New architectural styles have led to the appearance of non-standard window openings in residential buildings. Today they take the form of an arch, a circle, a rhombus and broken asymmetrical figures. That is why in recent years a flexible cornice has become so popular, which allows you to decorate any window with curtains and curtains. They are also used to divide a room into several zones.
Types of cornices
Flexible curtain rods come in several types:
- Arch shaped;
- Round;
- In the form of a bay window;
- With semicircular sidewalls;
When choosing the shape of the cornice, be guided by the design and architecture of your room, and also take into account your design ideas.
Unusual ideas
Designers use not only flexible structures to attach curtains. Instead, buy fishing line or silk thread. You can fix plastic or metal decorative hooks on the walls, but you cannot move curtains on them. Although all these products are much cheaper than cornices, they will not be able to give the interior of the room such a spectacular look.
An elastic product will allow you to beautifully decorate an arched window in a living room in Baroque or Empire style. The tape will withstand regular or Roman blinds and lambrequins. The cornice will not take up much space, so it can be mounted on the attic, balcony or bay window. The room can be divided into sleeping and working areas using a curtain, which is convenient for small studio apartments. The canopies around the bed, attached to flexible structures, look interesting. You can use curtains to highlight the kitchen area or area for the dining table. Durable models can withstand very heavy textiles.
Curtains are also attached to an elastic system in a children's room. They fence off a play area, a bed, and a place to study. For baths of non-standard shape you will also need curtains attached to the ceiling. But in this case, choose curtain rods made of waterproof materials.
Structures coated with neon or phosphor paint look interesting. They glow in the dark, which makes the ribbon an independent decorative element. Any home in the Baroque, Empire or modern style can be complemented with curtains suspended from curved cornices.
When is a flexible curtain rod needed?
- If you have unusual windows: semicircular or round;
- If you want to decorate a doorway or bathroom with curtains;
- If you need to divide the room into separate zones or simply decorate it with canvases falling from the ceiling (in this case, a flexible ceiling cornice will come in handy);
- If you want a bed or sofa with a canopy;
- Flexible cornices are ideal for bay windows.
Find out everything about how to decorate linen curtains in the interior of an apartment based on my tips.
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Accessories and sizes
The curved curtain rod itself is an elastic band with a large number of fasteners, plugs, hooks and supports . The tape base is necessary for hanging curtains. The supports are located at a certain angle, with their help the structure is attached to the wall or ceiling. The caps are needed to connect the edge of the cornice to a flat surface. Thanks to these details, the product holds tightly when the curtains move, and they also allow the lambrequins to be firmly fixed.
Brackets are necessary to adjust the distance between the system and the walls; they are made only of aluminum or plastic. The curtain rod has light hooks for attaching curtains; heavier elements can support thick textiles. The first parts are fixed on the bottom row, massive ones - on the top. Additional plugs or hooks can be attached. Some models have extensions with which the cornice is enlarged.
Before purchasing a structure, you need to measure the area where it will be attached, taking into account all the curved lines. Experts recommend purchasing a cornice 7-10 centimeters longer than necessary.
There are several standard models with a certain number of fittings:
- length - 3.5 m, 35 hooks, 8 supports, 4 plugs;
- a five-meter cornice with 11 supports, 4 plugs and 50 curtain fastenings;
- seven-meter model, 70 hooks, six plugs, 15 supports;
- 10 m of tape with 8 plugs, 22 supports and 100 fasteners.
Professionals use products of maximum sizes. In non-residential premises (studios, theaters, concert halls) structures 50 meters long are installed. They have 100 supports, 450 hooks and 50 plugs. If you need a cornice consisting of several rows, then buy one profile and cut it into equal parts. But the length of each segment must be at least 2.5 m, otherwise it will not be able to withstand thick curtains.
What is this?
A flexible cornice is a durable cornice that changes shape according to your wishes due to the features of its design.
It consists of such elements as:
- Flexible polyurethane base;
- Holders (calipers);
- Runners and plugs for their fixation.
Runners walk freely along the cornice; You can hang organza or thicker materials on them.
Advantages of flexible curtain rods
- Ease of installation: even a person with minimal skills in the field of repair and finishing work can easily cope with the installation of such a cornice. The instructions provide a clear diagram, based on which you can quickly assemble the cornice and hang it.
- The universal nature of a flexible curtain rod: such a curtain rod can be used in any room. A flexible curtain rod for a bathroom or bedroom will help create a unique atmosphere of privacy and comfort.
- Practicality: it is easy to hang curtains and draperies on such a cornice, and it is also easy to remove them; the flexible cornice can withstand even very heavy curtains.
- Low price.
- The ability to originally zone or decorate a room. The lambrequins completely hide the cornice, so the room will look beautiful and - nothing superfluous!
Materials
Cornices are made of aluminum, polyurethane and PVC. Each material has its own characteristics, and before purchasing a design, it is worth getting to know the strengths and weaknesses of each option.
For light tulle, a plastic fastening system is suitable.
Aluminum
The main feature of metal cornices is their high strength. Thanks to it, aluminum curtain rods can easily withstand voluminous curtains made of velvet, tapestry, brocade and corduroy. The surface of such profiles does not absorb dirt, which means there is no risk of mold or bacterial growth. You can clean the structure without using chemicals, just with a damp cloth.
Aluminum models are more expensive than plastic ones because they are of higher quality.
Resistance to mechanical and physical influences ensures long service life and a presentable appearance throughout its entire service life. The moisture resistance of aluminum cornices allows them to be used on balconies and loggias.
Modern metal structures can consist of two, three, or even four rows.
Plastic
The main advantage of the PVC profile is that it is available in different colors, which means you are guaranteed to find a design that suits your interior. In addition, it is possible to attach decorative elements to the cornice: beads, artificial flowers, ribbons or decals.
PVC profiles are available in various colors,
Plastic curtain rods are valued for their moisture resistance, thermal stability, ease of maintenance and chemical inertness.
You can choose any color of the cornice.
When deciding to purchase a plastic cornice, keep in mind that the design can only be one- or two-row. And curtains that are too heavy may be too much for him.
Ideas for flexible curtain rods
- Using a flexible round cornice, you can decorate a chandelier by surrounding it with a light curtain and gathering the curtain into a bud or fountain (using curtain cord).
- You can divide a children's room designed for two children into two zones (this is especially true if you have a girl and a boy).
- Having equipped the room with a flexible ceiling cornice, you can decorate it with decorative pendants (kitchen - above the table or bar; bedroom - above the bed).
Advantages
Indeed, flexible curtain rods have plenty of “advantages”.
- Presentable appearance;
- Affordable price;
- Easy to install;
- Compact dimensions;
- Ease of sliding of the canvas;
- Long service life;
- Variety of applications.
Structurally, this element is a long plinth made of polymer material.
Speaking about the last point, it is worth noting that with the help of flexible cornices they not only decorate window openings, but also create spectacular canopies for bedrooms and zone the space.
The most common type is a flexible aluminum curtain rod.
The design can take any shape you want. Well, if you decide to use a cornice to form a stylish window opening, you can rest assured that this is the best choice: a more functional system has not yet been invented.
A stylish option for interior decoration is a flexible plastic curtain rod.
The only caveat: you should not use flexible cornices to decorate small rooms and small window openings. In such circumstances, the design looks pretentious and inappropriate.
Most often, flexible cornices are used to design bay window openings. The result is practical and beautiful. Regardless of the style in which the room is decorated, flexible curtain rods will “easily” withstand multi-layer curtain designs in classic and baroque styles, as well as laconic options in a minimalist style.
For classic curtains, it is better to install two rows of aluminum curtain rods.
You can also simply and effectively design corner rooms in which the windows are on adjacent walls. A common cornice and two panels are often used.
Photo
The photo gallery will help you see how practical flexible curtain rods are and how beautiful the interiors in which they are used are.
How to install a ceiling cornice?
The types of curtain rods with photos and descriptions are different; read on to learn how to install them. The minimalism of the entire structure does not require complex installation. In this case, you can easily do without the help of a professional. The most difficult thing is to come up with a design for a future window or wall, and then go according to plan.
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According to the invented and approved project, we apply markings to the ceiling or wall. For low ceilings, the best option for mounting the cornice is on the wall. This method will visually add a few centimeters to your height.
Every 40–50 cm, holes are drilled for attaching the calipers. The steeper the bends of the cornice and the greater the planned mass of the curtains, the more often the brackets should be attached. The supports are attached using a regular dowel-nail for cement walls or with self-tapping screws to a wooden surface.
Next, you should put roller runners on the cornice, snap the profile onto the brackets and install the plugs. All that remains is to put the hooks on the finished curtains and secure them to the cornice. Do not forget that any similar curtain rods (see photos) should be mounted on a rough ceiling. Neither drywall nor suspended ceilings will withstand the weight of a cornice with curtains. Alternatively, you can transfer the function of opening and closing curtains to the control panel.
Round single-row and double-row cornices
When decorating windows with curtains, single-row and double-row round curtain rods are most often used, respectively consisting of one or two rods.
Round cornices can contain one, two or three rows, with which you can combine curtains and curtains.
Three-row holders are used when the design of the curtains requires the presence of three fabrics - curtains, curtains and lambrequin. This option is used in living rooms, focusing on the luxurious design of window openings.
Single-row cornices are used for kitchen windows, curtains in the bathroom, on balconies, and for doorways. Absolutely all types of curtains, any density and colors are suitable for them.
Metal curtain rods are suitable for those who plan to use heavy, massive curtains in the interior.
“Roman” curtains, “cafe” curtains, are also attached to a single rod. The telescopic curtain rod for the shower can be safely classified as single-row.
The most popular option is round double-row cornices, wooden and metal. They are suitable for all rooms, without exception.
Light tulle is attached to one rod, and a curtain to the second.
The design of single-row and double-row wooden holders is limited only by the imagination of designers. They are decorated with fine carvings. The tips are made into shapes by cutting them from various types of trees.
Speaking about metal cornices, it is impossible to ignore forged ones. They also come in single-row and double-row. They are decorated with beautiful knobs, curly finials, wire lace, elegant forged parts, flowers, leaves, and ornaments.
Iron cornices can withstand heavy loads very well.
Advice! Any cornice should fit organically into the interior and be suitable in style. Plastic holders are suitable for high-tech style rooms. Wooden - for rooms in eco-style or loft. Forged - to the classical or empire style.
Designer discoveries make it possible to turn a simple round pipe into a real work of art, turning any interior into a unique one, while maintaining the simplicity and reliability of the design.
Fastening round curtain rods and curtains on them
The round holders are mounted using various brackets:
- open or closed;
- single, double or triple.
The brackets are available for both ceiling mounting and wall mounting. They are included in the kit along with a barbell and tips, and are made in the same style. They can be decorated with various decorative elements and have a flat or rounded shape.
The most commonly used are metal and wooden round wall cornices.
The number of brackets is calculated based on the total length of the cornice. If the length is up to 2.4 m, you will need 2 brackets. Over 2.4 m - 3 to avoid bending of the crossbar.
The tips are put on the edges of the rod. On two and three rows - they are installed only on the first row, plugs are placed on the remaining edges.
Metal curtain rods for the hall look very stylish and original.
The curtain rod allows you to easily perform any manipulations with curtains and drapes. In order for the movement of the curtains to be free and easy, it is necessary to correctly and securely fasten the curtains to the crossbar.
Most often, to secure the canvas, rings with hooks or clothespins are put on the bar.
These rings have a larger diameter for free movement.
Advice! The number of rings is calculated according to the length of the crossbar. For every 10 cm - one ring.
The curtain can be attached without rings, using other devices, or placed directly on the rod. Mounting methods:
- Eyelets;
- Pats;
- Decorative loops;
- Drawstring across the entire width of the curtain.
This version of cornices is very popular due to its ease of use.
Advice! When choosing a round cornice, you should take into account that it will be a visible element of the interior and should ideally match not only in color or shape. Decorative elements, tips, hooks or loops, must correspond to the overall style.
Where can I use it?
Ceiling flexible curtain rods are currently used in the design of bay windows. What it is? This is an extended part of the building in the form of a built-in balcony room. With flexible options it is very easy to create lush compositions near the window in the Empire style. Peculiarities:
- Using this design, you can create a demarcation of the entire space and divide it into zones. Used to organize various kinds of screens and canopies.
- It will look great on attic windows or on balconies. This is due to the fact that this type does not take up much space on the surface and will not be noticeable.
- The fashion for flexible consoles came to us from California, where almost every window opening is designed in this way. There, with the help of such a cornice, the effect of open space is created, where light translucent curtains or curtains are attached to the element, which extend from the ceiling itself.
Advice. Since they are mounted on the ceiling surface, the curtains visually increase the height of the room. Experts recommend using this method of decorating a room in rooms with low ceilings.
- Also, there are no restrictions on the use of any number of lighting fixtures near the cornice. Only all wiring is connected in advance.
- Very often they are mounted on doorways. In this way, not only curtains are attached, but also decorative elements. For example, beads or stones strung on satin threads. The space is demarcated and a zest is added to the interior.
- A flexible option has found wide application in the design of a studio apartment, where each functional space is divided by a canopy or a simple curtain.
Advice. This type is capable of withstanding quite significant loads and can be used to cover the space of the kitchen area, where food is constantly being prepared. In this case, very dense synthetic fabrics are used, since natural ones can absorb the smell quite quickly.
- In a children's room it is used to organize a canopy over the crib or to separate the play and study areas.
Advice. In such actions, it is worth considering that the room must have a certain size, since when the canopy or dividing curtain is closed, the effect of a cluttered space can be created.
The bathroom is also no exception to the use of cornices. It is mounted to enclose a bathroom of an unusual shape. That is, instead of using standard shower doors, which are often made to order, moisture-resistant original curtains are used.
