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Small Crowns
Small crown styles generally mount with one center support.
Drapery Crown Guide: Mounting Options, Placement and Uses
Architectural Detail for Windows and Interiors
A drapery crown is part decorative sculpture, part window-treatment hardware. Mounted above a window, bed, doorway or architectural feature, it creates a focal point while providing a graceful place to gather or swag fabric.
The design receives most of the attention, but the mounting system determines how the crown will function. Some crowns project from the wall to support flowing fabric, while others attach to a cornice board, sit flat against a surface or become inset into a custom treatment.
Choose by Application
Drapery Crown Mounting Options
Each mounting method serves a different type of installation. Begin with the surface and the way the fabric will be arranged.
| Code | Mounting Style | Best Used For | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Adjustable | Windows, beds, fabric swags and combinations with rods | Projects approximately 4.5 to 7 inches from wall |
| T | Top Mount | Wood dust boards, cornices and board-mounted swags | Secured to top of wooden board |
| F | Flush Mount | Cornice faces, mirrors, doorways, windows and wall display | Flat against surface |
| RM | Rear Mount | Inset cornice and custom millwork applications | Tabs fasten behind cornice |
Adjustable is the standard mounting system when no option is specified. A custom project may require Top, Flush or Rear Mount preparation, so confirm the application before placing the order.
The Most Frequently Requested Option
“A” Adjustable Mount
Adjustable crowns project outward from the wall, creating room for fabric to pass behind, beneath or around the decorative design.
4.5"–7" Adjustable Projection
Flexible Wall Clearance
The adjustable bracket allows the crown to sit closer to or farther from the wall depending on the fullness of the fabric, surrounding hardware and desired visual depth.
- Useful over windows and beds.
- Allows lightweight fabric to be swagged around the crown.
- Can be used with a decorative drapery rod.
- Provides room for layered or fuller treatments.
- Should be adjusted evenly on both sides.
Medium and Large Crowns
Most larger crowns use a bracket on each side to support and level the design.
Style 2940
This larger crown includes an additional center support along with the side brackets.
A crown and drapery rod can be combined in one treatment. The rod may be positioned above or below the crown depending on the design. In some custom installations, the crown mounting stem may be connected to a compatible rod bracket to reduce the number of separate brackets on the wall.
Designed for Wooden Cornices
“T” Top Mount
A Top Mount crown is prepared to attach to the upper surface of a wooden dust board, cornice or board-mounted swag treatment.
How It Attaches
One or more mounting bars are positioned behind the design. Screws pass through the mounting bars and into the top of the wooden board.
Mounting-Bar Location
On most crowns, the bars are located toward the lower back of the design. Smaller crowns may use a center-mounted bar.
Best Applications
Use Top Mount construction when the crown is meant to rise above a structured cornice or become part of a board-mounted fabric treatment.
Restricted Ceiling Height
Some crowns may be installed in an inverted orientation so the design projects downward in front of the drapery rather than extending upward.
Confirm the board thickness and crown orientation before ordering. The fabricator should understand where the mounting bar will meet the dust board and whether the crown will be installed upright or inverted.
Decorative Detail Without Projection
“F” Flush Mount
Flush Mount crowns sit directly against the installation surface. They are used when no fabric needs to pass behind the crown or when the piece will function primarily as architectural wall decor.
Cornice Face
Mount the crown directly to the front of a wood or upholstered cornice as a decorative focal point.
Above a Doorway
Use the crown like an architectural pediment to emphasize an entry, opening or passageway.
Above a Mirror or Window
Add sculptural detail without creating the depth required for a swagged fabric treatment.
Above Artwork
A crown can visually frame a painting, tapestry or decorative wall grouping.
Over a Mantel
Use the crown as a central architectural accent above a fireplace or mantel display.
Standalone Wall Art
Ornate scrollwork and botanical designs can be displayed without fabric as sculptural architectural decor.
Flush Mount crowns use a concealed keyhole-style hanger. Install the crown much like a decorative wall plaque, using a fastener and mounting surface appropriate for the size and weight of the selected design.
For Inset Custom Treatments
“RM” Rear Mount
Rear Mount construction allows the crown to be inset into a cornice or custom opening. Metal tabs extend from the outside edges and fasten to the backside of the board.
Small Crowns
Small designs typically have two mounting tabs, with one tab positioned on each leg or short side.
Medium and Large Crowns
Larger designs generally use four tabs, with two tabs on each outside leg for added support.
Best Application
Use Rear Mount construction when the crown will sit within a shaped opening and the mounting hardware must remain concealed behind the cornice.
Fabricator Coordination
The cornice maker should have the crown or its precise template before cutting the opening so the shape and tab locations can be accommodated accurately.
Rear Mount installations should be planned before the cornice is fabricated. The opening, board thickness, tab clearance and access from the back all need to be incorporated into the construction plan.
Scale, Shape and Finish
Choosing the Right Drapery Crown
Measure the Available Width
Compare the crown width with the window, bed, cornice or wall area. Leave enough open space around the ends so the design does not feel crowded.
Check the Height
Ornate crowns add visual height. Measure the distance to the ceiling, molding, artwork or any nearby architectural feature.
Consider the Fabric Fullness
A narrow crown may suit one centered swag, while a broad crown can support fuller fabric, layered tails or a more elaborate treatment.
Match the Room’s Scale
Petite crowns work well over smaller windows and mirrors. Medium and large crowns create stronger architectural impact in rooms with taller ceilings or substantial furnishings.
Choose the Finish Carefully
Hand-applied finishes may coordinate with rods, sconces, furniture and lighting or provide a contrasting aged-metal accent.
Study the Motif
Botanical, shell, floral and scrollwork designs create different levels of visual weight. Open designs feel lighter, while dense motifs create a stronger focal point.
Beyond the Traditional Window
Creative Ways to Use Drapery Crowns
Above a Window
Center the crown above the glass and use it to anchor a scarf, swag or decorative drapery treatment.
Over a Bed
Mount an adjustable crown above the headboard and drape lightweight fabric to create a romantic canopy effect.
Above a Doorway
A flush-mounted crown creates the appearance of a decorative architectural pediment.
Over a Mirror
Add height and character to a simple mirror in a bedroom, dressing area, bath or entry.
Above a Fireplace
Use a flush-mounted crown as the central feature of a mantel or fireplace-wall arrangement.
As Architectural Wall Art
Display the crown by itself when the silhouette and finish are strong enough to serve as sculpture.
Proportion Before Installation
Drapery Crown Placement
Final placement depends on the crown dimensions, fabric design, ceiling height and surrounding architecture. Arrange the entire composition before making permanent holes.
Centered Above the Window
Center the crown on the window or on the completed treatment, which may be wider than the window opening itself.
Above the Rod
Leave enough separation for the crown to read as a decorative focal point while maintaining visual connection to the rod and fabric.
Integrated with the Rod
The rod may sit directly above or below the crown brackets, depending on the hardware plan and fabric arrangement.
Below a Low Ceiling
Consider an inverted Top Mount installation when the crown would otherwise extend too close to the ceiling.
Test the fabric before settling on the crown height. Temporarily hold the crown and fabric in position. The depth and curve of the finished swag may change how high the crown needs to be mounted.
Before Making Permanent Holes
Drapery Crown Installation Planning
Confirm the Crown Dimensions
Mark the full width and height of the design on the wall with removable painter’s tape to check scale and surrounding clearance.
Select the Mounting System
Confirm whether the project requires Adjustable, Top, Flush or Rear Mount construction before the crown is ordered.
Plan the Fabric
Determine whether the fabric will pass behind the crown, drape beneath it, wrap around it or attach to a separate rod.
Locate Structural Support
Identify framing, blocking or another appropriate mounting surface. Large crowns and fabric treatments should not depend on unsupported drywall alone.
Level the Mounting Points
Crowns with two or more brackets must be installed level so the motif remains balanced and the fabric hangs evenly.
Adjust and Dress the Fabric
Set the projection, arrange the fabric gradually and step back often to check the symmetry, fullness and center drop.
Before Ordering
Drapery Crown Selection Checklist
Crown Size
- Available wall width has been measured.
- Crown height clears the ceiling and molding.
- Scale suits the window, bed or architectural feature.
- Space remains around the outer decorative edges.
Mounting System
- Adjustable, Top, Flush or Rear Mount is selected.
- The selected mount suits the installation surface.
- Cornice and board construction has been coordinated.
- Mounting access is available where required.
Fabric Treatment
- Fabric weight and fullness are understood.
- The intended swag or tail arrangement is planned.
- Adjustable projection provides sufficient clearance.
- A coordinating rod has been considered if needed.
Installation
- Structural mounting points are identified.
- Appropriate fasteners are available.
- Multiple brackets can be installed level.
- The full treatment has been tested visually.
Common Questions
Drapery Crown FAQ
What is a drapery crown?
A drapery crown is a decorative architectural accent mounted above a window, bed or other feature. It may support fabric or serve as standalone wall decor.
What mounting option will I receive if I do not specify one?
Adjustable mounting is the standard and most frequently requested option when no other mounting designation is provided.
How far does an adjustable crown project from the wall?
Adjustable crown brackets provide approximately 4.5 to 7 inches of wall projection.
Can a drapery crown be used with a curtain rod?
Yes. A rod may be positioned above or below the crown, and some custom installations coordinate the crown stem with the rod bracket.
Which mount should I use for a wooden cornice?
Use Top Mount when attaching the crown to the top of a wooden cornice or dust board. Use Flush Mount for attachment to the front face, or Rear Mount when the crown will be inset.
Can the crown be installed upside down?
Some Top Mount crowns may be installed in an inverted orientation, which is helpful when ceiling height is limited or when the design should project downward in front of the drapery.
Can a crown be used without fabric?
Yes. Flush-mounted crowns can be displayed above windows, doorways, mirrors, artwork, beds, mantels or as standalone architectural wall art.
Are the finishes identical from piece to piece?
Hand-applied finishes may have subtle variations. Whenever coordinating several pieces, order them together when possible and allow for the character of a hand-finished surface.
What information should I provide when asking for help?
Include the crown style, wall or cornice dimensions, mounting surface, fabric arrangement, desired projection, ceiling height and photographs of the installation area.
A Window Worth Looking Up To
Choose the Crown and Mount as One Complete Design
A drapery crown can turn a simple fabric treatment into an architectural focal point. The best result begins with the mounting system: Adjustable for projected fabric treatments, Top Mount for wooden cornices, Flush Mount for flat decorative applications and Rear Mount for inset custom construction.
Review the crown dimensions, mounting surface, fabric plan and surrounding clearance before placing the order.
