Forged double cornice. Photo Art Hammer
The modern market offers many solutions for decorating a window opening ; when choosing curtain rods, it is easy to get confused by the abundance of shapes, colors and materials from which they are made. For those who want to add some zest to the interior, forged cornices . In addition to their attractive and original appearance, they are highly wear-resistant and will delight you for many years. We will tell you in this article how to choose and hang a forged cornice correctly, as well as about options for using it for other purposes.
how to choose a forged cornice
how to choose a forged cornice
First of all, you need to figure out what this cornice is - a prefabricated structure < of forged metal elements:
- hollow pipe (rod)
; - brackets
-
wall
or ceiling, on which the holder rod is located; - tips
(also called fleurons) – cover the end ends of the pipe, can have any shape and perform decorative functions; - rings
- strung on a rod and used for hanging curtains (curtain hooks or clips are attached to the rings). If eyelets are used that are “inserted” directly into the fabric of the curtains, then rings are not needed - the pipe is threaded through the fabric.
Advantages
By its design, a forged cornice is a tubular console, which is necessary for attaching curtains. But it would be wrong to talk about them in this spirit. Forged curtain rods are not just functional, but also a beautiful piece of furniture. They have been known to mankind for several centuries. They first came into fashion back in the 17th century. The reason for this was a large order for blacksmiths to produce such products for the magnificent Versailles. Forged cornices are not only beautiful, but also durable. Nowadays, they are made with an alloy of metals that are highly durable and resistant to various damages. Such models are most often used in the following situations:
- when it is necessary to create a complex composition of curtains;
- when using curtains made of heavy fabrics;
- when decorating with lambrequins, garters or tie-down rings.
Beautiful cornice
Forging has always been a sign of not only good taste, but also stable income. Iron products can decorate any interior, even the most modest one, and create the necessary accent in the room, highlight the beauty of curtains and the originality of the design, as seen in the photo.
Forged cornices are made from a natural material – iron. This material does not emit any toxic substances and does not cause allergic reactions, so they can be installed even in children's rooms.
how to choose a metal curtain rod
how to choose a metal curtain rod
- wall
- brackets are attached to the wall; - lateral
- brackets are installed on parallel walls, one opposite the other. With this option, decorative tips are not used, since the ends of the pipe rest exactly on the side holders; - ceiling
- brackets are mounted to the ceiling.
The second is the number of curtain rows:
Interior
Nowadays, manufacturers produce a huge variety of this decorative element. So everyone can find a cornice design that will fit most organically into the overall interior of the house, regardless of style.
Without a doubt, this decor looks most organic in rooms designed in the classical style and in all its modern variations. True, a competent combination of forged cornices with the rest of the interior in styles such as Baroque or Art Nouveau will only complement and decorate their individuality.
If your home is made in high-tech style, then you should not deny yourself this original accessory. A chrome model decorated with forging elements of various shapes is ideal for this style. Balls that are made from various thin metal threads, as shown in the photo, look especially original.
For retro-style rooms, forged brass cornices are best suited: the photo shows how beautiful the floral ornament looks in them. Patinated bronze is ideal for vintage rooms. This deokr will look beautiful with iron flowers or grape leaves. Modern interiors often place emphasis on natural materials. If you have chosen an ethnic style, then a good solution would be to use forged cornices of various colors. In the Californian style, wooden products with iron tips of various geometric shapes or patterns reminiscent of plants look great, the main thing is not to overdo it with decoration.
Recently, forged models have often been used in Mediterranean-style interiors. Although previously designers did not pay attention to them, believing that, as in Provence, such slats were not appropriate, but when they are properly combined with curtains, this Italian style only wins and becomes more unique. In the Middle Ages, Italian blacksmiths very often used fire petals to decorate the interiors of nobles; such motifs look very good in modern Mediterranean-style design.
For greater organicity with the entire design of the room, it is necessary to use several forged elements. You can use the same door handle, fireplace grate, figurine or curtain tiebacks. If you do not resort to this technique, then the forged cornice, instead of a luxurious design element, will only spoil the overall atmosphere of the room. It will not emphasize individuality, but will be dissonant with the rest of the decor and look ridiculous.
how to choose a metal curtain rod
how to choose a metal curtain rod
- single-row
- one curtain rod for hanging one curtain; - multi-row
– several rods on which the corresponding number of curtains are placed. The most popular is the two-row version for combining light transparent tulle and thick fabric curtains. Cornices with more than three rows are almost never found on the open market (their use makes no sense from a practical point of view).
The third is the cross-sectional shape of the pipe;
Examples of using
Despite some disadvantages, the main advantage of forged curtains is their beauty. And this can be fully appreciated by looking at several examples of the use of such decor in different rooms, in the photos presented below.
how to choose a metal curtain rod
how to choose a metal curtain rod
- round
- today there are various versions of the classic round pipe available on the market. They can differ in surface structure (smooth, corrugated, twisted (twister)) and in diameter (most often in the range from 16 to 35 mm); - square
.
Metal, wood or plastic?
Tips and tricks
The wide range of metal fasteners raises the obvious question: “what to choose?” Focusing only on appearance, style and design is not always correct, because each type of crossbar has its own advantages and disadvantages, which must be taken into account at the planning stage.
Below are the main recommendations for choosing metal fasteners:
- The optimal options for strength are steel, brass and copper, the most budget-friendly is aluminum;
- Ideal styles for metal are considered modern and classic, where gold ornaments are also actively used on curtains, furniture and accessories;
- Thin elegant cornices are suitable for small rooms, and massive structures for large spaces;
- Forged products look better on non-standard or large windows;
- It is recommended to immediately purchase a double cornice in order to be able to hang both decorative tulle and thick curtains;
- Tips are sold separately, which allows you to constantly experiment with the design;
- Corner and flexible crossbars are indispensable for rooms with bay windows, arches and non-standard openings;
- The size of round metal curtain rods is selected depending on the weight of the future curtain;
- The rod should protrude 15-20 cm beyond the boundaries of the window opening;
- Rings for the cornice are selected from a similar metal, but not from plastic;
The main thing is when choosing a curtain, carefully inspect the product for integrity and undamaged and focus on the price, which is proportionally equal to the quality of the base material.
Nowadays, the choice of metal curtain rails is not limited to shiny aluminum tubes. On the contrary, the offered range of designs of various shapes, shades and decorations is so wide that it often raises fears and doubts.
Therefore, it is important to carefully consider the purchase of a cornice, find out about its reliability and strength and, of course, choose the most suitable option for the existing style of the room.
how to choose a forged cornice
how to choose a forged cornice
Metal curtain rods can be found by searching for “curtain rods with a round pipe.” This often leads to confusion - because round rods made of wood and PVC also fit this definition. And this is a completely different story.
Plastic pipes are the cheapest option; low price is its only advantage. The remaining characteristics (appearance, range of models and colors) leave much to be desired. So all that remains is to decide whether the cornice is metal or wood.
.
Here the advantage will remain with the forged steel product. Firstly, metal is a stronger and more durable material. Consequently, metal curtain rods are designed for heavier curtains and will last longer than wooden ones. Secondly, the choice of ready-made decorative tips made of wood is significantly inferior to the variety of forged fleurons. You can order a wooden tip of any shape - but for additional and very substantial money.
Where to buy or order, production and sale
The market is replete with offers for the sale of forged cornices. Simple models can be found in almost any hardware store; specialized stores selling curtains also offer a good selection. You can order a forged decoration for your window without leaving your home in an online store that manufactures and sells cornices.
Important! To ensure that you enjoy your wrought iron cornice for many years, buy from trusted manufacturers and distributors who have extensive experience and many positive reviews.
On our website, in the section “Where to buy or order forged cornices” you can find information about trusted companies specializing in the production and sale of a wide range of relevant products.
how to choose a forged cornice
how to choose a forged cornice
So, when choosing a product in the catalog of metal cornices, the buyer receives the following “bonuses”:
- simplicity of design
- no additional parts, complex mechanisms, special devices or many spare parts are needed. A small number of components and simple installation reduce the risk of errors during assembly and installation. Anyone can correctly assemble and attach such a device; - removable tips
- the ability to quickly and easily change the appearance of the window composition.
The answer to such versatility is simple: fleurons have different colors, lengths, and
silhouettes. The main thing is that the tip matches the rod in shape and diameter. Design creativity is not limited in any way: select tips of the same color as the pipe or play with their contrast. The appearance of the ensemble changes with just a few movements; - design versatility
- forged cornices fit organically into any design style of a living or working space.
They go equally well with ascetic, moderate and luxurious versions of the window
. That is, a metal curtain hanger is equally harmonious in a high-tech setting, in a restrained classic interior, or in luxurious palace decoration; - use with curtains of any weight
- forged iron products have additional strength: forging “removes” the excess rigidity of the material, which causes fragility under heavy load. The result is the most reliable holder for curtains made of massive fabrics, which you won’t be afraid to trust with your safety; - a variety of fastening methods
is a particularly important parameter. The significant weight of the structure itself and the additional load of heavy curtains require the most reliable installation. It is provided by three types of brackets: for wall mounting, for mounting on the ceiling and universal (wall and ceiling fasteners).
How to forge and assemble, how to hang with your own hands
If you like to create something with your own hands, you can try making a cornice yourself. There are many videos on the Internet on how to make a forged product with your own hands.
For cold forging, the performer will need a set of the following machines: bender, wave, snail, twister and volumetric, as well as special templates (patterns). Mechanisms allow you to create elements and patterns of different types.
Twister cold forging machine Blacksmith M3-TR
Hot forging of metal is used for fine artistic work. When heated, the metal becomes more elastic, which allows forging manipulations that give the metal a beautiful shape . The basic tools for hot forging are pliers; a sledgehammer or heavy hammer, various piercings, chisels and crimps.
Thus, when making a cornice using a certain technology, various forging equipment and blacksmith tools are used. You should choose a work technique not only based on the equipment available, but also taking into account the level of knowledge and skills of the performer. Self-learning forging and attending master classes allows you to save money, but is not a guarantee of acquiring broad skills. To obtain professional theoretical and practical knowledge, you should undergo training in educational institutions in blacksmithing.
Hot forging hammer
When making a cornice, special attention should be paid to installation and painting of the product .
In order to hang the finished product, it is necessary to correctly calculate its location. It is important not only the distance from the window, but also the choice of the optimal length of the structure . There are several rules :
- The distance from the cornice to the window should be at least 5-7 cm so that the curtains do not interfere with the opening of the window.
- The distance to the ceiling is an individual question; the higher the product is located, the more attractive the window design, but it is necessary to leave sufficient distance for the unimpeded movement of rings and other methods of attaching curtains.
Important! Not every wall can support a massive product, so before installation it is necessary to determine whether the base needs additional strengthening.
It is recommended to paint forged products using special coatings. They are sold at higher prices than alkyd paints and enamels, but also provide a high level of corrosion protection.
