtains will not fit: in the bathroom, as well as doorways. They are easy to combine with other types of curtains.

Its length is usually equal to the length of the window, since it is installed in the window opening itself or on the opening. The lifting mechanism of the product consists of:

• aluminum profile;
• control unit with chain;
• control rod located inside the profile;
• plastic lifting blocks with ropes;
• fiberglass inserts for fixing folds;
• weight plate sewn into the bottom;
• additional accessories: Velcro, rings, chains.

Also, the mechanisms for lifting Roman blinds differ by type:

1. Open – for small and light (up to 4-6 kg) opaque canvases.
2. Closed - suitable for transparent curtains, since the lifting blocks are hidden, and heavy ones - can withstand weight up to 8 kg.

Fastening device

It is important to consider that the product is mounted either on the original ceiling surface or on a previously fixed beam, or on platforms. Today there are two methods of fastening:

1. An open type method in which hidden supports are first installed, and then fixation systems are installed.
2. Closed type method - installation is carried out on the original ceiling, where the cornice is mounted behind the flooring.

The first method is the simplest and most common. The second method requires certain skills, but the result is worth the candle.

Many wall cornices can be mounted on the ceiling if the design of the brackets allows

How to choose curtain rods made of steel strings

String cornices have a number of advantages:

• durability;
• invisibility in the interior;
• versatility;
• compactness.

The steel string on brackets is attached to the ceiling or wall, and the curtain fabric is secured with hooks or clips. This cornice can be installed in open and closed ways. In the first case, the fastening elements are visible and installation of such a product is simpler.

In the second, everything unnecessary is hidden, but installation is more difficult and expensive. Closed models are used for medium-weight curtains or high requirements for room decor.

For heavy curtains, a string curtain rod is not suitable, but there is an option to place them on two strings instead of one. Steel is subject to corrosion, so if you plan to hang curtains in a room with high humidity, the string should be treated with special means.

In what cases is it better to choose a ceiling mount?

The following options exist:

• panoramic windows need to be curtained;
• to achieve the visual effect of greater room height using long curtains;
• the presence of minor defects in the apartment;
• the end of the window opening is located close to the ceiling, there is no space for installation;
• the walls are made of material that does not allow the bracket to be firmly fixed;
• to limit the access of cold air - the arched shape will provide good insulation;
• draw more attention to the canvas and hide the profile behind a decorative strip.

Using ceiling mounted curtains you can visually increase the height of the room

Hiding a wall behind solid curtains is perhaps the easiest way to hide defects in a window opening

From a round profile

This look is closest to the classic style. They can be:

• single row;
• double row;
• three-row.

These are products made of wood, metal or plastic with a wide range of colors and pipe diameters. The latter is important for those who find it difficult to decide how to choose the width of the cornice.

You should opt for such models if you need a simple and reliable design with a laconic design. And if the massiveness of the cornice fits into the overall interior.

Required Tools

With plain decorative overlay

Installing any: three-row, two-row or single-row is quite simple. First of all, everything needs to be correctly calculated and laid out. This is usually done at the stage of planning and preparation of upcoming work.

All you need next is:

• selected model;
• drill;
• 2 drills of different diameters;
• fasteners;
• knife or file (you can use a jigsaw)
• pencil, square and tape measure.

How to choose cornices with a baguette strip

The baguette ceiling cornice is designed not only to hide working elements behind the decor, but also to act as an independent part of the interior.

In recent years, this type has lost its former popularity, but is still considered the most profitable solution for decorating a living room.

Baguette panels are made of wood, metal or plastic, decorated with stucco or gilding. The main points in choosing such a product depend on the design.

The color and material from which the baguette is made must match the style. And the cornice itself should not interrupt other interior elements with its appearance.

Material

Durability and design depend on which material is chosen. However, there is another important parameter here - strength. Not all curtain rods can withstand heavy tapestry or blackout fabric.

1. Wood (walnut, oak, cherry, pine, linden) is an unfading classic. Wood is used to make simple tubular structures and elegant baguettes. They are strong and durable, but in the kitchen, due to humidity and temperature changes, they quickly lose their appearance: they swell and crack. It is worth considering that valuable wood species will not be cheap.
2. Metal (stainless, chrome-plated or nickel-plated steel, aluminum, copper, brass) - can withstand high loads. Any type of object is made from metal in a variety of stylistic directions. The only negative is the price.
3. Plastic (polyvinyl chloride) is the most budget category. Such products are often “disguised” as more noble wood and metal. This allows you to get the same look at a more affordable price. However, it is worth paying special attention to the safety class of the product and checking all documentation. Otherwise, there is a risk of buying a low-quality product that will release toxic fumes into the air. In addition, such models are not intended for heavy curtains - the plastic may break.

Profile cornices

This type is the most universal for those for whom it is especially important how to choose the right curtain rod. The structure made of plastic or metal has hooks from which you can hang both light tulle and heavy curtains.

Profiles come with several rows of hooks, which allows you to conveniently combine several types of curtains.

The base of the profile cornices bends, emphasizing or hiding the details of the geometry of the room, especially if it has wide openings or there is a need to decorate complex structures.

They are mounted on brackets, allowing you to move away from the wall to any convenient distance. They are decorated with decorative inserts and eyelets to suit any style.

If necessary, the guide bar can be easily hidden and made invisible. It is easy to install a remote control mechanism into the profiles, which is especially important in rooms with high ceilings.

How to attach a cornice - popular methods

If you already know how to choose the right size of curtain rod, but have not yet decided on the mounting method, pay attention to their advantages and disadvantages, knowledge of which will help you understand how to choose a curtain rod for a window.

Wall models are good:

• efficiency (less consumption of fabric for curtains);
• wide choice and originality of design;
• large range of colors;
• simple installation.

Among their disadvantages:

• higher cost;
• visual reduction of the room in height.

Advantages of ceiling models:

• expand the room visually;
• can be set invisible;
• It’s easier to hang curtains on them to hide the heating panels;
• durable and can withstand heavy fabrics;
• can hide imperfections in the ceiling finish;
• inexpensive cost.

Their disadvantages include the impossibility and limitation of installation if the ceiling is suspended or lighting is installed in it.

Examples and photos in the interior

This chapter presents photos of ceiling curtains for curtains suitable for various living rooms. Today, there are a great variety of products for fastening curtains made from various materials on the market. Implementing any design solution when decorating window openings is not particularly difficult. However, many nuances should be taken into account both when choosing a product and when installing a cornice, so as not to make gross mistakes and achieve a good result.

What should curtain rods be combined with?

Whether you choose an inconspicuous string cornice, or want to complement the decor with a luxurious baguette, it is important to consider simple points:

• if the room has low ceilings, then it is better to match the curtain rod to the color of the curtains;
• in a room of sufficient height, choosing the color of the wall and wallpaper will allow you to place more emphasis on the curtains;
• with high ceilings, a contrasting option will look beautiful;
• for ceiling models, it is advantageous to make them in the color of the ceiling;
• if the room is decorated with a lot of wood, wooden cornices or discreet metal ones, decorated in bronze, will suit you;
• for techno and hi-tech styles, shiny metal products are suitable;
• if it is important that the cornice is invisible, you should opt for a string model;
• For decorating complex architectural shapes with curtains, the best choice would be flexible profile models.

The right colors

How to choose the color of curtain rods so that they are not outdated? Experts believe that universal tones are gray and brown. It is better not to use plastic or shiny things with them.

Today, the basic shades are black, white and variations of yellow: gold, brass and aged metals. They look impressive even in interiors with basic tones. Gold goes beautifully with all light shades: from any pastel to gray tones.

Compatibility of cornices with types of curtains

When choosing a cornice for curtains, you should take into account their weight, transparency and overall style. For thin ones, any wall cornice is suitable, for transparent tulle - an inconspicuous string, heavy curtains should be mounted on ceiling models or durable metal ones. Roman blinds require a special curtain rod with a mechanism. For canvases with lambrequins, three-row models are usually chosen.

Conclusion

The width of the curtains and cornice is an important component when calculating the tailoring and installation of the product, because it should look presentable and allow the interior to look complete. If the window is large, it automatically becomes the center of attention, so it is important to make it flawless, which is why designers are often invited to carry out the project. They know how to take into account the nuances of the material, furnishings and dimensions of the room, as well as accurately calculate the drapery coefficients of the material.

If you need to visually increase the width of the entire room, use a wall-to-wall cornice.