CL-002 Open-bottom curtain pelmet with removable lid
Reduce the open circulation path over an existing curtain rod with a cleanable top enclosure, while keeping the curtain free to travel.
Limits and intended use
Original household fixture, not a load-rated structure or occupied shelter.
No building energy rating, cooling capacity or prototype test is claimed.
Keep combustion appliances, flues, ventilation requirements and emergency exits unobstructed.
Indoor dry location only; no heater enclosure or fire-rated material claim.
Materials and cuts
Part
Qty
Finished inches and millimeters
Material
P01 Front board
1
42 x 3 1/2 x 3/4 in 1066.8 x 88.9 x 19.05 mm
sound untreated cedar or other durable untreated wood
P02 End cheeks
2
5 1/4 x 3 1/2 x 3/4 in 133.35 x 88.9 x 19.05 mm
sound untreated cedar or other durable untreated wood
P03 Lift-off top
1
42 x 6 x 1/2 in 1066.8 x 152.4 x 12.7 mm
exterior-bond plywood for protected non-food-contact fixtures; substitute thickness only by recalculating joints
P04 Rear mounting cleat
1
40 1/2 x 1 1/2 x 3/4 in 1028.7 x 38.1 x 19.05 mm
sound untreated cedar or other durable untreated wood; no unknown salvage
Hardware and purchased components
8 #8 x 1-1/2 in screws for cheeks,4 each
4 #8 x 1-1/2 in screws through cheeks into cleat ends
4 small magnetic cabinet catches with matched short screws for lid
Two structural wood mounting screws chosen for verified framing, not drywall alone
Tools
Tape measure and steel rule
Pencil, square and clamps
Saw suited to the stated stock; eye and hearing protection
Drill/driver, countersink and bits matched to fasteners
Sandpaper and edge file; gloves when handling cut mesh
Step-by-step assembly
Inspect sound stock and a stable work surface. In the drawings x runs left to right, y front to rear and z upward.
Measure actual stock before cutting; nominal board names are not finished cross sections. Match each part to its label and material in the cut schedule.
Mark each finished cut separately, leaving saw kerf outside the line. Label parts, target +/-1/16 in and ease all hand-contact edges.
Measure the entire curtain-rod bracket projection and travelling rings, then make a cardboard 42 x 6 in plan template. The box offers 40-1/2 in clear width and 4-1/2 in clear depth below its lid. It must clear the moving rod and fabric by at least 1/2 in. This worked size is for a rod no wider than 40 in.
Place each 5-1/4 in cheek behind an end of the front board. Their front ends touch the front board rear face, so the finished outside depth is 6 in. Clamp all three lower edges flush on a flat bench.
Drill four staggered pilots from the front face into each cheek end, clear of board edges. Drive the eight 1-1/2 in screws, using a depth stop so no point exits the narrow cheek faces. Countersink only enough to seat heads.
Place the 40-1/2 in rear cleat between cheeks at y=5-1/4 to 6 in, its lower edge 2 in above the front lower edge. Predrill two side-entry screws at each end, at 2-3/8 and 3-1/8 in height. Keep these holes away from front-corner screws.
Set the 42 x 6 in top over the full outside outline. Fit two magnetic catches on the rear cleat and two on the front inside face, with corresponding lid plates. Use screws whose penetration into the 1/2 in lid remains no more than 3/8 in; pick the actual catch before marking holes.
Remove the lid. Locate sound wall framing through the rear cleat and use compatible mounting screws with embedment selected for the actual wall. Set the open bottom above the curtain travel path and do not enclose a heater, smoke alarm or ventilation grille.
Reinstall the lift-off lid and run the curtain from fully open to fully closed several times. Check that rings, fabric folds and pull cords do not catch on the cleat or magnetic catches. No dangling cord loop is added by this project.
After a cold evening inspect both the pelmet interior and window reveal for moisture. A top enclosure is not a substitute for whole-room ventilation. Lift off the lid periodically to dust, and remove the assembly if moisture or curtain interference persists.
Complete the listed acceptance checks before use. Record changes to stock or fittings; retain this sheet with the finished assembly.
Acceptance checks
Outside 42 x 6 x 4 in (1066.8 x 152.4 x 101.6 mm), excluding wall mounting screws.
Clearance at least 1/2 in around moving curtain parts; lid retained by four catches.
All wall attachments verified before leaving the lid in place.
Cleaning and maintenance
Dust with lid removed, inspect mounting and catches twice each year, keep fabric clear of required appliance clearance zones.
Primary context
Primary references support context only. Design geometry, cut schedule, assembly and drawings are original editorial work, not certified or endorsed by the named agencies.
