The correct design of the window opening consists in the selection of matching curtains and cornices. String cornices are especially popular now. Thanks to their simple design, they fit perfectly into classic style, hi-tech and minimalism. Such small cornices can be attached both to the wall and to the ceiling using special brackets. After reading this article, you will learn a lot of useful and interesting things about string cornices.
Features of the
The main feature that distinguishes string cornices from other models is their special design. The main parts of such a cornice (regardless of the type of installation) are:
- a string for curtains is a tension steel thread, painted in silver, gold or bronze;
- brackets are devices for attaching a steel string (in the form of brackets), they can be made in the form of decorative tips;
- hooks or clothespins for connecting curtains and curtain rods, usually made to match the color of the cable.
String cornices can be attached:
- on the wall - directly at the window opening;
- on the ceiling, due to which the height of the room visually increases;
- between two opposite walls, turning into a screen;
- on the wall (at an angle).
The string for curtains can reach five meters in dyne, but this is not the limit. Such a thread can be placed not only in one, but also in two, three rows (between the brackets). This allows you to combine several tulles of different colors and create an unusually beautiful interior. After adjustment, you can remove the excess length of the thread with wire cutters or roll it up and carefully hide it on the side … It is worth paying attention not only to the design, but also to the following features of use. Only a light textile fabric can be hung on string cornices: chiffon, tulle, veil are most suitable for them. Curtains or drapes are too heavy, the steel thread will sag or break under their weight at the point of attachment with staples.
Lightweight jacquard, satin or cotton curtains are best fastened with hooks on two cables at once. To place lambrequins, you can use the third row of strings.
Installation of the eaves does not depend on the type of surface … Brick, concrete, wooden walls or standard concrete and reinforced concrete ceiling slabs - string cornice is perfect for them. However, there is an exception: this cornice is not installed on plasterboard and stretch ceilings.
A stretched cloth made of fabric or PVC can not only stretch, but also break under the weight of the structure. If your apartment has such ceilings, then it is advisable to install the cornice-string on the wall.
Steel string is susceptible to corrosion like any other metal, albeit to a lesser extent. You should not hang string cornices in the open air - for example, on an open summer cottage. In damp rooms, they will need to be cared for frequently and thoroughly.
Threads coated with special anti-corrosion solutions help to avoid corrosion. But they do not provide reliable and long-term protection, but only extend the life of the product in room conditions.
Varieties
The differences between the models of string cornices are expressed in a variety of colors, shapes and the presence of decorative elements. As noted above, curtain strings are made in various colors: silver, gold, bronze.
The product can have not only steel, but also brass, chrome or copper coating with a protective layer. You can distinguish between single and multi-row types of thread installation. Two-row wire wall cornice is especially popular now.
A universal technique for masking ceiling-type string cornices is the use of a strip. By covering the strings, hooks, and eaves anchors, the bar makes the structure more sophisticated and lightweight. A variety of color options for baguette strips allow you to fit the curtain rods-strings in different interior styles. A transparent plastic molding is perfect for zoning a room with light curtains.
For decorating cornices, brackets of all kinds of shapes and shades are used. These holders give the product a unique and eye-catching look. The materials from which they are made are quite varied. It can be all kinds of metals, wood - or even synthetic materials. The latter can imitate brass, gold, copper, bronze or silver. The appearance of the brackets should match the style of the room. To do this, they are decorated with glass, rhinestones, wood, plastic or painted. And the shape of the holders itself is different. They can be made in the form of simple geometric shapes, tips, peaks, or have a more complex shape.
In order not to get confused in all the variety of options, remember two main points. First, curtain strings, brackets, planks and clamps must match each other in design and proportion. Secondly, the string cornice (as a single product) should be in harmony with the curtains. It is best to combine them with a light canvas (chiffon, organza, taffeta).
Installation
String cornices are simple in design, but installation can still be difficult for an inexperienced person. The algorithm below will help you deal with all the difficulties and will contribute to quick and correct operation. For installation you will need:
- installation instructions;
- disassembled string cornice;
- drill or hammer drill;
- pencil;
- dowels;
- ladder or stepladder.
Determine the place for the cornice in advance. Use a pencil and a ladder to mark the wall or ceiling. This is where the bracket meets the surface. Mark the second end of the cornice. Make sure both points are on the same straight line perpendicular to the other wall.
Attach the bracket to the marked point and draw a circle. This is necessary to drill the hole.
Take a hammer drill or drill. With the bracket attached, make a groove. Attach the bracket to the surface using dowels. Do these operations on the other side.
Pass the steel thread through the hole in the installed mount and pull it to the other side of the eaves. There, pass it through the hole again and bring it to the first point. Place clothespins or hooks along the entire length (as required). Now secure the string, avoiding any slack in the string. The required tension can be achieved by rotating a special bolt.
After making sure that the structure is reliable, cut or roll the rest of the string into a neat circle. It will come in handy if you need to lengthen the cornice. If there is a decorative strip in the kit, use screws or nails to attach it to the brackets. Now you can start hanging the tulle.
How to clean?
The need to clean string cornices is due to the extension of the service life and the preservation of the attractive appearance of the structure. Frequent cleaning is better for any product than sparse cleaning. The less often you clean the surface of the cornice, the more difficult it is to get rid of the dirt on it later. Dust, rust and various stains are typical stains for home metal curtain rods. The easiest way to get rid of the dust on the eaves-strings. It is enough to wipe the strings, brackets, hooks and strips with a rag from time to time. After wet cleaning, be sure to wipe all items dry. This will prevent rusting on metal surfaces. Use only non-coarse natural fabrics or soft brushes to avoid damaging the curtain rod coating.
The various stains are rubbed off with conventional detergents. During cleaning, partial or complete dismantling of the structure is required. This will allow you to reach all hard-to-reach places and avoid stretching the thread. Cleaning the curtain rods requires frequent changes of clean water, wearing protective rubber gloves, and the use of gentle washing liquids and powders.
The hardest part is getting rid of the rust on the surface of the string cornice. In this situation, instead of soft rags and soapy water, you will need stronger products.
With the help of a metal brush, sandpaper, special household chemicals and some effort, you can cope with almost any rust. Further, the string for curtains must be treated with enamel or special varnish - to protect the metal and increase the service life. In addition, masters advise covering the thread with anti-static agents.
Examples in the interior
The string cornice can be used in the living room or bedroom, on the balcony or loggia, in the kitchen, in the office or in the children's room. Due to the light weight of the structure, ease of installation and the ability to adjust the length, such products can be called an excellent option. They look especially good with rectangular windows. This model is perfect for rooms with low ceilings as it does not tear the wall horizontally. These structures do not overload the interior, they are convenient for installation in a niche.
The string cornice is in perfect harmony with the classic style. Planks with complex stucco molding are a distinctive feature and the basis of such an interior. Light symmetrical strings with shiny hooks add a touch of grace and lightness. The option with complex decorative tips on golden eaves will look quite appropriate. If desired, such string cornices can be hidden in a niche.
This model fits perfectly into minimalism. Due to its simple design, it is used more often here compared to other types of curtain rods. The clarity of the lines and the severity of the metal string cornices correspond to the high-tech style.
Unusually successfully you can combine this style and this product in offices. Together they represent functionality and conciseness.
Testimonials
Buyers of string curtain rods are unanimous in their reviews of such products. This is a great model for small rooms or spaces with low ceilings. Yes, such products are not designed for heavy curtains, they cannot be placed on a false ceiling, but these are minor disadvantages. Numerous positive responses confirm that string cornices are becoming popular again.
In many reviews, consumers write about the low cost and easy installation of the product. Some note the possibility of attaching two types of lightweight tulle by using several strings. Others appreciate a large selection of additional decorative elements and length adjustment in string cornices. An undoubted advantage for many buyers is the possibility of ceiling mounting of the cornice.
String cornices are modern window decorations for apartments or offices. They combine rigor and lightness of design with originality due to the variety of tip types.
The classic look of such curtain rods makes you pay attention to the curtains that are attached to them. In combination with straight curtains, they draw attention to themselves - because of their noble metallic color. Eaves-strings advantageously differ from other models by the variety of decorative finishes and simplicity.
For an overview of the curtain rod-string for curtains, see the following video.