Pleated curtains on windows appeared relatively recently: their history began in the second half of the 20th century in Germany. The inhabitants of this country have always been famous for their love for practical and comfortable things. It is quite natural that these qualities were fully embodied in the curtains invented by German designers, and they quickly became in demand in Europe, and then throughout the world. Despite the fact that the decor invented by practical Germans has a strong competitor (in price, mounting method and functionality), and today the choice often consists of pleated curtains or roller blinds, they continue to remain at the peak of popularity. What is it and what is their secret? Let's figure it out together.
Description
Pleated curtains are considered a universal option because they are suitable for any room in an apartment or house. They look quite simple: a design made of two aluminum guides, between which fabric or paper is stretched, with artificially created folds. The folds hold their shape and fold like an accordion due to special processing.
Read about: Velcro curtains for balconies and more.
There are 4 main types of control in corrugated curtains: cord, metal chain, manual or automatic mechanism. This mechanism is activated using a remote control.
Fastening is done in three different ways:
- On the sash of a plastic window.
This method is suitable for those who do not want to damage and drill frames for fasteners. However, this method also has limitations: it is only suitable for opening doors. Therefore, for blind structures you will have to choose a different method of fastening.
- To the frame/wall.
With this option, the structure will be located outside the window opening. The advantages include the strength and reliability of the fasteners.
- Above the glass.
In this case, the curtain is fixed above the glass or on the opening from above. Such an installation is possible provided that the depth of the glazing bead is around 2 cm. Nowadays such windows are in the minority and are rare, since the bulk of modern double-glazed windows have a depth of no more than 1 cm.
Compared to horizontal blinds
Horizontal blinds are made from various materials: plastic, metal, wood, fabric. They go up, which allows you to adjust the opening height of the window. The advantages of this design include durability and ease of use.
Other advantages of horizontal products include:
- You can install it yourself. There is no need to install curtains for curtains, which is similar to pleated curtains.
- Cleaning with a vacuum cleaner with a special attachment is allowed. Unlike fabric pleated blinds, which require more careful care.
- You can find cheap options that protect you from the sun. Pleated blinds are more expensive than metal blinds.
- Smooth adjustment of the light is allowed by adjusting the position of the lamellas. This option is not available in pleated fabric, where the fabric is a single whole.
- The structure can be installed on the ceiling or slanting walls. But it is not possible for windows with complex geometry, in comparison with pleated blinds.
The downside is that if at least one lamella breaks, you have to change the entire structure. Pleated fabrics, which are characterized by increased strength and resistance to mechanical damage, do not have this drawback.
Advantages and disadvantages
Main advantages:
- Fits perfectly into modern interiors: minimalism, hi-tech, loft. See additionally: country style curtains.
- They will help out if your windows are of non-standard shape, for example triangular, trapezoidal, arched, round.
- Versatility, because a variety of mounting methods will help you choose the appropriate option.
- Fabric products can be cleaned at home.
- Affordable price. Thus, in the online store the cost of a high-quality black out curtain varies from 1,700 rubles to 3,100 rubles, depending on the size of the window opening.
- The best choice for lower floors. The ability to close from bottom to top will hide you from prying eyes and will not leave you without sunlight.
- Compactness, because when folded they take up minimal space.
The disadvantages include:
- Installation will require the help of a specialist, and this will be an additional expense.
- They collect dust well due to their non-standard shape.
Cleaning instructions
- Remove the blinds from the windows.
- Take a container whose width will be greater than the width of the curtains. Add a non-bleaching detergent to the water.
- Fold the canvas and lower it into the water.
- Rinse the curtain in the shower.
- It is better to dry the curtain folded.
- After complete drying, you can fasten the curtain back.
In modern times, pleated blinds are a very popular type of curtain; they can fit into any room, even with the most unusual design solution. A huge variety of fabrics, textures and colors is the main advantage of these blinds.
Types of pleated curtains
Pleated curtains are divided into several types according to their purpose, opening and closing mechanism and other characteristics:
Rolled
Read about: roller blinds for plastic windows.
This type is equipped with a rotating shaft to which the upper part of the canvas is attached. The control principle is similar to the blinds mechanism: you can open and close very quickly.
Tensioners
There is a fishing line on the sides, which prevents the curtains from sagging on attic and other inclined surfaces.
"Day Night"
This type is most often installed in the bedroom and children's room. It is based on two materials of different densities and each has its own independent control system. One of the canvases does not let the sun's rays through, and the second translucent one will hide it from prying eyes. Outwardly, it looks like alternating strips of dense material with a mesh. To let light into the room, you just need to change the position of the opaque parts. There are models of curtains with reflectors that will not only darken the room, but also save you from the heat.
Corrugated curtains for an arched window
This type is made in the shape of a fan and does its job well, plunging the room into twilight. However, they do not have their own opening and closing mechanism, but at the moment this is the only possible option for decorating windows of this shape.
We recommend
It is not recommended to buy pleated paper curtains for the kitchen, as they will quickly become unusable due to high humidity and drops of grease. The best option for the kitchen are polyester fabric curtains.
All pleated curtains are divided into two large subgroups:
- Fabric.
The material used to make this type can be completely different in color, density, and wear resistance. The width of the folds also varies from 0.5 cm to 5 cm. The material is impregnated with a dust repellent and a reflective compound. If necessary, a design can be applied to the surface using photo printing. Fabric curtains are a higher quality option that will last a long time. Their care is minimal.
- Paper.
The basis of such curtains is paper, which is formed into folds. Paper curtains cannot boast of practicality and a long service life, so they should be considered only as a temporary option.
Read about: curtains for verandas and terraces.
The budget cost and large selection of colors allows you to change them regularly. You can make paper curtains yourself.
Dimensions
If you make custom-made pleated blinds, the dimensions are set by you. They will depend on the type of window, its size and the type of blinds you wish to install on your chosen window. But for pleated curtains there are minimum and maximum sizes:
For vertical installation and angle up to 15 degrees:
| Minimum width 20 cm | Minimum height 220 cm |
| Maximum height 20 cm | Maximum height 260 cm |
For vertical installation and angles up to 15 degrees, electrically controlled:
| Minimum width 70 cm | Minimum height 220 cm |
| Maximum height 20 cm | Maximum height 260 cm |
For vertical installation of circular blinds: Maximum radius 75 cm.
For inclined installation and angles up to 90 degrees:
| Minimum width 30 cm | Minimum height 150 cm |
| Maximum height 20 cm | Maximum height 400 cm |
For inclined installation and angles up to 90 degrees, electrically controlled:
| Minimum width 60 cm | Minimum height 150 cm |
| Maximum height 20 cm | Maximum height 400 cm |
Where can I buy
If you have any doubts about online shopping, go to a specialized store in your city and choose the appropriate option with an experienced consultant. If you don’t have time, but have a great desire to save money, then a selection of online stores will help you make your choice. And use the savings to order installation.
- FOROOM.
The site has a stylish design and easy navigation through product groups. Thanks to the designer, you can easily decide on the size, color scheme and material of the future curtain. Delivery and installation are available. The prices are not inflated.
- DELFAMARKET.
The site specializes in the sale of modern roller and pleated curtains. It has a fairly budget price, for example, fabric curtains with a sun protection function and a “down-up” mechanism will cost you 1,800 rubles.
- CurtainWholesale.
Wholesale online store with a huge range of curtains, curtain rods and home textiles. Convenient filters, a large selection of shades and wholesale prices will pleasantly surprise you.
Comparison with vertical blinds
Vertical structures are a modern, stylish solution for window decoration. It is often used in offices and public buildings. Designers combine it with classic curtains.
But the design is not without its drawbacks - the presence of noise when opening a structure with plastic or aluminum slats. The disadvantages also include that only fabric models or filament blinds are suitable for large windows: the other options are not suitable for weight.
Vertical strips are not suitable for complex geometries. And for a window sill that is small in width, because to access it you will have to open the blinds completely. Compared to vertical designs, pleated curtains are much more functional and easier to use.
Care
Curtains, like any product, require care. To extend their life, it is necessary to monitor not only the material, but also the mechanism. Do not install structures near open fire, as the material is highly flammable. The curtains will not require cleaning for the first 1.5-2 years, thanks to impregnation against dirt.
Next, follow a few recommendations in your daily care:
- It cannot be washed, but can be soaked in warm water with laundry soap or other delicate detergent. Maximum temperature –30° C. You need to soak it folded. If you have curtains with a mechanical drive, then prevent water from getting on it, otherwise the drive will break. Next, the curtain needs to be rinsed and allowed to drain.
- There is no need to iron the pleated fabric. Just hang it back in the folded position and let it dry.
- To quickly refresh your curtains, wipe them with a damp cloth.
- To wash the windows on which the curtains hang and to clean the curtains themselves, do not use caustic alkaline detergents.
The choice of pleated curtains should be approached competently and comprehensively, because this is not a fabric that can be trimmed. Take accurate measurements of the window, decide on the mounting method and choose curtains that match the interior of the room, because such a thing will please the eye for many years.
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Operating principle
Structurally, blinds are a canvas assembled like an accordion; it is attached to profiles that serve as a base. The curtain is controlled in different ways, the easiest way is with the help of a handle. The upper part of the structure is attached to the window, and a handle is attached to the lower bar. It allows you to partially or completely open the panels.
The fabric fabric is reinforced with guides in the form of strings - these elements are pulled between the cornice and the slats. They must be pulled through each fold, so that the entire blind fabric is used. The width of the folds varies from 15 to 60 mm.
Once the pleat is raised, the fully assembled accordion is almost invisible, and the structure itself requires little space. If the device is placed on a glazed ceiling, then a rod rotating mechanism is used for control.
For windows taller than a person, controls on a chain or cord are suitable. This design is familiar to us from the long-familiar vertical blinds; they are opened and closed using the same method. I install electric blinds on windows that are difficult to reach. Here the adjustment is performed by the control panel. They have low-speed motors, they will not interfere with your rest.
