The interior will be harmonious provided that it is thought out to the smallest detail. When it comes to creating the interior of a residential building, one of the main components of an attractive design is the design of window openings. The role of curtains is difficult to overestimate. They emphasize the style of the house, protect from prying eyes and sunlight. But not all curtain elements can always fit harmoniously into the design. Most often, difficulties arise with the cornice. Often you want to hide it, make it invisible. In this case, you need to use a hidden curtain rod. It will make the functional part of the design invisible, hide some of the imperfections of the walls, and make it possible to focus all attention on the beautiful, bright curtains. How to make and install a hidden ceiling curtain rod is described in more detail in this publication.
Interior aesthetics sometimes imply the absence of unnecessary details
When the cornice is not visible, all attention is paid to the beauty of the curtains
Brief description of the design, advantages
The cornice is usually closed with a special niche. Its arrangement and design features must be planned in advance - even at the stage of finishing the ceiling. In a niche you can hide all the unwanted functional parts of the curtain, install lighting, and create the effect of a floating curtain.
The niche space does not require special finishing; it will still be hidden by curtains
For hidden fastening of curtains, a cornice of any convenient design is suitable
Note! If you do not provide a niche in advance, in the future you will have to dismantle part of the decoration, change the tension structure, or come up with a decorative element to hide the suspension.
The dimensions of the niche depend on the structure that needs to be placed in it
When should it be used?
When do you need to place curtains behind the ceiling plinth, in a special niche? There are two objective reasons for this.
- Functional necessity. This need arises in rooms with a stretched ceiling. It is forbidden to mount rigid structures on the surface of the film; wall-mounted cornice options are also not suitable for all. The easiest way is to provide a special niche at the installation stage. Its dimensions are determined individually.
The threads of this curtain seem to flow from the stretch ceiling; you cannot achieve this effect with an open cornice. - Interior preferences.
Standard cornices have long lost their popularity. They are difficult to fit into modern interior styles. Today it is fashionable to decorate windows with airy curtains flowing from the ceiling. This effective design technique is especially relevant for minimalism, modern, and loft styles. If the cornice does not match the style of the space, you can simply hide it
Criterias of choice
There are three basic options for fastening the system that holds curtains or window curtains. All of them are universal and quite suitable for stretch ceilings.
But here it is important to remember that this method of interior improvement has its own characteristics, since tension fabric, especially PVC, is completely unsuitable as a supporting structure, does not tolerate cuts and lateral loads, and also slightly reduces the ceiling line. So, the main classification of cornices is based on the method of their fastening
So, the main classification of cornices is based on the method of their fastening.
Traditional wall option
It is extremely easy to install and requires minimal preparatory measures. It looks very good in interiors with high ceilings, but it looks extremely unprofitable where the ceiling line is lowered.
It is also important to consider the size of the window sill—more precisely, its outlet. Otherwise, it will turn out that even at the maximum reach of the mounting console, the falling curtains will begin to bulge where it protrudes into the room
This looks especially bad with curtains that reach the floor.
Timeless classics are equally well suited for both classic interiors and country style
Ceiling mounted
A little more finicky to install. Its advantage lies in the fact that you can choose to remove the suspension from the wall at your own discretion - there are no technical restrictions, as such.
In this case, it is important to pay a little more attention to the unit responsible for direct fastening to the ceiling, since the load vector coincides with the axis of the hardware that holds the cornice itself. Therefore, everything must be done carefully: no dowel-nails, only plastic dowels and screws
And even better are anchor structures (especially with heavy curtains) - they hold up best in such conditions. Curtains on such a curtain visually increase the height of the room. Therefore, this type of cornice fastening should be given preference in small-sized apartments with low ceilings - it will create the illusion of additional space.
The cornice does not have to adhere to a straight line or go from wall to wall
Recessed or hidden
In fact, it is a type of ceiling fastener. But, unlike its open counterpart, there is always a special niche under the cornice, hiding all the elements of curtain hanging from the observer. It goes well with any interior style, but requires some technological tweaks.
With a hidden cornice, the curtains seem to come out, fall out from behind the ceiling, which gives the entire structure visual weightlessness
Also, in addition to the method of fastening the cornice, it is important to pay attention to the main material from which the structure is made. There are several standard options:
- tree. Most often found in wall structures or as a decorative element in baguette systems. Quite an expensive cornice, but the texture of natural wood gives a special nobility to the appearance of the curtain hanging system;
- plastic. The most budget-friendly type of cornice. It is very attractive with a variety of colors: it can be white, multi-colored, or imitating natural materials. The flexibility of the material makes it possible to construct systems that are very complex in configuration and design. Thus, you can find a plastic cornice either in the French style or in the hi-tech style;
When choosing the type of cornice, it is better to adhere to the following rule: you should first assess the load on the entire system and only after that evaluate the external data of a particular model, choosing the one that best suits the interior.
This is interesting: How to properly cut the ceiling plinth in the corners - how to connect the corners without a miter box, how to stick it on the ceiling, how to cut it at home
Advantages
The most important advantage is aesthetics. The photos in our article will give everyone the opportunity to see how attractive and unusual a floating curtain looks. Closed pendants mask unattractive parts of the wall, visually adjust the height of the ceiling, and make it possible to decorate the design with light lighting.
Hidden fastening of curtains is appropriate in rooms with low ceilings
Possibility to adjust the distance from the window. Some apartments have wide window sills. In this case, the wall mounting option for curtains is absolutely not suitable. You can place the fabric on the ceiling at any distance from the opening - for any width of the window sill.
Fixing the curtains in a niche eliminates the problem of choosing the design of the cornice and accessories
Focusing on decor. Less than attractive fasteners will not distract from the beautifully flowing fabric. Even the lighting installed in a niche will not attract much attention. They will only slightly emphasize the textile composition.
Using lighting you can easily create a unique atmosphere in your bedroom
Thick curtains covering the entire wall will make a narrow room visually wider
The nuances of masking curtains
Before installing a hidden curtain rod, there are a few details to keep in mind:
- When carrying out calculations, the width of the window sill and the radiators under it are taken into account: curtains should not touch the heating equipment;
- When thinking about a hidden cornice, take care of easy fastening of curtains and runners so that they can be easily removed and installed back;
- Installing a cornice wider than the window opening will make the room visually larger.
Thus, masking curtains and cornices becomes part of modern interior design. This design move not only visually enlarges the room, but also gives a harmonious and finished look to the room.
Options for hidden ceiling cornices
There are two masking options:
- in a special niche;
- camouflage using baguette structures.
The first option involves constructing a recess in a suspended ceiling or in a plasterboard ceiling. The optimal niche for curtains will have individual dimensions. They depend on several criteria: the width of the window sill, the features of the curtains, the dimensions of the suspension itself (it can have several stripes). The depth of the trench is usually standard - from four to fifteen centimeters. The depth will depend on the features of the ceiling structure.
A niche can be provided when installing a suspended ceiling
You can also make a separate structure that covers only the cornice itself.
If you do not want to install curtains, you can resort to the standard mounting method - wall-mounted. At the same time, the unsightly suspension is masked with decorative baguettes. Decorative overlays can cover fasteners, decorate the interior, and do not require effort for installation. This design method is relevant for classic designs.
Niche for curtains
Even if the ceiling is suspended (see PVC stretch ceilings - installation technology), the window niche is made of plasterboard. Therefore, for work you will need tools for cutting and joining the profile: metal scissors and a cutter.
You will also need tools for processing drywall: a special knife for cutting plasterboard, as well as a peeling and edge plane. The first is used for cutting edges, and the second is used for chamfering them at an angle.
As for consumables. We purchase two types of profiles: PPN 28*27 (UD) and PN60*27 (CD), 6*60 mm dowels for mounting PPN to the wall, and 3.5*25 mm self-tapping screws for fastening gypsum boards.
We think it won’t be difficult for anyone to calculate the required amount. Naturally, you will also need general construction tools: level, marking thread, hammer, hammer drill, screwdriver.
Design selection
There are two options for making a niche. In one case, only the front wall is mounted, and the base floor remains as the bottom. The second option is when the surface of the recess is lined with plasterboard.
The decision in favor of one or another method of arranging a window niche should be influenced by the following criteria:
If you live in an apartment that is not located on the top floor, or it is a private house, and there is a heated attic above, you can give preference to the option with a base bottom, which you see in the photo below. Such a niche will be less labor intensive.
Niche option with base bottom
- In a situation where there is an unheated attic above the apartment, there is a high probability that due to the temperature difference, condensation will collect on the ceiling. Moreover, the niche is also adjacent to the outer wall, and, moreover, is poorly ventilated.
- In this case, it is better to hem the base base, and our instructions will tell you exactly about this option. To prevent condensation from forming in the interior, be sure to seal all cracks and joints with cement paste and treat the ceiling with hydrophobic impregnation.
This advice applies not only to the niche, but also to the entire ceiling of the apartment, if it is located on the top floor. The main thing here is not the price you have to pay for high-quality preparation, but the absence of problems during the operation of the suspended ceiling.
Making a hidden suspension yourself
The easiest way to cover the cornice is to make a trench from plasterboard. To do this, you need to know in advance the features of the curtains, the length, width of the curtain rod.
Calculation of niche width
You should also prepare some tools and materials:
- construction tape;
- sheet of drywall;
- long metal ruler;
- knife with replaceable blades;
- roughing plane;
- ceiling, guide profiles;
- screwdriver;
- self-tapping screws
First you need to prepare the drywall. We cut it into strips of the required size - from four to fifteen centimeters. We cut drywall using a knife.
Having made the blanks, you can begin installing the ceiling guide profiles. From these you need to build a metal niche frame. The profiles are attached according to the markings. It can be applied to the ceiling with a regular pencil or paint cord. When fastening, we adhere to one rule - the dowel spacing is at least 60 centimeters.
First, the first profile is installed strictly according to the markings
Then a frame of short jumpers and a lower profile is mounted
Then we form the sides of the box. To do this, we use prepared plasterboard sheets. We fasten the sheets in increments of at least fifteen centimeters. Then we mount the end sides in a similar way. We process them with a plane. At the end, the bottom of the box is sewn up.
The box is ready for putty, which is done with a reinforcing mesh
After this, you can start designing the decorative component. The box can be puttied, painted, or wallpapered.
After completing the dirty work, you can fix the cornice
Choosing a cornice
The choice of hidden curtain rods usually involves selecting a design based on three main criteria: the weight of the curtains, the length of the window opening, and the number of strips. Also, when choosing, you should take into account the material from which the suspension will be made.
First you need to decide on the design of the curtains, and then choose a cornice
A separate niche above each window is a labor-intensive solution, but very original.
Types of materials and brief characteristics of cornices are discussed in the table:
| Type of cornice according to the material used | a brief description of |
| Wood | Suitable for absolutely any room. They harmonize especially well with classic, Provence, and country styles. Most often, wooden models are installed in children's bedrooms. These rooms always have high environmental requirements. Wooden hangers can withstand high loads. |
| Plastic | Modern plastic does not turn yellow for a long time, is environmentally friendly, and durable. Affordable price is another important advantage. Plastic models are usually chosen for light curtains. |
| Metal | They are distinguished by a variety of designs, high strength, and can withstand enormous loads. Ideal for hanging heavy, multi-layer curtains. |
| String | Ideal for light, airy tulles. They are a metal string. The design of the cornice is as simple as possible and can last a long time. The main condition is not to hang heavy curtains on the strings. Due to the high load, the string will begin to bend over time. |
The most commonly used option is a plastic profile rail, which can be hidden in a niche just a few centimeters deep.
Features and varieties
Any hidden cornice is a special rail mounted above the window and hidden in a certain way. At the same time, the ceiling seems to have another level, which does not reach the wall by 10-20 cm. Designers offer several design options for a hidden cornice:
- plastic multi-row tires are the cheapest and most in demand;
- round rods - usually used when there is a spacious niche between the wall and the ceiling;
- string products are inexpensive models, although less convenient than others;
- flexible curtains - required if the window has a non-standard shape or if you want to make an unusual design.
Flexible curtain rods
As for manufacturing materials, the following curtain rods are available for sale:
- aluminum - light, durable, suitable even for thick and heavy curtains;
- plastic - ideal for light and medium-thick curtains;
- wooden – they look unusual and are environmentally friendly;
- steel - can withstand the heaviest weight of curtains, best suited for embedding additional lighting.
How to hide hangers with a ceiling plinth: photos, examples
You can cover some shortcomings in wall decoration and hide the suspension using a regular ceiling plinth. However, this requires basic skills in installing skirting boards on the ceiling. First you need to choose the baseboard itself. It should be wide and have a flat surface on top so that it can be fixed to the ceiling.
If the curtains are suspended from a ceiling cornice, it is quite easy to create the illusion of a hidden cornice using an ordinary baseboard
Products made from polyurethane foam, polystyrene foam or duropolymer are suitable for this purpose.
Note! Ceiling plinth plays an important decorative role in the interior. Its design, color, and ornament must be in harmony with the overall style of the room.
In order for the baseboard to hold securely, you will need to install a vertical base in the form of a plank.
The design must completely hide the curtain fastening elements
Next, you should purchase glue for attaching polyurethane products. It must be applied to the baseboard and the canvas pressed tightly against the ceiling. The glue sets quickly enough to securely fix the product. The plinth is attached at a short distance from the cornice. The same skirting boards should be placed around the entire perimeter of the room. Then its design will look solid and harmonious.
You can see photo examples of such methods of masking suspensions below.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask:
- Online consultant
- By phone
- In a request for a call back
- In an application to call a surveyor
- Just call a surveyor
- Come to our showroom
They will answer you always and everywhere.
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PS
Attention! Happy owners of our smaller brothers (really smaller ones: birds, lizards, rodents), order a hidden cornice only with full envelopment! These cute creatures, seeing a niche into which they can crawl, climb. There are many funny (and not so funny) videos on YouTube.
Why are there really smaller ones, even cats manage to be seduced by the ceiling space. Sometimes this ends disastrously for both the ceiling and the living creatures:
Cat on a suspended ceiling
Photo: Beautiful examples in the interior
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