At what distance from the window should I hang a ceiling cornice?

Which cornice is better: ceiling or wall

The main advantage of a ceiling cornice is the ability to use long curtains, from the ceiling surface itself, to decorate a window. Thanks to this, it is possible to visually make the room much higher than it actually is. By using the ceiling version of the cornice in rooms with low ceilings, you can completely solve the problem of a small space.

In addition, ceiling structures can be used almost everywhere, in niches too. Most often, a string cornice is installed in rooms, consisting of two support brackets and metal strings stretched between them. Its advantage is its low cost and ease of installation. The only disadvantage of such a ceiling cornice is the sagging of the strings, which require periodic tightening. It is only permissible to hang curtains made of lightweight material on it; it will not withstand heavy loads. Ceiling structures are especially relevant for decorating windows of non-standard shape.

If there is no need to increase the height of the room, then a wall-mounted cornice would be an acceptable option. Its undeniable advantage is its huge assortment, where you can choose a design in country, retro or classic style. So, for rooms in a classic style with wooden panels, a wooden wall cornice would be a good solution. But metal fixtures with decorative elements such as forged parts and curlicues are best used for modern or avant-garde interiors. Plastic cornice is a universal design that fits perfectly into the design of any room.

When selecting a cornice, it is important to consider the size of the room, especially the height. You need to try to find an option that will most effectively emphasize all its best sides, and mask its disadvantages.

What types of cornices are there?

Devices for hanging curtains on window openings are classified according to different criteria. But the main division is carried out according to the method of fastening the cornice. There are:

Ceiling structures

As the name suggests, the cornice is attached to the ceiling surface using brackets. Their purpose is to optically increase the height of the walls in the room. This mounting option is also great if there are large non-standard windows in the room - from floor to ceiling or of increased width. This design of the opening looks very majestic and unusual, but requires special attention to the choice of curtains, curtains and curtains, since they look heavier and bulkier.

This installation method is also chosen if the wall decoration does not allow the structure to be fixed to the wall. You will have to hang the cornice on the ceiling even if the window opening is too close to it. The described installation option for the system has its disadvantages:

1. will not withstand significant weight;
2. limitation in the choice of cornice models;
3. difficulties with maintaining the structure;
4. not suitable for dark and small spaces;
5. does not combine well with modern types of curtains.

Wall cornices

The classic and most commonly used type of decoration system. Their main advantage is the ability to bring any decorative ideas to life. It is practical to hang the cornice on the wall in the presence of plasterboard and suspended ceilings, if necessary, increase the volume of the room or, conversely, visually reduce the free space. The effects are achievable with the right choice of curtains and drapes. Designs on the walls require the use of metal brackets, so they can withstand decor consisting of several tiers - thick and heavy curtains, light curtains and tulle. This option for window design is considered the most original and unusual. Disadvantages of the wall mounting option:

1. it is necessary to find the correct place for mounting the brackets;
2. you need to take into account the length of curtains and curtains;
3. it is necessary to choose the right type of cornice.

But before the cornice is installed, you need to select its design features. They determine his external data. There are the following types of cornices:

• rail (tire);
• profile;
• round, or classic;
• strings;
• baguette;
• rotary.

Important!
Among the listed types of structures, only a few are widely used. The rest are considered special-purpose cornices and are used in certain conditions. For example, rotating systems for hanging curtains are recommended when the window is installed too deep in the wall. They will be an excellent option if there are blind windows in the house.

How to choose wall curtain rods

The determining factors for choosing a wall cornice are:

1. Load. The structure must support the weight of the curtains. You should not use massive structures for light curtains (veils, organza), and vice versa. There must be a golden mean in everything.
2. Curtain fastenings. They should be selected taking into account the material; when using them there should be no obstacles, unpleasant sounds, or “stuckness”.
3. Mounting type. When using lightweight fabric, both ceiling and wall options are suitable. But for heavy curtains, it is optimal to use a ceiling mount.
4. Availability of radiators and heating systems. The curtain should hang freely; if there are batteries, then they should be taken into account when installing the curtain rod.

In addition, the following points must be taken into account:

• to decorate a narrow window, a long cornice looks more harmonious, where the curtains will cover part of the wall;
• For low ceilings, it is preferable to use structures with a ceiling type of fastening.

To decorate a very large window, you need to select structures that are similar in width.

Selecting wall brackets for curtain rods

There are several types of brackets - holders. This structural element is attached to the wall; it must be made of the same material as the cornice itself. It is thanks to a good connection that the reliability of the entire mechanism is ensured. Holders available:

• L-shaped, which are attached to metal structures, they do not create difficulties during installation work or difficulties in determining the hole for fasteners;
• round in shape, collapsible - they are 1.5-4.5 cm in diameter, they are made from metal, plastic or wood, they are used for mounting both on the wall and on the ceiling surface;
• solid ones, which have holes for installing fasteners, they are more often used for wooden structures.

If we compare the degree of installation complexity among the above types of brackets, it is most difficult to work with round collapsible holders.

How to hang wall-mounted curtain rods

In order for the curtain to look impressive in the room, it is necessary to correctly install the wall structure.

Assembling a wall cornice

Depending on the model of the curtain rod being installed, the assembly process may vary. If it is a solid sheet of metal, then this step is skipped. There are modifications that can be equipped with brackets. To fix them, you need to tighten the bolts to form a solid structure. For example, a cornice in the form of a tire is a simplified version of this design.

Wall cornices: photos in the interior

There are many models of wall structures on the market, each of which is distinguished by its originality and reliability. To make the process of choosing a cornice easier, you can view photos of the most popular options.

How to hang curtain rods correctly

Hanging a curtain rod generally takes fifteen minutes, but this is only if a master is working. But if a person has never done this, difficulties may arise. There are two types of cornices of this format: wall and ceiling. There are almost no differences in installation, except that wall-mounted ones are hung on the wall, ceiling ones are hung on the ceiling.

After purchasing everything you need, the question arises: at what height can you hang the curtain rod? The height can be changed, but it is best to attach it so that it is as close to the ceiling as possible, then the curtains will look much more beautiful. The most optimal distance from the ceiling to the cornice is 5-10 cm. You must pay attention to how the curtains will be attached.

Installation procedure

After the holes have been made, you need to take the cornice, center it on the window, level it and make marks. Next, you need to mark on the ceiling with any writing object the points where the holes will be drilled.

If several people take part in the process, the work will be somewhat easier - while some are holding, the other is marking. If there is no one to help, you can perform this procedure alone.

To do this you will need double-sided tape. You need to cut three or four 5cm pieces and attach them to the back of the tire facing the ceiling. Two at the edges and in the middle - this is enough for a 4-5 m plank.

Now you need to remove the protective covering and secure the cornice according to the marks made. Double-sided tape holds the device quite securely, which means you can continue without fear. If necessary, it is worth adjusting the position by tearing off the adhesive tape.

Which is better: cornices on the ceiling or on the walls?

When choosing a design, you need to consider not only the type of curtains, but also your personal taste. It is important to consider the place where it will be installed. The installation height of the cornice above the window should be taken into account taking into account the aesthetic component. In this case, ceiling products look nicer in appearance than wall products, and all because when mounted to the ceiling, the curtains completely cover the window opening and all the way to the floor. The good thing is that the ceiling cornice well hides the entire curtain fastening system, which cannot be said about the wall-mounted version.

Tire cornice

Now we will talk about how to hang a ceiling cornice. By and large, it is possible to install wall fixtures with round holders on the ceiling due to their versatility.

In this case, the installation procedure is actually the same: you need to mark, make holes, install the holders, and then insert the guides into them. However, there are plastic curtain rods, also called tire rods, which are designed slightly differently.

Three options for mounting the cornice to the ceiling

At what height can you hang a curtain rod? There are three design solutions:

1. option - this method will visually shorten the room and reduce the window. Typically, it is used to brightly decorate trim around windows. Decorative and rich windows should always be on show, which means hanging curtains at the borders of the window so that the architectural features of the window opening are visible.
2. This option allows you to properly hang a curtain rod over a window in a traditional style without adding visual interest to the room. This type is the most popular and practical.
3. Option - installing a cornice in this form will make the window visually larger and taller, creating a feeling of freshness and modernity. That’s right, the walls visually appear higher, making the room look larger. In small spaces this option works very well.

How to calculate the length of the cornice?

The cornice must be chosen such a length that completely open curtains open the entire window opening. Visually it will be like this: the width of the window opening needs to be increased by one meter, i.e. half a meter on each side for assembled curtains.

Are you wondering how to properly hang a curtain rod over a window? Then imagine that on average the length of the structure reaches two meters, then for installation you can use only two fasteners. If ideally the length is longer, then an additional bracket should be made in the middle.

The length and dimensions of the brackets should also be taken into account. Curtains should not lie on window sills or heating radiators, because they usually protrude far beyond the wall.

The distance of the cornice from the ceiling should take into account the fact that the fasteners are usually mounted in a reinforced concrete lintel above the window. There is a reinforcement cage inside it, which means that a drill should not get into this rod, because it will not be possible to drill the required size of the recess.

We have already found out the distance at which the cornice is attached from the ceiling; now it remains to determine how the cornices should be installed from the walls. Typically, the brackets are located no closer than 15-20 cm from the walls. In order for the cornice to hang evenly, an equal number of centimeters should be measured from the ceiling on both sides of the brackets. This can be done using a special horizontal level. Important: walls are not always level, so be sure to visually ensure that you don’t get into trouble.

The sequence of installing a plastic cornice with your own hands

Hanging a ceiling cornice is not difficult, but it is important to do everything correctly, in a certain sequence

1. We decide on the location of the cornice. To do this, sketch out an approximate diagram on which the length of the main element will depend. For rotating elements, if any, it is necessary to take into account the required distance from the wall.
2. If the cornice should be attached in a straight line along the window, everything is simple here - we saw off the profile of the required length with a hacksaw according to the diagram. If it is necessary to hang the curtain not near the window, but in the middle of the room and the cornice line will have turns and bends, then we draw up a diagram. Using it we cut individual elements to the required length, and then install each separately.
3. To attach to the ceiling, we drill holes in the profile using a drill so that the screws firmly hold the profile together with the curtain. Sometimes the profile already has mounting holes for fastening. After complete installation of the product, these holes will become invisible, so do not make them too infrequently. The average distance between them is 0.5 m.

Accessories for ceiling plastic cornices

We apply the profile to the place of future fastening and mark with a marker the places that need to be drilled for screwing in the screws. We make holes in the ceiling in the marked places using an electric drill, insert plastic dowels inside. Next, we put the plastic profile back on the mounting location and screw in all the screws one by one. The profile is quite flexible, but it is better not to lower it suddenly during installation, holding it with your hand so that it does not burst or break. After fastening the main profile to the ceiling, the rotating elements are similarly attached, if they are provided for in the diagram. We pass hooks for future curtains through the internal holders, limiting their movement if necessary with special stops and plugs. We cover the plastic cornice with decorative tape, which can be made in any color to match the interior of the room. After installing the cornice, we hang the curtains to check whether everything is done correctly. Blinds and curtains are quite easily attached to the hooks of the ceiling cornice. The sliding of curtains should be smooth and easy.

Plastic cornice with bends and turns

How to attach a ceiling cornice to a wall?

Mounting on brackets to the wall

It is impossible to attach such a cornice to suspended plasterboard or suspended ceilings, so it is attached to the wall.

Manufacturers foresaw this problem and equipped the cornice with special brackets, which are also attached with screws and dowels, but to the wall.

The upper strips of the brackets can be of different lengths (10-30 cm), which allows you to adjust the distance of the cornice from the wall.

The cornice is attached to the top bar of the bracket with special plastic plates. The brackets are mounted at a distance of 1-1.5 m, and 0.5 m from each other if the cornice is two- or three-row with large massive curtains.

Plastic cornices are even easier to install on a wooden ceiling. Here you need to mark everything correctly and secure the structure with self-tapping screws. In wide cornices, the holes must be made in two rows.

If you plan to attach light curtains or curtains to a plasterboard ceiling, there will be no problems. But if you are hanging multi-layer, massive curtains, for reliability they are fastened to the wall using brackets, or you need to construct wooden anchors. Fix the timber embeds to the base ceiling at the location where the future cornice will be attached.

So, it is not difficult to hang the cornice correctly, following the necessary installation steps. A decorated plastic cornice along with matching curtains will decorate the entire room.

Useful tips

Before purchasing a cornice, take measurements of the window opening or other place where it will be mounted.

The main advantage of plastic curtain rods is their versatility

The fastening to the wall should not interfere with the opening of the windows, so we place it above 5 cm from the window opening. The removal of the cornice should be such that the curtains do not touch the ledge of the window sill, window handles, or radiators. Choose the length of the cornices so that the windows open completely and freely. The recommended distance from the window opening to the ends of the cornice is 30-40 cm. This value should be clarified depending on the density and width of the curtains and the location of the window. For heavy curtains, use durable plastic curtain rods secured through holes in the rail. The heavier the blade, the smaller the pitch between the mounting holes becomes.

More information on the topic: https://dachaprosto.com

The process of attaching the cornice

You can also secure the curtain rod with your own hands. First, you need to drill out the required socket for the bracket using a hammer drill. A dowel is initially inserted into it; it should not protrude beyond the plane of the wall. Next, you need to attach a special fastening element and secure it with screws, wrapping them in a plastic dowel.

After the supporting elements are secured, you should begin installing the cornice, according to the instructions for the cornice.

When all the walls are painted and the furniture is in place, the only thing left to do in the apartment is to hang the curtains and enjoy the warm stay inside. But in order for expensive tulle with curtains to show off in the right place, you need to know how to properly hang curtain rods in relation to the window. There is nothing difficult here, but some nuances are still present. Read our review and learn all the features of installing curtains.

The cornice is an indispensable element of the interior, without which it is impossible to hang curtains

Types of cornices

For each special room design, construction stores always have several different types of cornices in stock. They differ in:

• type of material of manufacture;
• method of fastening and type of fastener;
• the shape of the supporting beam.

When choosing a cornice, it is important to take into account the style and weight of the curtains, the shape of the window and the style of the room.

Wood, metal and plastic are used as materials for making fastenings for window textiles. Each material is successfully used for various interior styles. Plastic products are especially popular due to their low cost, availability, but most importantly, a huge selection of different colors, shapes and designs.

Metal and wood are expensive curtains. They are purchased for luxurious interiors, decorated with elements of wood or chrome. These products can withstand heavy loads, so curtains made from thick fabrics, richly decorated with glass beads, decorative clamps and all sorts of ruffles are suitable here.

Different types of fasteners are used for different repairs. Typically this is mounted on:

Wall-mounted models are equipped with brackets, most often these are L-shaped hangers, the design of which is made in the style of a cornice

To secure curtains with lambrequins, there are special curtain rods with adhesive tape.

Ceiling systems are usually profile products that have several grooves for attaching hooks. But it happens that telescopic or tubular curtains are attached to the ceiling. Oh yes, there are also different types of cornices. This:

Crossbars and cables are usually mounted on the wall, and profile ones on the ceiling. But there are exceptions: some are installed on the ceiling, and others on the wall.

The aluminum rail of such a cornice can be mounted both on the wall and on the ceiling

Influence of material on fastening parameters

The choice of a curtain rod device depends not only on the tastes of the owners, the conditions of its operation and interior features. Sometimes strength characteristics come first. There are curtain rods made from several types of materials on the market.

Wooden

Wooden accessories are made in the form of a bar (crossbar) with tips of different shapes. The rod is fixed on external brackets; there may be two or more of them, depending on the length of the structure. The rod is complemented by clips or rings for curtains; it can be hidden by a decorative panel. Models with one or two rows are common; the latter allow you to decorate the opening with curtains made of different types of fabrics.

Classic wooden structures have a noble appearance, withstand decor made from heavy materials and are able to decorate interiors of different styles. Their strength depends on how well the components are made. When purchasing, it is important to check that there are no defects on the parts: chips, cracks or knots.

Plastic

Budget-friendly and easy to install, they do not attract unnecessary attention, and in a standard apartment with low ceilings they do not burden the space.

Their versatility is also an advantage: the vast majority of models have standard lengths of 1.5, 2 and 2.5 m. This, if necessary, allows you to easily join or shorten a plastic profile, as well as make a broken-shaped cornice, with or without a strip.

Plastic products are varied in color and texture; their low weight allows them to be mounted on any base, above any opening, or to the ceiling. They are often decorated with an external strip; Thanks to easy care, they are used in the kitchen. The only disadvantage of plastic is its fragility, and therefore an inevitable limitation in the weight of the fabric. For heavy velvet curtains, you will have to find more reliable support; otherwise, the fastening will sag and eventually burst.

Baguettes

A baguette cornice is a cornice in which the fasteners supporting the fabric and the fasteners of the structure itself are covered with a decorative strip. The basis can be a metal pipe, an aluminum or plastic profile, or a string.

The decorative overlay (insert) is varied in design. It can be metal, plastic, inlay, carved or smooth wood, stucco, leather or fabric decor.

A baguette cornice with spectacular inserts looks elegant and can become an accent detail of an interior in different styles. Depending on the rod material and finish, heavy-duty hardware may be required for installation.

Metal and metal-plastic

Metal curtain rods are preferred as the most durable and reliable. They are designed for massive curtains, multi-layered, made of heavy fabrics. The manufacturing materials are steel, brass, bronze and aluminum, the most budget-friendly and therefore popular option.

To decorate such models, chrome plating, nickel plating, forging, casting, gilding with a patina effect, and silver plating are used. When installing on a wall, their load-bearing capacity and base parameters are taken into account.

Metal-plastic cornices successfully combine the strength of metal and the moisture resistance of the decorative outer layer. Wall and ceiling mounting models are available, suitable for use in wet areas.

How to properly hang a cornice on a wall: step-by-step instructions

To learn how to properly hang a curtain on a wall, read the following tips:

The first step is to mark the wall. This is an important stage, since the final result depends on its correct implementation. What could go wrong? Are you sure that the wall and ceiling meet at a perfect 90 degrees? This is usually not the case, so be sure to measure the mounting points from the ceiling.

When marking, you should not focus on the ceiling; to accurately determine the horizontal line of the cornice suspension, it is better to use a level

A wall cornice is usually hung at 1/3 of the distance from the ceiling to the window opening

Required markup

Having placed the cornice level, it is necessary to place marks at the points where the brackets will be installed, that is, at a certain distance from the window opening and ceiling and at a 15-centimeter distance from the edge of the profile.

Now you need to remove the cornice, remove the bracket, install it in a certain place, and then mark the holes for the fastenings. It is important to emphasize that it is necessary to make all available marks.

How to hang a ceiling curtain correctly

The procedure for installing a curtain hanger on a ceiling space is no different from mounting it on a wall. But there are still some nuances here. And the main one is the material from which the ceiling is made. Drywall and tension structures are very common in residential apartments. And such materials are not capable of holding a large load.

You can attach a light curtain to a plasterboard ceiling

There are special fasteners for drywall. These are the same dowels with screws, but only of a special design. Each of them is designed for a certain load, above which the element cannot be loaded.

Butterfly dowel for fastening in drywall

How to use a butterfly dowel when attaching a cornice to a plasterboard ceiling

This cannot be done without preliminary analysis. A significant role is played by the type of cornice, the material of its manufacture, the number of crossbars or grooves for curtains, as well as the type and density of the fabric. These parameters determine the mass of the entire product. After all, it is known that drywall is a fragile composition. Its edges can easily crack, and the cornice will simply jump out onto the floor.

Curtains of any type can be attached to a suspended ceiling.

There are no special fasteners for suspended ceilings. If it was planned to attach the curtains to the ceiling system, then it is necessary to provide wooden (metal) bars under the base. In this case, installing window textiles on ceiling fasteners will not be difficult.

Scheme of fastening a wooden block to a stretch ceiling

And this is what it looks like in reality

It is important to know at what distance to hang the curtain from the ceiling. The determining parameter is the gap between the curtains, the window and the heating radiator (battery). It is best to visually try on where the curtain goes by attaching a curtain. This way you will achieve an accurate result.

When determining the location for attaching the ceiling cornice, the width of the protruding part of the window sill and the presence of folds on the curtain are taken into account

The order of work is as follows:

1. Marking the ceiling space.
2. Drilling holes for dowels with screws.
3. Fastening brackets and crossbars.

If you are installing a plastic (aluminum) profile-type cornice, then there is no need to attach brackets. The product is attached directly to the ceiling surface using dowels. Additionally, this solution is decorated with a decorative baguette.

When installing a stretch ceiling, curtains can be fixed in a niche, then the design of the cornice will not matter at all

Distance from ceiling

When installing a cornice, it is important to choose the right place for its location. One of the criteria that you should pay attention to is the distance of the structure from the ceiling. This value is not regulated by any standards or design guidelines. The optimal distance is from 5 to 15 cm from the surface. But no one is stopping the apartment owner from moving the cornice higher or lower. The main thing is that the product with curtains is in perfect harmony with the main interior.

Please note that when marking, experts recommend focusing on the plane of the ceiling, and not on the level or sash of the window.

How to attach a curtain to a loose wall

People often face the problem of installing curtain rods in loose walls. A thick layer of old plaster tends to crumble when installed in the drilled holes of plastic dowels. Naturally, nothing serious will be held in such a wall. You'd better forget about beautiful Italian curtains.

Loose material will not be able to hold a heavy curtain

To get rid of this problem it is not at all necessary to do a major overhaul. It is enough to drill holes of a larger diameter than the dowels purchased. The holes are sealed with tile adhesive or wooden “chops” with liquid nails. After complete hardening and drying, all you have to do is screw the screws into the wood.

Well-dried birch is best suited for making wooden cork.

The best solution would be to install a long anchor bolt, which will be fixed deep into the wall

Thanks to various types of fasteners and cornices, you can hang beautiful curtains in any room, with any of its shortcomings.

The final stage

After the marks have been made, you need to remove the tire, drill holes and install plastic dowels. Now all that remains is to put the cornice in place, connect the holes and screw in the screws.

If double-sided tape was used during the work, this would allow you to hold the bar, but if not, you should mount the mount first at the ends, and only then in the middle. After this you can hang the curtains.