5 tips for choosing and installing cornices under a suspended ceiling

Cornice material

Before we move on to a review of various mounting options, let's study what materials curtain rods are made from. This is the easiest thing to deal with.

Wooden cornices are distinguished by their impressive weight, they look solid, but they are also the most expensive. Such a cornice will fit perfectly into a classic interior, and in some cases, into a modern setting. The main thing to remember is that wood does not like sudden changes in temperature (more than 7 degrees) and does not welcome high humidity, but it is durable and able to withstand the weight of heavy panels. Wooden cornices come in a wide variety, but carved models look especially luxurious.
Aluminum cornices are the golden mean; there is a margin of safety combined with low weight and an adequate price. They are not afraid of cold, heat or humidity, do not put a load on the floors, can withstand three-layer lambrequins, but the hollow structure is easy to deform and should be used with caution. There are both laminated and painted models on sale, so choosing the right product will not be difficult.
Steel curtain rods are a good companion to heavy curtains, but such a product is heavy in itself. It is used when the length of curtains is more than 3 m. It is steel curtain rods that are used to decorate stages, and there the weight of the curtain is more than substantial. They can be decorated with wood or plastic to look more harmonious in the room. The cost is higher than that of the aluminum counterpart.
Plastic – a bestseller in any city. Plastic can be painted or laminated in almost any way, so it allows you to bring any design idea to life. Although the material is not so noble, the strength without defects is impressive. However, there are minimal restrictions on the range of movement of curtains. However, it is better not to hang heavy curtains on a plastic curtain rod.

Additionally, sometimes there are forged cornices , which have all the same advantages as steel ones. They are strong, durable, reliable, can withstand the weight of heavy curtains, and look interesting, but it is difficult to call such products universal. They will fit well only into certain interior styles, incl. Provence, country, classic.

In addition, there are also combined cornices. The base, for example, can be made of aluminum, on top of which plastic is used. This combines the strength of aluminum and the wide decorative possibilities of plastic.

We also note that, regardless of the material of manufacture and method of fastening, curtain rods can be designed for 1-4 sets of curtains, i.e. you can hang tulle, thick curtains and a lambrequin for decoration on the same cornice.

Other options for curtains for suspended ceilings

Read: Thread curtains for the kitchen: photo of ideas for the right combination in the interior

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Types of cornices by type of installation

Despite the fact that the topic of the article touches on cornices that are mounted under a suspended ceiling, it would be wrong not to talk about an alternative solution. So, according to the method of installation, curtain rods are:

wall;
ceiling

Wall cornices

The wall mounting option is the simplest, fastest and cheapest. Someone might think, why even bother with installing a cornice under a suspended ceiling, if at any time you can take it and attach it to the wall. Yes, it’s convenient, easy, and minimal preparatory work is required. In addition, the cost of wall cornices is lower than ceiling cornices. Another significant advantage is that there is no need to make holes in the fabric of suspended ceilings (however, with a hidden ceiling installation, you won’t have to make holes in anything either), and it will be much easier to replace the cornice with curtains if necessary.

On the other hand, a wall cornice can make low ceilings visually even lower (it seems to “cut” the room), so in standard apartments this option should be chosen only when funds and time are limited, and there are no special requirements for aesthetics. Wall-mounted cornices look best in rooms with high ceilings. However, it is impossible to say that this installation option looks unsuccessful, because if you approach the issue wisely, you can get a decent result, but again, if we are talking about a room with high ceilings.

When installing, you should take into account the window sill outlet, otherwise the curtains will unsightly bend around it instead of falling beautifully. You can carry out all the installation work yourself, having a level and a screwdriver in stock. Installation can be performed before and after the installation of suspended ceilings. However, installers still advise fixing the crossbar after the stretch ceiling - this way you can more clearly guess the height. And it’s much easier to focus on a baguette and microplinth that has already been leveled (especially important for several individual parts).

Installation is carried out on two brackets, and if the length of the cornice is more than 2 m, additional fasteners will be needed every 1.5 m. During installation, it is also important to take into account the distance from the cornice to the ceiling sheet - it should be such that the hooks, rings or other products on which The curtains are attached without damaging the suspended ceiling.

Ceiling cornices

Curtains attached to the ceiling cornice look as if they are flowing out of nowhere. The visual effect cannot be compared with wall mounting. In addition, such a cornice helps to visually “raise” the ceiling. Since the element is fixed at the top, the wall appears longer than in reality. This is an excellent design solution for a typical old housing stock with a wall height of 2.5-2.7 meters.

Ceiling cornice is an excellent alternative to drilling into walls. It is not always possible to violate the integrity of a vertical surface, especially after a fresh, expensive finish. In this situation, it is more logical to fix the cornice to the ceiling. In addition, we can highlight the fact that the ceiling cornice can withstand a large mass. The owner of the premises will be able to choose any fabric, including dense ones with a lot of weight.

In addition, there are cornices that provide an area for installing LED lighting. This solution allows you to turn the most ordinary cornice into the highlight of the interior.

Let's be honest, there is also a flip side to the coin: to secure the cornice using the open method, you need to make holes in the canvas. In this case, the suspended ceiling becomes more vulnerable in the event of flooding with water from neighbors above. Fortunately, this is practically the only disadvantage (which is absent with a hidden installation) and, if the prospect of flooding from above does not frighten you, you can install the cornice on the ceiling without any doubt.

How to choose

Everyone can choose the best option in accordance with their design preferences. However, an equally important aspect is the cost of the structure. As a rule, the price segment determines several parameters: the presence of additional lighting devices, the quality of the canvas, mounting options, how many parts are contained in the ceiling covering.

Hidden type

The curtain rods come complete with fasteners: screws, hooks and dowels. The price is also determined by the shape of the cornices and the installation method. The average price for 1 m² is from 350 rubles. As for the rounded shape - from 260 rubles.

When choosing curtains, you should focus only on your preferences, as well as what design solution is provided in the room. If you want to create a flowing effect, the hidden option is best suited. The classic option is relevant if the choice is not critical.

A budget option is to purchase a plastic structure. In stores you can find a huge number of colors and decorative elements. However, plastic is not suitable for heavy curtains. Aluminum kits are an alternative. They are more durable and reliable, and are also cheaper than wooden ones. Sometimes kits include decorative overlays. They don't bend as much as plastic ones.

The most expensive design is considered to be made of wood. If the room has a high ceiling, this is the best solution. You can find options with additional carvings, designs or ornaments. If the curtains are too heavy, then a steel structure will be the only option.

Types of cornices according to installation features

It would seem, what options could there be, because the ceiling cornice is attached to the ceiling, and that’s it. In fact, there are some features, depending on which there are two options for installing a ceiling cornice.

Open installation method

The cornice will be visible to everyone who enters the room. It is impossible to attach the cornice to a suspended ceiling, therefore a mortgage is installed under the suspended ceiling in advance, on which the cornice will be mounted after the installation of the canvas. The work order looks approximately as follows:

On the rough surface in the area of the future cornice, a support is pre-fixed - usually a wooden beam. To ensure maximum durability for the trim and cornice, the timber is pre-treated with an antiseptic or coated with a hydrophobic primer. attach the mortgage to the dowels, fixation occurs in pre-drilled holes
After this, the tension fabric is installed as usual, without any special features.
The cornice itself is attached using self-tapping screws at any suitable points above which the beam is located. During its installation, you cannot do without several holes in the newly stretched ceiling. However, if a real professional takes on such work, the above-mentioned changes will in no way be noticeable. To avoid deformation of the stretch ceiling, plastic rings are installed, and the holes are burned out with a special soldering iron, rather than scrolled with a self-tapping screw. In the end, holes are also made in the ceiling for chandeliers, and this does not cause concern to anyone.
It is extremely important that there are no gaps between the wooden base and the film - otherwise, the ceiling will “lead” and the canvas will be subject to deformation. If the ceiling is not very level, then special mounting wedges can be used between it and the mortgage.

Experienced installers strongly recommend choosing a thick beam so that the structure being fixed does not collapse to the floor under the weight of the curtains. In case of such a problem, you will have to redo both the suspended ceiling and the curtain. In addition, even before installing the stretch ceiling, it is better to select curtains and cornices so that workers can make the correct markings

The Master Ceilings organization offers a wide range of suspended ceilings made of PVC or turnkey fabric with installation in Moscow and a number of regions. The company's installation teams have extensive experience working with curtain rods and will help the client with the choice in a specific situation. A small but pleasant bonus for those who finished reading: until May 31, 2021, for your first order with the promo code REMSTROIBLOG, we will give you a discount on your first order, free electrical wiring, as well as installation of lighting and cornices. Hurry up to take advantage of this great offer!

Hidden installation

This option fits well into the concept of minimalist room design. The essence of such installation is that an indentation is made from the wall to a certain distance, from the border of which the suspended ceiling will begin. A niche is created. In a similar way, you can create the feeling that the curtains are flowing directly from the ceiling, and this will visually make the apartment more spacious and tall. The cornice can be mounted on a wall or ceiling, but the second option is chosen much more often.

The hidden installation method allows you to get a much more aesthetic result, but this solution is also more difficult to install. Several features will need to be taken into account

It is necessary to think over the design of curtains and purchase a curtain rod before installing a stretch ceiling, because workers will need to determine the size of the niche and build it correctly;
the size of the niche is calculated individually, but, as a rule, it is 15-20 cm;
do not forget to take into account the design of the curtains and the width of the folds - it is important that the fabric does not constantly rub against the niche and suspended ceiling
the cornice can be of any type.

A niche can be organized in one of the following ways:

plasterboard box . A box is assembled from a metal profile, which is mounted with a special fastener. Next, the structure is covered with plasterboard, the seams are sealed with putty, and the surface is painted. The width of the box must be at least 50-70 mm, if it is planned to install LED lamps - from 250 mm. The obvious advantage of this format is the wide possibilities for design, and the stretch ceiling does not come into contact with the curtain, so the risk of damage to the fabric when installing new curtains is reduced to zero. A significant disadvantage is that the assembly and installation of a plasterboard box takes some time. Add to this the additional wait until the paint dries, and the installation of the stretch ceiling will have to be postponed for at least another 1-2 days.
wooden mortgage. A piece of timber with a cross section of 30×30, 40×40 or 50×50 mm and the length of the wall (or slightly shorter) is fixed. For fixation, it is practiced to use reinforced metal corners, or, if the rough surface is smooth, long self-tapping screws through the embed. A baguette is attached to the lower edge of the beam, into which the canvas is tucked. The advantages of this option: the whole process takes extremely little time and can be completed by an installer right before installing suspended ceilings (usually the service costs 500 rubles per linear meter). Minor drawback : the wooden beam will be visible from the side of the curtain, but it is important to note that this is not a particularly common situation. However, the reverse side can also be hidden from prying eyes - for such purposes the film is not pulled directly, but with a bend over the bumper (such services will cost the client a little more). It is important to choose dry wood, and before installation, treat the surface with an antiseptic to further prevent the formation of fungus.
Profile for BP-40 for cornices . This method is almost similar to the previous one, but instead of timber, a special metal profile is used. The latter is essentially an aluminum tube 2.5 meters long with a square cross-section of 40x40 mm and a gap for inserting the blade. A definite plus of this material: it is extremely easy for the installer to create a natural-looking rounded corner. The disadvantage is that although the installation process takes a little less time compared to timber, it also costs a little more.
Special profiles “Niche” 2.5 m long or “Curtain” 3.2 m. Installation in both cases is quite simple - on metal corners. The rest of the niche can be covered with a piece of stretch ceiling. Such solutions enjoy well-deserved success, however, for a high-quality result, the installer must have the appropriate qualifications.

There is a type of hidden cornices called combined : in essence, this is any of the previous options, combined with perimeter lighting. From a design point of view, this is an extremely successful solution, and adding an LED strip should not significantly impact the customer’s pocket.

Cornice design

When thinking about the future design of the window area of the room, you must immediately decide on the design of the cornice. There are several main options:

string cornice It is a stretched wire with hooks to which the curtain is attached. Most models are equipped with a string tension regulator. An excellent minimalist option, but such a curtain rod is unlikely to withstand heavy curtains;
tire cornice It looks like a flat plate with several slots for mounting hooks. Several layers of curtains can be attached to one such curtain rod;
profile cornice made of aluminum. Thanks to its high flexibility, it can be bent almost any way, which allows you to use profile cornices to design semicircular window openings;
Separately, it is worth highlighting the flexible cornice , which is made of plastic. It can be given absolutely any shape, creating an unusual trajectory for the curtains. Such cornices are often used not even when decorating a window opening, but for zoning space and creating a screen;
baguette cornice It is distinguished by the presence of a decorative strip around the curtain fastening system, i.e. the hooks will not be visible at all. Sometimes LED lighting is mounted under the bar, obtaining an original result. A good option for open ceiling or wall mounting.

Cornices also differ in the number of guides. The most popular models are those with two guides: you can hang tulle and curtains on such a cornice. If it is necessary to decorate the structure with a lambrequin, choose a cornice with three guides. If blinds are chosen to darken the room, and only translucent tulle will be attached to the cornice, then you can take the simplest and cheapest option with one guide.

There is a classification according to the control method:

mechanical curtain rods are a true classic. To open and close the curtains, you need to pull the cord. Everything is simple and reliable;
A motorized curtain rod allows you to open and close curtains simply by pressing a button. The decision is justified if the curtains are long, wide, heavy, and you regularly manipulate them.

Separately, it is worth highlighting the so-called. “smart” curtain rods , which, thanks to a controller and a sensor system, can open and close themselves according to a certain schedule or depending on the light level in the room. In some cases, you can enable the effect of presence when no one is at home.

What else do you need to know about ceiling cornices?

There may be a slight loss in ceiling height. A complex design can take away at least 5, or even 10-15 cm, but well-chosen curtains visually compensate for such losses.
Loss of height can be completely avoided if you use the open beam method. In this case, first fix the baguette of the glazing bead or harpoon system, and after fixing it according to the existing level, adjust the location of the site.
You can not limit yourself to just one wall with a cornice, but extend the plasterboard box or profile along the entire perimeter. If you connect the LED strip along the inner box, you can get a beautiful two-level structure like a floating ceiling.
In small spaces, the use of both hidden and open variations is justified. But it’s better to refrain from using wall mounting; remember the immutable rule: the fewer elements, the better.

Finally, remember how important it is to correctly fit the cornice into the style of the interior. For large rooms decorated in a classic style, a wooden wall cornice is suitable - it will only emphasize the luxury of the room. In a modern minimalist interior, hidden cornices, perhaps with lighting, will look much better.

The article was written for the site.

Tags:Windows, Ceiling