All cornices are divided into ceiling and wall according to their mounting location. Models of the first type are finding more and more supporters, especially among those living in small apartments. One of the reasons for the growing popularity of ceiling curtain holders is their suitability for low rooms, as they do not visually reduce the space. Let us consider in detail the features of such products. We will also look at what types of ceiling cornices there are and how to choose the right model.
Date Jun 21, 2016
The term “curtain” refers to a panel made of loose, lightweight fabric (tulle, curtain chiffon, veil and other types) intended for curtaining and decorating the entire area of the window opening. In addition, this term is often used as a synonym for the phrase “ceiling cornice”. In this meaning, the word has entered the lexicon of not only consumers, but also sellers of this type of product and is widely used to refer to various types of ceiling mounts for curtains (drapes, curtains, as well as their elements).
Original ceiling curtains
Ceiling curtains for curtains are also called baguettes or consoles. Regardless of the name, curtains and cornices differ in the method of attachment to the ceiling surface, material of manufacture, size, color and other characteristics.
Mounting curtains to the ceiling has a number of advantages compared to the wall installation option:
Advantages of ceiling models
Unlike wall cornices, these products are attached to the ceiling base. They have significant strength and reliable fastenings that ensure the stability of curtains and curtain rods.
In addition, the following advantages of practical choice should be noted:
- The ability to drape the entire window opening, regardless of its size.
- The ability to form beautiful folds on textile fabric (both horizontal and vertical folds).
- Visual effect of expanding space.
- Tight closing of all cracks and open spaces, which allows you to retain heat in the room.
Curtains located on ceiling cornices provide better protection from direct sunlight and absorb street noise.
Types of curtains
When choosing the type of curtains, you should take into account the interior of the room, the coating and method of finishing the ceiling (plastered concrete slab, plasterboard, suspended ceiling or others), the weight and appearance of the curtains. The dimensions of the ceiling curtain are selected equal to the width of the wall or protruding beyond the window opening by 40-50 cm on each side, depending on your own preferences and the size of the room.
The material of the curtain rod must not only withstand the weight of the curtain, but also be in harmony with the overall style of the room. Thus, a plastic or aluminum structure will look like an alien element in a room decorated in a classicist style, just as a massive wooden cornice will not suit an interior designed in a minimalist or hi-tech style.
The choice of materials used for the manufacture of ceiling cornices is quite wide and allows you to select types of curtains for curtains that match the chosen room design:
- Plastic ceiling cornice has an affordable price and high performance characteristics. It harmonizes perfectly with white metal-plastic windows, and a large selection of colors and shapes makes it easy to choose an inexpensive and attractive option that matches the color of the curtains, wall and ceiling decoration.
- Metal and forged curtains. The most common type is the aluminum version. Such cornices are strong, light, durable, suitable for decoration with self-adhesive film and are plastic, which allows them to be given the required shape (angular, radius). Also on the market are forged models of metal cornices with a coating that imitates gold, bronze or copper.
- Wooden types of curtains. They are an excellent addition to any interior that uses natural wood furniture, parquet or parquet boards, wooden panels and other wood decorative elements. Disadvantages include the wood's susceptibility to wear and mechanical damage.
Often, several materials are used simultaneously in production, plastic and metal are combined, or wooden decorative inserts are made.
Wooden curtain rod
The method of attaching the cornice differs depending on the finish of the ceiling surface and can be done using:
- plastic or metal butterfly dowels of the MOLLY type when mounted on a plasterboard board;
- dowels and self-tapping screws or screws on a concrete plastered surface;
- special structures (embedded timber, ceiling profile) for installation on a suspended ceiling. In this case, the location and size of the cornice must be taken into account in advance when installing the stretch ceiling.
- The method of fastening does not depend on the material of construction and can be used with any type of cornices.
Cornices with decorative strip
A new product from manufacturers is cornices with a beautiful strip that has a wide base, a dense structure, and a bright color composition. The fasteners are located behind the bar, which completely hides the rings, hooks, and clamps. Similar models are used as additional decor.
Photos of the ceiling cornice presented on the pages of the official catalogs from the manufacturer will help you make the best choice.
Design features
Depending on the method of fastening the curtains and the design, the following types of ceiling cornices are distinguished:
- Strings. The most primitive type of fastening, which consists of one or more strings of wire, fishing line or other material, stretched under the ceiling. Suitable for temporary placement of light curtains, since in addition to its unassuming appearance, it also has other disadvantages, including sagging of the curtains in the central part of the window.
- Baguettes. The outer part of the cornice is a decorative strip, usually made of wood, that hides where the curtains are attached. They feature a variety of designs and exterior finishing options.
- Profile. Universal practical curtain rods made of metal or plastic profiles. They can have any bending radius and are suitable for installation in bay windows and other rooms of complex geometric shapes.
At the customer's request, profile curtain rods are additionally equipped with an electric drive and a mechanism for extending or raising curtains and curtains. Some manufacturers complete products with self-adhesive tape, which allows you to attach a lambrequin without the use of additional elements.
- Round. A classic, simple and at the same time elegant design consisting of a round rod with stops at the ends. The bar can be made of wood, metal or plastic, and the stops serve a practical function and serve as decoration for the product.
Flexible models
Curtain rods with shape changing function are made of aluminum. Manufacturers use special alloys with a high aluminum content to make such products.
The structure of the alloys is resistant to corrosion, easy to maintain, and favorably emphasizes interior details. The ability to change the shape of the holding rod was appreciated by many buyers, which determined the popularity of this curtain rod.
Color options
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Regardless of the material and design of the cornice, there is a large selection of product colors, and application methods and finishing options may differ.
- Metal cornices are usually painted bronze, copper or gilded. Powder coating is used for painting aluminum profiles, and the color range corresponds to the RAL catalog.
- Plastic curtains are covered with decorative film, and a profile painted in a certain color during the production process is also used.
- In most cases, wood is not painted; the desired shade is imparted using varnish.
Usually, the installation of a new curtain occurs after renovation or in order to somehow transform the room. There are many variations on the market today; some curtain rods can be mounted on walls, others on ceilings. Before you make a choice, you need to decide which type of cornice is best to purchase.
Which curtain rod is better: type of curtain rod installation
In accordance with the wishes of the customer and the condition of the supporting structures, they choose from the following varieties:
- wall mounts;
- ceiling
The first option is common in design. The strength of the wall allows, with the correct selection of the length of the dowels, at least 25 mm, to decorate the room with heavy and double-row curtains. Before installation, determine the material of the surface for fastening and the thickness of the walls.
Photo of wall cornice
If wall cornices are mounted on plasterboard or a concrete floor in the form of cells, then practicing builders on Internet resources suggest that you familiarize yourself with photos and videos of preparation. In this case, metal mortgages, reinforced fasteners and an anchor system are used.
Example of a plastic ceiling cornice photo
The situation with the ceiling is simpler, since it is a load-bearing structure and can withstand the permissible load. When making a ceiling solution, it is important to first attach the block under the cornice. The height is calculated equal to the distance required for a suspended or suspended ceiling. Thus, the accessory is visually hidden and not visible in the room.
Heavy curtains require a rigid and durable cornice and installation method.
For lightweight tulles, lightweight fastening options are also recommended. Sometimes designers use plastic, armstrong or decorative panels. Curtain hangers cannot be attached to them. Therefore, initially they make a plasterboard version with mortgages.
It is important to remember about dowels. Constant load and sudden jerks create a serious load, so the screws are chosen as long as possible, and the cornice is fastened every 90 cm - 1 m. Having figured out the installation method, the second question arises in choosing the type of product.
Ceiling cornice in the interior: types, tips for choosing.
Types of ceiling curtains
The most popular are the following curtains, suitable for different types of interior:
- round - presented in the form of a decorative crossbar made of metal, wood or plastic. The diameter of this design ranges from 1.5 to 4 cm; special rings are hung on it - fastenings for curtains. Installation of such a curtain is carried out using the included profile, which is attached to the wall or ceiling;
- busbar - is a metal or plastic system with grooves for attaching curtains. There are single-row and multi-row rail curtain rods for attaching tulle and curtains separately from each other. It is possible to have decorative inserts, as well as 2 installation options using special profiles or screws.
When a suitable cornice has been selected, you need to make sure that it will not subsequently interfere with the window, and that the curtain hung on it will not touch the handles or heating radiators.
String options in the interior
One of the most popular accessories for attaching curtains. They are a set of brackets, between which a strong metal line is stretched. The strings are hardly noticeable, favorably emphasizing the design of the textile fabric itself.
However, it will not be possible to hang heavy, coarse curtains on string curtain rods - even several strings are unable to withstand significant weight.
The process of installing ceiling curtains
Self-installation of a ceiling curtain largely depends on the materials from which it and the ceiling itself are made. In any case, you will need the following tools:
- pencil, ruler or tape measure, level;
- screws, dowels;
- screwdriver or screwdriver;
- drill, hammer drill, grinder.
Today, plastic curtains are in great demand due to their low cost, but they have a limited color range and standard length.
If the required size is different, then there is no problem in extending the curtain with a fragment of a similar product or, conversely, cutting it off. Plastic is lightweight and is mounted in special niches on the ceiling. Usually it already has holes for fastening, but there are times when everything needs to be done manually.
First, you need to mark the holes on the plastic with a pencil. Along the edges of the product they are located no further than 10 cm, and along the entire length the step is no more than 50 cm. On these marks on the front side you need to work a little with a large drill, and then a smaller one, so that the screw head is stable.
Next, you need to attach the prepared curtain to the ceiling and, through the holes made, mark with a pencil the places to work with the hammer drill. The diameter of the drill in it must correspond to the plastic dowels. After inserting them, the curtains are again adjusted to the ceiling and the self-tapping screws are screwed into them with a screwdriver.
So, the installation of the curtains is completed, and for an aesthetic appearance of the holes, special furniture plugs should be glued to them. To avoid problems with curtains, they must first be attached to hooks, which are then hung on the curtain track.
Features of installation on different ceilings
If the ceiling is reinforced concrete, then the installation option described above is suitable. Using a tape measure, measure the middle of the window opening and curtains, and make the necessary holes. While working, it is better to use glasses or the help of a partner and a vacuum cleaner.
Installation of ceiling curtains on a suspended ceiling can occur in two options. If it is possible to plan the curtain before the suspended ceiling is installed, then the frame is placed at the optimal distance to the window, allowing the curtains to be hung successfully. If the ceiling is already ready, you will have to apply more fasteners to the drywall, because the step should be about 20 cm.
A similar situation exists with stretch ceilings.
When it is already installed, it is better to choose a wall-mounted curtain. If the installation of the ceiling is in full swing, you need to leave a small niche for the curtains. You can also attach a beam at the intended installation location of the cornice, cover it with canvas and attach the cornice on top of it.
Installing a ceiling curtain may be a troublesome task, but the result is a beautiful design that fits harmoniously into the overall interior.
Metal
Metal curtain rods are very durable and can withstand even the heaviest curtains. They will fit perfectly into interiors decorated in both classic and modern, trendy style.
According to their appearance, cornices are divided into:
- hidden, this design is camouflaged, not conspicuous, used mainly to visually enlarge the room;
- decorative, serve as a separate interior detail that decorates and complements it.
Rules for choosing material, color, size of textiles
Before going to the store, you need to decide on the type of material that will be used, its color, the size of the future product and the presence of decorative elements.
There are certain recommendations that should be followed in the process of selecting fabric.
- A combination of several bright shades should be avoided. Experts believe that the presence of more than three primary colors looks tasteless and too colorful.
- Black and white colors are combined with any additional shade range. It is worth considering that white curtains visually increase the size of the room, and in particular the window opening.
- The most correct method by which curtains should be selected is to match the shade of the fabric to the color of the ceiling or walls.
Do not forget that a positive design result is possible only if the design of the fastening system for curtains corresponds to the basic idea of the interior of the room.
An important role when selecting a cornice that is planned to be attached to the ceiling is played by the base material of the fixing surface.
- Reinforced concrete has practically no restrictions. In this case, you can use plastic, wood, steel, cast iron.
- Suspended ceilings allow you to attach only the lightest types of structures. Most often it is plastic.
As for the dimensions, for spacious rooms with large windows, the best option would be curtains, the width of which is about half a meter greater than the width of the window. If the window is located on a narrow wall, then the dimensions of the panels should be slightly less than the width of the wall. Some types of simple draperies allow you to visually expand the boundaries of the room.
Hidden installation of a curtain rod in a ceiling niche
Which curtain rod is better: technical points
Based on material, cornices are divided into:
- wooden (cherry, walnut, coniferous wood, oak);
- metal, incl. forged;
- plastic: light, cheap, of all kinds of colors.
Number of rows
If you are in doubt about the technical characteristics, then opt for metal models. Plastic and wood are positioned as options for light and medium curtains. Before purchasing, draw out the design of the window. This is how you understand how many layers of fabric are used, whether the curtains should move and close. A separate pipe is allocated for the lambrequin. Based on the number of lines, cornices are divided into:
- linear, single;
- double;
- triple;
- in 4 rows.
If heavy curtains and an air curtain are combined, then the main cornice is reinforced, and a light rail is attached to the brackets under the tulle.
Division by control option
The modern world of curtains is constantly expanding the options for solutions, not only external ones, but also improving technical characteristics. Currently there are 2 main methods:
- manual;
- electric.
The traditional manual method is simple and intuitive. In this case, the movement of the curtains occurs with the help of a hand, a special cane with a small hook, or thanks to a cord placed at one of the edges.
The downside is the uneven load when closing, sudden amplitudes, which leads to rapid wear of the mechanisms. At the same time, the cost is cheaper than when equipped with an electric drive.
An electric motor increases the cost of the design, but at the same time makes the curtains easier to use.
Using a remote control, a switch or a button near the bed, you can easily open and close the curtains. Uniform distribution and monotonous movements prolong the service life of the fasteners. This is an ideal option, for example, for a bedroom or nursery.
Attaching the canvas to the cornice
When choosing a cornice, pay attention to the curtain holders:
- hook;
- clamp;
- rings;
- eyelets.
The shape of the bar also depends on this. Hooks and clips are inserted into runners that move along the runners. Rings and eyelets are placed on the pipe. It is possible to attach hooks to the rings, but at the same time the vertical line increases, visually breaking up the window space and making it lower.
This approach is appropriate for high ceilings or classic interiors.
In modern, urban, minimalist spaces, it is better to choose grommets or hidden installation with hooks.
Features of fastening systems depending on the type of ceiling
Installation of curtains and fastening techniques directly depend on the type of ceiling covering.
Reinforced concrete ceilings
- The strength of the material allows you to attach curtain rods of any size from all possible materials.
- To carry out the manipulation, you need a hammer drill and several screws with dowels.
Plasterboard ceilings
Option 1 – fixing the curtains with self-tapping screws to the frame through a sheet of plasterboard or a durable plastic panel. It is recommended to fasten at several points for greater safety.
Option 2 – installation using screwdriver anchors. You can attach curtains in this way if the gap between the rough and decorative ceilings is not very large.
Option 3 – use of special fasteners in small increments (no more than 25 cm). The method is used when installing structures on a frame made according to an unknown scheme (if the ceiling was installed much earlier).
Before installing a stretch ceiling, it is advisable to install special plywood platforms for subsequent fastening of the cornice
Plastic or aluminum
Both designs go well together in a minimalist design. Metal is much stronger than flexible and unreliable plastic. Its use is not limited, which cannot be said about plastic elements. A durable cornice can withstand the heaviest curtains. Plastic ones are used when you plan to hang airy curtains or tulle.
The aluminum version is more expensive. It is used with massive and voluminous curtains of great weight. The runners and hooks are chosen to be quite powerful, and the profiles are constructed from strong material. The fastenings are fixed on a variety of dowels. They have a more powerful design, specially made for heavy curtains.
Stretch ceiling
If a fabric ceiling or PVC film is already stretched in the room, then it will not be possible to fix the ceiling curtains; you will have to settle on the wall fixation method.
If the installation of the ceiling is just beginning, then you can choose one of two main options.
- Ceiling niches. With this method, the ceiling sheet must be attached to a profile fixed at some distance from the wall. The cornice itself is mounted directly to the base ceiling, this allows you to hide the structure from prying eyes.
- Mortgages. As necessary fittings, timber along the entire length of the curtain or small plywood platforms on special hangers can be used. If we consider these types, then preference is often given to bars. They are more durable and solid, but are subject to gradual accumulation of moisture. Plywood platforms do not wear out as much, but they are not suitable for fastening massive structures.
After the rough work is completed, the ceiling film is secured using special rings or very strong tape.
Light curtains in the living room in combination with thread curtains
What else do you need to know about ceiling cornices?
- There may be a slight loss in ceiling height. A complex design can take away at least 5, or even 10-15 cm, but well-chosen curtains visually compensate for such losses.
- Loss of height can be completely avoided if you use the open beam method. In this case, first fix the baguette of the glazing bead or harpoon system, and after fixing it according to the existing level, adjust the location of the site.
- You can not limit yourself to just one wall with a cornice, but extend the plasterboard box or profile along the entire perimeter. If you connect the LED strip along the inner box, you can get a beautiful two-level structure like a floating ceiling.
- In small spaces, the use of both hidden and open variations is justified. But it’s better to refrain from using wall mounting; remember the immutable rule: the fewer elements, the better.
Finally, remember how important it is to correctly fit the cornice into the style of the interior. For large rooms decorated in a classic style, a wooden wall cornice is suitable - it will only emphasize the luxury of the room. In a modern minimalist interior, hidden cornices, perhaps with lighting, will look much better.
The article was written for the site.
Tags:Windows, Ceiling
Conclusion
The listed types of curtain fastening allow you to use the original type of decor in almost any room. The systems perfectly emphasize the elegance of the interior, benefit from the free space in the room, and can not only visually enlarge the ceilings, but also “push apart” the walls.
Attaching structures is not at all difficult; you can do it yourself. You just need to take into account all the features of the ceiling coverings, carry out the necessary calculations, select materials and begin installation work. It is better to entrust complex systems to professionals; this will reduce the risk of rapid wear of components.
Home / Components and accessories / Various options for ceiling curtains and methods of attaching them
Curtains play an important role in how the room will look. They should not create dissonance with the rest of the design, and at the same time, be beautiful and easy to use.
Ceiling curtains have become most popular. They are comfortable, almost invisible and, if desired, can carry not only curtains, but also decorative lambrequins or consoles.
Varieties
There aren't that many of them. All types of curtains differ, mainly in the method of fastening. Either they are screwed directly to the ceiling plane, or installed on decorative brackets.
In principle, there are not so many ceiling cornices. The most common ceiling curtains can be seen in the photo.
The main difference between these two types is the presence or absence of fastening for the lambrequin. It can be made in the form of Velcro to which the fabric is attached, or it can allow you to fix a decorative strip that hides the cornice itself.
Both varieties can have one or several tracks for hanging hooks. That is, you can take a model on which only one canvas is hung, or you can choose an option for three or more.
The advantages of this type of fastening include the low price and the ability to choose the design of the lambrequin to match any fabric used for the curtains.
There are cornices that are attached to the walls, but for some reason they are called ceiling cornices. Here, the main thing that will matter is the model and design of the bracket on which the entire structure is attached.
The difference for such curtain rods will be more significant than for standard structures, which for the most part consist of plastic slides along which the hook mounts move.
There are both very expensive designer models and simple, unadorned options. Expensive solutions will look very elegant with any curtains. The disadvantage is the very high price.
A simple ceiling curtain, as in this photo, can be used in almost any interior, and at the same time, it looks very good. In general, round cornices always successfully complement any interior.
The advantage of such fastenings is their versatility. They are found everywhere. Hence their main drawback - no individuality.
A separate story is the design with the ability to open or close the curtains without moving them with your hands, but using the sliding and closing mechanism.
The function is undoubtedly very convenient, but the cost of such devices will be quite high compared to conventional curtain rods.
The option to control the curtains using a remote control will cost even more. Such models are equipped with an electric motor, which moves the curtains.
Such products must be installed by a specialist, or anyone who has the skills to install such devices.
The advantages of this solution are obvious - there is no need to get up and go to the window to close or open the window. The disadvantages are the need to connect an electric motor and the associated increased complexity of installation.
Determining the length of the cornice
The length of the cornice is not tied to a strict formula. People have different requests and expectations regarding the window opening design: visually reduce the window or, on the contrary, enlarge it, hide the protrusion. The choice of length is also influenced by the lighting of the room, the density of the fabric, the presence or absence of tulle, and the style of the room. The traditional option is considered to be a length equal to the dimensions of the window plus 10-15 cm on each side. The calculation is applicable to any type of installation. Cornices are standard in size and boil down to the following parameters:
| Cornice length, m | Number of rings, pcs. |
| 1,2 | 10 |
| 1,6 | 15 |
| 2,0 | 20 |
| 2,4 | 25 |
| 2,8 | 25 |
| 3,2 | 30 |
There are no problems with the tubular solution. A plank larger than required is purchased and sawn to size on site. If the difference in dimensions is significant, then it is worth calculating what would be more rational: sawing off or buying a cornice with a smaller parameter than planned.
Curtain salons offer products by the meter. It is more expensive, but less time consuming.
It is worth remembering that to prevent sagging, take one bracket + end bracket for each meter of wall mounting.
The ceiling is also drilled every 90-100 cm. If the room needs a visual increase in volume, then the length of the cornice is set with an offset of up to 30-40 cm on each side. In this case, the composition of the window is decided symmetrically, hanging curtains on both sides and adding tulle.
Prices for curtain rods
Before the final stage of selection, look at the information about the load on the guides and which curtains are preferable to hang on them. In each description of the cornice it is written which fabrics are intended for the canopy: light, medium, heavy or thread, whether it is possible to make multi-tiered compositions. If this task seems difficult, then contact a professional salon. Decorators will competently decorate window openings based on the customer’s color preferences.
Methods of attaching a cornice to a suspended ceiling.
Mounting methods
Much depends on the material from which the ceiling is made. Different types of ceiling coverings can make it impossible or extremely difficult to use some types of curtains.
The easiest way is to mount the cornice directly on the concrete floor. To do this, you need to drill several holes in the ceiling, insert dowels there and through the holes made in the cornice, secure it with screws.
The distance between the holes should not exceed 60 centimeters. Otherwise, the entire structure may sag over time.
With suspended ceiling coverings, everything is no longer so simple - preliminary preparation of the ceiling surface is necessary, or the installation of special linings even before the installation of the suspended covering itself.
For plasterboard structures, you will need the installation of mortgages, which are used as a basis for fixing the curtain mounting plate.
You can use special fasteners for drywall and screw the cornice directly to the ceiling surface, without using mortgages. Accordingly, if this option is used, then the curtain fabrics should not be heavy either. But it is better, nevertheless, to provide embedded bars at the stage of ceiling construction.
Stretch ceilings will also require the installation of mortgages. And here there will be no options for fastening directly to the plane of the ceiling covering.
It’s true that in the case of a stretched fabric, you can make your task a little easier and avoid making mortgages. You just need to make a special niche for attaching the cornice.
This solution will allow you not to use decorative strips or lambrequins - the curtain fastenings will not be visible.
Material
Today, plastic and aluminum holders are often found on sale. The second option is stronger and more reliable. You can attach heavy curtains to it. If you prefer to hang lighter curtains on your windows, choose plastic curtain rods. However, try to purchase options with thick walls.
Aluminum structures are more expensive and durable. Plastic ones can't compare with them. Aluminum options are equipped with hook runners that can support thick and heavy curtains.
Size
Despite the fact that many people choose wall-to-wall curtains, there are general rules when selecting this element.
- The length of the structure should be 40 - 50 centimeters longer than the window opening. This is the minimum distance that curtains should overlap the walls next to the window. It is necessary so that when the curtains are closed, oblique rays of light from the street do not enter the room.
- For rooms in which the curtain is located on a shorter wall, you need to use a curtain whose length will be only a few centimeters less than the distance from one wall to another. This size will make the room appear larger visually.
Naturally, the strength of the curtain rod used must correspond to the weight of the hanging curtains. The curtain rod must withstand not only their weight, but also the force applied when the curtains are opened or closed.
Type of sale of cornices
If you have a limited budget and there is no need to build complex structures, choose a ready-made set. It consists of a main strip, additional for a light curtain, rings or clips. The set is sold in standard length, so you will need to customize it yourself. Curtain salons offer customized products, so the goal of the potential customer is to provide the window dimensions, the rest will be done by the designers.
Before you come to the store, read reviews about the organization, what products they offer, and whether there is a warranty period. The main disadvantage of going to a salon is the price, which differs upward from the previous one. At the same time, the client will be confident in the correctness of the calculations and save time when choosing.
