In this master class, he offers step-by-step photo instructions for creating a niche for a curtain, curtain or roller shutter with your own hands. We will tell you how to correctly mark the levels, prepare the surface and mount the frame. You will learn about the nuances of attaching the gypsum board to the frame.
Hidden cornices are an interesting design solution that you can implement yourself. A niche under the ceiling will hide the curtain suspension points and create a pleasant mysterious effect. In this niche you can install an automatic opening mechanism or a protective roller shutter.
To do this work, you will need a standard drywall set:
- Measuring tool – level, tape measure, rigid steel ruler.
- Cut-off tool – metal scissors, retractable knife.
- Power tool – screwdriver.
This work is done prior to the installation of the rest of the ceiling, so the attachments will be made directly to the battens or rough ceiling sheathing. The installation site must have solid flooring – add rows of plank or panel wood material if necessary.
Markup
Of decisive importance in the appearance of the entire structure is the coincidence of the visible horizontal lines formed by the gap of the window frame and the front edge of the niche side. With the curtains open, these lines are perfectly visible, and the proximity of their location makes it possible to notice the slightest level discrepancies.
As in any work related to finishing the ceiling, the first thing to do is to “recapture” the horizon with a hydro level. It is best to place the main line at eye level, and then transfer it to the desired height using a tape measure. Move the vertical axis of the window to the lintel above the window. Set aside the dimensions of the niche width from the axis.
Mounting
At a given level above the window, install the UD-profile guide with a shelf on the wall. Create niche boundaries with UD profile, fixing it with a shelf to the mounting plane – horizontal or vertical.
If the niche is adjacent to the wall, there will be no end wall and the profile is attached to the wall.
If the end of the niche is separate (visible), attach the guide profile to the vertical plane – the base of the ceiling.
The guide profile of the side will be fixed to the ceiling in both cases. It is necessary to insert and fix the vertical sections of the CD-profile into it, on which the gypsum board will subsequently be attached. Connect free ends of vertical segments with UD-profile.
Then you should cut a strip from the ceiling to the edge of the outer profile and wind it from the inside of the niche.
If the niche has an end, assemble the frame from the profile as shown in the photo:
Before the plasterboard sheathing is installed, visible distortions of the frame are possible. If the dimensions are respected, the whole structure will be leveled when sheathing with plasterboard.
Then, from the inside of the niche, you should install the “reciprocal” guide UD-profile opposite the one above the window.
The nuance of installing this profile is that it is mounted on a loose gypsum board. To give the fastening the necessary rigidity, screw in the self-tapping screw from the side of the drywall.
Thus, it will hold the metal of the profile with a thread and press the sheet against it with a hat.
The frame is ready. Then all its planes are sheathed with drywall.
The final view of the product (base):
In this master class, a rectangular niche is shown as an example. However, its shape can be arbitrary – an arc, wave, semicircle or other complex shape. The vertical level of the side of the niche can also change. Adjustable lighting can be placed inside the box. In a word, a curtain niche is an interesting solution that can be developed towards a general room design solution..
This DIY drywall niche sounds interesting, but I’m wondering how practical it is for hiding curtains. Are there any specific steps or materials needed? And can it be easily customized to fit different curtain sizes?