Pelmet
Pelmets are box-like frameworks positioned to cover the top of windows so as to conceal the curtain fixtures. They are typically made of lightweight timber and are sometimes referred to as window cornices, which can incorporate moulding.
Pelmets are often decorative, arched to varying degrees or flat-bottomed, and can be upholstered to match the curtains. Fabric pelmets are sometimes referred to as valances, and can be creatively designed to be voluminous and opulent.
As well as being decorative, pelmets also have an insulating role and can help save energy by preventing convection currents. When warm air reaches the top of a window, it cools and tends to fall. This creates a cold downdraft. The pelmet can hep reduce this flow of air.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Bridging the gap between clients and contractors
Concerns remain around contractor quality, capability, and delivery.
Construction Management, 10 June.
Heat pumps beat boilers in new home tests.
Building Safety Act implementation in Wales
CIAT to host industry panel on 26 June.
New and updated CLC building safety guidance.
New UK National Buildings Database.
Building Safety Wiki Interviews
Chief executive of the British Woodworking Federation.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief explanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.