Curtain string is a very old invention that has temporarily lost popularity. The invention of new materials has returned relevance to such cornices. They are versatile, neutral in style and easy to install. The simpler, the more relevant is the motto of many modern designers. At the same time, a string curtain rod is an inexpensive but trendy way to decorate a window space.
The correct design of a window opening consists of selecting matching curtains and cornices.
Advantages and disadvantages
The design has its advantages and disadvantages. The advantages include:
- saving living space;
- ease of installation;
- long service life;
- Can be used anywhere in the room;
- The cornice is available in 2 options: ceiling and wall;
- installation of decorative elements at your discretion;
- low cost;
- nice design.
The invention of new materials has returned relevance to such cornices.
Design disadvantages are associated with the characteristics of the materials. A string longer than 2 meters may sag if an additional bracket is not installed. If it is not coated with an anti-corrosion compound, then in conditions of high humidity it will become covered with rust. When attaching a standard cornice, masking (installation of a decorative panel or drapery) may be required.
What types of string cornices are there?
Now there are beautiful string cornices on sale for every taste. Designs in several rows (2-3) are intended for the use of multi-layer curtains. For example, in a bedroom where you want to hang tulle and thick curtains, you will need a 2-row design. If you additionally want to install a lambrequin, it is better to install a 3-row cornice.
They are versatile, neutral in style and easy to install.
The strings range from 3 to 5 meters in length. It can be adjusted if desired. The peculiarity of the design is that if the string is slightly sagging, it is enough to tighten the bolts into which it is inserted.
The brackets can be brackets or steel angles. Depending on the design of the room, you can choose decorative brackets:
- vintage;
- with inlay;
- gold plated;
- in transparent plastic;
- imitating vegetation;
- in the form of geometric shapes.
The simpler, the more relevant is the motto of many modern designers.
How to choose?
When choosing a suitable design, the following recommendations are taken into account:
- String cornice is designed for curtains made of light fabrics. If heavy, dense canvases hang on it, sagging of the string is inevitable. The situation can be corrected by installing an additional bracket in the middle. But then the curtains on the left and right can only be moved to the center.
- The structure is not installed in openings longer than 5 meters. The optimal length is 3-4 meters.
- If you need to divide your living space into zones, you can purchase ceiling string cornices.
- It is better to pay more, but buy a string coated with a protective compound.
- The design is suitable for rooms with stable temperatures and low humidity levels.
- You can choose options for the bathroom, toilet, small utility rooms.
These points must be taken into account when choosing a suitable design. String cornices are great because they allow for many design options.
A string curtain rod is an inexpensive but trendy way to decorate a window space.
How to make a string cornice with your own hands?
You can make and install a wall-mounted string cornice yourself in one day. It will be closed because the string will be disguised under the wooden panel. Instead, you can use strong wire or fishing line, and steel corners are suitable for making brackets. An additional 2 MB of bolt will be required.
- The pine plank is burned with a blowtorch and covered with a varnish composition.
- Holes are drilled in the bolts.
- Using brackets, the string is attached to the decorative strip through the holes in the bolts. The bolts are placed in brackets. The nuts are tightened.
- To fasten fabric panels, special metal hooks are used, and if they are not available, metal clips are suitable.
String designs are ideal for high-tech, techno, minimalist interiors, as well as more classic Provence or country.
Design characteristics
The main elements of a string cornice for curtains:
- tension cable: steel, polymer and high-strength threads;
- the set is completed with brackets or decorative tips;
- the string is connected to the curtain with hooks, clothespins, and rings. The cable with pendants is matched to the color of the curtains.
The wire is kept taut by a special system. For strength and reliability, support fasteners are attached to the wall at two or more points.
How to install a string cornice?
Tools you will need:
- perforator;
- drills taking into account the features of the wall or ceiling;
- hammer;
- pencil;
- roulette.
The installation instructions are simple, the work is carried out in stages.
- Take the necessary measurements and make markings on the ceiling or wall where the support and intermediate brackets will be installed.
- Use a puncher to make holes at the marked points.
- Insert the dowels and screw in the fasteners.
- The string is pulled into the holes of the tips, one end is fixed in the sleeve. When the base is assembled, the tip is attached.
- Install intermediate brackets. The string pulled through them is fixed with a sleeve placed on the support brackets.
- Using a tension device, pull the string all the way.
- The excess string is cut off with metal scissors.
A curtain or other curtains are secured to the string and masked with a strip if desired.
Curtain rods made from string curtains have a wide range of possibilities for combining with different interiors due to their invisibility.
Beginners should take note: what are the benefits of string for curtains?
Compact size and long-term use are two common characteristics of the material. In addition, the list of qualities can be expanded thanks to mobility. For example, a cornice can be mounted in a country house. If necessary, it can be easily removed and stored until next spring. The list of qualities continues with an attractive appearance.
Unlike other similar designs, a string cornice allows you to choose a model that can blend into its surroundings.
In addition to the listed qualities, builders focus on a number of additional ones:
- A string of any thickness does not attract attention;
- Possibility to choose ceiling holders taking into account the style of curtains;
- The opportunity to save the family budget - the material itself and the entire installation process do not require any significant time and physical costs;
- Ceiling fasteners are available in gold and silver versions.
Interior use
A string cornice is convenient because it can be used for different types of light curtains and in almost any room. They look great in the bathroom, where the linen, mounted on beautiful decorative hooks, moves easily and freely.
They are very thin, almost invisible behind the folds of the material, and are placed at a short distance from the wall or ceiling.
The ability to be used anywhere in a living space allows you to zone the space at your discretion. By camouflaging it with a drapery or strip that matches the wall or ceiling, it feels like the curtains are suspended in the air.
Since such a device requires almost no space, it is suitable for the most modest rooms in size and height.
This is an excellent option for garages and other utility rooms where various materials need to be protected from dust. At the same time, curtains also perform an aesthetic function, hiding from view work corners with a bunch of tools.
Thanks to their simple design, they fit perfectly into classic style, hi-tech and minimalism.
This is also a good idea for decorating children's rooms, when children want to create a cozy corner. A string curtain rod for curtains in a nursery, which can be installed fairly quickly, is a real godsend for restless kids. The light from the lamp will not fall into the eyes when the child falls asleep, but is afraid to remain in the dark. The advantage of string cornices is that they create the illusion of a wall, while occupying a very small amount of usable space.
Curtains with string are used in the dining room or kitchen, living room, bedroom. Such curtains are especially convenient for balconies and loggias, glazed verandas in a country house.
Combination with textiles
Due to their designs and distinctive features, string products are ideally combined with weightless types of curtains. A steel string is attached to a durable structure to the ceiling or wall. Not too heavy textile fabrics are hung on a wire cornice , since due to the heavy weight of the curtains, the strings sag and do not look aesthetically pleasing.
The strings can easily withstand chiffon, tulle and organza, as well as any other lightweight new materials. For tapestry, printed and velvet curtains, it is necessary to install a double-row or multi-row cornice.
Thanks to cornices with strings, translucent textiles float in the air and are not held on by anything, because the thin string is almost invisible.
Decorative clips or hooks are used to attach curtains. They are made in different colors or with a metallic shade that will suit any room interior.
The shape of the window is an equally important characteristic for choosing the type of cornice. String products and metal curtain rod holders are great for rectangular windows.
Operating rules
Installation of the structure does not take much time, and the curtains and drapes, carefully chosen to match the tone of the furniture and wallpaper, fit perfectly into the interior of the room. In order for the string cornice to continue to serve for many years, you need to do the following:
- review components and replace those affected by corrosion;
- do not try to install the string on suspended ceilings;
- avoid heavy curtains;
- Wipe the headset regularly with a soft, dry cloth;
- if dirt or other substances get in contact, wash the string with soapy water and wipe dry;
- try not to use brackets and holders with complex shapes, which are difficult to clean from dust from all sides.
The only limitation is that such curtain rods can only withstand light fabrics.
They are suitable for silk, tulle, taffeta, organza, muslin or light cotton, linen, lightweight jacquard. It is important that the surface of the string does not remain wet. Despite the protective layer, corrosion may appear on the metal. The situation becomes more complicated if the string is masked with a baguette strip, which is difficult to remove. Therefore, this point must be taken into account.
The fastening of the curtains is very compact, invisible and allows you to freely move the fabric along the window.
Reviews
Buyers of string cornices are unanimous in their reviews of such products. This is an excellent model for small rooms or rooms with low ceilings. Yes, such products are not intended for heavy curtains, they cannot be placed on a suspended ceiling, but these are minor disadvantages. Numerous positive responses confirm that string curtain rods are becoming popular again.
Modern string curtain rod, chrome plated
In many reviews, consumers write about the low cost and easy installation of the product. Some note the possibility of attaching two types of light tulle through the use of several strings. Others appreciate the large selection of additional decorative elements and length adjustment in string cornices. An undoubted advantage for many buyers is the possibility of ceiling installation of the cornice.
The classic look of such curtain rods makes you pay attention to the curtains that are attached to them. In combination with straight curtains, they attract attention precisely to themselves - because of their noble metallic color . String cornices are distinguished from other models by the variety of decorative finishes and simplicity.
