How to choose the right cornice

The cornice, of course, must match the style of the interior, the shape of the window and the type of curtains, but first of all it is a functional accessory. That is, its main purpose is to maintain the curtains and provide all kinds of manipulations with them..

Profile cornices and systems

Metal profile cornices, equipped with plastic fittings, can be bent to any radius – they are light, therefore they are used for intricate arched windows, they are single-track or multi-track. Fasten profile curtain rods to the ceiling or wall using brackets.

Advice

Profile cornices are suitable if you need to hang light tulle or if there is a small distance between the ceiling and the window, and also if you want the cornice to be invisible.

As for the brackets, they come in different lengths – from 10 to 30 centimeters. This allows you to fix a profile cornice with the desired overhang on the wall. This will prevent the curtains from becoming «lie down» on the windowsill if it protrudes strongly. The length of a one-piece cornice of this type is up to 6 meters. If you use docking elements, then you can make any length.

Profile cornices are equipped with mechanisms for pulling curtains, so you can not touch the curtains with your hands. They are easy to use – runners for curtains and tulle slide freely along the profile, and multi-row cornices allow you to decorate the window with multi-layer curtains consisting of fabrics of different shades.

Profile plastic curtain rods with filler are used for heavy curtains, as well as for simple, straight windows. These cornices use a decorative overlay for the wood structure, which gives the cornice a classic look.

Metal cornices

These are the familiar curtain rods with rounded guides. They can be made in gold, chrome. There are models for both modern and classic interiors..

Metal curtain rods are attached to the wall or ceiling. The accessories are also made of metal – hooks and rings. Metal curtain rods, in addition to their functional purpose, can also be perceived as decoration, they are usually more expensive than profile ones. The metal curtain rod is suitable for tulle and curtains. For kits with a lambrequin, it is not suitable.

Forged cornices

Such cornices are usually made to order, they are able to give a room a special chic. There are single, double and triple, with pipes and with strings. The main decorative element is forged tips. Control is mostly manual – using a cord or a pointer handle.

The cord allows you to open the curtain with just one pulling motion to the bottom, but there are also electric models equipped with a button or remote control. This design looks like an aluminum profile with a carriage driven by an electric motor..

Round cornices

This is the traditional type of cornice. It is the most versatile, as it fits into any interior style. There are cornices with one pipe, as well as two-row and three-row. The pipes of these cornices are made of wood, metal, or plastic. Each material has its own advantages. But a wooden cornice is considered a classic.

String cornices

These cornices use a string instead of a pipe. The cornices look minimalistic and do not attract much attention. Structurally, they are a special steel string stretched between brackets that are attached to the ceiling or walls. The string can be covered with a baguette. The main disadvantage is low bearing capacity, that is, this option is unacceptable for heavy curtains..

Baguette cornices

Baguette cornices are similar to profile ones. In this version, all fasteners are hidden behind a decorative strip, which is important for interior decoration. Planks can be different: large or small sizes, very intricate shapes and any colors. The profiles of these cornices are made single-row, double-row and triple-row. In the first row, a Velcro strip is often placed, to which a lambrequin is attached. When buying a baguette cornice, first of all, pay attention to the color and shape of the strip, since this is the main element for creating a decorative composition.

Wooden cornices

Wooden cornices are a classic. They are made from oak, pine, cherry, walnut and other types of wood. As for the shape, they are flat or round with rings. Such cornices are matched to the color of the furniture or parquet, which makes the interior more harmonious and holistic..

Selecting eaves parameters

The length of the curtain rod includes the length of the bar and the two lugs. Before choosing the length, first determine the location of the eaves.

With the option «wall to wall» choose the length of the cornice 2-3 centimeters less than the distance from wall to wall. Install the curtain rod on at least 3 brackets.

Option «above the window» Install the brackets behind the edges of the window opening so that you can move the curtains and open the window completely. In this case, the total length of the cornice should be taken 30 – 40 centimeters wider than the window opening.

Note that in both cases, the distance from the edge of the window to the ceiling must be sufficient to accommodate the brackets. If this distance is small, then the bracket will not fit there. In this case, the option is suitable – «partially above the window», when the brackets are placed slightly below the level of the window, along the edges of it.

When choosing, remember about the presence of batteries, pipes, the width of the window sill. After all, the curtains should hang freely from the cornice. For this, there must be an optimal distance from the eaves rod to the wall.

Now about how many brackets to buy. If the length of the cornice is up to 2 meters, then two brackets can be dispensed with. The optimal distance between the brackets is 1.5 – 2 meters. Then they securely hold the cornice, and the rods themselves do not sag under the weight of the curtains..

To calculate the dimensions of the cornice, determine the method of fastening and its location relative to the window, arm yourself with a tape measure, measure and write down the following parameters:

Distance between side walls at the window.

Window width.

Minimum distance from wall to curtains.

Distance from the ceiling to the upper edge of the window opening.

With this cheat sheet and go to the store.

Design Tips

When choosing a curtain rod, remember that it must match the interior..

For a room in a classic style, a baguette cornice is suitable. A round cornice can also be used, especially a wooden model.

If the room design is minimalist or high-tech, buy a string cornice.

Aluminum profiles go well with Roman or Japanese curtains.

In a room decorated with stone or natural wood, it is better to use a forged cornice, it is ideal for high style.

If the room is low, buy a ceiling cornice, then it will appear taller.

To visually enlarge the window, choose a long cornice. If the curtains cover part of the wall, the window will appear larger than it actually is.

For curtains with a lambrequin, the cornice is optimally fixed to the ceiling so that it does not cover part of the window. You need to take a triple cornice.

For a children’s room, the ideal option is plastic curtain rods, as they come in all colors and are organically combined with bright furniture for kids.