Pros and cons of masking curtains
A niche formed in a suspended ceiling has the following advantages:
- Mechanism and fastening parts are securely hidden inside the structure; Only the surface of the canvas and textiles appear to the eye - everything looks elegant and harmonious.
- Using a niche eliminates the need to choose cornices and fixtures that match the style of the interior. You save time and money.
- If the canvas is glossy, an interesting effect is obtained. Curtains are reflected in the ceiling and look longer; this makes the room visually higher, which is always nice.
Bedroom with a disguised cornice Source wp.com
- A niche is a structural element that can be used in any style; the final result depends only on the choice of textiles.
- A niche is a suitable place to install decorative lighting. Hidden lighting looks charming and is completely safe: LEDs are used, which do not heat up, and therefore can be placed close to textiles.
The disadvantage of the design is the need to foresee it in advance and include it in the design project before installation work begins. Once the canvas is stretched over the profile, no additions can be made. Installing a ceiling cornice without a niche is risky, as there is a possibility of damage to the decorative coating.
With soft LED backlight Source nevapotolok.ru
Alternative method of installing curtains
If you need to install cornices so that everything is aesthetically perfect, then it is better to use a hidden method of installing cornices.
To do this, you need to leave a special niche between the main and suspended ceiling, the size of which depends on the parameters of the curtains.
The cornice itself is attached to the main ceiling using dowels, and next to it (stepping back a couple of millimeters) a block is fixed on which the profile for the ceiling sheet is installed. As a result, after installing all the elements, the curtain becomes invisible.
It is imperative to coordinate the choice of cornice and the method of fixing it with the designer who is designing the room. This is necessary so that all the elements in the room are harmoniously combined with each other, forming a complete picture.
The presented alternative method has one drawback, which must be taken into account at the planning stage of repair work. Since the hooks will be in a small and narrow niche, putting curtains on them is quite a difficult task, especially if you have a wide palm.
There is an opinion that only an experienced professional can install curtains for suspended ceilings efficiently. But this statement is not true.
If you know how to work with your hands at least a little, you know how to use a screwdriver, hammer, etc., then you will definitely be able to install curtains, regardless of the chosen fixation method.
Niche and cornice parameters
The dimensions of a niche in the ceiling for curtains are calculated using several initial data. First of all, you need to decide which cornice will hold the textiles. Since decorative qualities do not play a role, the cornice is chosen taking into account the complexity (multi-layers) of the drapery and its weight.
For example, if the window will be decorated with light cotton curtains and tulle, you can limit yourself to a string cornice, and the width of the technological gap will be minimal. If the decor is heavy curtains in combination with transparent muslin and a lambrequin, the niche will be much wider.
Finished niche for a hidden cornice Source paslaugos.lt
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in interior redevelopment
Designers recommend choosing a cornice that covers the entire width of the wall, and not just the window opening, and setting the size of the niche accordingly. This forethought will allow you to beautifully drape the curtains along the wall, rather than pressing them around the window when you want to let the sun into the room. When choosing a cornice, you can use the following recommendations:
- If the textiles are too heavy (corduroy, velor, velvet), it is better to choose an aluminum cornice. In other cases, the best option would be a durable and budget model made of plastic.
- The width of the niche depends on the width of the cornice, and that, in turn, on the number of rows of textiles. Standard models are two-row, but a three- or four-row option may be required.
Sectional design Source severdv.ru
- In order for the curtains to drape beautifully, the calculations must include the width of the heating radiator or window sill (depending on what protrudes further). If the window sill protrudes too far, do not go to extremes and move the cornice 30 cm from the window - the space of the room is more important than impeccable drapery.
- For mounting in a niche, a ceiling cornice is usually chosen. This is technologically more justified; moreover, with this method of fastening, another dust collector surface is not formed.
- If the installation of the cornice is not carried out close to the wall, the place where it will be installed is puttied and painted with white paint. A bare concrete surface is not something you want to see after the renovation is complete.
- If you plan to install an LED strip, it is convenient to switch it on separately; the second option is on the remote control.
Finished design Source potolok495.ru
Calculation of niche dimensions
The width of the structure (from the wall) is determined by adding the following parameters:
- Determine the amount of extension of the window sill or radiator (depending on what protrudes further from the plane of the wall). On average, the offset is within 15-18 cm.
- Measure the distance between the guides of the cornice if it is double-row. If there are more rows, take the distance between the outer guides.
- A correction is introduced into the calculations on the side of the curtain. The amendment (not to be confused with the assembly factor, which affects the number of folds) depends on the length of the cornice, and usually does not exceed 10-15 cm.
Curtains behind the ceiling cornice Source wp.com
Types of niches for hidden cornices
Sometimes, for some reason, it is impossible to organize a recess under the curtains (for example, the communications running along the ceiling interfere with screwing the cornice). In this case, the cornice is mounted directly on the suspended ceiling, on a base, which can be a beam placed 5 mm above the canvas. From the outside (from the side of the room) the structure is covered with a decorative overlay.
Hidden built-in cornice Source vsezdesklub.rus
In other cases, a niche is formed in the structure of the stretch ceiling. Stretch ceilings with a niche for curtains can be made in several ways. Technical solutions vary in degree of complexity, which affects production time and cost. The following options for cornice recesses are possible (in order of increasing cost):
- Budget niche. The low-cost method mentioned above, in which a niche is formed using a beam that takes on the main load (it is attached to a concrete base). From the side of the room there is a smooth canvas trimmed with decorative edging. The advantages are ease of installation. There are two disadvantages - a visible edging, which does not always look decent, and also the opportunity to get acquainted with the design by looking at it from the side of the window.
The canvas hides the presence of the beam and cornice Source nevapotolok.ru
Design Features
The photo shows the use of various materials for curtains.
The height of the niche should completely hide the drapery tape sewn to the curtains. In this case, the height of the braid is determined by the weight of the curtains and the length. The standard dimensions of drapery elements usually range from 7 to 10 cm, and the height of the niche must be increased by at least 5 cm. If you make the niche equal to the height of the ribbon, then the person below will see the drapery.
Schematic structure of a niche
The length of the box can occupy the entire wall or correspond to the width of the window opening. If you prefer the latter option, make indents on each side of the window of at least 50 cm. Then the curtains, when hung, will not prevent sunlight from entering the room. For Roman blinds, 10 cm indents are enough.
What you need to know when choosing curtains for curtains under a suspended ceiling.
As for the maximum height of the structure, you should not make it more than 40 cm deep. Otherwise, it will be difficult to attach curtains and hang curtains.
Dependence of niche depth on cornice design
When choosing the width of the box, you need to take into account the type of cornice that will hold the curtains, as well as the number of layers of the textile composition. For example, between profiles intended for fastening different types of curtains, the distance should be at least 5 cm. Therefore, if you plan to place curtains, tulle on the cornice and supplement the system with lambrequins, then there will be three profiles, respectively. This is a minimum of 15 cm. Add another 5 cm on each side. The width of the niche is 25 cm.
Important! When determining the width of the niche, also take into account the removal of window sills and heating radiators.
False ceiling with niche for curtains
Plasterboard ceiling with a niche for curtains
Plasterboard is a universal and practical material that has found application in the construction industries. Gypsum boards are easy to work with, they bend well, so a niche for a ceiling cornice made from gypsum plasterboard will be spacious and attractive. Installation of a niche begins with measurements of the room and the place where it will be installed. From the beginning, you need to decide what function the box will perform - decorative or just to hide the curtain. Before you start arranging the niche, you need to completely finish the work with the electrical wiring if you plan to install a plasterboard ceiling with lighting.
The work is carried out as follows:
- make a marking on the ceiling with an indentation for a niche of at least 15 cm. Then, even if the canvas gathers into folds, unsightly creases will not form;
- Guide profiles are installed along the perimeter of the room, after which the frame for the suspended ceiling is assembled;
- using self-tapping screws, two frames are combined - a niche and a suspended structure;
- sheets of plasterboard are cut to the required sizes, and the frame is sheathed;
- install cornice for textiles.
At the final stage, all joints and cracks are sealed with putty, and the ceiling is decorated in any chosen way.
On a note! If you plan to build an LED strip into a box with a niche, then the bottom trim should extend 5 cm beyond the frame. Thus, you get a shelf behind which you can hide the lighting. The transformer for decorative lighting is hidden behind a suspended structure.
Box under the cornice in a suspended ceiling
How to assemble a box under a cornice in a suspended ceiling
It is better to entrust the installation of a niche from suspended ceilings to specialists, as well as the installation of the entire decorative structure. Usually the work is carried out in the following order:
- First of all, curtain rods for suspended ceilings are attached to the ceiling using dowels with metal or plastic sleeves. Its initial installation is necessary in order to determine the dimensions of the niche. When work on installing the box is carried out, the baguette can be removed to avoid damage during the work;
- First, the base for the niche is made. To do this, step back from the cornice by 2-3 cm and fix wooden blocks to which the profile for the tension fabric will be attached. It is very important that the lower edge of the beam coincides with the level of the tension fabric. In this case, a wooden mortgage is installed along the entire length of the wall or window opening, and its height is adjusted using wedges. After the timber is secured with screws, proceed to installing the decorative ceiling;
- a profile under the tension covering is attached to the inside of the wooden beam, and the canvas is tucked into it using one of the selected methods.
The result is a solid structure, and the niche can only be seen from a very close distance.
Read in detail how to attach a cornice to a suspended ceiling.
Briefly about the main thing
When installing a stretch ceiling, you cannot do without arranging the mounting location for the cornice. To do this, create a niche that will allow you to effectively secure the curtains, save on purchasing a cornice to match the style of your interior, and arrange decorative lighting.
The dimensions of the eaves niche are calculated before the start of repair work. Its dimensions are influenced by the model of the cornice, as well as the width of the radiator or window sill, the pomp of the curtains and some adjustments.
Several methods are used to create a niche. It is popular to use an aluminum profile with a bend, a plasterboard box, a floating ceiling, or bending a PVC sheet (or fabric) to the ceiling.
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Installation technology
When installing curtains, a mortgage (a platform that can be plastic, plywood or wood) is attached to the areas where they are supposed to be located. Then the canvas is attached, and through it the fabric is attached to the mortgage. To make a curtained ceiling look attractive, you should take installation seriously.
You should purchase the product before installing the stretch ceiling, for the reason that it is selected specifically for the curtain - there are no standard curtains. They are commercially available with different characteristics. Therefore, preparation of mortgages is carried out only after the curtains have already been selected.
