The Sewing Place

The Emporia => House Beautiful => Topic started by: annierose on February 03, 2018, 17:35:40 PM

Title: Fixing curtains to the ceiling
Post by: annierose on February 03, 2018, 17:35:40 PM
Hello all. A young family member asked me to help with curtains - but she is in a 'conversion' where the windows are literally, completely, floor to ceiling (about 2.4 metres I think) No wonder the previous owners didn't put curtains up (maybe the fuel bills and blank space made them move!)
I haven't measured yet, but the width must be about 5 metres. so for decent curtains there will be a lot of weight and we will be needing 2 extra brackets I think in addition to the 2 side, and the central.
I am wondering if I could get 'passing rings' that will work 'upwards' - or could we think about fixing a pelmet to the ceiling and hanging the curtains from that. I'll get advice about hanging such a weight from the , but just thought I'd seek ideas and advice.

Thanks!
Title: Re: Fixing curtains to the ceiling
Post by: BrendaP on February 03, 2018, 21:58:43 PM
One option would be to hang a pole from the ceiling instead of the usual wall fixing, but it would have to be a thick/heavyweight pole.  Poles Direct (https://www.polesdirect.com/measurement-guides) say that their heavier poles will take up to 12 kg of curtains, which actually isn't that much when you come to weigh substantial curtains.

The other option is to fix two batons to the ceiling.  One (probably in 2 pieces if the span is 5m) in the position where you want the curtains to hang.  Use as many screws, brackets or whatever is needed for it to be securely attached to the ceiling.  If it comes down about 8-10cm from the ceiling there should be enough space to install regular curtain track.  The track also could be in two pieces.

Then a few cm in front of it fix another baton to which a pelmet is attached.  The pelmet could be painted wood, fabric covered buckram or gathered fabric and it will serve to cover up the mechanics of the main baton.

Title: Re: Fixing curtains to the ceiling
Post by: Lachica on February 03, 2018, 22:27:06 PM
Ikea do a rail which hangs from the ceiling, we have had one for several years, although it's only a 3m window and the curtains aren't very heavy. We've just fitted their newer type of track, again hung from the ceiling, 2 runs of 3m. Unfortunately nowadays the track comes in 1.2m lengths so has several joins but the curtain says pull ok over the joins. The new curtains are interlined as well as lined so are heavy, but they haven't fallen down yet. Hub used extra mounting brackets to be sure.
Title: Re: Fixing curtains to the ceiling
Post by: Lowena on February 04, 2018, 11:20:12 AM
Blinds instead? We don't have any curtains in our house, just wooden shutters
Title: Re: Fixing curtains to the ceiling
Post by: LeilaMay on February 04, 2018, 12:44:23 PM
Be careful as to the material and construction o the ceiling! Just because a pole is designed to take a heavier weight curtain, that may assume it's being attached to a solid wall - ceilings are often 'hollow' and not strong.
 -<
Title: Re: Fixing curtains to the ceiling
Post by: annierose on February 04, 2018, 17:35:13 PM
Thank you all very much, we are going to take another look and think, in the light of these replies
Title: Re: Fixing curtains to the ceiling
Post by: Hummingbird on February 05, 2018, 16:26:59 PM
Does it have to be a pole?

If it's a modern room then a white discreet track can almost disappear into the ceiling and the curtains can be amost flush leaving no gap for light to spill over.

Using a track also means you can have lots of brackets and within reason, place the brackets where there is something secure to fix into as long as they are spread across the width. You can get tracks to support heavy curtains and some also with roller or silicone runners so that they move smoothly.

You will need to look somewhere other than just a DIY warehouse though.

Something like https://www.polesandblinds.com/speedy-fineline-hand-bendable-metal-curtain-track-set-wall-or-ceiling-fix/?colour=White
Title: Re: Fixing curtains to the ceiling
Post by: HenriettaMaria on February 05, 2018, 16:48:03 PM
We have track, like this

https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-aluminium-uncorded-tracks/p249061

attached to the ceiling in three rooms.  The secret is to know where the ceiling joists are and to screw into them.  However, these tracks are not heavyweight so I'd hesitate to weigh them down with domette, brocade or velvet.  Also, if you use these kinds of tracks the ceiling *must* be level.  If it is in any way bellied then the strain of trying to follow a curve will pull the fixings out over time, as we found across a window only 1.1m wide - the plasterer was the one who spotted that problem and took a lot of trouble to true it up again!
Title: Re: Fixing curtains to the ceiling
Post by: arrow on February 05, 2018, 17:42:30 PM
If the glass is tripple insulation type I guess curtains is mostly for the sun and to make the room nicer. A wall of double insulated glass can send this gush of cold into the room when the temperature drops below zero celsius. Most people insist we don't need double layer curtains these days, but it's only half true. Here tripple insulation windows are not very common yet, maybe in some new houses but not all. A few of the older houses in my are have them installed, but mostly because the noisy street.

Since she asked for cutain help I guess she likes curtains and cares. A lot of people skip curtains (usually young to middle aged), most of them doesn't know the difference curtains can make.