Decorating a window using curtains creates coziness, protects from insects, dust and sunlight. The curtain divides the room into zones and emphasizes the interior. Curtains are distinguished by type of fastening, material and design. When buying a cornice, take into account the small subtleties of installation and the little secrets of interior design.
What to measure before hanging curtains
To determine the length of the wall curtain, you need to measure the width of the window opening and the gap between the window and the ceiling. In the case of ceiling cornices, you need to know the width of the window opening and the ceiling surface.
| Interval | Optimal parameters |
| Distance from the end of the rod to the wall | 15-40 cm on each side |
| Distance from rod to window | from 5 cm or 2/3 of the gap between the ceiling and window |
| Distance from rod to ceiling | 1/3 of the gap between the ceiling and the window |
Once the measurements have been taken and you are ready to install the curtain, prepare a set of tools. Necessary items for self-installation:
- Pencil with soft lead.
- Construction level.
- Long ruler.
- Set of dowels and screws.
- Drill.
- Phillips screwdriver or screwdriver.
Advice! If, despite the measurements, the cornice pipe turns out to be longer than necessary, cut it with a hacksaw. The solution is relevant for plastic and wooden rods.
Types of designs
First, it makes sense to get acquainted with the materials from which these products are created. In most cases, the decisive role when choosing a suitable curtain rod is played by its strength characteristics. Since the range of support devices is quite wide, it is necessary to consider all the main materials used for their production.
Wooden cornices
These are rods that are decorated with tips of various shapes. These crossbars are attached to the wall with external brackets. Their number depends on the length of the cornice: minimum - two. Additional accessories for the rod are rings equipped with curtain clips. The main element can remain visible or hidden behind a decorative panel.
Both types of cornices are popular - with one or two rows. The latest devices make it possible to decorate the opening with different types of curtains. Wooden cornices are capable of holding heavy window decor. They usually fit any interior style. The reliability of the design depends only on the quality of the components. Before purchasing, the product must be checked for defects.
Plastic station wagons
Such cornices are attractive due to their low price, ease of installation, and lightness of construction. They are not conspicuous and do not visually burden the space of apartments with low ceilings. Their main advantage over other products is versatility. Plastic models are available in several standard sizes - 1.5, 2, 2.5 meters. This length allows you to assemble a cornice for any window opening, because the extra centimeters can be easily trimmed and the missing ones added.
The material makes it possible to bend structures at your discretion. Often the kit includes a decorative strip. Such practical products that do not require complex care are often purchased to decorate kitchens. But they have a minus: they are fragile, which introduces serious limitations. Light plastic will not withstand heavy material: first it will sag, and then it will simply burst.
Baguette supports
Unlike the previous, usual candidates, these curtain rods allow you to completely hide all fastenings: both the fabric and the structure itself to the wall. For this purpose, the mini-system provides a wide decorative strip, which is called a baguette. The base hidden behind it can be one or more profiles (made of aluminum, plastic), rows of strings or a metal pipe.
A baguette decorative element is made from various materials - wood (smooth or carved), stucco, metal, leather or plastic. Such designs are universal: they are designed for fastening to walls or ceilings. The advantage of these systems is their spectacular, elegant appearance. The downside is the need for reinforced fasteners if the material of the curtains, baguettes, and rods is heavy.
Metal and metal-plastic
Such products remain favorites. They are extremely reliable and therefore durable. Metal curtain rods can withstand even heavy, multi-layer curtains. Designs for curtains are made of bronze, brass, steel. The most budget option is lightweight aluminum. Due to their affordability and minimal load on the walls, these “lightweight” models are the most popular.
To decorate products, nickel plating, chrome plating, patina gilding, and silver plating are used. Often casting or forging is used. The advantages of metal-plastic structures are maximum strength and a protective coating that protects the metal from moisture. The disadvantage of most products is their weight, so they place increased demands on the base.
String cornices
This elegant, even sophisticated, type of product has already been mentioned, but it needs to be highlighted separately. Nowadays, string construction is one of the most popular options for decorating window openings. The basis of such original curtain rods is a thin steel cable, which in fact is very reminiscent of a guitar string. Despite its small diameter, it is extremely durable.
The string is attached to the walls or ceiling using small brackets. They allow you to secure one or several rows of cables, the length of which depends only on the wishes of the owners (2-5 m). The excess is cut off with wire cutters or metal scissors. Curtains are attached with special clips, which are included in the package. The main advantage of these curtain rods is their weightlessness and invisibility, which makes it possible to focus not on the supporting element, but on the curtains.
Installing a cornice on brackets on the wall
Round collapsible brackets are designed for installing lightweight wooden or plastic curtain rods. They consist of a washer and a pad with a hole for the rod.
Algorithm for installing round brackets and mounting the rod:
- Draw a horizontal line with a pencil in the place where you plan to hang the curtains. When manipulating, use a building level and a long ruler.
- Place marks on the areas where the brackets are attached. At this stage, make sure that the elements are located strictly opposite each other at the same distance from the walls and ceiling.
- Drill holes at the marks and install dowels.
- Place the washers on the wall and line up all the holes. Using a screwdriver, tighten the screws that came with the dowels.
- Screw the cover with the hole for the holder onto the washer and insert the holder.
- Insert the curtain rod pipe into the brackets, having first placed the curtain rings on it. Secure the structure with the tips.
Installation of round collapsible brackets
For metal cornices, L-shaped brackets are suitable. They are attached to the wall according to the same principle as round ones - using dowels and self-tapping screws. Their fundamental difference is in the method of mounting the rod. The base is fixed using screw clamps.
Installation of L-shaped brackets for cornices
Idea! Instead of L-shaped and round brackets, you can use holders with horizontal holes to lay the rod on top of the mount. This is an ideal option for installing wooden curtains on the wall.
Installation of brackets-holders for cornices
Examples and photos of correct installation of curtains
Properly executed hanging of curtains helps to better perceive the interior. The photos provided confirm this.
Exquisite, laconic curtains in the living room perfectly match the design, beneficially increasing the height of the window (door) opening.
To visually increase the height, fabric with vertical stripes was chosen
The kitchen will be decorated with curtains on a round system. A stylish curtain in combination with wood looks noble and elegant, combined with classic kitchen furniture. Securely attached curtains will last a long time, decorating the opening.
Cornices on forged or wooden brackets are suitable for a classic interior.
How to choose and hang a curtain for curtains on a bedroom wall is demonstrated in the following example. A metal structure is perfect for the Baroque style, giving the room an atmosphere of romance, wealth, and charm. Light, airy curtains fall down, giving the room an elegant nobility.
The cornices are highlighted in black, but their design is quite simple so as not to attract too much attention, because in Baroque the main thing is expensive furniture and rich textiles
When choosing a cornice for a bedroom, it is recommended to consider:
- cornice size;
- apartment size;
- the shape of the window system.
The examples provided above confirm that a reasonably selected system and its competent installation visually improve the perception of rooms and emphasize the originality of the curtains.
Installation of ceiling cornice
Wall brackets with holes for a rod can be fixed to the ceiling. Procedure:
- Mark a line for installing the cornice on the ceiling and determine where to attach the brackets.
- Drill holes, insert dowels into the concrete base, attach brackets to the holes and secure the structure with self-tapping screws.
- Insert the rod into the holders, secure the edges with the tips.
Another option is to install a bus ceiling cornice. It is a long strip with tracks where grooves with hooks for attaching curtains are located. Types of products: single-row, double-row, three-row.
How to hang a tire structure:
- Prepare drills of two sizes: one should be slightly larger than the screw head, the second should be suitable for the parameters of the fastener rod.
- Using a large drill, make holes between the tracks in the front part of the structure, and a smaller drill on the back wall. The distance between the holes is 50-60 cm.
- Attach the cornice to the ceiling, center it relative to the window, and mark the locations for fasteners on the ceiling.
- Drill holes in the ceiling and install dowels.
- Attach the tire, align the holes on it and on the ceiling, secure the structure with self-tapping screws.
Installation of busbar cornice on the ceiling
What is important to consider when buying a baguette
Before you figure out how to install a curtain rod on a wall, we’ll tell you what to look for when purchasing a product. There are different designs on the market:
Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. They definitely need to be taken into account. But the installation is greatly influenced only by the type of brackets that come with the products. Depending on the material, there are several options:
- Plastic. The cheapest, but the most fragile. They are great for tulles and light curtains. When hanging a heavy canvas, the fastening sags and eventually breaks.
- Wooden. They help bring vivid design solutions to life. Their strength directly depends on the quality of workmanship. Therefore, components must be carefully inspected to ensure there are no knots, chips or cracks.
- Metal. The most reliable and durable curtain rods. If your budget allows, preference should be given to them.
Each option has its own design features. Many of them only affect appearance. But the type of mounting plate determines the reliability of fastening to the wall:
- Three-point. Makes it possible to firmly secure the structure and avoid turning the rod holder. This is ideal for installation in concrete and wood. If the holes are located close to each other, installation in porous materials becomes more difficult: aerated concrete, hollow brick and others. A fragment of the weakened surface may crumble or break off.
- Single point. The only hole for the dowel is in the middle of the installation “cup”. In this case, under the weight of heavy curtains, the bracket may tilt down slightly. But this makes it possible to firmly screw it to a surface made of hollow materials. It is enough to choose a dowel of the desired type and length.
If you have to attach a three-point “cup” to a hollow base, drive the load-bearing dowel only into the upper hole. We screw small self-tapping screws into the other two to avoid turning the bracket.
How to install a curtain on a suspended ceiling
It will not be possible to hang the curtain directly on the tension fabric - it is not able to withstand the load. Before installing the covering, it is necessary to pre-install the embedded bars for the cornice or provide a niche. Let's consider both options.
Mortgages
A prerequisite is that the lower parts of the bars must be in the plane of the PVC coating. If they are higher, you risk damaging the suspended ceiling during installation of the cornice.
Ceiling cornices are attached to the bars using self-tapping screws. Use long fasteners, but note that their size should not exceed the height of the bar. The diagram shows an example of the design.
Mortgages for cornices in suspended ceilings
A little about choosing curtains
For curtains, curtain rods are available in two-row, three-row and simple, in one row. For light curtains, simple, single-row products are used. If you are hanging curtains with tulle, then it is better to use curtain rods in 2 rows. When using lambrequins - three-row curtains.
The length of the curtain should be 5-10 cm higher from the floor, then it is easier to clean the floor covering, and the fabric does not get so dirty. By choosing a width that covers the entire wall, the space of the room visually increases. It is better to buy plain ones. White or black curtains match any interior.
Requirements for installing curtains
When installing curtains, you must adhere to the following rules:
The distance of the cornice from the wall is determined taking into account the protruding part of the window sill (or radiator) and the depth of the curtain folds
The reliability of curtain installation depends on:
Before you begin installation of the structure, you need to pay attention to the following factors:
For example, string curtain rods are designed for attaching only light curtains
At what height from the ceiling is it correct to hang a curtain rod?
When all the walls are painted and the furniture is in place, the only thing left to do in the apartment is to hang the curtains and enjoy the warm stay inside. But in order for expensive tulle with curtains to show off in the right place, you need to know how to properly hang curtain rods in relation to the window. There is nothing difficult here, but some nuances are still present. Read our review and learn all the features of installing curtains.
The cornice is an indispensable element of the interior, without which it is impossible to hang curtains
Basic installation rules
Before installing cornices, you need to get acquainted with several rules that will help you avoid most of the troubles when operating structures.
Plasterboard walls that are located close to the “main base” require long fasteners that can not only enter the main wall, but also be securely fastened to it. The optimal type of fastener for such bases is considered to be a plastic butterfly dowel or Molly dowel (made of metal). The first element ensures reliable fixation of curtains whose weight does not exceed 12 kg. “Girl” is a heavyweight: Molly is able to hold a “barbell” of up to 45 kg.
Source
How to hang a curtain on two windows
There are several ways to attach curtains to a curtain rod. Each requires competent calculations. This is especially true for rooms with two windows, where you can mount either one long or two independent structures.
For small rooms it is better to use 2 products, because they will visually expand the room, and for large spaces with high ceilings you can use one. Attaching the structure to two windows is carried out in several stages: we calculate the length, mark the places for drilling and secure the product.
To install the curtain mount quickly and correctly, you will need:
- Drill or hammer drill: For concrete, a hammer drill is suitable, and for plasterboard partitions, a drill is suitable.
- Drill 5 or 6 millimeters, depending on the diameter of the fastener.
- Screwdriver.
- Dowels and screws.
- Hammer.
How to properly secure curtains in your home - step-by-step guide
It is difficult to imagine a house without a single curtain on the windows. Fashionable blinds and curtains around the perimeter of the window are convenient, but curtains add coziness and warmth to the room. In order for the idea to be fully realized, you need to correctly select and install the cornice, and also correctly attach the curtain to it.
First steps
Before mounting, you need to stock up on the following tools:
- cornice;
- tips;
- rings;
- holders;
- L-shaped key;
- concrete drill;
- drill;
- screwdriver;
- high quality steel bits;
- roulette;
- pencil;
- level;
- dowels of the required diameter;
- self-tapping screws
In order for the curtain to fit the wall, you need to take the following measurements and write down:
- the amount of offset of the window sill relative to the wall;
- the length of the required cornice.
The usual classic version is installed with a margin of 15 cm on each side of the window. If there is a wall along the edges of the curtain, then the distance between them should be at least 5 cm. The simplest approach to the matter is to purchase a metal sliding version. It can be positioned as appropriate in this particular case. It easily extends and moves as needed.
Before hanging the product, you need to decide on the diameter of the guide. The maximum load on the structure depends on this. Installing a curtain should begin with determining the number of holders that will be required to secure it firmly. For a standard design, two are usually sufficient. If the length exceeds 2.4 m, then it is better to purchase an additional holder.
Final work
After all the operations completed, we begin to attach the curtain to the wall. To do this, drill holes for the brackets and hammer dowels into them.
Note!
For brick walls, it is better to use pine dowels, but in other cases you can use plastic ones or those included in the kit.
Then we screw the self-tapping screws through the bracket into the dowel and install the curtain rod, having first hung on it all the devices for fixing the curtains. After this, we fix the curtain rod to the bracket with additional screws or bolts that come with the kit, and hang the curtain. Video instructions on how to do this work can be viewed in our article.
Ceiling cornice installation diagram
Marking
In order to correctly install the curtain, you must first make markings. First, we determine the center of the wall and measure the same distance from it, closer to the edges. The distance from the edge of the wall to the bracket should be approximately 35-45 cm. Otherwise, the curtains, even when open, may cover the window, which, of course, is unacceptable.
In addition, curtains should not hang too close to the surface of the window, as in this case they will interfere with the normal opening of the windows. The distance to the ceiling is usually 10-15 cm, but this is not a very important point, so it can change in different directions.
Another wish is that when making markings you need to focus, first of all, on the wall, and not on the window frame or level, since the surface of the wall can be curved and if you made markings, for example, according to a level, then subsequently the fixed cornice may hang crookedly.
The photo shows the cornice being attached to the wall.
Attaching a profile cornice to the ceiling
Now we will tell you how to attach profile-type ceiling curtains.
Before installing them, determine the exact length because you will most likely have to shorten them. This is done using a hacksaw. After this, we drill holes for fastening. In order for the screws to sink into the structure, you need to make holes with different drills. First with a larger diameter, and then with a smaller one. With a large drill we make a hole to the depth of the cap, and with a thin drill we make the final through hole. The order should be as follows: the central one first, and then all the rest.
This is interesting! How to choose a ceiling cornice: variety of types and materials
