Not the last place in the interior of the room is occupied by curtains. They not only decorate the room, but also perform a protective function for the room. To attach the curtains in place, you need curtain rods. The choice plays an important role, because there are many varieties, made of different materials, designs, sizes, shapes.
Curtain rods come in different types, designs and from different materials.
The most popular are wooden curtain rods; let’s take a closer look at what they are.
Cornices made from natural durable wood have a convenient shape and fit into any design.
Wooden cornices have been used for a long time; they were one of the first to be used to complement interiors; they are installed in living rooms, bedrooms, children's rooms, and kitchens.
Wooden curtains are made from valuable tree species: mahogany, oak, walnut, beech, mahogany, chestnut, pine. They have a beautiful aesthetic appearance, are valued because nature has endowed them with unique lines and patterns, are durable, strong, and are used with both heavy curtains and light curtains, lambrequins.
Using varnishes, paints, and tonal coatings, these rocks are imitated, decorated with hand carvings, and covered with gilding.
To give the cornice a complete look, it is decorated with figured wooden tips or forged elements
Cornices are in harmony both in the classical style and in the modern style.
Wood is an environmentally friendly material and does not contain substances harmful to human health, which is a plus in its use. But there are disadvantages: they do not tolerate moisture well, over time, abrasions of the rings appear on the rod, and the coating needs to be renewed.
Curtains made of wood require regular maintenance, otherwise over time they will become a haven for wood parasites and lose their appearance. Curtains are easy to install; they have simple designs and convenient fasteners.
Types and classification of wooden cornices
The most popular option for cornices are wooden curtains. They, in turn, differ:
- The type of wood used for production. Models made from hardwood are distinguished by their high strength and noble shade. But products consisting of several rows may be too heavy, so additional, reinforced fixation will be required. The advantage of softwood cornices is the ability to apply carved patterns to their surface. And modern technologies allow you to give the product absolutely any shade.
- Type of fastening. They can be attached to the wall or ceiling. When choosing a ceiling mount, you need to pay attention to the weight of the curtain, especially if the surface is suspended. This option is preferable for an apartment with low ceilings or rooms in which there is no space between the window and the ceiling. The wall method is simpler, but is used mainly in rooms with a high ceiling and a significant distance from the window to the horizontal surface.
- Appearance. Today the trend is complex systems with a large bar on the front side. The fastening mechanism is hidden behind it. Models in the form of a rod, which may have additional sections for tulle and curtains, also remain relevant.
- Number of functional rows. If one curtain is enough, for example, in the kitchen, choose single-row models. Double row is more popular. It is suitable for tulle and curtains. Three-row ones are needed when it is necessary to hang a complex structure with a lambrequin.
Cornices differ in the type of wood, fastenings and appearance.
The wood cornice is a decorative element. To attract attention to it, you need to choose one whose length exceeds the width of the window opening by more than 10-12 cm. And in order for the structure to have a finished look, special decorative overlays are used.
A wooden cornice is a decorative element of the interior.
Wood
The following types of wood can be used to produce a wooden cornice:
- deciduous (oak, beech, cherry, walnut, birch);
- needles (pine, larch, juniper);
- exotic (wenge, ebony, zebran).
Deciduous, coniferous and exotic types of wood can be used for production. The cheapest are pine and spruce. At the same time, they have a fairly attractive appearance and fit well into any interior.
Products made from pine and spruce are considered the most budget-friendly. Oak is recognized as valuable and beautiful. It is difficult to work with, but the product can last a very long time.
Oak cornices are very durable. Cherry is light in weight and easy to process, so models made from this wood are often decorated with patterns.
Products made from cherry are very light. Exotic wood species can highlight the status of a room. But such products are very expensive. And it’s almost impossible to find discounts and promotions on them.
Cornices made of exotic woods emphasize the status of the room.
Form
There are 2 forms of wooden curtain rods: round and rectangular. Round ones are more common. Thanks to their shape, they can make the interior softer, and the movement of fasteners along the bar is smoother and more convenient.
Round cornices make rooms more comfortable. Rectangular ones represent a bar.
Rectangular cornices look like planks. Their design allows you to create a romantic atmosphere in the room by adding additional lighting to the cornice.
Lighting allows you to give the room a special romantic atmosphere.
Dimensions
The length of the curtain rod is selected individually for each room and depends on its area, type and material from which the curtains will be made. For a small apartment, not very wide options in light shades without threads are suitable.
Narrow cornices are suitable for small rooms. When decorating a room in a classic or modern style, choose wide cornices with beautiful carvings.
Wide carved cornices are suitable for decorating a room in a classic style.
Color
Today, when producing products from natural wood, it is possible to paint it in a variety of colors. When choosing the colors of the cornice, you need to build on the colors that are used in the interior.
When choosing a cornice, take into account the colors of the overall interior of the room. Light-colored products are suitable for decorating a room in Provence, minimalism or eco styles. They are hung in rooms with a small area and low ceilings.
Light cornices fit perfectly into Provence, minimalism, and eco styles. Dark products decorated with carvings are used to accentuate classical, modern, baroque and empire styles.
Such carved products are suitable for Art Nouveau, Baroque and Empire styles.
You cannot buy products in a shade that sharply contrasts with the decoration of the room! But it is allowed to choose tones that are very different from the color of the curtains.
Product length
Selected individually. Depends on the type of room, area, what style and fabric structure is chosen.
For small rooms, use narrow and preferably light-colored curtains, without threads, which will harmoniously fit into the interior. But in large rooms you can use a flight of fancy. In any case, when choosing, the length should be 40-50 cm wider than the window opening. If the window is large, in order to avoid sagging of the wooden cornice due to the gravity and weight of the curtains, use additional fasteners, intermediate holders.
Accessories and decorative elements
Wooden cornices consist of:
- rods (depending on the model, there may be several, for example, in a double-row – two);
- brackets;
- tips for decoration;
- parts intended for fastening curtains (hooks, clips, rings, eyelets).
Some models may have fleurons - decorative tips attached to a baguette or wooden rod. They can be of any shape (round, pointed, quadrangular).
Some models may have fleurons - decorative tips of various shapes.
Mounting methods
Attaching the curtain depends on whether there is a door or not, as well as on the shape of the opening.
So, there are these types of fastenings: Installation on trims - suitable for hanging curtains. Curtains are installed on the door leaf in cases where they want to hide from the sun or prying eyes. Roman blinds are usually installed on such a mount. The curtain rod is installed above the passage on the wall. In this case, the curtain is fixed with loops, rings, and a drawstring. It is worth noting that the latter option is only appropriate if the structure is stationary.
Soft rings form soft folds. Curtains can be decorated with tassels, lambrequins, and eyelets. If you want the curtain to drape, then sew curtain braid to its upper edge. Each detail must correspond to the general concept of the interior style in color, shape and texture. Choose materials that are in harmony with the design of the room.
How to make wooden curtains with your own hands
Making a wooden curtain rod with your own hands is not difficult. To do this you need to prepare the following materials:
- 2 slats;
- 2 metal corners;
- self-tapping screws
To make your own cornice, you will need wooden slats. Additionally, you will need a saw, a hacksaw, a screwdriver, wire for attaching hooks, a ruler and varnish for wood processing.
You will need to prepare the necessary tools. The process of making a cornice with your own hands is as follows:
- Length notes are made on the staff.
- The excess is sawed off.
- Corners are attached to the sides. Experts advise attaching two pairs at once, from below and from above.
- Wooden elements are attached to the corners.
- Guides are installed. To secure the wire tightly, its length must be 5 cm greater than the length of the cornice.
- The number of guides depends on personal preference. Self-tapping screws are used to secure the strings.
- At the very end, the cornice is treated with a layer of varnish. It is advisable to repeat the procedure 3 times.
At the end, the finished product must be varnished.
Barbell
- Take a board, as for the bracket.
- sawn into square slats 25x25 mm, the edges are rounded on the milling table, a round base is obtained.
- the edges of the rod at a distance of 10 cm are reduced in diameter, equating to the size of the holes on the brackets, sanded and painted.
- Everything is varnished.
- The cornice is being installed and the curtains are being hung.
As you can see, it is possible to make wooden cornices at home, but this requires skills and tools. Therefore, it is easier to purchase in a store.
Features of choice
When choosing a cornice, it is important to consider the following nuances:
- Its shade should be harmoniously combined with furniture, wall decoration and curtain color. To emphasize interesting curtains, it is allowed to use a contrasting cornice.
- Light-colored products are appropriate in small rooms. In a large one, you can hang massive cornices, decorated with carvings, forging or decorated with metal parts.
- In order for the curtains to protect the room from the penetration of cold air from the street, it is worth choosing rounded models that have an original appearance.
- Carved cornices and curtains must match each other. Having chosen a massive composition made of dense, heavy fabric, you need to choose a large curtain. And vice versa.
When choosing, keep in mind that the curtains with the cornice should be harmoniously combined.
Classic style
Not long ago, such a concept as modern classics appeared. For its design, strict draperies with luxurious outlines are used.
These can be straight curtains with large vertical folds. To do this, you can purchase thick textured or smooth fabric. If you want your doorway to look more elegant, then complement the curtain with a light translucent curtain. Often lambrequins with folds are used to decorate the cornice.
The process of sewing such curtains is no different from the technology described above. To make curtains in a modern classic style, use only natural textiles. The lower part of the curtains should not reach the floor by 2-3 cm. Fabrics that shimmer with silver or gold are ideal for making curtains over the opening. If you consider this combination too pretentious, then it is better to make curtains from a plain dense fabric.
The best manufacturers
To be sure that you are buying not only a beautiful, but also a high-quality cornice, you need to pay attention to the manufacturer. The best models are made:
- Cessot is a French brand that produces products from environmentally friendly, high-quality materials.
- DecorHome is one of the largest manufacturers in Russia. If desired, the buyer can make an individual order (with ornaments, for painting).
- Olexdeco is a manufacturer that works only with high-quality materials. The company offers a wide selection of original cornices at an affordable price.
- Legrand, in addition to curtain rods, has launched the production of sun protection systems for windows. All products are of high quality, attractive design and low prices.
The range of curtain rods from various manufacturers is more than wide.
Manufacturing of textile curtains
You shouldn’t have any particular difficulties when sewing curtains, because the technology is practically no different from making curtains for windows.
So, you will need: Fabric. Curtain rod. Sewing machine. Chalk for markings. Scissors. Pins. Threads. Before starting work, take measurements of the opening, you will need its width, curtain height and mounting points. Decide on the fabric. Add 3 cm to the total width of the curtain to process allowances, and for fastening to the cornice - 5-10 cm. In order for the fabric to shrink before cutting, it must be soaked in hot water, dried and thoroughly ironed.
Cutting is carried out in accordance with the measurements. If you wish, you can decorate the edges, for example, with fringe, frill or beads. It depends on the style of the interior. After sewing the curtain, all that remains is to hang it on the cornice.
How to install correctly
You need to hang the cornice in stages:
- Make markings where it is attached to the wall or ceiling.
- Attach the brackets. If the wall is concrete, use dowels with spacers. Self-tapping screws are suitable for drywall, and plastic bushings are suitable for foam blocks.
- Assemble the cornice and hang it on the prepared brackets.
The cornice must be installed in accordance with specific instructions. Curtain rods made of wood need proper care. To prevent the product from swelling and losing its original appearance, it must be protected from direct exposure to moisture. It is important to wipe them regularly with a soft cloth and soapy water. Protective impregnations are periodically used. Powders and aggressive chemicals are not suitable for caring for cornices.
To maintain the appearance of the product, it requires systematic care. Curtain rods made of natural wood are environmentally friendly and have an attractive appearance. When choosing them, you need to take into account the size of the room, ceiling height and overall interior design. With proper care, such a product can last a very long time.
The main advantage of wood cornices is that they are environmentally friendly.
What might happen
In order to have an idea of what designs can be assembled without purchasing ready-made kits and using a little imagination, below are several photos of examples of cornices assembled with your own hands.
As you can see, all the curtain options presented above will look very good. Some of them are suitable only for traditionally decorated interiors, while others can be used when decorating rooms in modern styles.
Photo examples in the interior
Work order
All of the above options for curtain hangers will be assembled in approximately the same order. Therefore, below we present a general order of work for everyone, which, with minor differences, may be suitable for any option.
- First, the window opening is measured. The assembled structure should be 30-50 centimeters wider than the window. This size allows you to completely darken the room by covering the window with thick curtains.
- According to the obtained size, blanks for the guides on which the curtains will be hung are cut.
- Fasteners for the guides are being prepared. In the case of a wooden or steel round rod, it can be a wooden piece, with a hole for the rod and another hole through which it will be attached to the wall, or a simple metal corner of a suitable size. For string systems, it is necessary to prepare steel angles, two for each string. The tire is attached with dowels or screws directly to the ceiling.
Optimal overhang sizes
The width of the overhang depends on its location. Front cornices are produced to a length of about 1 m, but sometimes this size can be increased. When installing a cornice with a projection of more than 300 mm, the beams are placed in increments of 600 mm and nailed at the top to the beam and rafters. According to the requirements of SNiP 11-26-76 (as amended in 2011), for buildings up to 2 floors inclusive, in the absence of an organized drainage system, the eaves extension must be at least 60 cm, and with an organized drainage system - 40 cm or more. When the board is positioned in the transverse direction, it is fixed on both sides, maintaining a gap of 10-15 mm, when longitudinally - every 1 meter of its length.
Guides
Wooden curtain rods with one row are used mainly in kitchens, where it is enough to hang one curtain.
Double-row curtain rods are the most common option - they are designed for light tulle and heavy curtains. Installed in bedrooms and living rooms.
The most complex designs of three guides are attached to the wall if the curtains are made into a multi-layer composition using lambrequins.
Baguettes
It is a decorative strip that breaks both the structure of the cornice and the mechanism for fastening the curtains.
Baguettes come in a wide variety of shapes. They are often inlaid with decorative elements. These models, especially if made of mahogany and decorated with carvings, have an unusually luxurious appearance.
Note!
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