Niche for cornice in suspended ceiling

Many people are familiar with the traditional types of cornice fastening. But a suspended ceiling makes it possible to create a hidden curtain. This allows you to visually make the room taller. A niche for a cornice can be constructed in several ways and has certain characteristics. It is worth understanding this issue in more detail.

What is

Externally, the structure resembles a box. It performs several functions at once. Allows you to disguise the curtain and install decorative lighting for a more modern and attractive interior.

Thanks to this niche, it seems as if the curtains are falling from the ceiling. It can be built not only in tension, but also in suspended fabric. The size of the box depends on the baguette. This must be taken into account before starting work.

If the curtain is small, then a few centimeters of space will be enough. For bulky multi-level models, the box can reach 10 cm. Therefore, it is recommended to figure out in advance which curtains you plan to hang and which baguette is suitable for them. This should be decided before the ceiling panel is erected. It will not be possible to make a separate recess in the already finished cladding.

Such a solution allows you to achieve a more neat look for the window opening, fit the curtains organically and elegantly into the design, avoid damage to the surface of the tension film, and additionally introduce lighting, which will make it possible to combine several functions in one niche.

It is worth noting that the recess should be of such a height as to hide the drapery tape at the curtain. This is also thought out in advance, taking into account the size of the curtains. The box can be the same length as the window or occupy the entire wall. With the latter option, it is important to make small indentations of 50 cm on both sides. The width depends on the selected curtains, their thickness, and the number of layers. It is also important whether tulle will be used.

Reference. When figuring out how wide a niche should be, you should take into account the removal of window sills and the presence of heating radiators.

Methods for creating a niche for a cornice

There are several methods for making a recess for a curtain. It is worth citing the main ones. The first is to pre-assemble the frame, taking into account that there will also be a niche. It is difficult to implement such an idea on your own. It's better to turn to professionals. They are the ones who will be able to do such complex work efficiently.

To implement this method, precise calculations will be required. The perimeter of the recess will be specified by the profiles. Then they are covered with plasterboard sheets. Special holes are cut out in them, completely matching the previously taken measurements. When the niche is ready, you can attach the created cornice to the base structure using dowels.

The next way to form a box is to use a metal frame. You need to move it back from the wall by 20–25 cm. Then start covering the structure with plasterboard.The method is distinguished by the absence of the need to cut out a recess. It is formed due to the indentation. But you can’t leave it like this. Processing will be required. This can be a simple whitewash finish, full painting or wallpapering.

Important. When choosing the second method of creating a box, it is worth remembering that before lining this space is treated with primer and putty. These are additional protection measures that extend the life of the niche.

Sometimes it is necessary to attach pre-treated timber beams. The curtain will subsequently be attached to it. It is worth noting that the homeowner independently chooses where exactly the recess will be located. It can stretch along the entire perimeter of the ceiling. This is relevant when the room requires zoning.

Attaching the curtain itself is quite simple - even a beginner can do it. Exact calculations are not required.

Preparing the ceiling for a hidden cornice

Before any cladding, the surface must be prepared. Neglecting this stage will lead to the appearance of the design looking ugly, defects will become more noticeable, and the service life of the materials will be shortened. Therefore, some measures need to be taken.

They start by eliminating the previous design. The paint can be removed using a special compound or mechanically; just soak the wallpaper. Whitewash should also be treated with water. Defects, gaps and cracks are sealed with special compounds, such as putty or plaster.

If you do not plan to stretch the fabric or install a suspended ceiling in the area of ​​the box, it is recommended to putty this free space and cover it with white paint.You can come up with a more interesting design, but this is a basic treatment that is best not to be neglected. This will allow the pocket to look more aesthetically pleasing and fit harmoniously into the design.

Niche design: creating lighting

It was noted that in addition to the main function, the box allows you to integrate lighting. The organization of additional lighting will look unusual and attractive. The lighting will create the effect that the curtains are airy. To achieve this goal, a strip with LEDs is inserted into a special groove. It can be any color; you don’t have to choose a classic one. This also helps to visually increase the height of the space. Relevant for low rooms.

The box for the curtain rod allows you to hide the auxiliary elements and leave only beautiful curtains for the eyes. There are several methods to implement such a project. One of them can only be performed by professionals. Therefore, if you plan to carry out the work yourself, it is worth taking into account the peculiarities of the methods for creating a recess.

The construction of the box should be planned at the ceiling design stage. Otherwise, it will be impossible to implement such an idea later. A strip of lighting will create an airy effect and add light to the room.

Innovative solution

Another way to create a hidden cornice is a new system of cornices built directly into the ceiling.
Today, design solutions require minimalism and simplicity, both during installation and in appearance. Therefore, KRAAB-SYSTEMS successfully implements these requirements.

The company implements most solutions using a gapless damper system, which visually makes the structure more aesthetically pleasing and makes installation more convenient.
It is worth paying special attention to the fact that such a cornice system is an innovative solution in the field of suspended ceilings: thanks to it, it became possible to embed a cornice in the ceiling without the use of an additional profile and installation of niches. Among other things, the cornice can be supplemented with an electric drive and the movement of the curtains can be controlled using a key, remote control or smartphone, since the “smart home” system is now gaining popularity all over the world and is becoming an indispensable attribute in every room. Paying attention to the design, it is worth noting that the engine itself is hidden behind the curtain and does not spoil the appearance of the structure, and the silent mechanism does not irritate or interfere. Another absolute advantage is that the engines are selected according to the client’s needs.
If we talk about appearance, the cornice looks like a thin strip of black or white.
But when choosing a cornice, a person is often faced with the question of the number of cornice lines. The classic quantity is three lines: for thick curtains, for tulle and for lambrequins. If we return, again, to minimalism and practicality, then the optimal solution today is a one-line solution - for blackout curtains.