At what distance from the ceiling should you hang a cornice?

Installing and securing the cornice for a master is a matter of a quarter of an hour, but it is much more difficult for an amateur who, at all costs, wants to do his homework with his own hands. If you consider yourself one of them, we hasten to tell you how to properly hang curtain rods.

How to hang curtains on ceiling cornices is a question that is not alien to everyone who strives to create comfort in their home

Which cornice is better: ceiling or wall

The main advantage of a ceiling cornice is the ability to use long curtains, from the ceiling surface itself, to decorate a window. Thanks to this, it is possible to visually make the room much higher than it actually is. By using the ceiling version of the cornice in rooms with low ceilings, you can completely solve the problem of a small space.

In addition, ceiling structures can be used almost everywhere, in niches too. Most often, a string cornice is installed in rooms, consisting of two support brackets and metal strings stretched between them. Its advantage is its low cost and ease of installation. The only disadvantage of such a ceiling cornice is the sagging of the strings, which require periodic tightening. It is only permissible to hang curtains made of lightweight material on it; it will not withstand heavy loads. Ceiling structures are especially relevant for decorating windows of non-standard shape.

If there is no need to increase the height of the room, then a wall-mounted cornice would be an acceptable option. Its undeniable advantage is its huge assortment, where you can choose a design in country, retro or classic style. So, for rooms in a classic style with wooden panels, a wooden wall cornice would be a good solution. But metal fixtures with decorative elements such as forged parts and curlicues are best used for modern or avant-garde interiors. Plastic cornice is a universal design that fits perfectly into the design of any room.

When selecting a cornice, it is important to consider the size of the room, especially the height. You need to try to find an option that will most effectively emphasize all its best sides, and mask its disadvantages.

Practical advice

1. Remember that the total length of the cornice is calculated along with the decorative tips. The optimal distance from the tip to the side wall is 2 cm.

2. For a cornice up to 150 cm long, 2 brackets are required, 3 fastenings for a cornice 150–280 cm and 4 for a length from 280 to 385 cm. This rule must be observed to ensure the reliability of the structure. To allow you to safely open the curtains, install the brackets slightly outside the window frame.

3. Before choosing a cornice, estimate the distance from the window frame to the ceiling. If it is too small, some brackets may not fit. In this case, use the ceiling mounting method.

4. If you are thinking about how to choose a cornice for a stretch ceiling, then it is better to start with the fastening. In this case, the best option is wall cornices. Models from IKEA can be secured in any way. For example, the REKKA cornice has universal fastenings. Another option for a curtain rod for a suspended ceiling is the VIDGA curtain system. It will be enough to purchase it together with wall mounts.

5. When choosing a cornice, pay attention to pipes and radiators. A curtain rail with corner joints will help hide the side risers. This tire is also perfect for bay windows.

How to choose wall curtain rods

The determining factors for choosing a wall cornice are:

Load. The structure must support the weight of the curtains. You should not use massive structures for light curtains (veils, organza), and vice versa. There must be a golden mean in everything.
Curtain fastenings. They should be selected taking into account the material; when using them there should be no obstacles, unpleasant sounds, or “stuckness”.
Mounting type. When using lightweight fabric, both ceiling and wall options are suitable. But for heavy curtains, it is optimal to use a ceiling mount.
Availability of radiators and heating systems. The curtain should hang freely; if there are batteries, then they should be taken into account when installing the curtain rod.

In addition, the following points must be taken into account:

to decorate a narrow window, a long cornice looks more harmonious, where the curtains will cover part of the wall;
For low ceilings, it is preferable to use structures with a ceiling type of fastening.

To decorate a very large window, you need to select structures that are similar in width.

Selecting wall brackets for curtain rods

There are several types of brackets - holders. This structural element is attached to the wall; it must be made of the same material as the cornice itself. It is thanks to a good connection that the reliability of the entire mechanism is ensured. Holders available:

L-shaped, which are attached to metal structures, they do not create difficulties during installation work or difficulties in determining the hole for fasteners;
round in shape, collapsible - they are 1.5-4.5 cm in diameter, they are made from metal, plastic or wood, they are used for mounting both on the wall and on the ceiling surface;
solid ones, which have holes for installing fasteners, they are more often used for wooden structures.

If we compare the degree of installation complexity among the above types of brackets, it is most difficult to work with round collapsible holders.

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 hang wall-mounted curtain rods

In order for the curtain to look impressive in the room, it is necessary to correctly install the wall structure.

Assembling a wall cornice

Depending on the model of the curtain rod being installed, the assembly process may vary. If it is a solid sheet of metal, then this step is skipped. There are modifications that can be equipped with brackets. To fix them, you need to tighten the bolts to form a solid structure. For example, a cornice in the form of a tire is a simplified version of this design.

Wall cornices: photos in the interior

There are many models of wall structures on the market, each of which is distinguished by its originality and reliability. To make the process of choosing a cornice easier, you can view photos of the most popular options.

How to hang curtain rods correctly

Hanging a curtain rod generally takes fifteen minutes, but this is only if a master is working. But if a person has never done this, difficulties may arise. There are two types of cornices of this format: wall and ceiling. There are almost no differences in installation, except that wall-mounted ones are hung on the wall, ceiling ones are hung on the ceiling.

After purchasing everything you need, the question arises: at what height can you hang the curtain rod? The height can be changed, but it is best to attach it so that it is as close to the ceiling as possible, then the curtains will look much more beautiful. The most optimal distance from the ceiling to the cornice is 5-10 cm. You must pay attention to how the curtains will be attached.

Calculation is a delicate matter

Measure the total width of the wall, add 40 cm to the resulting figure; if there are two windows next to each other in the room, add 20 cm.

Before hanging the ceiling cornice, installation begins by measuring the width of the window

When determining at what height to hang curtain rods, do not forget that they are designed to perform not only a decorative, but also a functional task

Which is better: cornices on the ceiling or on the walls?

When choosing a design, you need to consider not only the type of curtains, but also your personal taste. It is important to consider the place where it will be installed. The installation height of the cornice above the window should be taken into account taking into account the aesthetic component. In this case, ceiling products look nicer in appearance than wall products, and all because when mounted to the ceiling, the curtains completely cover the window opening and all the way to the floor. The good thing is that the ceiling cornice well hides the entire curtain fastening system, which cannot be said about the wall-mounted version.

Three options for mounting the cornice to the ceiling

At what height can you hang a curtain rod? There are three design solutions:

option - this method will visually shorten the room and reduce the window. Typically, it is used to brightly decorate trim around windows. Decorative and rich windows should always be on show, which means hanging curtains at the borders of the window so that the architectural features of the window opening are visible.
This option allows you to properly hang a curtain rod over a window in a traditional style without adding visual interest to the room. This type is the most popular and practical.
Option - installing a cornice in this form will make the window visually larger and taller, creating a feeling of freshness and modernity. That’s right, the walls visually appear higher, making the room look larger. In small spaces this option works very well.

Window appearance

The architectural features of your room will also help you decide on the type of mounting for the cornice. Carefully examine the window opening and decide whether it fits into the overall style of the room. If windows don't match the decor of the space, or you simply find them unattractive, hanging curtains from the ceiling is one way to effectively hide them. It often becomes necessary to install such a cornice in order to disguise unevenness on the wall, a defect in the wallpaper, or communications coming out from the ceiling.

However, if the ceiling is decorated with carved molding, by hanging the console you run the risk of hiding a detail that attracts attention and adds individual character to the design of the room. Or the opening itself may have a beautiful shape and decorative finish. In this case, consider installing Roman blinds.

How to calculate the length of the cornice?

The cornice must be chosen such a length that completely open curtains open the entire window opening. Visually it will be like this: the width of the window opening needs to be increased by one meter, i.e. half a meter on each side for assembled curtains.

Are you wondering how to properly hang a curtain rod over a window? Then imagine that on average the length of the structure reaches two meters, then for installation you can use only two fasteners. If ideally the length is longer, then an additional bracket should be made in the middle.

The length and dimensions of the brackets should also be taken into account. Curtains should not lie on window sills or heating radiators, because they usually protrude far beyond the wall.

The distance of the cornice from the ceiling should take into account the fact that the fasteners are usually mounted in a reinforced concrete lintel above the window. There is a reinforcement cage inside it, which means that a drill should not get into this rod, because it will not be possible to drill the required size of the recess.

We have already found out the distance at which the cornice is attached from the ceiling; now it remains to determine how the cornices should be installed from the walls. Typically, the brackets are located no closer than 15-20 cm from the walls. In order for the cornice to hang evenly, an equal number of centimeters should be measured from the ceiling on both sides of the brackets. This can be done using a special horizontal level. Important: walls are not always level, so be sure to visually ensure that you don’t get into trouble.

The process of attaching the cornice

You can also secure the curtain rod with your own hands. First, you need to drill out the required socket for the bracket using a hammer drill. A dowel is initially inserted into it; it should not protrude beyond the plane of the wall. Next, you need to attach a special fastening element and secure it with screws, wrapping them in a plastic dowel.

After the supporting elements are secured, you should begin installing the cornice, according to the instructions for the cornice.

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

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Minor household repairs Turnkey repairs Finishing work Plumbing services Electrical furniture Assembly and repair Door installation and repair Laying tiles Welding work Painting work Plastering work Carpenter services Construction Opening locks and doors Design and calculations Interior design Tilers. To make them less noticeable, just paint the corners the same color as the wallpaper. To make the steps described above clearer, we recommend watching the video instructions for attaching a curtain rod to a wall.

By clicking the subscribe button, you agree to the site rules. How to hang curtain rods on the wall: simple instructions and pro tips.

How to securely fasten a curtain rod, position it correctly relative to the window, and are there any design features that need to be taken into account when purchasing? We answer these and other questions.

We screw small self-tapping screws into the other two to avoid turning the bracket. Photo: Instagram olrin Photo: Instagram story.

Types of cornices

For each special room design, construction stores always have several different types of cornices in stock. They differ in:

type of material of manufacture;
method of fastening and type of fastener;
the shape of the supporting beam.

When choosing a cornice, it is important to take into account the style and weight of the curtains, the shape of the window and the style of the room.

Wood, metal and plastic are used as materials for making fastenings for window textiles. Each material is successfully used for various interior styles. Plastic products are especially popular due to their low cost, availability, but most importantly, a huge selection of different colors, shapes and designs.

Metal and wood are expensive curtains. They are purchased for luxurious interiors, decorated with elements of wood or chrome. These products can withstand heavy loads, so curtains made from thick fabrics, richly decorated with glass beads, decorative clamps and all sorts of ruffles are suitable here.

Different types of fasteners are used for different repairs. Typically this is mounted on:

Wall-mounted models are equipped with brackets, most often these are L-shaped hangers, the design of which is made in the style of a cornice

To secure curtains with lambrequins, there are special curtain rods with adhesive tape.

Ceiling systems are usually profile products that have several grooves for attaching hooks. But it happens that telescopic or tubular curtains are attached to the ceiling. Oh yes, there are also different types of cornices. This:

Crossbars and cables are usually mounted on the wall, and profile ones on the ceiling. But there are exceptions: some are installed on the ceiling, and others on the wall.

The aluminum rail of such a cornice can be mounted both on the wall and on the ceiling

Construction portal No. 1

With the help of a ceiling cornice, it is possible to divide the space between the wall and the ceiling. There are several varieties of it, which differ both in composition, materials, and method of fastening. Let's look at how to hang a ceiling cornice below.

Ceiling cornice: varieties and characteristics

The cornice is a protruding part of the trim, for the manufacture of which the following is used:

tree;
plastic;
metal.

The type of cornice and the material from which it is made are chosen in relation to the features of the interior and the type of curtains that will be installed on the cornice. In relation to the load on the cornices, they are:

for light fabric;
medium load;
for heavy curtains.

If chintz or tulle is used as curtains, then a string cornice is sufficient, which is lightweight and practical. With the help of wooden or steel curtain rods, it is possible to install curtains that are heavier in weight than the previous option.

How to properly hang a cornice on a wall: step-by-step instructions

To learn how to properly hang a curtain on a wall, read the following tips:

The first step is to mark the wall. This is an important stage, since the final result depends on its correct implementation. What could go wrong? Are you sure that the wall and ceiling meet at a perfect 90 degrees? This is usually not the case, so be sure to measure the mounting points from the ceiling.

When marking, you should not focus on the ceiling; to accurately determine the horizontal line of the cornice suspension, it is better to use a level

A wall cornice is usually hung at 1/3 of the distance from the ceiling to the window opening

How to hang a ceiling curtain correctly

The procedure for installing a curtain hanger on a ceiling space is no different from mounting it on a wall. But there are still some nuances here. And the main one is the material from which the ceiling is made. Drywall and tension structures are very common in residential apartments. And such materials are not capable of holding a large load.

You can attach a light curtain to a plasterboard ceiling

There are special fasteners for drywall. These are the same dowels with screws, but only of a special design. Each of them is designed for a certain load, above which the element cannot be loaded.

Butterfly dowel for fastening in drywall

How to use a butterfly dowel when attaching a cornice to a plasterboard ceiling

This cannot be done without preliminary analysis. A significant role is played by the type of cornice, the material of its manufacture, the number of crossbars or grooves for curtains, as well as the type and density of the fabric. These parameters determine the mass of the entire product. After all, it is known that drywall is a fragile composition. Its edges can easily crack, and the cornice will simply jump out onto the floor.

Curtains of any type can be attached to a suspended ceiling.

There are no special fasteners for suspended ceilings. If it was planned to attach the curtains to the ceiling system, then it is necessary to provide wooden (metal) bars under the base. In this case, installing window textiles on ceiling fasteners will not be difficult.

Scheme of fastening a wooden block to a stretch ceiling

And this is what it looks like in reality

It is important to know at what distance to hang the curtain from the ceiling. The determining parameter is the gap between the curtains, the window and the heating radiator (battery). It is best to visually try on where the curtain goes by attaching a curtain. This way you will achieve an accurate result.

When determining the location for attaching the ceiling cornice, the width of the protruding part of the window sill and the presence of folds on the curtain are taken into account

The order of work is as follows:

Marking the ceiling space.
Drilling holes for dowels with screws.
Fastening brackets and crossbars.

If you are installing a plastic (aluminum) profile-type cornice, then there is no need to attach brackets. The product is attached directly to the ceiling surface using dowels. Additionally, this solution is decorated with a decorative baguette.

When installing a stretch ceiling, curtains can be fixed in a niche, then the design of the cornice will not matter at all

Work on mistakes

What to do if mistakes were made when choosing or calculating the mounting locations for the cornice? The main thing is not to rush to despair and get upset. Let's look at two of the most common mistakes made by beginners.

The problem of a cornice that is too long can be solved with the help of a hacksaw; the only limitation is the presence of decorative elements; there is a high probability that the cornice will lose its visual appeal.

If the cornice turns out to be too small or the standard models are not suitable for a long wall, you will have to go in search of special connecting elements that will easily allow the main length to join the additional one without disturbing the movement of the hook-runners.

How to attach a curtain to a loose wall

People often face the problem of installing curtain rods in loose walls. A thick layer of old plaster tends to crumble when installed in the drilled holes of plastic dowels. Naturally, nothing serious will be held in such a wall. You'd better forget about beautiful Italian curtains.

Loose material will not be able to hold a heavy curtain

To get rid of this problem it is not at all necessary to do a major overhaul. It is enough to drill holes of a larger diameter than the dowels purchased. The holes are sealed with tile adhesive or wooden “chops” with liquid nails. After complete hardening and drying, all you have to do is screw the screws into the wood.

Well-dried birch is best suited for making wooden cork.

The best solution would be to install a long anchor bolt, which will be fixed deep into the wall

Thanks to various types of fasteners and cornices, you can hang beautiful curtains in any room, with any of its shortcomings.

How to hang a curtain rod - at what distance from the ceiling and how to hang a curtain rod with your own hands