Curtains and drapes create a cozy atmosphere of family warmth in the house and are a practical design solution. Thick multi-layer curtains are very heavy. Unfortunately, not all wall cornices can withstand this weight. In this case, it is advisable to use a ceiling curtain rod. And if there are usually no problems with the installation of a wall cornice, then with a ceiling one, not everything always goes so smoothly. You will learn how to hang a ceiling curtain rod in this article.
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Ceiling curtain: descriptions, design features
A ceiling curtain rod is a device for decorating window openings with curtains. It got its name for a special way of fastening – to the ceiling. A curtain rod is an important element of the room design. There are many variations of ceiling cornices. They differ in size, color, style, material of manufacture (wood, plastic, metal, etc.).
Particular attention should be paid to the design features of the curtains. The method of their fastening also depends on this.
Depending on the type of design, the following models are distinguished.
- Profile. They are a rail made of aluminum or plastic profile, with grooves for runners. Suitable for use in rooms with complex geometric shapes. Can have any bending radius. The most common and universal type of cornices. If desired, they can be supplemented with self-adhesive tape for trouble-free fastening of the lambrequin and a mechanism for sliding or lifting the curtains.
Profile cornices are a complete system equipped with tracks for runners, a control mechanism, clamps and plugs. - String. A fairly simple type of curtains. It consists of one or more strings of fishing line or wire, and fasteners with which these strings are stretched under the ceiling. Not suitable for long-term use and too heavy curtains, as they sag in the middle.
The string curtain rod can be mounted on both walls and ceilings, made of durable metal fishing line, almost invisible against the background of the curtain - Round. Consists of a rod made of wood, plastic or metal and fasteners. Simple and at the same time elegant type of curtains. Does not sag like string curtains. Serves as a wonderful decoration of the interior.
A round metal ceiling cornice will look good in a high-tech, minimalist or modern style. - Baguette. They are distinguished by a variety of design options. The outer part of the tire is covered by a decorative strip. They are capable of supporting heavy, multi-layered curtains.
Baguette ceiling cornice with a hidden plastic cornice inside
Installing curtains on the ceiling
Before attaching the ceiling curtain rod to the ceiling and proceeding directly to installation, it is worth checking the availability of the necessary tools and fasteners. Which tool to use depends on the type of curtain rod and ceiling finish.
Tool for carrying out installation works.
The following tool is required for installation.
- Tape measure, pencil, ruler. Correct calculation is the key to successful installation.
- A hammer drill, grinder or drill. In case you have to drill a hole in the ceiling.
- Screwdriver. For tightening fasteners.
- Fasteners (screws, self-tapping screws, dowels, etc.).
- Liquid nails. Can be used in some cases instead of classic fasteners.
- Instructions on how to attach a curtain rod to the ceiling.
The algorithm for installing curtains varies depending on the type of curtains and the room's decoration.
Please note! Before installing the curtain rod, it is necessary to make the correct markings. If the cornice is for a single window, add 40 cm to the window dimensions on each side. If there are two windows next to each other, add 30 cm to each. The cornice should be equally far from the window on both sides.
Let's consider several options.
Installing curtains on a concrete ceiling
After marking, you need to use a hammer drill or a drill to drill holes in the ceiling with a step of no more than 60 cm. If you plan to hang heavy curtains, you need to reduce the step.
Then prepare the curtain rod. If the plastic rail is not the right length, it can be cut or extended. Then drill holes at the same pitch as on the ceiling. Wooden or metal curtain rods usually have ready-made holes.
How to attach a curtain rod to the ceiling? First, secure it with dowel nails using a screwdriver or a drill. All that's left is to insert the runners and plugs.
This method is also suitable for panel houses with a floor slab.
Advice: It is better to attach the baguette cover to the front side of the tire before installing it on the ceiling.
Installing curtains on a suspended plasterboard ceiling
How to hang a curtain rod on a suspended ceiling? When installing the ceiling, you can leave a small niche between the window and the suspended ceiling for a hidden curtain rod. In this case, the curtain rod is attached directly to the ceiling. You can also lay a beam or metal profile in advance in the place where the cornice is planned to be attached.
After the ceiling is ready, the curtain rod is fixed to the beam or profile through the plasterboard. But there are cases when the decision to install a ceiling cornice comes after the installation of a suspended ceiling.
In this case, there are two mounting options.
First: use a special dowel - a butterfly. It is attached like a regular dowel. Make a hole in the plasterboard, insert the dowel and tighten the screw. In the process of tightening the screw, the dowel opens. This provides additional reliability of fastening. Despite this, heavy curtains cannot be hung on a curtain rod attached to plasterboard.
If you want to hang multi-level thick curtains, you can use the second option: use a concrete anchor to attach the rail. Using a drill with a long drill, make a hole in the base ceiling through the drywall about 5 cm deep. Using the anchor, attach the curtain rod through the drywall to the concrete ceiling.
Important to remember! The length of the anchor should be greater than the thickness of the suspended ceiling by the depth of the hole. This will ensure reliable fastening.
Installation of curtains on a suspended ceiling
Many people have a question: how to attach a ceiling curtain rod to a stretch ceiling? It is impossible to install a curtain rod directly on a stretch ceiling. If the ceiling is already stretched, you will have to use a wall cornice. If you plan to install a ceiling curtain rod in advance, you can use two methods.
First: before installing the stretch ceiling, make markings and secure the fixing beam. After the ceiling is stretched, attach the curtain rod with dowel nails to the beam through the canvas.
Second: make a hidden curtain rod. To do this, you need to make markings before starting to install the ceiling covering. Having stepped back the distance necessary for the curtain rod, screw a wooden beam to the ceiling. The baguette for installing the canvas will be attached to it. Thus, a hidden niche for installing the cornice is formed between the canvas and the window.
Assembling a ceiling curtain rod by elements
As a rule, a ceiling curtain rod does not require long assembly. If it is made in the form of a bus, then all assembly is carried out directly during installation. If it is necessary to increase the length of the curtain rod, the required length is extended to it from the same bus. After installing the curtain rod, runners and plugs are inserted into it at the edges. If the cornice is made in the form of a rod, then brackets are first attached to the ceiling. Then the rod is inserted into the first bracket, and rings with runners are put on it. After this, the rod is attached to the second bracket. Finally, plugs are installed on the sides.
How to remove a curtain. Step-by-step instructions
- Stand on a stable stepladder.
- Take down the curtains. If the curtain rod allows, then together with the runners. It will be faster.
- Remove the side roundings. To do this, unscrew the retaining screws.
- Gradually unscrew the screws on both sides until only the central one remains.
- Unscrew the central screw while holding the curtain rod with one hand.
Requirements for the reliability of fastening curtains
The curtain should not only withstand the weight of the curtains, but also have a sufficient margin of safety in case someone pulls the tulle or curtains. The most reliable is considered to be fastening the curtains directly to the base ceiling on anchors. The least reliable are string curtains. Quite often, they do not even withstand the weight of the curtains, and sag in the middle. This not only spoils the appearance of the room, but also creates inconvenience.
Mounting ceiling curtains is only a complicated manipulation at first glance. Armed with information and the necessary tools, even an inexperienced person can handle the installation.
