String cornices are structures consisting of fasteners between which a string (cable) is stretched. This type of cornices has long enjoyed well-deserved popularity among designers and consumers. This is due to their compactness, simplicity of design and ease of installation.
They look simple and elegant in appearance. The designers tried to make them elegant and expensive-looking. Curtains using these curtain rods are worthy of decorating window and door openings and delimiting space in different rooms, and not only in residential ones, but also on balconies, loggias and others.
String curtain rods are an interesting and inexpensive solution for decorating window spaces. Strings go well with any interior, especially with loft, hi-tech or minimalist styles. They are very good for a summer residence - easy to install and economical. This type of curtain fastening is again popular because it is superior to other types of curtain rods in simplicity, practicality and functionality.
Choice
Typically, string curtain rods are not used for hanging thick drapes and curtains together, since they will pull the string with their own weight, which will spoil the appearance of the window space. When choosing a cornice, you should take this fact into account, especially if the curtains have already been purchased. Each cornice has its own production load.
It is preferable to use a wire cornice for curtains made of lightweight fabrics: tulle, organza, silk, satin, light jacquard, linen, cotton. If it is impossible to replace already purchased heavy curtains, you need to choose a curtain rod with a thicker cable (string).
Beginners should take note: what are the benefits of string for curtains?
Compact size and long-term use are two common characteristics of the material. In addition, the list of qualities can be expanded thanks to mobility. For example, a cornice can be mounted in a country house. If necessary, it can be easily removed and stored until next spring. The list of qualities continues with an attractive appearance.
Unlike other similar designs, a string cornice allows you to choose a model that can blend into its surroundings.
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In addition to the listed qualities, builders focus on a number of additional ones:
- A string of any thickness does not attract attention;
- Possibility to choose ceiling holders taking into account the style of curtains;
- The opportunity to save the family budget - the material itself and the entire installation process do not require any significant time and physical costs;
- Ceiling fasteners are available in gold and silver versions.
Advantages
The popularity and demand for string cornice has created such advantages as:
- Compactness. It does not take up much space either on the ceiling or on the wall, which is especially important in small rooms.
- Lightness and elegance. It is easy to use - the curtains move freely. Such a cornice is almost invisible and does not distract the eye from the curtains themselves.
- Easy to install. The instructions describe in detail how to attach the cornice, so you can install it yourself.
- Versatility. You can install it in the living room, bedroom, nursery, loggia or balcony.
- Wide selection of types, models, options and shades of coatings.
- Optimal cost.
The popularity of string structures in the curtain accessories market is due to this last advantage.
These products also have disadvantages:
- Sagging under heavy curtains.
- Impossibility of installation on suspended and plasterboard ceilings.
- The appearance of corrosion of a metal cable over time if it is not covered with a special coating.
Design characteristics
The string cornice is universal because it is attached to both the ceiling and the wall. The thin cable is made from new steel alloys, it is hardly noticeable and does not spoil the overall interior of the room. The device looks stylish, is reliable in use and beautiful.
The universal string for curtains with fastening has a standard length of five meters. It is possible to reduce it to the required distance. All bracket models have several grooves into which up to three steel cables are secured. Models with a large number of rows are designed for attaching several layers of textile curtains that are hung on clips. There are several models of cornices that are susceptible to corrosion.
A special and improved system is used to maintain tension in the strings . During operation, the string can be tightened if it is very sagging. The brackets are installed at a distance of two meters from each other. To create a strong and reliable structure, several support points are made.
String structures have several brackets between which the strings are pulled. Thanks to the design of the brackets, the curtains are placed at different distances from each other and from the window. If necessary, you can move the curtains back or bring them closer together.
Design Features
String products have specific features. The structure of the string cornice consists of two or three brackets, which are the tips, and steel strings are located between them.
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The entire set consists of a steel cable (string), metal brackets and fittings (dowels, self-tapping screws, end caps, runners, supports, holders - hooks, clips). The strings can be up to 5 m long, which allows you to design a window opening of any width.
It is recommended to purchase string cornices in specialized stores, because they sell complete sets with all the necessary fittings.
Natalia Orlova
Interior Design Expert
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If you purchased strings longer than necessary, you can cut them with regular wire cutters. But don’t rush to cut it right away, but first accurately measure the length of the cornice so as not to damage the strings. The second option: do not cut the cable, but only carefully roll it on the sides - this will allow, if necessary, to tighten it if it is sagging.
Conclusion
Curtain string is a convenient, modern, versatile and affordable solution. Its advantages are ease of installation, possibility of repair (tensioning), compatibility with most interior styles.
This way you can decorate not only residential, but also utility rooms or a closed gazebo in the garden.
Self-installation of string curtain rods takes about an hour. To do this, you need to buy a ready-made kit at a hardware store and follow the attached instructions. It is better if the simplest device is selected the first time.
You can tension the string yourself - this is provided by the installation of a bracket.
To create a composition, it is worth considering the color of the wallpaper and floors in the room, the style of furniture, and the availability of free space. If the window space is occupied by something, for example, there is a table there, then you can use half-length curtains. The same applies to the window in the kitchen, where the window sill often serves as an additional work surface. A curtain on a string up to half the length of the window would be appropriate here.
Numerous positive responses confirm that string curtain rods are becoming popular again.
How to install a string cornice
Having bought a curtain rod with all the components, most buyers ask themselves: how to hang (secure) the structure, how to tension the curtain rod (cable). The answer is simple - invite an assistant, and then follow our advice.
- Mark the points where the brackets will be attached.
- Make holes using a hammer drill (if you have concrete walls) or a drill.
- Secure the brackets well with dowels.
- Pull the cable first into the hole of the first, and then the second and third brackets, passing it through the groove. Do the same if you need to make two or more strings (for hanging tulle and thick curtains).
- Stretch the cables to the required condition and secure them with a bolt in the bracket.
- Secure the cable with the plugs included in the kit, and cut off the excess with wire cutters or tuck it in at the sides.
- Next, you can begin hanging hooks or curtain clips.
- Hang the curtains.
If the length of your curtain rod is more than 3 meters, then you cannot do without an additional (third in the middle) holder, otherwise the string will not be tensioned to the desired state, and when hanging the curtains it will still sag.
To hide the cornice, you can create a niche by securing it to a mortgage. When preparing a niche, take into account the length, width, height and depth at which it will be located, but in this case it is better to trust the professionals. In a niche, the cornice can be decorated with a wooden plank, baguette or special ribbon with various ornaments. This method will highlight the beauty of the curtains.
It is necessary to calculate the location of the cornice attachment relative to the edge of the window sill or heating radiator: the curtains should not touch them, especially if various decorative elements are used.
Curtain device
The main feature that distinguishes string curtain hangers is the absence of a rigid guide for attaching curtains. Its role is played by a tightly stretched metal wire. This allowed designers to develop several varieties of such devices, which differ in the type of fastening and the number of tensioned guides.
The fastener is usually a metal bracket or bracket on which the end of a metal cable is fixed, and the number of strings varies from one to three. In accordance with the number of cables, such curtains are called single-row, double-row and three-row. You can learn how to install a string cornice from this material, at the end of which there will be a video showing the main important points of installation.
The guide in the form of a cable is made of metal and therefore is susceptible to the negative effects of water. To prevent corrosion, do not install such curtains in damp rooms. A special type of such devices is produced for them, treated with a special compound that prevents corrosion.
The length of the cable determines the length of the entire structure.
The string suspension is available in lengths from two to five meters and, if necessary, is cut to the desired size using wire cutters or metal scissors. However, it is best to avoid cutting the string. It is much more practical to simply roll the excess into a ring and hide it inside the cavity of the mounting bracket.
The curtain fabric is attached to the stretched guide using hooks or clips, which are included in the package of the purchased curtain. For light fabrics, like tulle, it is better to use clips, and it is much better to attach heavier materials to a universal string cornice with hooks. For such fastening, you need to sew a special braid with loops to the curtain or come up with another option for attaching hooks.
Features of operation and care
To maintain the attractive appearance of the structure, it is necessary to clean it regularly. Remove the curtains and hooks, freeing the strings. Then use the hard side of a damp sponge to “walk” along them until the dirt is completely removed. At the same time, the hooks can be soaked in warm soapy water for 30 minutes, and then washed with a sponge, and then wiped dry.
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If you want your string cornice to serve you for many years, then follow these tips:
- Do not hang heavy curtains that are not designed for such curtain rods (teak, heavy jacquard, blackout, tapestry, velvet).
- Move the curtains carefully, without sudden movements.
- Do not allow drafts in the room, otherwise, with increased air movement, the strings may be deformed due to the active movement of the curtain panels.
- Keep curtains away from pets and children whenever possible.
What are the types
On the consumer market, string fasteners for curtains are offered, differing in fastening methods, configuration, number and type of strings.
Mounting location
Depending on the installation location, curtain rods are distinguished:
- ceiling;
- wall;
- into a niche.
Strings are tensioned:
- directly above the window opening;
- between opposing walls (if you need to partition a room or fence off a corner of a room);
- in a room with non-standard walls, windows, where there are inclined, non-parallel areas or irregularities.
To visually increase the height of the ceiling and window space, use a ceiling mount. But you should not attach such cornices directly to suspended and plasterboard ceilings.
Wall strings are attached with brackets directly to the wall. For mounting between walls, use the second option - the installation method does not differ from the wall one.
If the apartment has a suspended ceiling, then the cornice is installed in a specially created niche.
Types of strings
Depending on the material used to make the strings, curtain rods are:
- fishing line;
- wire
The former can be used in apartments, on loggias and balconies, in country buildings with brick walls and wooden floors. The advantage of fishing line cornice strings is the regulation of their length. If the curtains sag under their own weight, the line can be easily pulled up by hand. They are also easy to install and inexpensive, which makes them different from steel wire strings.
Number of string rows
According to the number of string rows, cornices are:
- 1-row;
- 2-row;
- 3-row.
A single-row string cornice is used to hang one light curtain (for example, in the living room - made of tulle, in the bedroom - made of chiffon, in the kitchen - made of cotton).
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If you need to hang a tulle curtain and curtain together or in two rows of tulle of different densities or colors, choose a two-row cornice.
You can also use a three-row curtain rod to realize your design ideas with multi-layer curtains, for example, a thin curtain, a loose curtain and a lambrequin. In this case, each canvas is hung separately on each row.
But take into account the total weight of all textiles, as it may be critical, so the strings may sag. Choose light, thin fabrics: they will not load the cornice, and their double layer will create sufficient shading.
Appearance (design)
Depending on the shade of the coating, string cornices are:
- shiny (bronze, silver, gold, brass);
- matte (same shades);
- white (to match the color of the ceiling);
- chrome plated;
- under wood;
- combined, with different decor.
It is important that the coating is of proper quality - it does not crack under the influence of direct sunlight and high humidity in the room (for example, in a bathroom, on a balcony or a bathhouse).
High-quality curtain rods are coated with a layer of protective varnish, and you should pay attention to this when purchasing.
Cornices can be further decorated using various materials: glass, wood, ceramics and polymer products.
How to assemble a string cornice with your own hands
If you have free time and like to craft, then you can make a string cornice yourself. Purchase steel wire, metal corners, self-tapping screws or bolts with holes in the stud from a specialized store. Mark the location of the corners (they will serve as brackets), attach them to the wall or ceiling using bolts and a drill. Then thread the cable through the holes, tension and secure its ends.
Conclusion
So, dear readers, designers have brought simple, elegant strings back to life as curtain rods. Traditional cornices, which are familiar to us, can in some cases distract attention: we admire the cornices, and not the curtain composition. If you want to concentrate attention on the beautiful textile design of windows, on delicate fabric, then string structures are just suitable for these purposes.
Agree that the combination of brutal metal strings and delicate airy curtains looks touching and very harmonious! And if you replace traditional cornices with string cornices, this will bring a special atmosphere and novelty to the interior of your home.
Combination with textiles
Due to their designs and distinctive features, string products are ideally combined with weightless types of curtains. A steel string is attached to a durable structure to the ceiling or wall. Not too heavy textile fabrics are hung on a wire cornice , since due to the heavy weight of the curtains, the strings sag and do not look aesthetically pleasing.
The strings can easily withstand chiffon, tulle and organza, as well as any other lightweight new materials. For tapestry, printed and velvet curtains, it is necessary to install a double-row or multi-row cornice.
Thanks to cornices with strings, translucent textiles float in the air and are not held on by anything, because the thin string is almost invisible.
Decorative clips or hooks are used to attach curtains. They are made in different colors or with a metallic shade that will suit any room interior.
The shape of the window is an equally important characteristic for choosing the type of cornice. String products and metal curtain rod holders are great for rectangular windows.
Question answer
Question to the expert
Lyubov Pavlovna: Hello! I encountered the problem of sagging curtains on a string cornice a year after use; the curtains are made of jacquard fabric - the middle already reaches the floor. If the cornice is sagging, how can I fix it myself?
Surely your curtains are made of heavy jacquard - this subsequently leads to sagging of the wire curtain rod. The fix is very easy - rotate the bolt in the fastening part of the cornice, tensioning the string to the desired state. You can do this yourself in a few minutes. And I advise you to replace the curtains with lighter ones (made of chiffon, cotton, organza) so that you don’t have to constantly pull on the cables.
