Review and installation of eaves for a bay window
When the window opening is characterized by a non-standard shape, it makes sense to choose bay window cornices. A few years ago, such a solution for windows was considered very unusual and was used only in wealthy country mansions. Today, such an element of the interior is found even in multi-apartment high-rises. Bay window cornices decorate balconies and loggias of intricate shapes, winter gardens.
Features of bay window cornices
A bay window is a polygonal or semicircular ledge in a wall with panoramic windows or several separate windows with narrow spaces (piers).
When choosing cornices, this feature is very important. As a rule, they repeat the main shape to emphasize it, and sometimes, on the contrary, create new interesting lines.
- For example, a flexible cornice fixed to the ceiling can bend parallel to the wall. Then neither the bay window nor the curtain holder itself will draw attention to themselves.
- Several straight curtains, located separately above each opening, will well emphasize the peculiarity of the shape of the room.
Tip: the interior with a bay window is decorated using special cornices or the most common ones.
What are
Let's find out in more detail what kind of cornices are for bay windows.
The classification of such products is based on several criteria:
- place (method) of attachment;
- form;
- quality, material;
- flexibility.
At the place of attachment
There are such types: ceiling and wall.
Ceiling mounts are a good choice for small rooms where the ceiling is of a standard height.
Bay window ceiling cornices for curtains do not hide the height, they are almost invisible themselves, allow you to choose longer curtains. An additional plus - the curtain canvases can be removed from the window opening to the desired distance.
Important! Such products are attached only to a reinforced concrete or wooden ceiling. They are not provided for rooms with a stretch ceiling structure. The way out can be a fixed beam, which is installed during the installation of stretch ceiling panels.
Wall mounted. Look great with high ceilings and a bay window with lots of edges. Not suitable for panoramic windows. They are mounted on holders installed in the wall.
By plasticity
Distinguish between rigid and flexible cornices.
Hard ones do not change shape. They usually represent several straight parts connected by adapters (angular or linear).
Flexible ceiling curtain rods are made of aluminum and plastic. During installation, they are given the required shape. Bends are angular and smooth.
By form
There are such types:
- profile;
- strings;
- tubular.
Profile ones are sometimes additionally equipped with baguettes or blends. Patterned strips cover the place where the curtains are attached to the retaining structure.
String cornices are inconspicuous and emphasize the original shape of the window.
Tubular - only for this type of cornice, the curtains are attached to hinges or eyelets. In addition, decorative tips are usually used.
By material of manufacture
Main materials for production:
- metal (aluminum, brass, copper, bronze);
- plastic;
- wood.
The cheapest are plastic ones, which are suitable only for weightless fabrics.
Aluminum is good for ceiling curtain rods, it is able to take various forms.
Wood is a durable yet lightweight material.
Note: If the humidity is high, cracks may appear on the wooden cornice.
Advantages and disadvantages
Bay window curtain rods have a number of significant advantages.
- The special geometry of the room allows you to bring original design solutions to life. Flexible models of cornices are especially good in this regard. They can be shaped in different ways.
- The room, with a reasonable approach to business, seems brighter and larger.
- Decorative elements in the form of glass crystals or metal tips beautifully diffuse light and give the interior a special charm.
- With the right approach to business, there is no feeling of the banal rectangularity of the room.
The only drawbacks to the design of bay windows are the need for accurate calculations and adherence to them during installation. It takes a lot of time and effort.
How to choose a cornice for a bay window
When buying a curtain rod for window openings with a bay window, you need to take into account their durability and plasticity. Sometimes plastic is stronger than metal. However, poor quality plastic products can lose their strength in the sun, become too soft and do not hold the fasteners well.
Humidity matters too. For example, a tree does not like dampness, it begins to dry out over time.
It is important to take into account the parameters of the window, design, type of fabric in the curtains. Now firms offer ready-made sets for rod and profile curtain rods, which allows even a non-professional to assemble them on their own. It is important to familiarize yourself well with the attached instructions before starting work in order to avoid troubles in the future.
Please note: the assembly of heavy structures should be entrusted to the master.
How to hang a bay window cornice
Installation instructions.
- The type of attachment is selected. The materials of the walls and ceilings, in fact, determine the choice. Whenever possible, it is advisable to give preference to cornices that are attached to the ceiling.
- The surface is being prepared. A markup is applied to the place where the structure needs to be attached.
- Holes are drilled for attaching the brackets.
- If necessary, intermediate fastening systems (rounding or corner transitions) are installed.
- The brackets are mounted to the surface with dowels.
- The cornice is attached to the retaining elements in accordance with the instructions.
- The window is decorated with curtains.
Application in the interior of rooms
Living room
For the living room, 2-row cornices are suitable for thick curtains and translucent light curtains. The color is chosen for walls, furniture, decor items. The presence of lambrequins in the curtain will require an additional strip on the cornice.
The design of a bay window depends on the concept of the room, the style in which it is sustained.
Kitchen or dining room
A bay window in the kitchen can be used for zoning. So, for example, they separate the place where food is prepared from where the dining table is. The colors of the curtains depend on the decoration and furniture. When zoning, it is better to choose curtains that visually delimit the space (for example, due to the unusual shape or texture of the fabric).
For your information: a more practical option for the kitchen is short curtains to the line of the windowsill.
Bedroom
The bed in bedrooms with a bay window is usually placed with the headboard to the window. Curtains can be quite dense in texture, the color depends on other interior details - the color of the walls, furniture, bedspreads or pillows.
Children
For a nursery, it is better to choose tubular cornices with rings. The option of attaching the curtains to the hinges is possible, then nothing will happen if the child pulls the curtains by the canvas. Clips or hooks may bend.
Preference should be given to wooden or metal cornices, as they are environmentally friendly.
Additional darkening can be achieved by using roller blinds or blinds.
Operating rules
The operating rules for bay window cornices do not differ significantly from those that apply to cornices for ordinary windows.
- Correct distribution of brackets - every meter or one and a half. This will ensure the reliability of the structure. They are fastened outside the window opening so that the curtains, when swung open, fully open access to the light.
- From the tip of the cornice to the wall, there should be at least 2 cm - so the room will not seem smaller than its actual size.
- The size of the curved lugs is taken into account when selecting the size of the structure.
- For tall windows (10-20 cm to the ceiling), it is better to choose ceiling retaining structures.
- Regular maintenance of the curtain rods will help to maintain the appearance for a long time. Vacuum cleaner and wet rag - help!
Bay windows are a highlight in the interior. With a competent approach to design, they will delight with their beauty and originality.
Video: curtain rods for curtains on bay windows