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Curtain rods: metal or forged
These questions arise for everyone who plans to buy curtain rods. WDay.ru gives comprehensive answers to them.
Metal curtain rods
How to calculate the length of the cornice?
To do this, we measure the width of the window and add 30–40 cm to it. We obtain the optimal length of the cornice, at which the curtains that are pulled open will almost completely open the window.
A curtain rod kit usually consists of a rod, brackets and two decorative tips (additional parts – rings, curtain clips or eyelets). If the cornice is shorter than 2 m, two brackets will be enough. If it is longer, you cannot do without a third (central) bracket, since the bar can sag under the weight of the curtain.
When choosing brackets – evaluate their length, it depends on how much your cornice, and with it the curtains, will lag behind the wall. This is especially important for small rooms. In this case, look for the shortest brackets.
Decorative tips are a convenient way to subtly change a boring interior. It is not necessary to buy a new cornice – you just need to choose new tips for the old one. The main thing is to make sure they match the diameter of your barbell.
What material is better to choose a cornice from?
Metal curtain rods (made of iron, stainless steel and brass) the most durable. They are reliable and durable. Ideal for heavy and dense curtains. Wrought iron cornices will be appropriate in a classic interior, as well as in a room decorated in country and Provence style. Strict geometric lines in matte or glossy brass will suit any modern interior. Metal curtain rods can be either single-row or double-row and multi-row (for several layers of curtains).
Wooden cornice – a classic choice for a classic interior. Especially popular now are cornices made of oak, cherry and exotic species – zebrano, ebony, wenge. Unlike metal curtain rods, wooden ones can only be single-row.
The most budgetary option is plastic… Pros – low price, wide range of colors, cons – low strength and durability.
In addition to the usual, wall-mounted, there are – ceiling cornices, which are installed on the ceiling. This installation method allows you to visually raise the low ceiling. In this case, the length of the cornice is not limited.
What kind of cornice should you prefer?
The lightest, almost weightless – string cornices… They are in the form of a thin steel string with metal brackets and are suitable for light curtains and curtains. The main disadvantage of such a cornice is the sagging of the strings, which will have to be tightened periodically.
Normal round cornices from a hollow metal, plastic or wooden rod – a universal option. You can choose the section of the cornice – from 10 to 35 mm – and the design of the tips for the style of the interior. The curtains are attached to them with rings and hooks or eyelets that are threaded through the bar.
Forged cornices made of iron, covered with paint and a layer of protective varnish, can be used for fabrics of any density. Depending on the severity of the curtains, the diameter of the rod is selected: 16, 19, 25 mm and so on.
Skid cornices are a metal (most often aluminum) profile, installed on the ceiling or on the wall using brackets and covered with a decorative molding strip. The latter has a decorative function and can be made of wood, chipboard, plastic, using the imitation technique. Most often, such designs are chosen for classic curtains. When purchasing a skid rail, check that the hooks move easily and soundlessly along the rail.
The number of rows of cornice depends on how multi-layered you see your future curtains. You can hang tulle and blackout curtains on a two-row curtain rod; for curtains with a lambrequin, you will need a three-row curtain rod, and for multi-layer curtains, a multi-row curtain rod.
How to hang a curtain on a window of complex configuration?
For such purposes are profile cornices… They are made from a ready-made (most often aluminum) profile in accordance with the wishes of the customer, taking any complex configurations. They can have from two to six rows. At the same time, such cornices can be mounted both on the ceiling and on the wall. In addition, the profile cornices are equipped with a sliding mechanism – manual (rope) or auto-control (from a button on the wall or a remote control). Regular sliding curtains, as well as roller, Austrian, French, etc. are attached to the profile cornices.
In the most expensive and advanced curtain rod systems, the curtain opening-closing mechanism works without your participation – a special sensor is guided by the degree of illumination, according to the program that you have set.