Pelmets
In an interior scenario, “window treatment” is an encompassing phrase that categorises the different types of internal window coverings. Blinds, shades, curtains, and drapes are all common types of window treatments. In most instances, window treatments are top hung, and are typically suspended from some form of rod or pole. Whilst the rods themselves can sometimes be decorative, at other times they can be unsightly. In these instances, a pelmet is installed to hide the action of the window treatment. Additionally, in a historical context, houses were much colder, and drafts through homes were common due a to a lack of insulation and double glazing. As heat rises, the warm air within a room gathers towards the ceiling. In older homes within single glazing and poor window seals, this warm air is pulled towards the cold opening. Whilst curtains or drapes can help to insulate the opening and retain the heat within a room, the void at the top of the opening where the curtain rail attaches to the wall allows for warm air to pass through freely. The installation of a pelmet covers this void, slowing the rate of heat loss within a room.
What is a pelmet?
Pelmets are decorative casements that cover the rails and fixing points of curtains. They are a traditional component that can be seen in older homes, and are not commonly seen or installed in modern properties. Whilst they can be made from fabric shaped over a wire or timber frame, in this context we are talking about pelmets made entirely from timber. Pelmets can vary in appearance from a plain box to a more decorative casing. Timber grounds were traditionally installed above the window on which the curtain rails and pelmet were mounted to. When installed in properties today, modern mechanical fixings and mounting brackets are commonly implemented. Whilst traditionally independent of the curtain fixtures, modern curtain and blind companies do supply integrated pelmets that cover the mechanisms of the curtains.
Pelmets can be integrated into the design of craftsman window casings. Whilst a standard craftsman casing features a decorative entablature fixed flat to the wall above a window opening, this does not aid in hiding the components involved with hanging window treatments. Instead, a decorative pelmet can be made to match the profile of a craftsman entablature, and installed over the window treatment rail to achieve two outcomes in one.
Pelmets can also sometimes be referred to as window cornices. This same component an also be installed to cover the surface mounted rails of sliding doors.
What are the criteria for the installation of pelmets?
Pelmets are a finished component that are typically implemented as a decorative piece. As such all of the tolerances associated with the assembly are relatively fine. Pelmets are ordinarily formed with a rectangular through section, with 3 sides facing into the room. The corners where the 2 short sides are attached to the longer face are mitred. All of the joints within the assembly should be tight. When the assembly is fixed to the wall, care should be taken to ensure that it is level. Suitable fixings should be used to attach the pelmet to the wall.
How are pelmets created?
Pelmets are an interesting component in that they are typically assembled on the ground and subsequently lifted into place to be secured to the wall. This makes assembling the component far easier, in comparison to assembling it in situ. A standard pelmet assembly features a long front rail that runs parallel to the window opening, with two small side pieces that return back into the wall, and a top panel that is installed to close off the box from above. The wall forms the back side of the box, with the curtains or drapes operating within the open bottom of the pelmet. This box frame can be assembled from planed timber or MDF. Planed timber must be mitred at the corners to create a seamless appearance. As MDF is more stable, the corners can be assembled through the use of butt joints.
The length of the pelmet is determined by the length of the curtain rod, with the depth of the box being determined by the distance the rod sits off of the wall. Curtain rods generally extend around 150mm/6” past each side of the window opening, and sit around an inch or two away from the wall on its mounting brackets. The internal dimensions of the box must accommodate these measurements, with additional tolerances to allow for ease of installation and to prevent the curtain from binding inside the pelmet. The internal length of the pelmet should be about 50mm longer than the curtain rod that is being installed. The distance that the pelmet sits away from the wall should be somewhere between 100-150mm for standard curtain rods, as this provides suitable clearance to the curtain whilst maintaining reasonable proportions. The depth of the pelmet will depend on the desired aesthetic outcome of the component. For a simple box pelmet, a depth of 150mm is appropriate to cover the curtain rail whilst maintaining reasonable proportions. If simple moulding is being installed, 150mm is still suitable. If a craftsman entablature style is being emulated, then the pelmet might be as deep as 300mm, to allow space for all of the mouldings to be installed whilst staying proportional.
Whilst there are many considerations involved, the actual assembly of a pelmet is very straightforward. With the criteria for the dimensions assessed, all of the relevant pieces can be cut, allowing for the material thicknesses where applicable. The corners of the front and side pieces are mitred and joined with suitable fixings and adhesives. The top panel is then fixed inside the perimeter of the box, so that it is not seen when installed. This completes the frame of the pelmet, and any mouldings can be installed at this point. From here, the pelmet is fully assembled, and is ready to be mounted to the wall. Mounting brackets or mounting batten can be fastened to the wall above the curtain rod to facilitate the installation of the pelmet. The pelmet is then lifted into place and secured to the mounting hardware or timber batten. This completes the installation.