What is a Pelmet Box?

A pelmet box is a framed panel installed at the top of a window to conceal curtain tracks or fittings. Traditionally made from timber or covered in fabric, pelmets were often decorative in nature—matched to drapery or the overall room scheme. Today, they serve both practical and aesthetic purposes: masking curtain hardware while adding structure and detail to a window. They also offer subtle insulation benefits by reducing heat loss through convection at the top of curtains.

How to Add a Pelmet Box to Coving

While it’s not a widely covered topic, adding a pelmet box around coving is surprisingly achievable and makes a noticeable impact. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get it right:

Step 1: Plan Your Design and Take Precise Measurements

Decide how far you’d like the pelmet to project from the wall—this usually depends on the depth of your curtain pole or track. Measure the width of the window, adding a margin on each side for coverage and visual balance.

Step 2: Choose Your Materials

You can construct a pelmet box using MDF, plywood, or plaster components. For a more integrated look, pair it with coving that either matches or complements the existing mouldings in your room.

Step 3: Construct the Pelmet Box

Cut your pelmet to size, forming a simple U- or L-shaped structure with a front face and two side returns. Assemble with wood glue and screws, ensuring all joins are flush and well-aligned.

Step 4: Fix the Pelmet Frame Above the Window

Install a timber batten or fixing block on the wall above the window to support the box. Attach the pelmet securely to the batten from inside, checking for level and ensuring it sits flat against the surface.

Step 5: Add Coving to the Face of the Pelmet

Fix your chosen coving along the face or bottom edge of the pelmet box. Use adhesive suitable for the material you’re working with, and take care with mitres and corners for a clean, continuous finish.

Step 6: Fill, Sand, and Paint

Fill any visible gaps or screw holes with filler, then sand smooth once dry. Apply a primer, followed by your chosen paint colour—whether that’s a tone matched to the ceiling or a contrasting shade for visual interest.

Step 7: Fit the Curtain Track Inside the Pelmet Box

Once complete, install your curtain track or pole within the box. The hardware will be neatly concealed, allowing curtains or blinds to fall from a clean, uninterrupted line.

Why Add a Pelmet Box Around Coving?

Pairing a pelmet box with coving elevates the architectural detail of a room while discreetly managing the functional elements of curtain dressing. This combination softens transitions between wall and ceiling, and gives the entire window area a more considered, built-in look. When integrated with coving, the pelmet blends seamlessly with the rest of the room—whether you’re working with period features or modern lines.

As well as the visual improvement, pelmets offer thermal advantages too. By enclosing the top of the curtains, they help reduce heat loss and can improve insulation, especially in older properties.

What Style of Properties Suit This Look?

Pelmet boxes work across a wide range of property types. In traditional homes—such as Georgian, Victorian, or Edwardian—they complement original features and restore a sense of period integrity. In modern settings, they create crisp, architectural lines that support minimalist styling. It’s a versatile detail that bridges function and form, whether you’re restoring heritage details or streamlining a contemporary space.

Create a Seamless Window Treatment with Our Coving Range

We offer a selection of plaster coving designed to integrate effortlessly with pelmet boxes, giving you the ability to hide curtain fixtures while enhancing the character of your space. From subtle linear mouldings to ornate profiles, our range includes styles suited to every type of property.

Each piece is handmade from fine gypsum for a high-quality, crisp finish. Whether you’re after a modest cove or a grand cornice, you’ll find small, medium, and large-scale options in styles like Art Deco, Classic, Georgian, and Victorian. For added decorative impact, we also offer designs featuring Egg & Dart, Dentil, Modillion, Floral, and Ogee detailing.

So, if you’re looking to conceal curtain rails and bring a more tailored finish to your room, a pelmet box paired with our coving might be exactly what your window needs.

We deliver across the UK. Our knowledge and experience means we are always ready and willing to help with any questions our customers may have regarding the types of property they are working on. Call us: 0161 524 0862. Alternatively you can email us directly: service@shawfieldpark.co.uk