Window cornices: types
Types of curtain rods help you make the right choice. Today there is the following classification:
By mounting method:
Wall cornices.
The most common type of fastening. They are great for rooms with small window openings, where the ceiling is located very close to the window. In a modern interior it will look good with a suspended ceiling.
Ceiling.
This design consists of several rows. Designers choose this look to work with the space of a small room. To prevent the system from collapsing, it is made of plastic. This allows you to reduce weight. There are a variety of shapes and colors available for sale.
This makes it very easy to choose the right model and color.
Cornices by type of supporting structure
String.
The design is suitable for decoration where there is only one curtain. If you want to hang more than just tulle on the window, then you will have to give up this look. But it is worth remembering that such a cornice is universal. It looks great in any interior.
Profile.
This type is made of aluminum. The design is very flexible, so it can be installed on openings of different shapes.
Even if your window is shaped like an arch, this cornice will fit perfectly into the space.
Baguettes.
This type of cornices consists of two main elements. The latch is covered by a removable panel. It can be of any color and made of a wide variety of materials.
It can be changed to another if necessary. Modern designers decorate the cornice with lighting. The atmosphere in the room is fabulous.
Tire.
The cornice is suitable for short and light curtains. Usually, there are several grooves in the cornice. They contain hooks. The design weighs almost nothing, so it is often used for small spaces.
Cornice in the kitchen: making the right choice
If you choose the wrong curtain rod, you can completely ruin the impression of both it and the curtains. To choose the right cornice, you must first find suitable curtains, which have their own nuances:
- You should definitely pay attention to the chosen material: resistance to absorption of the main kitchen pollutants: fat and soot - this is a rather important condition, since the selected curtains should be washed and cleaned easily and very quickly.
The curtain material should be easy to clean
- The shade and texture of the fabric should be chosen in accordance with the style of the overall set and the kitchen space itself, and not vice versa. If you choose the right color for the curtains, the presence of dirt will not be so noticeable.
- One of the most important functions of curtains is the right conditions for natural light, so there should not be a shortage of natural sunlight in the kitchen.
- Ventilation of the kitchen is also an important aspect, so choose curtains that do not interfere with the process.
Curtains should be in harmony with the overall style of the kitchen
Now let's move on to more complex, special tips that can also be taken into account when creating the interior. They are more suitable for kitchens.
Japanese curtains are an excellent solution for the kitchen. They are held on the included aluminum profile and look simply wonderful. A good option would be to choose roller blinds; they attach perfectly to a regular profile cornice. Equipped with a special mechanism, they allow you to control the length of the curtains at a distance.
Japanese curtains in the kitchen interior
Almost all types of cornices look great in the kitchen: from ceiling to wall. But there is one option that is best not to use in the kitchen - a wooden cornice. Why? What's wrong with him? It’s very simple: such a cornice does not match the specifics of the room; in addition, it gets dirty, heats up, and does not look very good if the kitchen is not equipped with a powerful hood or the stove is located too close to such a cornice. Theoretically, it can be used, but only if you are prepared for a lot of additional problems. Decide for yourself.
Construction installation rules
Installation of curtain rods can be done either by the owner of the apartment independently or with the help of a specialist. It all depends on the chosen model, the fastening mechanism and the features of the interior decoration of the room (stretch ceiling, 3D panels on the walls).
Rules for installing curtain rods that may be useful when working independently:
- The structure must be secured to at least 3 brackets. A sufficient number of fasteners guarantees a strong frame.
- It is imperative to take into account the distance between the cornice and the curtain so that the fabric base does not touch the wall (contamination, wear of the design).
- The cornice rod should protrude beyond the edges of the window opening by 15-20 cm, which has both practical and aesthetic significance (natural air circulation, beautiful view).
Particular attention is paid to the method of fastening and the design itself in homes where there are children. In such cases, they try to make the fastenings as closed as possible, and the strength of the fastening mechanisms is further strengthened.
Materials
In contrast to styles and design moves, there are only three main materials for making wall cornices. These are wood, plastic, metal, of which aluminum can be singled out as the most popular.
Each has both disadvantages and advantages:
The first thing to consider is wooden cornices.
Their positive aspects include a noble appearance, environmental friendliness and versatility. A wooden cornice will look harmonious in almost any style, of course, except high-tech and modern. This is a fairly reliable and beautiful material.
The basis for it most often are conifers, oak, walnut, and cherry.
They are chosen for their characteristic longitudinal fibers, which look very beautiful in the interior. The disadvantages include the fact that wood, as a natural material, is susceptible to moisture - with increased humidity in the room, the quality of the product may deteriorate.
Plastic curtain rods
Plastic is a universal material that looks good in tandem with modern plastic windows. At the moment there is a wide variety of colors and designs for cornices made from this material. The advantages include simple installation and ease of cleaning.
For variety or to maintain the general concept, such models can be decorated with decorative strips that can imitate natural materials.
The technique of rounding the edges is often used, which allows you to hide the ends of the cornice and adds aesthetics. Due to their low weight, they can be used when mounted on drywall. The disadvantages include the fact that light plastic can fade in the sun.
Metal curtain rods
The next popular material for making cornices is metal. The biggest advantage here is reliability. The heaviest curtains and multi-layer fabric compositions are usually hung on such a cornice.
Metal looks good in modern interiors, but technology allows us to produce models that will suit any style.
Laconic and aristocratic design, original tips, brass elements add luxury. For more advanced designs, stainless steel is most often used. It is easy to choose the appropriate forged design for each design.
The disadvantage here may be that the metal does not bend very well and is not suitable for non-standard window openings.
Aluminum cornices
It is often called optimal in terms of price-quality ratio. The coating looks laconic and unpretentious, but at the same time guarantees good strength, wear resistance and reliable fastening, which will serve faithfully for several years.
Forged cornice
An original choice for those who decided to take an individual approach to window design. This type of product is very difficult to find in specialized boutiques. Most often it is made to order, taking into account all the features of the windows and the wishes of the customer.
A creative and slightly bulky forged cornice will fit into the atmosphere of loft or classic styles.
Textile
What characteristics should curtain fabric have? First of all, you should pay attention to the wear resistance of the material. It should not fade quickly in the sun or fade when washed. Next, you should build on individual preferences. If you need to protect your bedroom from the sun, it is better to choose curtains made of thick fabrics or double curtains with lining. Curtains made of blackout fabric are very popular. And some, due to allergies, can only afford curtains made from natural materials - cotton and linen.
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We offer the top 3 best fabrics for bedroom curtains.
- Viscose. Externally, the material is very reminiscent of silk, but at the same time it has good wear resistance and is completely affordable. It is not afraid of humidity, sun and wind, but for strength, viscose requires a lining made of natural fabric.
- Blackout. The fabric came to us from Finland - the land of white nights. Blackout does not allow sunlight to pass through and also protects against harmful ultraviolet radiation. A few years ago, the material was a rigid base covered with latex. It looked rather unpresentable, so it was more often used as a lining. But time does not stand still. Today, blackout is made using a different technology and is increasingly used for sewing curtains for the bedroom.
- Linen. Natural fabrics are quite difficult to care for, but various modern impregnations and a small percentage of synthetics work wonders. Linen is especially popular. It fits perfectly into the urban chic style, giving the bedroom a special charm.
Dimensions
Naturally, the length of any cornice must correspond to the parameters of the window. But here too there are some peculiarities. For example, a cornice that is slightly wider than the window is most often selected for the kitchen. This applies to a greater extent to “Khrushchev” and other options where the food preparation area occupies a small area.
A living room or bedroom requires a composition covering the entire width of the wall, which is most often 3 m.
For such a length, two attachment points will not be enough, so for reliability, a third one is added - in the center. And in the case of long panoramic windows, which can be wider than 6 meters, not every material or type of fastening is suitable. A sliding mechanism for a curtain rod of this length is simply necessary, since constantly opening and closing curtains manually will be quite tedious.
Since such windows are most often used in ultra-modern rooms, wood will look out of place here; it is better to give preference to plastic and aluminum.
Metal that is too heavy and massive will stand out from the overall picture. Although stainless steel, as mentioned earlier, will also fit into this style.
Color solutions
The colors in which cornices are created are very diverse. For each specific task, you can choose the appropriate shade. Of course, depending on the base from which it is made, each design will have its own characteristics. For example, wood is mainly used with its natural palette. Shades from light brown to walnut look noble and elegant.
Wood can be easily painted in the desired color, but then there will be no feeling of naturalness.
In this regard, metal is more widely used with some kind of coating. Due to the nature of this substance, it must be protected from corrosion. Accordingly, coatings form a protective layer and at the same time serve as a decorative addition.
Imitations of brass, copper, and chrome will decorate the interior and add beauty.
For luxurious rooms in Baroque and Empire styles, finishing in silver and gold is suitable. Unlike other materials, it will look more harmonious on a metal surface.
And don’t forget about aluminum, which is increasingly used for the manufacture of modern cornices. The treated metal has a shiny gray color and can be used as is.
Plastic as a base can be of any shade, and in this it surpasses its competitors.
A wide palette is used here that will satisfy any design needs. Any texture can be applied to it. White plastic is in great demand, complementing the popular PVC windows.
Curtain rod shapes
If previously all windows had more or less standard shapes in the form of a rectangle, then the cornices were not particularly distinguished by the abundance of types. But today, unusual forms of windows and the strangest forms of cornices are common.
We will look at the most popular of them.
Flexible cornice
The name of the product largely speaks for itself. It can be installed in different positions. Often such a cornice is used not only to decorate a window, but also for its unique zoning. The composition may include metal and a simple string holder.
Profile cornice
This accessory consists of combined soft alloys or aluminum. The appearance resembles a tube with special cells for firmly fixing the hooks. The collapsible frame system means that removing and hanging the cornice is greatly simplified.
Corner cornice
It is often hung in spacious rooms with high lighting. The corner cornice is made of metal, wood or plastic. Goes well with hanging carved panels. There is also a good opportunity to combine window decorations into one composition (due to the front and side window openings).
Baguette cornice
An unusual type of cornice accessory, which contains the peculiarity of the external console. It must be secured after installing the curtains. This type of product is famous for its wide variety of colors, styles and treatments (wood, imitation stone, silver painting).
Hidden cornice
Installation occurs by mounting it into a suspended ceiling, which will be higher than the structure itself. The cornice is installed between the ceiling and the wall, hiding all the details.
Spacer cornice
It is an option for tension curtain rods. It is a frame bar with a spring located inside. The spring allows you to adjust the length of the plank, depending on the distance between opposite walls.
When choosing this model, you need to assess the condition of the wall covering: excessive pressure from the ends of the planks can severely damage the gypsum panels or felt covering.
Choosing finishing elements for your home is always fraught with certain difficulties, so it is best to contact a specialized store.
The widest range of curtain rods can be found in Leroy Merlin and Ikea, where you can easily choose an option of any color, texture and level of complexity.
Telescopic structures
Any set of such models consists of several tubular elements, by assembling which you can adjust the length of the cornice. Any materials are used to make the frame, and the decorative finish is very diverse.
Rotary models
This option has an unusual design: the fastening mechanism is located on the sides of the window opening, and the second part of each cornice rotates freely by 1800, allowing residents of the house to regulate the light flow and air circulation.
The rotating model will be an excellent solution for windows located in deep niches.
A little about ceiling cornices
The idea of curtain rods with ceiling mounting is good in itself. The design allows you to curtain the window as tightly as possible - from ceiling to floor. Curtains reliably protect from sunlight, leaving no gaps. In addition, they visually lengthen the room, which is important for rooms with low ceilings. And if the walls are made of plasterboard or the window is located almost under the ceiling, then such a cornice is the only correct option.
When choosing curtains for the bedroom, you must take into account the type of ceiling cornice. There are 4 types of structures.
- Strings. The ceiling cornice is a thin metal wire that can only support light, airy curtains.
- Sticks. More solid design. Curtains are hung on a thin wooden or metal strip.
- Round. A cornice rod that is attached to the ceiling with special brackets.
- Profile. The most popular, universal type of design. They come in plastic and metal. Most often they have several rows (for 2 or more canvases). The curtains are attached with special hooks to rollers that are hidden inside the profile.
Also, ceiling cornices can be hidden, flexible (semicircular), or angular. They are often decorated with a baguette strip, which can be matched to the color and style of the curtains.
Advice
If the ceiling cornice is already installed, then when choosing curtains you should take into account the maximum weight that the structure can withstand, as well as the number of rows for curtains or strings.
How to choose a curtain rod?
The answer to this question is both simple and complex. On the one hand, you need to buy a cornice that matches the design, which should not cause any difficulties. On the other hand, there are several nuances that are worth paying attention to.
Each stylistic decision is suitable for a certain combination of model and base from which the cornice is made.
In classic design, preference is given to wooden and metal cornices. Wood gives a calm, warm tone and pleases the eye with natural colors. Metal is universal, and when decorated with forged ornaments it will be an excellent addition to the decor. For modern styles like minimalism, profile or string variations are suitable.
Everything is as simple as possible, practical, without bright or pretentious solutions.
For luxurious decoration, you should give preference to massive metal rods, on which massive curtains or multi-layer compositions will be securely attached.
Don't forget about the combination with curtains. Velvet should not be hung on a plastic cornice, and a light curtain with tulle will look awkward with a three-row steel cornice.
How to attach?
Depending on the window configuration, length and type of cornice, there are specific features of their fastening. For small rooms with small windows, long and heavy structures should not be used. Naturally, for small models the fastening element will not be large, and several screws on each side will be enough for fixing.
For larger options, intermediate fixing elements are required.
In the kitchen you should hang the cornice directly above the window, and in the living room or bedroom as high as possible to the ceiling. Here the priority is to cover the opening as much as possible to protect from the sun. When designing non-standard window openings, you should use flexible profiles that are attached along the entire length.
Types of cornices in the bedroom interior
There are types of designs depending on the appearance:
- Strings. Curtains are held in place by hooks or clips attached to a thin metal cord.
- Rod They are also called round or stick. Curtains move on grommets or rings.
- Baguettes - with a decorative strip. It covers the hooks and holder. Ceiling cornice
- Profile. Easily bend at any angle. Used to decorate bay windows and original layouts.
- Tire (rail). The curtains move along the channel on hooks. There are plugs at the ends.
- Multi-row, with a combination of several types.
The first three types play a decorative role along with curtains. Profiles and rails accentuate the curtains and create the effect of curtains falling from the ceiling. Multi-row ones combine the advantages of different designs.
According to the method of fastening, cornices are distinguished:
- wall;
- ceiling
The first ones are decorative, framing the window. Attached if there is a suspended ceiling. The second ones are functional, able to withstand heavy curtains.
Based on the number of rows in the curtain hanging system, they are divided into: one-, two-, three-strip designs. A 2-row cornice for a bedroom is designed for tulle and thick curtains, and a 3-row cornice is also for lambrequins.
According to the control method there are:
- manual;
- automatic.
The second option is used for Roman and Austrian curtains and blinds.
What is a cornice?
Very often a cornice is confused with a curtain. But these two decorative elements are very different and need to be distinguished in order to avoid mistakes in the design of the room.
So, a cornice is a device that is used for attaching curtains, drapes and tulle. Install them on the ceiling or the top of the window.
There are models that are mounted directly on the wall. It is the method of fastening that affects the type of cornice.
Which cornice to choose
For windows in which not only curtains, but also tulle are planned, it is advisable to buy a curtain rod. Its design includes up to three strips of hooks. This way you can hang heavy curtains and tulle.
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When you need to completely hide the ceiling cornice, then you should buy it with an internal rail. Thanks to its special design, it is completely hidden behind the fabric. Because of this, the curtains look like they are hanging directly in the air.
A profile cornice with one external rail is an excellent solution for heavy curtains. The existing wheels in place of the hooks will help you open them quite easily. A photo of ceiling curtains on such a cornice is shown below.
This method of fastening helps to hang curtains on a balcony whose glazing is made into the ceiling. This is a convenient solution even where there are large panoramic windows in the apartment.
Decorative function of cornice
In addition to their functional function, cornices also perform a decorative function. If you look into history, this simple object was used only for fastening, and it did not represent anything worthwhile.
Often it was just a stick, without any patterns. It was easy to hang curtains on them, they did not fall and moved in the right direction.
But time moves inexorably forward, and curtain rod manufacturers create new models. Now these are not just devices for holding curtains, they are decorations for the room. The cornices are made in different styles and different colors.
Modern cornices can be called masterpieces of art. The products are so different and unique that they will decorate absolutely any room and complement any design solution.
How to install a wall curtain rod
Hanging wall-mounted curtain rods is not particularly difficult, and the entire job can be completed in 1 hour. It is important to prepare properly and make all the necessary calculations before purchasing the device.
Window layout
Cornices are selected to match the standard window - two- or three-leaf (wider options are less common).
The rules for marking the surface are as follows:
- You need to decide in advance where the cornice will be mounted - on the ceiling or on the wall.
- The distance from the rod to which the curtain material will be attached to the top of the window opening should be at least 5-6 cm. Otherwise, the curtains will let in light from above and touch the floor. In addition, a lower location may create difficulties with opening a transom or window.
- The outer brackets should extend from the edges of the window exactly symmetrically, the distance is chosen arbitrarily, but the minimum should be 15 cm. The central bracket is located, accordingly, in the center.
It is also important to decide how far the bracket will be from the surface. It depends on the texture of the curtain fabric. If you intend to install tulle, light curtains in the bedroom or kitchen, as well as in the children's room, it is enough to make a retreat of 15-20 cm from the wall.
In this case, the cornice is mounted to the wall; it is enough to use a 1-rod product.
If you are hanging heavy curtains, drapes in the hall, curtains with eyelets, which, due to the peculiarities of bending, have large folds, then they can be attached to the ceiling or you can choose brackets with a large indentation (from 35-40 cm).
Otherwise, the canvas will be tightly adjacent to the wall, and the design will be greatly lost due to imperfections.
Curtains on the ceiling cornice
This is a modern solution for stylish rooms. For the living room and bedroom, this option is chosen if gypsum plaster ceilings of two or more tiers are formed. This is due to the fact that the ceiling is lowered, because of this, installing a wall cornice is neither convenient nor beautiful. And the ceiling fasteners are recessed into the opening between the window and the plasterboard sheet. As a result, you can’t see what the curtains are holding on to; in the interior, this solution looks unusually stylish, the photo below shows this well.
This type of window decor with curtains emphasizes the following modern interior styles:
- modern
- high tech
- minimalism
- ecostyle.
To give the effect of modernism, lightness, and airiness, hang white ceiling curtains in the room.
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Mounting features
The technology for installing the cornice and attaching it to the wall largely depends on the surface where it needs to be fixed:
- on the wall;
- between two walls (in narrow rooms);
- on a regular ceiling;
- on a suspended ceiling.
All these cases are clearly discussed below. The tools you will need for the job are the following:
- construction tape;
- pencil;
- long ruler;
- building level;
- screwdriver or screwdriver.
Useful tips for installing and caring for curtains
Regardless of the choice of cornice installation method, you need to consider the following important points:
- Often the dimensions of the cornice do not correspond to individual needs, so it is better to cut off the excess. This needs to be done accurately and carefully - use a miter box, or you can ask to do the work right away in the store if the exact parameters are known.
If you purchased a round curtain rod, then between the bracket and the tip it is better to place 1 ring or other clamping device that will fix the curtain at one edge - in this case it will not “move” from side to side.
When installing curtains, it is important to fasten the clips at the same distance to avoid unsightly folds. The interval between the nearest clamps is optimally 10 cm.
If you use clips, it will be correct to constantly alternate them with rings, since in this case the curtain will be attached stronger and fewer folds will form.
If the curtains are wider than 2 meters, then an additional central bracket is installed in the center of the cornice - this will make the system much more reliable.
Curtains often get dirty if you open and close them with your hands, so it is better to purchase a special driver, which is very affordable, and at the same time, thanks to it you will not have to wash the canvas as often.
You can choose tips or clips separately - they are the ones who create the individual design of the curtains and cornices. The clips look great, in the form of a pattern. corresponding to the pattern of the curtains (stars, waves, zigzags, etc.)
Types of curtains
Many people prefer to decorate their bedroom in a classic style - thick night curtains with airy, light tulle. However, there are many other worthy options.
Designers recommend taking a closer look at the following types of curtains.
- Threads. The fashion for curtains made of threads came to us from eastern countries. They can have different texture, color, length. Such curtains are an excellent option for the bedroom if you do not require thorough protection from light and prying eyes. With their help you can achieve an amazing play of light; they create an atmosphere of lightness and visually stretch the room.
- French. Curtains with multiple dramatic pleats are best suited for spacious rooms. They add special luxury and comfort to the bedroom and set the mood for a romantic mood. Previously, palaces and castles were decorated with French curtains. They were made mainly from satin. Today they are sewn from taffeta, organza, silk and other fabrics.
- Roman. An excellent option for a small bedroom decorated in ethnic or modern style. Such curtains can be thick or light, translucent, with or without a pattern. The main advantage is ease of transformation and compactness. If desired, you can match them with tulle or thick curtains. Designers recommend choosing Roman blinds for the bedroom in rich colors or with embroidery or interesting patterns.
- Japanese. They are distinguished by their brevity, functionality, and have a strict rectangular shape. Japanese panel curtains are good for a bedroom in a minimalist and hi-tech style. Japanese curtains with complex prints are popular in Russia.
- Austrian. Lovers of delicate, airy curtains will appreciate the romantic Austrian curtains. A distinctive feature of this type is the lightness of the fabrics, lush, voluminous folds, and the absence of sharp corners. It is worth considering that Austrian curtains are more suitable for spacious rooms. If desired, you can combine them with other curtains, such as Roman curtains. They provide poor protection from sunlight.
- Double. Curtains made of two panels are ideal for the bedroom. You can combine a variety of fabrics - thick, airy, satin, lace, etc. You can experiment with colors and combine a variety of prints. Thanks to the large assortment, such curtains are suitable for almost any interior.
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