String cornices are structures consisting of fasteners between which a string (cable) is stretched. This type of cornices has long enjoyed well-deserved popularity among designers and consumers. This is due to their compactness, simplicity of design and ease of installation.
They look simple and elegant in appearance. The designers tried to make them elegant and expensive-looking. Curtains using these curtain rods are worthy of decorating window and door openings and delimiting space in different rooms, and not only in residential ones, but also on balconies, loggias and others.
String curtain rods are an interesting and inexpensive solution for decorating window spaces. Strings go well with any interior, especially with loft, hi-tech or minimalist styles. They are very good for a summer residence - easy to install and economical. This type of curtain fastening is again popular because it is superior to other types of curtain rods in simplicity, practicality and functionality.
Choice
Typically, string curtain rods are not used for hanging thick drapes and curtains together, since they will pull the string with their own weight, which will spoil the appearance of the window space. When choosing a cornice, you should take this fact into account, especially if the curtains have already been purchased. Each cornice has its own production load.
It is preferable to use a wire cornice for curtains made of lightweight fabrics: tulle, organza, silk, satin, light jacquard, linen, cotton. If it is impossible to replace already purchased heavy curtains, you need to choose a curtain rod with a thicker cable (string).
Advantages
The popularity and demand for string cornice has created such advantages as:
- Compactness. It does not take up much space either on the ceiling or on the wall, which is especially important in small rooms.
- Lightness and elegance. It is easy to use - the curtains move freely. Such a cornice is almost invisible and does not distract the eye from the curtains themselves.
- Easy to install. The instructions describe in detail how to attach the cornice, so you can install it yourself.
- Versatility. You can install it in the living room, bedroom, nursery, loggia or balcony.
- Wide selection of types, models, options and shades of coatings.
- Optimal cost.
The popularity of string structures in the curtain accessories market is due to this last advantage.
These products also have disadvantages:
- Sagging under heavy curtains.
- Impossibility of installation on suspended and plasterboard ceilings.
- The appearance of corrosion of a metal cable over time if it is not covered with a special coating.
Design characteristics
The string cornice is universal because it is attached to both the ceiling and the wall. The thin cable is made from new steel alloys, it is hardly noticeable and does not spoil the overall interior of the room. The device looks stylish, is reliable in use and beautiful.
The universal string for curtains with fastening has a standard length of five meters. It is possible to reduce it to the required distance. All bracket models have several grooves into which up to three steel cables are secured. Models with a large number of rows are designed for attaching several layers of textile curtains that are hung on clips. There are several models of cornices that are susceptible to corrosion.
For bathrooms and rooms with high humidity, curtain rods coated with a protective layer are suitable.
A special and improved system is used to maintain tension on the strings. During operation, the string can be tightened if it is very sagging. The brackets are installed at a distance of two meters from each other. To create a strong and reliable structure, several support points are made.
String structures have several brackets between which the strings are pulled. Thanks to the design of the brackets, the curtains are placed at different distances from each other and from the window. If necessary, you can move the curtains back or bring them closer together.
Design Features
String products have specific features. The structure of the string cornice consists of two or three brackets, which are the tips, and steel strings are located between them.
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The entire set consists of a steel cable (string), metal brackets and fittings (dowels, self-tapping screws, end caps, runners, supports, holders - hooks, clips). The strings can be up to 5 m long, which allows you to design a window opening of any width.
It is recommended to purchase string cornices in specialized stores, because they sell complete sets with all the necessary fittings.
Natalia Orlova
Interior Design Expert
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If you purchased strings longer than necessary, you can cut them with regular wire cutters. But don’t rush to cut it right away, but first accurately measure the length of the cornice so as not to damage the strings. The second option: do not cut the cable, but only carefully roll it on the sides - this will allow, if necessary, to tighten it if it is sagging.
Placement in the interior of the room
The design is small in size and light in weight, which is why it is used in large and small rooms. The cornices are invisible and after installation they do not divide the overall space of the room. String ceiling models are great for rooms with low ceilings. Steel strings are attached to different heights and on all surfaces, and it is also possible to install fastenings on the narrowest partitions.
Design solutions for holders are varied:
- Light shades for the ceiling of the room.
- Silver, gold or brass color, as well as matte gray shades.
- Made from stainless metals.
- Combined designs with various inlays.
- Texture reminiscent of natural wood.
- Beautiful inserts and original clips.
Thin hanging cables fit perfectly into the design of all new styles. They are not conspicuous and do not look superfluous in the room; in most cases they are not visible. The strings are hidden behind decorative panels or behind a niche near the window.
Attaching beautiful and original lambrequins to curtain rod hooks is possible; the entire system is perfectly hidden by a decorative screen. It is mounted on the wall or ceiling, and decorative details of textile products are hung from it. Rectangular openings are ideal for installing curtain rods with strings.
A string cornice on a balcony, loggia and windows with non-standard, curved lines looks perfect and beautiful.
The spectacular design of curtain rods makes them elegant and uncomplicated, as well as practical. The mounts are available in two versions: wall and ceiling. These are not the main advantages of string cornices; there is also another advantage - simplicity of design.
The string product can be used to zone the living and dining areas. This solution is used in small apartments. The cornice under the ceiling will look great and divide the space into zones.
The brackets are decorated with a variety of materials:
- all kinds of natural wood;
- ceramics and glass;
- natural or artificial polymers;
- all kinds of composite materials.
Strings in ceiling or wall cornices are used not only of the classic steel version, but also with copper, chrome and brass coating. Most often, strings are coated with a protective layer against corrosion.
How to install a string cornice
Having bought a curtain rod with all the components, most buyers ask themselves: how to hang (secure) the structure, how to tension the curtain rod (cable). The answer is simple - invite an assistant, and then follow our advice.
- Mark the points where the brackets will be attached.
- Make holes using a hammer drill (if you have concrete walls) or a drill.
- Secure the brackets well with dowels.
- Pull the cable first into the hole of the first, and then the second and third brackets, passing it through the groove. Do the same if you need to make two or more strings (for hanging tulle and thick curtains).
- Stretch the cables to the required condition and secure them with a bolt in the bracket.
- Secure the cable with the plugs included in the kit, and cut off the excess with wire cutters or tuck it in at the sides.
- Next, you can begin hanging hooks or curtain clips.
- Hang the curtains.
If the length of your curtain rod is more than 3 meters, then you cannot do without an additional (third in the middle) holder, otherwise the string will not be tensioned to the desired state, and when hanging the curtains it will still sag.
To hide the cornice, you can create a niche by securing it to a mortgage. When preparing a niche, take into account the length, width, height and depth at which it will be located, but in this case it is better to trust the professionals. In a niche, the cornice can be decorated with a wooden plank, baguette or special ribbon with various ornaments. This method will highlight the beauty of the curtains.
It is necessary to calculate the location of the cornice attachment relative to the edge of the window sill or heating radiator: the curtains should not touch them, especially if various decorative elements are used.
Creating a cornice for Japanese curtains and rules for its installation
The most difficult process in making homemade elements is assembling curtain rods for Japanese curtains. The best option is to purchase a finished product with all the guides to which you can make a frame for the curtains, but if you really want to, you can make the cornice yourself.
The very design of Japanese panels, consisting of stretched fabric sheets, will look attractive only if the guides are correctly installed, the grooves are rigidly fixed and there is no possibility of the elements scrolling around their axis. This is achieved through the use of quality materials and specific additional products.
The curtain rod for Japanese panel curtains can be plastic or aluminum. Each section is intended for a separate curtain and has a base for fixing Velcro, on which the fabric sheets are attached. If you make the design yourself, you can use double-sided fabric with Velcro on both sides. This will allow you to change the appearance of the room depending on your mood.
The master must think about the number of tracks in advance: installing additional parts in such systems is very problematic. There are basic elements that allow you to install not one, but several guides on one track, which will allow you to maintain a small width of the structure and significantly save free space.
To fix the panels of Japanese curtains, there are several options for the arrangement of parts, which provides a variety of decorative solutions, but can significantly complicate the work of a home craftsman. You need to think about how to manage the system in advance. If direct manual control is refused, a special cane is installed. If there is a need for electronics installation, it is recommended to turn to professionals. The slightest inaccuracy in the settings will lead to the fact that any movement of the panels will turn into a complex and painful process.
When producing cornices for Japanese curtains, you cannot use standard systems; in any case, you will have to purchase specific profiles. As practice shows, making such products yourself is not always cheaper than buying a ready-made model and having it professionally installed. It is better to pay once than to later call specialists to dismantle the structure, adjust it and reinstall it.
Features of operation and care
To maintain the attractive appearance of the structure, it is necessary to clean it regularly. Remove the curtains and hooks, freeing the strings. Then use the hard side of a damp sponge to “walk” along them until the dirt is completely removed. At the same time, the hooks can be soaked in warm soapy water for 30 minutes, and then washed with a sponge, and then wiped dry.
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If you want your string cornice to serve you for many years, then follow these tips:
- Do not hang heavy curtains that are not designed for such curtain rods (teak, heavy jacquard, blackout, tapestry, velvet).
- Move the curtains carefully, without sudden movements.
- Do not allow drafts in the room, otherwise, with increased air movement, the strings may be deformed due to the active movement of the curtain panels.
- Keep curtains away from pets and children whenever possible.
How to assemble a string cornice with your own hands
If you have free time and like to craft, then you can make a string cornice yourself. Purchase steel wire, metal corners, self-tapping screws or bolts with holes in the stud from a specialized store. Mark the location of the corners (they will serve as brackets), attach them to the wall or ceiling using bolts and a drill. Then thread the cable through the holes, tension and secure its ends.
Conclusion
So, dear readers, designers have brought simple, elegant strings back to life as curtain rods. Traditional cornices, which are familiar to us, can in some cases distract attention: we admire the cornices, and not the curtain composition. If you want to concentrate attention on the beautiful textile design of windows, on delicate fabric, then string structures are just suitable for these purposes.
Agree that the combination of brutal metal strings and delicate airy curtains looks touching and very harmonious! And if you replace traditional cornices with string cornices, this will bring a special atmosphere and novelty to the interior of your home.
Main stages of installation
Design. Before hanging the jet curtain rod, you need to double-check the load calculations and the resulting number and location of brackets. Their compactness gives greater freedom for improvisation, but do not forget about the necessary distances from the walls and ceiling. Only a well-thought-out design can ensure trouble-free operation.
Measurements and markings. This is the most critical stage of installation. The slightest misalignment can create problems when the curtains move, cause sagging, as well as rapid wear of the strings and fasteners.
Attaching the holders. The drilling method and fastenings must be selected taking into account the physical characteristics of the walls and ceiling. The bases of the brackets are assembled using threaded connections.
String tension. Typically, the cable is tensioned using a mechanical rotation bolt or other bracket element. After the curtains are already hung, additional adjustments will be needed.
The brackets on the market differ not only in the number of strings they can carry, but also in the different tensioning mechanisms. When purchasing a particular model, you must thoroughly familiarize yourself with the method of securing and tensioning the string. The configuration features of the holders are also important. Some models are universal, others are designed only for ceiling or wall mounting of cornices
The curtain fabric is secured to the string using clips or hooks; you can also use newfangled ribbons with magnets.
Question answer
Question to the expert
Lyubov Pavlovna: Hello! I encountered the problem of sagging curtains on a string cornice a year after use; the curtains are made of jacquard fabric - the middle already reaches the floor. If the cornice is sagging, how can I fix it myself?
Surely your curtains are made of heavy jacquard - this subsequently leads to sagging of the wire curtain rod. The fix is very easy - rotate the bolt in the fastening part of the cornice, tensioning the string to the desired state. You can do this yourself in a few minutes. And I advise you to replace the curtains with lighter ones (made of chiffon, cotton, organza) so that you don’t have to constantly pull on the cables.
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.
Complexly defined window openings, bay windows or rounded ones, are not suitable for the use and installation of string cornices.
