Recommendation points
The choice of a curtain rod only seems difficult: it is important to take into account the weight and style of the curtain set, the shape of the window, the parameters of the room, while guessing with the style. The cornice should be comfortable and functional. We will tell you how to choose a wall and ceiling cornice and hang curtains with your own hands.
Start choosing a curtain rod by analyzing ideas for window decoration. Make note of the following points:
- attachment point;
- the presence of protruding elements that you want to hide with textiles (window sill, communications of split air conditioning systems, radiator pipes);
- the number of curtains included;
- approximate weight of textiles;
- way of sliding.
The choice of ceiling or wall mounting method will significantly limit the range of searches. If you want to decorate the window with a multi-layered composition of lambrequins, curtains and side draperies, look for a multi-row cornice. It will allow you to arrange elements at different levels.
For sliding curtains, a single-row rod, baguette or string construction is sufficient. Estimate the strength of the curtain rod, taking into account the weight of the kit and consider the features related to the size and shape of the window.
If you are looking for a bay window cornice, take a look at profile structures that can bend around corners. For windows of the second light, their requirements: in addition to the ability to withstand weight, it is important to provide for the possibility of an electric drive for sliding curtains.
Types of cornices
Let us consider in more detail the various types of devices for attaching curtains. By their appearance and design features, cornices are distinguished:
- rod;
- baguette;
- strings;
- profile;
- rail.
Profile designs are good for the ability to create smooth lines, they are used for semicircular ledges, bay windows, arches. The aluminum profile is easy to fit in size and shape, it is strong enough for heavy sets weighing up to 50 kg.
The flexible plastic cornice is lighter and easier to install, but the load-bearing capacity is also lower: it is only suitable for thin curtains. The main disadvantage is one-row. In addition, the outwardly profile cornice is not decorative; it can be recommended for installation in a niche. Exception – models with an internal profile and Velcro for fastening a lambrequin.
Rail or busbar curtain rods are ceiling and wall-mounted, and there is a version with a swivel connector for a bay window. The tire cornice consists of a plastic or metal rail with rows of outer or hidden “rails” for hooks or rollers. Such curtain rods can be supplemented with a built-in opening mechanism. The kit usually includes fasteners, curtain stops, rollers or hook runners. The rail structure is lightweight, reliable, with the ability to hang several rows of curtains on one bar.
The string version consists of brackets, clamps, strings and a fixing set. Hook rings or clips are used to attach the curtains. The strings can be attached to the ceiling or wall. The main plus is the low cost, the minus is that the guides are suitable only for light textiles. To prevent curtains from sagging with large wall widths, it is recommended to install additional intermediate brackets.
Rod (round) cornice consists of a pipe, fastening profiles, decorative tips. The curtains are fastened with rings and hooks, eyelets, magnetic clips (clips) or decorative loops. The design can be single-row or double-row (usually with a bus-type element). For wall and ceiling cornices, the only difference is in the fastening profile.
The advantages of rod curtain rods are the ability to withstand significant loads and decorativeness – it does not need to be hidden behind a lambrequin or installed in a niche. The price varies depending on the material and design method.
The baguette cornice is attached only to the wall. It complements the textile design by covering the wall mount and curtain hanging point with a decorative strip. Carriers for curtains are usually made with tire or profile, it is possible to use it in tandem with a cornice for Japanese curtains. The price depends on the material, size and method of finishing the decorative strip.
Parameter selection
Measure and record the following parameters:
- ceiling height;
- width of the window opening;
- width of the wall with a window opening;
- distance from window to ceiling;
- the depth of the protruding elements and their location.
1. Ceiling height. 2. The width of the wall. 3. Width of the window opening. 4. Distance from ceiling to window. 5. Height of the window. 6. Distance from floor to windowsill
The ceiling height will help the consultant to determine the optimal model. So, in a room with low ceilings, a massive baguette cornice will only emphasize the drawback, it is better to choose an inconspicuous set of ceiling mounts. Take into account the depth of the protruding elements when choosing the length of the mounting bracket for the wall cornice. The width of the window is needed to determine the length of the cornice. To get more light when the curtains are open, the cornice should be 20-25 cm wider than the window opening.
A full-wall cornice will help to visually adjust the proportions of a narrow and long room with one window.
If you have low ceilings and little light, then give up the idea of hanging a multi-layer set with a lush lambrequin, think about buying a structure with a ceiling mount for translucent elegant curtains. Highly located, they will visually raise the ceiling.
To find out for ourselves how best to hang curtains, let’s take a closer look at the most popular ways of attaching curtains to the cornice.
Hanging on eyelets
Eyelets – stylish and simple fasteners in the form of collapsible rings made of plastic or metal, used for aesthetic design of holes in the upper edge of straight curtains. For hanging, you need a wall round cornice and a set of eyelets. Their inner diameter should be 1.5 cm larger than the diameter of the bar to ensure easy sliding.
Equally spaced, the eyelets define the pitch of symmetrical soft folds. To get the most harmonious appearance, use an even number of rings, and when stringing the canvas onto the bar, make sure that the side edge is directed towards the window. Please note that the distance from the wall to the rod must be sufficient for free folding (at least 10 cm).
Eyelet fastening is ideal for heavy, smooth fabrics. The main advantages are a spectacular look, ease of maintenance and operation. Minus in the noisy movement of the eyelets along the cornice and the need to remove the bar when hitching.
Fastening curtains with rings and hooks
For the fastening tandem “rings and hooks” you also need a rod (round) cornice. Like eyelets, rings are strung on a bar, and a hook is used to attach the canvas to them. The choice of the style of curtains with such a cornice is much wider: curtains of a straight cut, with opposite large folds, an arched edge.
Clips are used in hidden curtain rods with a rail, as well as in barbells with or without rings, instead of hooks. They hold the fabric without loops, simply by squeezing the fabric. Among the advantages of use: ease of hanging, the ability to use in the creation of draperies, fixing folds. For thin curtains, it is better to use magnetic clips (clips), and classic “crocodiles” are suitable for thicker fabrics.
As you can see, the choice of the cornice and the method of mounting is not as difficult as it seems at first glance. Enjoy the shopping!
Can anyone provide some guidance on selecting the right wall and ceiling cornice for my home? I’m also unsure about the best way to hang curtains. Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!