Classification of curtains
Take your choice of curtains seriously. First, it is worth studying the main types, features and characteristics of the fabric from which curtains are made, the most suitable curtains for each type of room, and their compatibility with rooms of different styles.
Buying curtains means they will be used for many years. That’s why it’s so important to make the right choice, which you won’t regret later. Curtains should please the residents of the house and its guests. The best window curtains are subtle but complement the overall look of the room.
Design options for floor-length and short curtains
Floor-length curtains are a classic, they look attractive and are suitable for all rooms (bedroom, living room, kitchen) and different styles. They can be made of material of different quality and in different design solutions.
Short curtains are popular because of their practicality and variety of styles. They are suitable for Provence, rustic and classic styles. Fits perfectly into the kitchen, bedroom, children's room. Advantages of such curtains:
- open access to the window;
- cost savings;
- less susceptible to contamination.
Curtains
These are long rectangular pieces of fabric that, when unfolded, turn into a straight fabric, and when gathered, they gather in folds resembling waves.
The optimal length is from the eaves to the floor. Thick fabric for window curtains protects the room from sunlight. The highest quality curtains are made from natural fabrics.
Design options for non-standard window designs
It is necessary to decide on goal setting, emphasize the non-standard shape of the window, or vice versa, try to disguise the unusual configuration of the window opening. In the first case, they emphasize the shape of the window, in the second, they try to align and disguise the window opening. When they focus on highlighting the contour of the window, the geometry of the cornices and curtains, they repeat the shape of the window opening. If they want to harmonize a window opening, they use other techniques.
Exposed beams in the interior Source modaokon.in.ua
Roller blinds
These are curtains made using Finnish technology. Their design and choice of fabric are due to the fact that there are “white nights” in Finland.
Dense fabric protects from light, folds easily and takes up little space. Such curtains for small windows look laconic and do not distract attention from the design of the room.
Ideas for decorating curtains for windows with complex shapes
Non-standard window shapes are often found on attic floors. For technical reasons, due to the design features of the attic, it is difficult to install window openings of a standard rectangular shape. Dormer window configurations:
- round or oval;
- triangular;
- in the form of a rhombus, trapezoid;
- inclined attic.
Another category of windows with complex shapes includes balcony blocks. For the purpose of decorating a room, windows are made in the form of an arch.
Beautiful combination Source www.remontbp.com
Roman curtains
They are similar to rolled ones, with the only difference that the fabric is not rolled, but folded.
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Design options for oval, arched, round windows
Window openings of this shape are an architectural solution designed to decorate the interior and exterior of the house.
You can emphasize the expressiveness of a window opening using some techniques: do not use the arched part, leave it open, decorate with curtains the part of the window that goes below the arched opening. You can also use special arched cornices to repeat the shape of the window. Cross curtains with tiebacks will fit well into this concept.
Rich curtains for the living room Source podborshtor.ru
Design of windows with a non-standard geometric shape:
- the use of inclined cornices;
- “rims” with multi-level cornices;
- you can decorate the window opening with an asymmetrical lambrequin and curtains;
- hide the irregular shape of the frame using a straight curtain that extends beyond the window geometry.
Cornices made of bendable plastic allow you to beautifully design windows of non-standard shape.
Attic decoration Source shtora-de.ru
Tulle for a beveled window Source shik-shtora.ru
Curtains-cafe
These are curtains that cover only the lower half of the window. They were in fashion during Soviet times. Now they have regained their popularity. You can complement them with ruffles.
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Fashion trends in design
Over time, fashion changes, including window decoration. Designers have developed new models corresponding to the times. Should be considered:
- presence of volume in the model and originality in drapery;
- rich colors;
- the key point is the use of natural fabrics.
Roller curtains and Roman models remain in fashion. Curtains with large patterns are also in trend now. Complementing the composition with accessories is another plus (tiebacks, bows, fringe, hairpins).
Combined curtains
Curtains of different styles can be combined with each other. They may differ in color, texture and type of fabric. You can make multi-layer curtains that are easy to assemble by creating intricate shapes using thick ropes.
Austrian version
They are made from silk fabric, veil, and modern polyester-based materials. Designers recommend hanging similar curtains in the living room or bedroom.
Gathered in horizontal folds using lacing. In the “working” state, the curtains are practically invisible.
Curtain material
The choice of materials is extremely large. Curtain manufacturers choose fabric depending on the purpose of the curtain.
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Organza
The fabric contains synthetic fibers that, when heated, release substances harmful to health. It is not recommended to use curtains made of this fabric in a child's room or bedroom.
Pros: it does not require special care, is easy to clean, and dries quickly after washing.
Fabrics for curtains
Curtains are made from thick fabric. Their main task is to retain sunlight. When assembled, they form large folds.
Blackout is a two-layer fabric. The reverse side is made of reflective material, and the front side is made of decorative fabric that matches the interior of the room. These curtains will protect the room from light and excessive heat.
Velvet – velvet curtains look solemn. These are curtains for royal chambers, for large spacious rooms intended for receiving guests.
Jacquard is a durable, wear-resistant fabric. Jacquard is embroidered with patterns. Jacquard is expensive because a lot of time and resources are spent on its production.
Linen - for several years now, environmental friendliness of materials has been almost the main criterion for choosing curtains. Linen curtains fit perfectly into modern interiors.
Satin is a noble material. It glitters and shimmers in the light, which cannot but attract attention.
Taffeta is a durable, water-repellent fabric that has a delicate, noble shine. This weave of natural and synthetic fibers lasts for many years.
Matting is a rough textured fabric woven from natural threads. Suitable for interior design in eco-style, loft and minimalist style.
How to properly decorate windows with curtains in a modern style
Making window decor with curtains correctly is not an easy task. It is necessary to take into account the size of the window, the style and functionality of the room. Curtains should fit harmoniously into the overall interior.
Basic moments:
- If you have an unusually decorated room or colorful wallpaper, you don’t need to choose fancy curtains. It is better if they are simple, without additional elements, and the emphasis is on the texture and color scheme of the fabric.
- Silk and synthetic curtain material will go well with matte wallpaper, and matte fabric will go with embossed wallpaper.
- A vertical pattern on the curtains will make the room appear taller.
- Horizontal - will add volume.
- For a large room with large windows, anything is suitable: any fabric, pattern, tassels.
- The best option for small rooms with a small window is plain tulle. To darken, take not heavy curtains, but Greek ones.
Types of curtains by mechanism
Sliding is a classic fastening in which the curtains move horizontally along a rod.
Curtain panels are straight panels that move horizontally without folding. These curtains have special weights at the bottom.
Roll-up curtains - these curtains are suitable for small rooms. They are collected above the window either by twisting into a roll or by gathering in folds.
Smart curtains are roller blinds that are controlled by remote control.
What is better to choose: plain material or with a pattern?
The most advantageous ones are plain curtains; they are easy to fit into any design and are suitable for rooms with all kinds of prints and textures. Color range from light to dark. An unmistakable choice of curtain color will be a shade that harmonizes with the upholstery and carpets.
For small rooms, the ideal color is identical to the color of the walls; this will visually increase the space.
When choosing curtains with a pattern, you should especially take a closer look at geometric patterns, which are now in trend. It is necessary to combine the ornament with upholstery on furniture and carpets.
It is important, when using such curtains, not to overload the interior with color shades and textures.
In a room with plain, light wallpaper, bright curtains or with a pattern will fit well; they will become the center of the composition of the room. This is clearly visible in the photo.
Curtains for a country house
You can sew curtains for rustic windows yourself. Country style curtains look best in a rustic interior. It is worth choosing natural fabric - cotton, linen or chintz.
If you don’t want to focus on curtains, you can choose roller or Roman blinds, which will perform practical functions, but will not in any way affect the perception of the interior of the rooms.
Decoration of non-standard windows
Curtains not only decorate the window, but they can also be used to correct the shortcomings of window openings. Correctly selected curtains will hide any non-standard features. It is important to skillfully apply the secrets of window decoration.
The window is not centered on the wall
The best option for decorating such windows is a full-wall cornice on which combined curtains are located. An option is tulle and one wide curtain, tied to the side where it covers the wall. The use of different fittings and colors allows you to fit such curtains into rooms with different functions.
Big windows
If the window is large and does not look good in the overall interior of the room, the ideal option is two curtains on the sides with lambrequins. Vertical strips of fabric will cover part of the opening from the sides, and the lambrequin will become a distracting element, all this will lead to the effect of making the window smaller. In addition, curtains with a large pattern also lead to a visual reduction in the window.
Low option
The visual effect of enlarging the window is achieved if the curtains protrude significantly beyond the boundaries of the window opening and the cornice is installed 20 or 40 cm above the window, and the curtains are long, reaching to the floor. This is clearly visible in the photo.
Narrow windows
Narrow windows are often found in kitchens. The ideal way to widen a window opening is to hang a curtain rod longer than the window, perhaps on the entire wall. Thick curtains look good together with tulle; when opened, they will be placed on the walls, thereby making the window wider.
Designers often resort to using Roman blinds when decorating narrow windows. Also, use the option with one curtain, grabbed at the window level in one direction. The resulting diagonal changes the geometry of the opening.
Photo of window curtains
Kisey, curtains made of beads, bugles
Thread curtains (or muslin) are made of individual threads connected along the top edge into a single fabric. They transmit light and at the same time serve as protection from sunlight. They look interesting in the interior. Manufacturers offer a large assortment of muslins of different colors with decoration. For example, gold and silver threads and beads are woven into the structure of the threads.
Spectacular curtains made of glass beads and beads will decorate the living room. Crystal curtains can become an independent element of window decor, or appear in combination with a curtain fabric. Additional lighting will make the beads strung on threads sparkle and shimmer.
Curtains made of beads Source opora-stroy.ru
Color palette of curtains and tulle
When decorating the windows of a hall or living room with curtains, the choice of color palette plays an important role. Sheer white tulle is the perfect backdrop to pair with curtains. It sets off colored and plain fabrics well.
White color has shades:
- when adding a yellow color, the curtain will be milky or cream-colored; such options are suitable for designs in warm colors;
- tulle fabric or pearl shade perfectly adapts to the calm palette of curtains in pastel colors;
- pearl gray tone looks great with dark red, emerald green or night curtains in sapphire shades, but it cannot be combined with other light colors, the tulle will look old or dusty;
- The crystal white tone always looks flawless, combining perfectly with the cool shades of blue.
Tulle sheets are the center of any curtain composition. A beautiful translucent curtain with an expressive pattern is enough to replace the multi-layered decor of a large window opening with a balcony door.
In classic interiors, light colors are preferred. Dark tulle looks extravagant, especially if it is the same color as the curtains, as in the photo of the interior with unusual curtains.
Design recommendations
Today, the emphasis is not only on fashionable fabric and spectacular tailoring, but also the aesthetics of attaching the curtain composition is important. Modern methods of fastening have replaced the obsolete “crocodiles” and rings.
Masters of curtain sewing use hidden ceiling cornices or open methods of decorating curtains. These are eyelets, wide loops with buttons and Velcro, as well as curtain tape.
The stylish design of a window opening largely depends on the quality of the fabric. Natural fibers are valued for their environmental friendliness, but synthetic materials are more practical. Kitchen curtains are made from crushed linen, translucent cambric and light voile.
For self-production, it is advisable to select curtain and curtain fabrics from mixed fibers in the middle price category.
Modern offers can be viewed in the catalogs and portfolios of curtain ateliers, which are readily shown to potential clients.
You will have to tinker with sewing a window composition with your own hands, but decorating windows with curtains will cost much less.
Red color
This color has many adherents; it is associated with love and fiery passion. However, do not rush to purchase red textiles to decorate bedroom windows with curtains - it interferes with relaxation before bed.
Red curtains look extravagant, but it is better to combine them with light-colored fabrics made of light materials - string muslin, mesh or cobweb. A beautiful composition will energize you in the morning.
Pink, lilac and crimson curtains
Traditionally, these tones are considered “feminine”. However, delicate floral shades are suitable not only for women's or children's bedrooms. They look very elegant in other rooms:
- one-room apartment;
- bedroom-living room;
- workshop of a creative person;
- living room combined with kitchen and dining room;
- studio apartment for newlyweds.
Designers offer such shades for curtains with complex tailoring. It is proposed that instead of curtains and tulle, use only curtains with floral patterns or photo curtains with roses or orchids in delicate colors.
Beige curtains
Elite shades of “coffee with milk” are considered universal for rooms of any design. Even the window design in the living room without curtains looks good, where there is only an elegant lambrequin in the form of a French or Austrian curtain with characteristic draperies.
A single-color curtain composition in light beige or pink-beige tones gives a friendly, cozy atmosphere. This design is conducive to confidential communication and a long feast. An excellent option for a dining-living room, especially with decor in chocolate shades.
Green shades
The color of wildlife doesn't have many fans when it comes to decorating windows with curtains. However, traditional interior styles cannot do without it:
- ecological;
- ethnic;
- vintage;
- romantic;
- English classic.
Among fashionable shades, designers usually use olive, mint, yellow-green (anise), lime and apple green. All shades of green can be found in colorful textiles with floral patterns.
Black curtains
An unusual solution, the mystical color is rarely used for traditional night curtains. In contrasting black and white variations, it is often replaced with purple, blackberry or chocolate.
In extravagant interiors, black curtains are not used so often, but they try to play up the beauty of the curtain fabric. Experts recommend colored, jacquard and satin variations, where black does not look so gloomy.
Colorful fabrics
Patterned drapes and curtains are for those who are tired of monochromatic variations. Colorful curtains are recommended for decorating windows in the kitchen or in the dining-living room with an attached loggia.
A beautiful pattern will add its own flavor if the monochromatic interior turns out to be as elegant as expected. Patterned fabrics go well with plain curtains and decorative inserts made of textured materials.
The main wish is modest decor and fittings.
