The design of pleated curtains is universal, as it suits any window shape - rounded, broken, beveled and traditional. What are these curtains?
Pleated curtains for the window: design features
Externally, the design of such curtains resembles ordinary horizontal blinds, but with pleated fabric, that is, with clear folds. Their width can range from 10-50 mm. For small and standard windows, narrow folds are usually chosen, and for large ones, wide folds.
There are single, double or triple types of pleated curtains. Single ones are a single fabric with folds. Double or triple ones consist of several fabrics, sewn like a honeycomb.
The control mechanism for such curtains on non-standard windows is carried out using a chain, cord, handle, leash for windows located high enough, or a remote control. The last option is more relevant for attics and winter gardens. There are also screen curtains that are ideal for round, semi-arched and oval windows. They are stationary, that is, they cannot be closed or opened.
Varieties
Pleated blinds differ in material, shape, size, and type of construction.
Material
The material for such curtains is something between oilcloth and fabric, so they are also perfect for bathrooms.
Some varieties have dirt- and dust-repellent impregnation. There are canvases with special heat-absorbing and reflective coatings, which are especially relevant for non-standard windows in winter gardens and attics.
Often the material is treated with special compounds that provide fire resistance. But there are also fabrics that are almost completely resistant to fire - these are models with Trevira CS fiber. They were patented by the Germans back in the 80s.
There are more than 100 interesting shades of such blinds in the collections of modern manufacturers. There is a considerable choice in texture - crepe, linen, hemstitch.
Day-night curtains are very practical and original, consisting of two types of fabrics: translucent and opaque.
Pleated paper sheets are the most budget option. Of course, they cannot be washed or repaired; if there is even the slightest damage, such curtains will have to be replaced. But this way you can save a lot.
Dimensions and shape
Today you can buy pleated curtains for windows of any shape - rectangular, square, round, elongated, trapezoidal, etc. They are also used for surfaces located at an angle. These are windows of terraces, attics, gazebos, and attics.
Types of structures
Based on the direction of the folds, the nature of the movement, and the type of fastening, the following types of pleated curtains are distinguished:
- free-hanging – fixed from above, used for a standard window;
- pleated roller blinds – also fixed at the top, and the panel is wound on a special shaft;
- tension - fixed using profiles and tensioned with strings along the edges. Such curtains, even when positioned at an angle, do not sag;
- bottom-top modification - allows you to partially open not only the bottom of the window, but also its upper part;
- Fixed pleated curtains - do not open. Used for windows of non-standard shape;
- vertical structures - have vertical folds, are attached to the sides, and move to the sides.
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.
Pleated curtains: three main advantages
- A wide range of. For any type of window, you can choose your own type of design.
- Decorative and practical. These curtains are easy to use and easy to care for. The laconic design attracts many people.
- Ease of installation.
Note: keep in mind that in a classic interior, such models will not become a full-fledged window decoration. A harmonious solution in this case would be to combine them with traditional curtains.
Pleated curtains for plastic windows: installation, operation
The simplicity of the design allows you to install pleated curtains on plastic windows. They can be attached in different ways:
- on the frame - using self-tapping screws and brackets;
- on the opening - used for both fixed and opening windows with a sufficient distance (7 cm) between the opening and the frame;
- above the opening - this method is used when they want to use a window sill as a shelf in a window niche.
The process of installing pleated curtains is quite simple and does not require any special skills, so owners can do it on their own.
Such fabrics are quite resistant to stains, but if there is still a need for cleaning, it should be carried out taking into account the following important conditions:- First, the curtains need to be rolled up and removed;
- then place them in warm water (up to 30 ° C) with a gentle detergent in an open form;
- after 20-30 minutes, remove and rinse in the shower;
- assemble the curtains and let the water drain (to do this, tilt the assembled structure to the side);
- hang and leave assembled for 12 hours.
How to care?
Before you think about caring for blinds, you need to know how to remove them from the window. Read about this in our instructions “How to remove blinds from a window (for different types of fastenings).”
The pleated ones are easy to use. To remove a stain from a curtain, simply rub it with a damp sponge. Curtains marked with special markings can be washed.
If you want to wash curtains, it is recommended to do this in water at 30 degrees with cleaning products that do not contain aggressive chemicals. Best machine washable on hand wash.
When assembled, they dry for about twelve hours.
If you plan to do wet cleaning, be careful to ensure that no cleaning agents get inside the mechanism. It is not recommended to use alcohol-based products.
What is important to know before buying pleated curtains?
The range of pleated curtains allows you to choose a model to suit every taste and color. But to make the right choice, it is worth considering the following:
- the best option for inclined windows is a tension structure, the strings of which will not allow the fabric to sag;
- if the windows face south, it is advisable to hang curtains with mother-of-pearl coating, which will enhance the reflection of the sun's rays, keeping the room cool;
- do not use paper curtains in the kitchen and in the nursery - here they will fail even faster;
- Consider the width of the folds when purchasing. So, large pleating is not suitable for a small window, small pleating is not suitable for a large one.
The history of blinds
In fact, this word translated from French means jealousy. Information about the origin of this piece of furniture is quite contradictory.
According to one version, they were invented by the husbands of Venetian beauties. Initially, they hid their wives from prying eyes behind thick, constantly closed curtains, but due to lack of light, they quickly began to fade. And then blinds were invented, allowing light to pass through, but, nevertheless, hiding what was happening inside the room. This happened in the 17th century, so blinds were often called Venetian.
According to other sources, they originated in the East. They were invented by inquisitive Arabs, and brought to Europe by the Spaniards, who then waged war against them. And later this idea was picked up by French and English aristocrats.
The first blinds were made of wood, without any adjustment. Their plates were simply placed at an angle. Gradually, this innovation became quite popular and replaced traditional shutters.
Blinds became widespread in Russia quite recently, in the 90s of the last century. Before this, although they were on sale, they were not in wide demand.
Pleated curtains: photos of the best examples in the interior
Pleated curtains are popular not only in the design of terraces and attics. They are actively used in the design of ordinary rooms. But, as already mentioned, in a classic interior you cannot do without traditional canvases, but pleated fabrics will look quite harmonious when combined with them, the main thing is to choose the right color and texture.
The “day-night” option is an excellent solution for a nursery. Pleated curtains are also very popular in bathroom and kitchen interiors. There is no need to worry about their condition, since the fabric is treated with waterproof impregnation.
Bedroom ideas
Providing comfortable shading for sleep and relaxation is the main requirement for curtains in the bedroom, and pleated curtains fully meet it. Let's look at the basic ideas for decorating a bedroom with their help.
Bedrooms, especially in country houses, are often located in attics, which are characterized by non-standard windows. Pleated curtains are the only curtains that can fit into both a wall and ceiling window opening of the most bizarre configuration and not hide, but, on the contrary, emphasize its geometric shape.
One hundred percent darkening can be achieved with pleated fabric blinds made of blackout material. To prevent the windows from appearing bare during the daytime when the curtains are raised, they can be additionally decorated with a translucent curtain.
It is most convenient to regulate the illumination with day-night curtains. They don't need partner curtains. During the day, the window is covered with a translucent canvas, and at night with a dense one, which can also be made of blackout fabric.
An interesting solution for any bedroom is pleated curtains with photo printing. An image of a starry sky, a seascape or a forest clearing will help create a cozy, relaxing atmosphere in the bedroom.
