Curtains - an indispensable attribute of most apartments, private houses, offices. They protect the room from daylight, and its inhabitants - from prying eyes, cold air from the windows. The vast majority of curtains are hung on eaves - special devices in the form of a crossbar, equipped with rings, hooks, other types of fasteners. Properly selected curtain rods will decorate any room, give the interior completeness, creating a truly homely cosiness.
This is interesting: the history of the appearance of cornices
The very first "cornice-like" devices arose along with the most ancient dwellings - these weresticks, long animal bones, with animal skins thrown over them. Initially, such a device closed the entrance to the cave, protecting it from the cold, later - small window openings. After the 16th and 17th centuries, various fabrics began to be used more often as curtains, and instead of cornices, metal rods along which the curtain moved freely.
At the beginning of the Baroque era, the windows became much larger, which led to an increase in the eaves, complicating their shape. In the 18-19th century, asymmetric, plant and heraldic motifs, peak-shaped crossbars became popular. The finest tulle fabric appeared, which was combined with a more dense, heavy, textured one. In the 20th century, the design became simpler, more minimalistic, at the same time there were rod-cornices, profile, barely noticeable in the interior.
Varieties of curtains, mounting methods
There are two types of curtains:
Ceiling - installed anywhere in the room, not only next to the window, but also as a zoning element;
wall mounted on a wall above the window.
All of them are single (for a single curtain), double (for two curtains), triple (for two curtains, tulle or lambrequin). For different styles of interior, closed or open, narrow or wide, rectangular or curved, wall or ceiling are selected.
Round
Eaves-rods of circular cross section are relevant in almost any interior. They are made of wood, metals, plastic, mounted on brackets to the wall, ceiling. They can be smooth or corrugated, matte or glossy, decorated with balls, flowers, berries, peaks at the ends. This design is often used in the bathroom, representing a sliding hollow pipe, which is straight or rounded. Such a model is single-row, double-row, three-row, curtains are mounted on loops, hooks, matched to the tone of the cornice. Often come complete with rings.
String
This cornice construction is a string - metal or plastic thread, fixed along the window, on the ceiling, at an angle to the wall, between two walls. It is intended for hanging thin, light canvases - tulle, veil, organza, chiffon, less often - linen and cotton, masked with a special strap. It is not recommended to install on stretch, drywall ceilings, as well as in rooms with high humidity - bathrooms, baths.
Tire
Eaves on tires do not have gaps between the ceiling and the suspension. A standard plastic two-three-row product involves hanging dense and thin curtains at an optimal distance from each other. They are attached to the wall on the brackets, to the ceiling - without them, if desired - are mounted in a corner, bay window, arch, it is possible to create rounded structures in the form of an arc, a "snake". Hanging such models should be no less than 10-12 cm from the most protruding parts of the window sills.
Baguette
They are made of metal, valuable types of wood, plastic, various combined materials. The most common baguette compositions are carved, made of valuable wood, decorated with carvings, patinated with metal fasteners. The mount is usually wall mounted, very rarely ceiling mounted. The width of a particular model directly depends on the ceiling height in the room - the higher it is, the wider the bar is allowed. The detail hides the hooks on which the curtains are hung, originally masking the defects of the top of the window.
Profile
One of the lightest, most durable, comfortable models mounted in indoor, outdoor buildings - living rooms, offices, summer kitchens, saunas, gazebos, loggias, etc. It is a plastic or aluminum rail, in which there are hooks. Suitable for sliding, lifting, multi-layer curtains with assemblies, ribbons, ruffles, shuttlecocks. For heavy curtains, aluminum structures are used - they are much stronger than plastic ones.There are flexible options for arched openings, bay windows, curved ledges, rounded shapes. To the ceiling, the walls are mounted on brackets located one from one and a half meters apart.
Telescopic
This is a sliding tubular product of two parts, inserted one into the other, so that it is adjustable in length without cutting. It is made of plastic, chromed metal, stainless steel, various alloys with gilding. Two varieties are available: spacer with rubber tips - inserted between two walls, window slopes and fixed to wall, ceiling brackets into which the bar is inserted. Curtains are suitable for thread loops, hooks, "crabs", eyelets, rings.
Mini-eaves of "cafe"
This telescopic design is also called stained glass; it is decorated with windows with mini-curtains, doors with glass, including frosted or colored. They are mounted on brackets, between two vertical window slopes. The approximate length is from 40 to 200 cm, suitable for light linen curtains, tulle, organza, thin cotton, a variety of synthetic materials.
Swivel
By a rotary structure it is easy to arrange simultaneously two or more windows located on different walls, which is especially convenient in spaces of non-standard shape. They visually expand a cramped room with low ceilings. Usually made of white, beige PVC, but can be decorated with a special film. Ceiling busbars, strings on brackets, wall with pipes, rods are available. They are used for mounting rotary, corner structures, windows in bay windows, canopy fixing, zoning of rooms, studio apartments. Suitable for interiors with heavy curtains, made of plastic, metal.
Spacers
It is a "spacer" inserted between two walls, window slopes, doorways, sometimes inserted into a niche as a zoning element.Most often mounted in the bathroom, does not require drilling walls. Curtains are hung on fabric loops, plastic rings. Usually produced from plastic, stainless steel, aluminum, less often - wood with a special coating.
For roman curtains
Very versatile, stylish product. Mounted on a wall, ceiling, window. With the help of special Velcro, Roman, French, and Austrian curtains are attached to such a cornice. The choice depends on the size and shape of the window - beveled holders are used for beveled skylights, and mounted on standard windows are obtained flush with the opening. Curtains are usually matched to the color of the walls to create the appearance of a single space. Construction management - lifting - lowering the curtains is done using cords, chain mechanisms or control panel. When unfolded, the curtain looks completely flat; this model cannot be oversized.
Materials
Ceiling products are often made of natural wood (pine, spruce, larch, walnut, pear, cherry, wenge, beech, oak, birch, etc.). They are strong, durable, functional, aesthetically pleasing, carved, patinated, asymmetric or standard in shape. Plastic ones are cheap, functional, and are produced predominantly in white, which is why they combine perfectly with ceiling skirting boards and PVC windows.
Metal are made of stainless steel, brass, ideal for dense, heavy curtains. They are strong, reliable, durable, can be forged, made out "antique".
Aluminum - look good in any room, are not subject to corrosion, are suitable for both light and heavy curtains, are easily cleaned of dirt. They are often mounted in offices, as well as over corner, sloping, bay windows, in arches. Ideal for Japanese, Roman, French, Austrian curtains, multi-row options.
String products are easy to install, inexpensive, suitable for non-standard windows. They consist of two support brackets, with a metal string fixed on them, fishing line. Suitable exclusively for light textiles - heavy curtains lead to sagging, which looks ugly.
Wall structures are made of wood, plastic, metals, aluminum, combined materials. They are suitable for interiors with high ceilings, and the design of the curtains for them is much more diverse.
It is not advisable to attach heavy cornices to “weak” walls, drywall ceilings - it may not be able to withstand and collapse.
How to choose the size, hang, fasten
Choose the appropriate size of the hinged product depending on the width of the window - in standard kitchens, halls, hallways, nurseries, bedrooms, bathrooms, universal models are mounted with a length slightly longer than the opening itself. Two or three windows are decorated with long suspensions at the same time or even a whole wall, which allows to improve the shape of the room. Also important is the color of the walls, the style of the interior, the height of the ceiling, colors, curtain patterns. In some versions, hooks, rings, where the curtains cling, are closed with decorative slats, in others they are open, being an element of decoration.
Rail ceiling profile or busbar structures are first tried on at the place where it was decided to hang them. If the cornice is longer, it is cut. Marking is carried out using a pencil, a ruler, a building level. For fastening you will need a hammer drill, screwdriver, pliers, hammer, stepladder. Depending on the weight of the product, the suspension is mounted to the ceiling with plastic or metal dowels, self-tapping screws such as "umbrella" or "butterfly". When the ceiling is plasterboard or stretch, fastening is done on special embedded bars - this will save the structure from collapse. This is especially important if the curtains are heavy, and at home there are small children, pets that can accidentally break the curtain.
Sometimes the cornice is glued to the ceiling, which is previously cleaned of whitewash, dirt, degreased. Installation is made on "liquid nails", which set in twenty minutes, withstanding a load of up to 60-70 kg.
Wall options also sometimes require trimming, in addition to spacer, telescopic structures. Brackets for them are mounted to the wall at a selected height using dowels, screws. The distance between the supports: for heavy multilayer curtains 50-60 cm, for lighter ones - 100-150 and more cm, it is important to choose the length of the brackets correctly - if they are short, the curtain will lie on the windowsill, which looks ugly.
It is desirable to carry out fitting and marking together, this is especially important when installing long products, structures of complex shape.
Color solutions, style
The design for low rooms, whether it is a living room, bedroom or balcony, is chosen according to the color of the curtains. The same option is acceptable if the room is observed excessive multicolor. Combinations are suitable:
apricot with antique brass;
lime with saffron;
chocolate with black and red;
eggplant with amaranth;
aluminum with beige gray;
turquoise with bluish green;
amber with green-yellow;
floral white with dull pink;
Swamp with Verdepeshev.
When the room is high enough, the cornice, especially the wall one, sharply contrasting with the general background, evens out the shape of the space. The same option is used if you need to decorate a long wall with two or three openings.
Popular options:
beige with blueberry brown;
amber with emerald green;
woody yellow with coffee;
cream with cherry;
magenta with transport black;
pumpkin with light purple;
snow white with dusty blue;
olive gray with ruby;
Burgundy with pomegranate.
Models that match the color of the ceiling - stretch, drywall, painted, are almost invisible and do not distract attention to themselves.Selection options for various elements of furniture, ceiling plinths made of polyurethane, doors, and other interior accessories are very popular.
Cornices are selected individually, under a certain interior style:
classic - wooden, most often wide, coated perimeter, with transparent varnish;
ecological - resembles a natural snag with all the knots, pieces of bark along the edges, imitation of leaves;
retro - usually two-row, forged, shiny, has curly tips, multi-layer draperies;
country - rough wooden or dark metal, decorated with checkered or floral blinds;
avant-garde - metal, with curls, elegant plant elements, can be asymmetric;
minimalism - preferably plastic, mostly white, merging with the ceiling, wall;
Baroque - three-row, massive, carved, very noticeable in the interior, has heavy curtains with lambrequins;
hi-tech - straight, glossy, steel, has metallized curtains on the grommets.
Selection tips
When choosing, the following factors should be considered:
curtain width - selected in accordance with the length of the suspension;
the design must be safe, reliable;
the cornice is selected for a specific curtain model, the style of the interior;
for heavy curtains, a more reliable option is chosen, for light - elegant, decorative;
the wall cornice is equipped with long brackets - the fabric should not lie on the windowsill;
the suspension structure for the window should be 15-25 cm wider than the opening itself;
when the cornice is made not from wall to wall, but only for the window, a model with rotations covering the sides is preferable;
properly installed design visually changes the shape of the room - when mounting from wall to wall, the room expands, to the ceiling - the height increases;
The desired number of rows is one, two or three.
Conclusion
Modern and classic wall, ceiling suspensions can easily be built into any interior with their own hands. The selection depends on the shape, height, area of the room, the selected type of curtains. The kitchen or living room, bedroom or cabinet design is perfectly complemented by a cornice of the original form or almost hidden. Suitable options can be independently selected, guided by pictures in glossy magazines, the Internet or ask professional designers for help. If you have difficulties with the correct suspension, you can also contact the masters.
Curtains - an indispensable attribute of most apartments, private houses, offices. They protect the room from daylight, and its inhabitants - from prying eyes, cold air from the windows. The vast majority of curtains are hung on eaves - special devices in the form of a crossbar, equipped with rings, hooks, other types of fasteners. Properly selected curtain rods will decorate any room, give the interior completeness, creating a truly homely cosiness.
Content
This is interesting: the history of the appearance of cornices
The very first "cornice-like" devices arose along with the most ancient dwellings - these weresticks, long animal bones, with animal skins thrown over them. Initially, such a device closed the entrance to the cave, protecting it from the cold, later - small window openings. After the 16th and 17th centuries, various fabrics began to be used more often as curtains, and instead of cornices, metal rods along which the curtain moved freely.
At the beginning of the Baroque era, the windows became much larger, which led to an increase in the eaves, complicating their shape. In the 18-19th century, asymmetric, plant and heraldic motifs, peak-shaped crossbars became popular. The finest tulle fabric appeared, which was combined with a more dense, heavy, textured one. In the 20th century, the design became simpler, more minimalistic, at the same time there were rod-cornices, profile, barely noticeable in the interior.
Varieties of curtains, mounting methods
There are two types of curtains:
All of them are single (for a single curtain), double (for two curtains), triple (for two curtains, tulle or lambrequin). For different styles of interior, closed or open, narrow or wide, rectangular or curved, wall or ceiling are selected.
Round
Eaves-rods of circular cross section are relevant in almost any interior. They are made of wood, metals, plastic, mounted on brackets to the wall, ceiling. They can be smooth or corrugated, matte or glossy, decorated with balls, flowers, berries, peaks at the ends. This design is often used in the bathroom, representing a sliding hollow pipe, which is straight or rounded. Such a model is single-row, double-row, three-row, curtains are mounted on loops, hooks, matched to the tone of the cornice. Often come complete with rings.
String
This cornice construction is a string - metal or plastic thread, fixed along the window, on the ceiling, at an angle to the wall, between two walls. It is intended for hanging thin, light canvases - tulle, veil, organza, chiffon, less often - linen and cotton, masked with a special strap. It is not recommended to install on stretch, drywall ceilings, as well as in rooms with high humidity - bathrooms, baths.
Tire
Eaves on tires do not have gaps between the ceiling and the suspension. A standard plastic two-three-row product involves hanging dense and thin curtains at an optimal distance from each other. They are attached to the wall on the brackets, to the ceiling - without them, if desired - are mounted in a corner, bay window, arch, it is possible to create rounded structures in the form of an arc, a "snake". Hanging such models should be no less than 10-12 cm from the most protruding parts of the window sills.
Baguette
They are made of metal, valuable types of wood, plastic, various combined materials. The most common baguette compositions are carved, made of valuable wood, decorated with carvings, patinated with metal fasteners. The mount is usually wall mounted, very rarely ceiling mounted. The width of a particular model directly depends on the ceiling height in the room - the higher it is, the wider the bar is allowed. The detail hides the hooks on which the curtains are hung, originally masking the defects of the top of the window.
Profile
One of the lightest, most durable, comfortable models mounted in indoor, outdoor buildings - living rooms, offices, summer kitchens, saunas, gazebos, loggias, etc. It is a plastic or aluminum rail, in which there are hooks. Suitable for sliding, lifting, multi-layer curtains with assemblies, ribbons, ruffles, shuttlecocks. For heavy curtains, aluminum structures are used - they are much stronger than plastic ones.There are flexible options for arched openings, bay windows, curved ledges, rounded shapes. To the ceiling, the walls are mounted on brackets located one from one and a half meters apart.
Telescopic
This is a sliding tubular product of two parts, inserted one into the other, so that it is adjustable in length without cutting. It is made of plastic, chromed metal, stainless steel, various alloys with gilding. Two varieties are available: spacer with rubber tips - inserted between two walls, window slopes and fixed to wall, ceiling brackets into which the bar is inserted. Curtains are suitable for thread loops, hooks, "crabs", eyelets, rings.
Mini-eaves of "cafe"
This telescopic design is also called stained glass; it is decorated with windows with mini-curtains, doors with glass, including frosted or colored. They are mounted on brackets, between two vertical window slopes. The approximate length is from 40 to 200 cm, suitable for light linen curtains, tulle, organza, thin cotton, a variety of synthetic materials.
Swivel
By a rotary structure it is easy to arrange simultaneously two or more windows located on different walls, which is especially convenient in spaces of non-standard shape. They visually expand a cramped room with low ceilings. Usually made of white, beige PVC, but can be decorated with a special film. Ceiling busbars, strings on brackets, wall with pipes, rods are available. They are used for mounting rotary, corner structures, windows in bay windows, canopy fixing, zoning of rooms, studio apartments. Suitable for interiors with heavy curtains, made of plastic, metal.
Spacers
It is a "spacer" inserted between two walls, window slopes, doorways, sometimes inserted into a niche as a zoning element.Most often mounted in the bathroom, does not require drilling walls. Curtains are hung on fabric loops, plastic rings. Usually produced from plastic, stainless steel, aluminum, less often - wood with a special coating.
For roman curtains
Very versatile, stylish product. Mounted on a wall, ceiling, window. With the help of special Velcro, Roman, French, and Austrian curtains are attached to such a cornice. The choice depends on the size and shape of the window - beveled holders are used for beveled skylights, and mounted on standard windows are obtained flush with the opening. Curtains are usually matched to the color of the walls to create the appearance of a single space. Construction management - lifting - lowering the curtains is done using cords, chain mechanisms or control panel. When unfolded, the curtain looks completely flat; this model cannot be oversized.
Materials
Ceiling products are often made of natural wood (pine, spruce, larch, walnut, pear, cherry, wenge, beech, oak, birch, etc.). They are strong, durable, functional, aesthetically pleasing, carved, patinated, asymmetric or standard in shape.
Plastic ones are cheap, functional, and are produced predominantly in white, which is why they combine perfectly with ceiling skirting boards and PVC windows.
Metal are made of stainless steel, brass, ideal for dense, heavy curtains. They are strong, reliable, durable, can be forged, made out "antique".
Aluminum - look good in any room, are not subject to corrosion, are suitable for both light and heavy curtains, are easily cleaned of dirt. They are often mounted in offices, as well as over corner, sloping, bay windows, in arches. Ideal for Japanese, Roman, French, Austrian curtains, multi-row options.
String products are easy to install, inexpensive, suitable for non-standard windows. They consist of two support brackets, with a metal string fixed on them, fishing line. Suitable exclusively for light textiles - heavy curtains lead to sagging, which looks ugly.
Wall structures are made of wood, plastic, metals, aluminum, combined materials. They are suitable for interiors with high ceilings, and the design of the curtains for them is much more diverse.
How to choose the size, hang, fasten
Choose the appropriate size of the hinged product depending on the width of the window - in standard kitchens, halls, hallways, nurseries, bedrooms, bathrooms, universal models are mounted with a length slightly longer than the opening itself. Two or three windows are decorated with long suspensions at the same time or even a whole wall, which allows to improve the shape of the room. Also important is the color of the walls, the style of the interior, the height of the ceiling, colors, curtain patterns. In some versions, hooks, rings, where the curtains cling, are closed with decorative slats, in others they are open, being an element of decoration.
Rail ceiling profile or busbar structures are first tried on at the place where it was decided to hang them. If the cornice is longer, it is cut. Marking is carried out using a pencil, a ruler, a building level. For fastening you will need a hammer drill, screwdriver, pliers, hammer, stepladder. Depending on the weight of the product, the suspension is mounted to the ceiling with plastic or metal dowels, self-tapping screws such as "umbrella" or "butterfly". When the ceiling is plasterboard or stretch, fastening is done on special embedded bars - this will save the structure from collapse. This is especially important if the curtains are heavy, and at home there are small children, pets that can accidentally break the curtain.
Sometimes the cornice is glued to the ceiling, which is previously cleaned of whitewash, dirt, degreased. Installation is made on "liquid nails", which set in twenty minutes, withstanding a load of up to 60-70 kg.
Wall options also sometimes require trimming, in addition to spacer, telescopic structures. Brackets for them are mounted to the wall at a selected height using dowels, screws. The distance between the supports: for heavy multilayer curtains 50-60 cm, for lighter ones - 100-150 and more cm, it is important to choose the length of the brackets correctly - if they are short, the curtain will lie on the windowsill, which looks ugly.
Color solutions, style
The design for low rooms, whether it is a living room, bedroom or balcony, is chosen according to the color of the curtains. The same option is acceptable if the room is observed excessive multicolor.
Combinations are suitable:
When the room is high enough, the cornice, especially the wall one, sharply contrasting with the general background, evens out the shape of the space. The same option is used if you need to decorate a long wall with two or three openings.
Popular options:
Models that match the color of the ceiling - stretch, drywall, painted, are almost invisible and do not distract attention to themselves.Selection options for various elements of furniture, ceiling plinths made of polyurethane, doors, and other interior accessories are very popular.
Cornices are selected individually, under a certain interior style:
Selection tips
When choosing, the following factors should be considered:
Conclusion
Modern and classic wall, ceiling suspensions can easily be built into any interior with their own hands. The selection depends on the shape, height, area of the room, the selected type of curtains. The kitchen or living room, bedroom or cabinet design is perfectly complemented by a cornice of the original form or almost hidden. Suitable options can be independently selected, guided by pictures in glossy magazines, the Internet or ask professional designers for help. If you have difficulties with the correct suspension, you can also contact the masters.