Window curtains are an integral part of the interior of a modern apartment. They have both aesthetic and practical significance, protecting the room from bright light and prying eyes. To securely fasten the curtains, you need to install a cornice. How they are arranged and what types there are, we will try to understand in this article.

Red refrigerator near kitchen window with light curtains
Fixing curtains to the ceiling gives a lot of scope for design ideas

Ceiling cornices: differences in functionality

Functionally they are divided into:

  • single row;
  • double row;
  • three-row.

Single-row is designed to secure one type of canvas and is well suited to one interior style.

Light curtain on a single-row ceiling-type cornice
A single-row curtain rod has only one track for attaching the curtain.

The double-row type is the most common; it is used for fastening in two rows, which makes the window opening more saturated.

Double row ceiling type cornice
A double-row curtain rod allows you to decorate your windows not only with thin fabric, but also with thicker night curtains.

With the help of three-row, exclusive design ideas in creating interiors on windows are realized.

White panels of Japanese curtains on a ceiling cornice
Three-row and wider products are used for complex compositions, for example, for Japanese curtains.

In what cases is it better to choose ceiling mounting

The following options are available:

  • the panoramic windows need to be curtained;
  • to achieve the visual effect of greater height in a room by using long curtains;
  • the presence of minor defects in the apartment;
  • the end of the window opening is located close to the ceiling, there is no space for installation;
  • the walls are made of a material that does not allow the bracket to be securely attached;
  • to limit access of cold air - the arched shape will provide good insulation;
  • draw more attention to the canvas and hide the profile behind a decorative strip.
Curtains on a ceiling cornice in an English style study
Using ceiling curtain mounts, you can visually increase the height of the room
Mounting curtains on the ceiling of a kitchen in a classic style
Hiding a wall behind solid curtains is perhaps the easiest way to conceal defects in a window opening.

Fastening device

It is important to consider that the product is mounted either on the original ceiling surface or on a previously fixed beam, or on platforms. Today, there are two mounting methods:

  1. An open type method, in which hidden supports are first installed, followed by fixing systems.
  2. Closed-type method - installation is carried out on the original ceiling, where the cornice is mounted behind the flooring.

The first method is the simplest and most common. The second method requires certain skills, but the result is worth the candle.

Round single row cornice on the living room ceiling
Many wall cornices can be mounted on the ceiling if the design of the brackets allows it.

Materials for manufacturing

To make an informed choice from the wide range of products available on the market, you need to rely on two main conditions:

  1. Compliance with the stylistic features of the interior.
  2. The material from which it is made must have good characteristics of practicality and wear resistance.
Modern living room with ceiling cornice
For modern room design styles, cornices with a smooth surface are suitable.
Curtain with ornament on wooden ceiling cornice
Classic interior design trends require more elaborate decoration
Brown cornice on the ceiling of the living room in loft style
A cornice with imitation of a roughly processed surface will be appropriate in a loft or in a rustic style.

Profiles can be made of metal or plastic. Plastic products have recently been noticeably crowding out their metal counterparts. They boast a low price, have a wide range of colors, and a variety of textures, which allows you to implement more design solutions.

Assembling a ceiling cornice with a turn
Profile systems made of plastic allow you to create various combinations, and the components are sold separately

The metal analogue is made of black chrome or stainless steel, on a nickel, bronze, brass base, and also aluminum. They are in a more expensive price segment in contrast to their plastic counterparts, but the high price is compensated by a long service life and a chic appearance, they fit almost any interior.

Ceiling cornice with chrome finish
Metal cornices are the most reliable in design, but the permissible load on them also depends on the ceiling material.
Metal curtain rod with ceiling mount
Double row ceiling cornice with round rods

Plastic cornices, description, pros and cons

  • Weight. Designs are available for light, medium and heavy curtains. The weight of the fabric and the presence of accompanying components are taken into account.
  • Varieties. It can be attached to the ceiling or wall, have a universal mount.
  • Tire profile. They have a hollow structure or with filling. In the first case, the structure is very light, but the canvas is also selected lightweight. The filled profile holds heavier curtains, is rigid and has a more pronounced relief.
  • Control type. There is an electric drive or manual opening and closing. Electric drive is becoming more and more popular, while having a low cost.

Please note! Provided that modern curtain rods for heavy plastic curtains, on which heavy structures are attached, are strong enough, it is recommended to use a combined product with a metal base, which has increased strength.

Fastening the ceiling rail of a plastic cornice in a niche
Inexpensive plastic models without decorative trim are often used to secure curtains in niches where the design of the cornice does not matter.

Below in the table we will consider the positive and negative aspects of plastic products:

Pros Cons
They have a lower price compared to metal analogues. They look less stylish compared to metal products.
Easy to install and maintain. They have low strength compared to metal and wooden analogues.
Durability and reliability.
Versatility. The structures are used in rooms with any climatic conditions. The material does not accumulate moisture, does not rust, does not ignite, and does not conduct electricity.
Harmonizes with any type of interior.
Made of environmentally friendly material, suitable for use in children's institutions. Minimal risk of allergic reactions in children.
Easy to care for.

Aluminum curtain rods ceiling. Description, advantages and disadvantages

Aluminum structures are very light and durable, which gives them an advantage over their wooden and plastic counterparts.

Dark curtain on aluminum ceiling cornice
Aluminum curtain rods are lightweight and easy to process if necessary.

There are the following types of aluminum profiles:

  • in the form of a round bar;
  • tire with special hooks;
  • string type.

In the first version, the suspension has the form of rings or loops. The profile has a standard outline and is no different from curtains.

The rail differs from the rod in its shape, inside which the loops for fastening move. It is attached to the ceiling and can be used not only for decorating window openings. It is used to divide the room into separate zones.

Profile rail of aluminum cornice with decorative gilding
Most models of profile aluminum cornices can be considered universal, as they can be installed both on the ceiling and on the wall.

String type analogues have become very widespread; they are attached to the ceiling, but belong to a separate group.

The table discusses the advantages and disadvantages of aluminum products:

Pros Cons
They are lightweight. Higher price.
Easy to install. you need to purchase additional components.
Variety of models.
High wear resistance
Possibility to divide the room into separate zones.

Installation, mounting tips, types of fastening

The following question often arises: how to fix the profile more reliably? As the design becomes more complex, the weight of the product increases. Much depends on the surface on which the design will be installed. Naturally, it must be very strong, otherwise, it may collapse.

Correct distance between ceiling cornice attachment points
The plastic ceiling cornice rail usually has mounting holes. For example, a 240 cm long product has five holes plus one hole in each pivot element.

Please note! It is recommended to fill the mounting hole with resin before installation. When mounting to a brick wall, wooden plugs are used instead of dowels.

To install a curtain rod on the ceiling, you will need a set of tools consisting of:

  • stairs;
  • perforator;
  • screwdrivers;
  • roulettes;
  • level.

First, the place where the installation will be made is determined. It should be done so that it does not interfere with opening and closing the window. Part of it should protrude so that the curtain does not catch on the window sill. The width of the radiator overhang is also taken into account if it is located under the window opening.

Rule for measuring the distance from the wall to the ceiling cornice
It is very easy to calculate the distance to the wall – measure the extension of the radiator (or window sill, if it protrudes more), add the width of the folds on the curtain and get the required value

It is necessary to make the markings correctly, keeping the same size along the edges of the window. Several fastening elements are used for installation.

The process of installing a round cornice

  1. The holes for the dowels are made using a hammer drill.
  2. The brackets are secured with self-tapping screws.
  3. It is necessary to check the distance before final installation and securely fasten the bracket.
  4. Place the rings on the bar and secure them in place.
  5. It is necessary to install clamps at the edges to prevent the outer ring from slipping off the rod.
Double row round cornice on corner window in living room
The number of brackets depends on the design of the cornice, the weight of the curtains and the fastening capacity of the ceiling material.

Installation of a string curtain rod

The basis for fixing curtains in a flexible cornice is a steel string. It is not suitable for heavy curtains. In most cases, they are fixed to the ceiling surface. To do this, you need to do the following:

  1. Drill holes in the wall.
  2. Insert the dowels and screw the fastener.
  3. Thread the string through and tighten it.

    White curtain on a ceiling cornice string
    The main thing here is to securely fasten the dowels into the ceiling material.
  4. Install the decorative box in the chosen location.

Installation of a profile cornice

In order to visually increase the space, the installation is made to the ceiling. They are suitable for rope curtains to focus attention on the canvas. It is most often installed in small rooms. This option is acceptable when the walls are made of plasterboard.

Installation diagram for plastic ceiling cornice
The profile rail is mounted to the ceiling without brackets through pre-drilled holes.

During installation work, the length of the product is first calculated. 40 cm is added to the length of the window opening, which allows the window to be fully opened.

Cutting the ceiling rail of a plastic cornice
The cornice is measured and cut to fit the size of the side caps.

Please note! In order to easily open and close the window, and the curtains do not fit close to the wall - the overhang should be at least 10 cm.

During installation work the following actions are performed:

  1. Prepare the surface - if the product will be adjacent to a baseboard, it must be removed.
  2. Mark out an area with equal distance from the edge of the wall.
  3. The decorative cover is installed immediately.
  4. For installation, it is necessary to drill holes in the ceiling; the distance between fastening elements should not exceed 50-60 cm.

    Installation of a plastic cornice with a turn on the ceiling
    First, the straight element of the cornice is fixed, and lastly, the arched parts.
  5. It is necessary to install hooks with plugs.

Please note! Special dowels are used to attach the product to the plasterboard surface. Their difference is that they open inside for better connection. It is necessary to take into account the load: 5 kg for the ceiling and 8 kg for the wall.

Fastening a ceiling cornice using a butterfly dowel
When installing a cornice on plasterboard, use a butterfly dowel

Installation on a suspended ceiling

When installing on a suspended ceiling, before securing, install the embedded parts.

Installation diagram of embedded beam under the cornice on a suspended ceiling
Scheme of installation of cornice on stretch ceiling

The following operations are performed:

  1. The area for installation is marked on the surface throughout the room.
  2. A beam is secured along the line of the marked area, treated with a primer mixture.
  3. Attach the profile to the wooden blocks through the PVC sheet.

    Installation of plastic cornice on a stretch ceiling
    The holes in the film are made carefully so as not to damage the canvas.
  4. In places where the fasteners pass, holes are drilled and rings are installed.

Examples and photos in the interior

This chapter presents photos of ceiling curtain rods suitable for various living rooms. Today, the market offers a great variety of products for fastening curtains made of various materials. It is not difficult to implement any design solution when decorating window openings. However, many nuances should be taken into account both when choosing a product and when installing a cornice, so as not to make gross mistakes and achieve a good result.

Video on how to securely attach a ceiling cornice to a suspended plasterboard ceiling