Curtains are an integral element of design. Their value for creating this or that style is invaluable. Remember how an elegant female scarf in an instant turns a faceless robe into an trendy set. Curtains just as successfully cope with a similar task in the interior. They make it complete, support the stylistic orientation of the design. To achieve this effect, you need to understand - which style will fit optimally into a particular interior, how to choose the color of the curtains depending on the color of the furniture and decoration, what material is suitable for their manufacture.
Initially, the curtains carried purely practical significance - they provided protection from the sun, dust and drafts. With the development of weaving and the advent of new types of textiles, the attitude to this element of the interior has changed. Its decorative properties have become no less significant.
Nowadays, curtains have not lost their functionality. They still stand guard over our sleep, keep cool in the room, block the path of dust and prying eyes. However, today the main criterion for choosing curtains is their appearance. Design, colors, materials are selected depending on the interior. Curtains should be combined with furniture and decoration, linking individual objects into a single finished composition. They can make the room light and airy, fill it with luxury, solidity and nobility. One of the leading functions of curtains is to create a harmonious and interesting space, to breathe mood and comfort into it. Skillful design masters have a lot of techniques that allow using well-chosen textiles to push the boundaries of the room, to adjust its shape.
Varieties of curtains
Modern designers draw inspiration from the historical experience of different countries. The design of the curtains and the choice of materials for their manufacture depended on the cultural and climatic characteristics of a particular locality. That is why the diverse European curtains themselves are strikingly different from Japanese or Indian. The use of certain models and fabrics depends on the chosen style - classic, oriental, modern.
Curtains are classified by:
management method;
style.
There are two main options for systems according to the control method:
sliding - curtains move along the ledge manually or using mechanisms - simple or electric;
lifting - the material rises up. At the same time, it either rolls up or is collected in horizontal folds. It is possible to use an electric drive.
The following types of sliding curtains are distinguished:
classic - usually consist of two layers. The first layer - curtains - are made of light translucent fabric, which provides effective penetration of light. The second - curtains - is made of dense opaque fabric. Its main function is protection from the sun and prying eyes in the evening;
Italian - a kind of classic curtains that do not move apart completely, but are picked up on the sides with the help of special accessories.
Japanese - consist of several rectangular panels. The top is mounted on a special cornice, an insert is used from below, which allows you to maintain the shape of the product. They are used in minimalist styles and are popular as dividers of space into separate zones.
filamentous - are made of thin cords connected at the top to form a single whole. Successfully act as tulle, door or interior partitions. Can be decorated with lurex, glass beads;
Cafe curtains - the cornice is mounted either on the frame or inside the window opening. If there is no window sill, you can install it on the outer wall. Such curtains cover only the lower half of the window. Another option is an hourglass. The canvas completely covers the glass, but in the middle it is intercepted by tape.
Lifting options:
French - with the help of rings and cords fixed on the back side, vertical and horizontal assemblies are formed on the fabric. The latter are distributed throughout the area of the curtains. Smooth rounded folds form below;
Austrian - the principle of operation is similar to the previous version.It differs in that horizontal assemblies pass only along the bottom of the product, forming semicircular scallops;
Roman - going up in parallel horizontal folds through rings on the edges and cords;
London - the design is similar to the previous one, only the method of drapery differs - in this version spectacular bow folds are obtained.
Material selection
When choosing a fabric, you need to consider many nuances. Color, pattern, density, texture are selected for each interior individually. Various combinations are possible - details from the same fabric of different shades are perfectly combined. No less successful may be an alliance of dissimilar materials, which contrast not only due to shades, but also due to the thickness of the fabric, the way weave threads, texture, raw materials.
Fabrics for curtains are divided into natural and synthetic:
Natural - cotton, linen, silk, satin, velvet - perfectly complement the interior, do not inhibit the air flow, are not electrified, are hygroscopic and hypoallergenic. However, such products require careful care, colors may fade under the sun or after washing. Natural fabrics wrinkle heavily, are heavily smoothed. The addition of a small amount of synthetic fiber to their composition makes it possible to level these disadvantages.
Synthetic - do not require scrupulous care, are well washed, almost do not crease, often have water and dust repellent properties. High-quality artificial fabrics do not fade and practically do not fade in the sun. Among the shortcomings - unnatural rigidity, unpleasant to the touch surface, look not organic enough and comfortable.
Blended - synthetic fibers are interspersed with natural ones, making it possible to reduce the cost of production and compensate for each other's shortcomings.
Basic criteria and rules for selecting curtains
Curtains should be in harmony with the rest of the interior in color, texture, style.With their help, you can not only create a special mood, but also correct the shortcomings of the room. You need to understand whether the curtains will become companions of decoration, furniture, the rest of the textiles or act as a contrasting accent, which will be supported only by a pair of accessories. Pay attention to the mounting method - it may not correspond to the style direction.
The color of the curtains and the size of the room
Outfitting for a window is able to visually change the dimensions of a room, its shape. Saturated dark tones can visually reduce the room, while light delicate colors will allow you to slightly expand the boundaries, fill the room with air. Warm and cold shades work in a similar way. Warm - expand the space, cold - narrow.
In order to visually approximate the shape of a narrow and long room resembling a trailer to a square, a short wall with a window should be accented. For this, curtains of bright, saturated colors with an active pattern are ideal. A product with horizontal stripes will help to achieve the same effect. Vertical lines create the illusion of high ceilings. If the window is located on a long wall, you should choose fabrics of soft pastel shades - creamy, powdery, light blue. Such colors visually move the wall and allow it to dissolve in space, to become unobtrusive.
Choice of furniture
When choosing window textiles, you must consider the color of the furniture. It is not necessary that they match in tone. Color saturation may vary. Shades can contrast with each other or repeat in the elements of the pattern. Properly selected curtains can combine furniture of different colors. For example, a burgundy armchair and an olive sofa will harmonize perfectly against the background of dark green shores equipped with pickups or a lambrequin of the color of burgundy.
Choose by type of mounting
Cornices for curtains are classified by a wide range of features.They differ in configuration, method of attachment to the wall, materials of manufacture, number of rows. According to the fixing method, there are two main options for cornices:
wall mounted;
ceiling.
Varieties of cornices by configuration:
Round - products look like a pipe. Made of metal, wood or plastic. Often equipped with curly tips, which carry an additional decorative function. There are corner products with a L-shaped mount, arched in the shape of an oval half, cornices, consisting of two pipes, sliding, type-setting. The high load-bearing capacity of such products makes it possible to retain even heavy curtains made of dense materials.
String - the name implies that the string acts as a support for the curtains. They allow you to achieve the effect of soaring curtains in the air, great for light transparent fabrics.
Rail - plastic strips with parallel slots along which hooks slide. Attached to the ceiling, can be hidden in a special niche or closed with a baguette.
The type of fastening depends on the cornice. For round use the following options:
ties - best suited to the rustic style;
ribbons are a great choice for a romantic girl's room;
hinges from the same fabric as the curtains are similar to the previous version, but there is no shade of romance here. Suitable for any style;
braid - will be very appropriate in the ethnic interior;
eyelets - wide metal rings located on the upper edge. Decorate any style;
drawstring - a wide hem in the upper part. Most often used for attaching curtains made of thin transparent fabrics;
curtain tape - sewn on the back. Allows you to form uniform folds, adjust the width of the panel;
There are various devices that allow you to fix the canvas:
Rings - can be sewn to the curtain braid, which is not too convenient for washing, or equipped with serrated clamps that securely hold the fabric and can be easily removed if necessary.
Magnets are an original and easy way to fix the curtains.
Hooks - are fixed on the curtain tape, and then inserted into the slots of the rail cornice.
Style selection
When choosing curtains, it is important to understand that conformity to the chosen style is an indispensable condition. Consider several popular options.
Provence - a direction that was born in the outback of France. It is characterized by the use of natural and simple materials, romantic prints, an abundance of ruffles, folds and bows. Curtains in this style can be plain - pink, pale blue, creamy or with a small floral pattern, polka dots or stripes. The choice depends on whether they will serve as a backdrop for other interior details or an accent.
Loft - a distinctive feature of this style is the use in decoration of such materials that allow you to recreate the atmosphere of an abandoned warehouse or industrial premises. Therefore, elaborate forms and various decorations in the form of lace, quilling and intricate draperies are inappropriate here. In the original loft, the windows were completely devoid of any curtains. Today, to create a minimum of comfort in such interiors, simple discreet materials of neutral colors are used - black and white, gray-brown, preferably translucent, so as not to block the path of light.
Classic curtains make the interior solemn and pompous. For their manufacture, expensive noble materials are used - satin, velvet, silk, brocade, jacquard. Most often these are monophonic, well-combined types of fabrics. In kits, usually 2-3 subtle shades are present. As a rule, these are white, dairy, beige or gray colors. Elegant fabrics give golden and silver shades.
Marine style is a reminder of the summer, the blue sky, the shining sun and the sea. For such an interior, bright curtains in turquoise, blue colors are suitable. These colors will be even more effective in a company of neutral shades. On the curtains, a striped print, marine-themed images, various accessories - shells, ropes, eyelets or hand-held clamps are welcome.
Choice of wall, ceiling and floor finishes
If you select curtains for the interior, then there are two main options:
in colors close to the tone of decoration - then the curtains will not stand out, but will serve as a backdrop for furniture and accessories. If the curtains merge with the wallpaper into a single whole, the room visually expands;
in contrasting shades - in this case they themselves act as an accent.
If the finish itself is active - contains prints, ornaments, neutral monophonic fabrics should be preferred. Mix patterns with the utmost care. For example, a large flower on the carpet will blend well with medium-sized floral elements. You should not use more than two prints in the interior of one room.
Contrast curtains in the interior - the brightness of the window
The neutral room will transform, as if by magic, it is worth adding an unexpected surge in the form of contrasting curtains. Bright active colors fill the room with expressive energy and cheer up. A window highlighted with bold colors becomes an accent. Feel free to use orange, yellow, lime tones. Now the interior just does not seem boring and trivial to anyone. Bold strokes, as if made by a brush of a cheerful artist, will become the embodiment of your courage and originality.
Determined by the size of the curtains
The length of the curtains depends on their purpose and the preferences of the owner. You must evaluate various options in advance and choose the one that is right for you.
Possible options:
Long panels with overlap on the floor.
Draperies reaching the floor.
The lower edge recedes from the floor a few cm.
Curtains of a certain length.
If you prefer elongated items that fold onto the floor in bulky forks, do not neglect daily wet cleaning. In the absence of the need for frequent washing, your curtains will last much longer.
The width of the curtains is determined as follows. The length of the cornice is multiplied by a special factor. Its value is determined depending on the required volume and degree of splendor of the future drapery. In small rooms it is worth saving space and making folds barely noticeable. In the spacious rooms - living room, dining room - steep impressive bends are quite appropriate. If impressive waves are not required, the length of the cornice is multiplied by 1.5-2. If you dream of volumetric pronounced folds, substitute a factor of 2.5-3. For high-quality dimming, it is necessary to ensure a tight closure of the paintings. For this purpose, it is necessary to add another 15 cm to the width of the curtains.
Tips and tricks for choosing curtains in different rooms
The purpose of each of the rooms of the apartment determines its content. This applies to decoration, furniture, appliances, textiles. The style of curtains, type and color of fabric, accessories are also selected depending on the type of room.
Bedroom
The bedroom is a private space. When designing it, you must rely on the general style of the room and the tastes of the owner. General rule - blackout curtains are needed in the bedroom. They help to fence off from street light, onlookers, partially muffle extraneous noise. Such curtains contribute to speedy falling asleep and a good rest.
Blackout curtains are especially relevant in the bedroom. Their fabric effectively blocks the path of sunlight, has the ability to soundproof and heat insulation. In winter, it retains heat; in summer, it protects from heat. The material consists of three layers. Central - black, is a filling and is visible only on the cut.The side facing the room can be any color. But the layer turned outward - light - often white. The light surface reflects light well.
Living room
Living room - common room. The whole family gathers here, receptions are arranged. This is a kind of front hall, and it should look accordingly. If the classical interior of the Baroque era reigns here, you can not do without solid curtains from expensive fabric. Lush draperies decorated with fancy lambrequins and gold fittings - eyelets, tassels, fringe, emphasize the dignity of dark brown status furniture made of oak or rosewood. Such textiles will be most welcome here. If you choose a modern style, for example, high-tech or minimalism, the shape of the curtains can be deliberately simple, but you definitely should not refuse high-quality expensive materials.
Kitchen
Textiles for windows in the kitchen have their own characteristics. It must combine beauty and practicality. Since the room, like the windows in it, does not differ in impressive dimensions, it is better to do without lush assemblies and long curtains. In the kitchen, roller blinds, Roman curtains, cafe curtains will be optimal. The advantage of such products is that they do not require additional space, they are easy to care for and combine perfectly with classic curtains. The kitchen with large windows and a balcony door perfectly fit Japanese panels. When closed, they form an even, flat surface. Transparent panels transmit light well and allow you to hide long pipes and radiators.
Children
Curtains for a children's room should be selected in accordance with the chosen style, taking into account the child's age and gender. The color of the curtains - bright or delicate, and maybe neon or even black - will depend on this, in adolescence, its own rules.
How to adjust the window using textiles
The non-standard use of curtains allows you to visually change the size and shape of the window.When using an arch cornice, the illusion is created that it has a semicircular shape. A narrow window will appear wider if the curtains protrude beyond its edges. If you place the pickups just above the middle of the panels, the opening will become visually longer.
Conclusion
Window textiles can change a room beyond recognition. This is the last touch that will highlight the design of the room. If you are going to change the curtains in your apartment, use our tips to create a harmonious interior.
Curtains are an integral element of design. Their value for creating this or that style is invaluable. Remember how an elegant female scarf in an instant turns a faceless robe into an trendy set. Curtains just as successfully cope with a similar task in the interior. They make it complete, support the stylistic orientation of the design. To achieve this effect, you need to understand - which style will fit optimally into a particular interior, how to choose the color of the curtains depending on the color of the furniture and decoration, what material is suitable for their manufacture.
Content
Functional purpose of curtains
Initially, the curtains carried purely practical significance - they provided protection from the sun, dust and drafts. With the development of weaving and the advent of new types of textiles, the attitude to this element of the interior has changed. Its decorative properties have become no less significant.
Nowadays, curtains have not lost their functionality. They still stand guard over our sleep, keep cool in the room, block the path of dust and prying eyes. However, today the main criterion for choosing curtains is their appearance. Design, colors, materials are selected depending on the interior. Curtains should be combined with furniture and decoration, linking individual objects into a single finished composition. They can make the room light and airy, fill it with luxury, solidity and nobility. One of the leading functions of curtains is to create a harmonious and interesting space, to breathe mood and comfort into it. Skillful design masters have a lot of techniques that allow using well-chosen textiles to push the boundaries of the room, to adjust its shape.
Varieties of curtains
Modern designers draw inspiration from the historical experience of different countries. The design of the curtains and the choice of materials for their manufacture depended on the cultural and climatic characteristics of a particular locality. That is why the diverse European curtains themselves are strikingly different from Japanese or Indian. The use of certain models and fabrics depends on the chosen style - classic, oriental, modern.
Curtains are classified by:
There are two main options for systems according to the control method:
The following types of sliding curtains are distinguished:
Lifting options:
Material selection
When choosing a fabric, you need to consider many nuances. Color, pattern, density, texture are selected for each interior individually. Various combinations are possible - details from the same fabric of different shades are perfectly combined. No less successful may be an alliance of dissimilar materials, which contrast not only due to shades, but also due to the thickness of the fabric, the way weave threads, texture, raw materials.
Fabrics for curtains are divided into natural and synthetic:
Basic criteria and rules for selecting curtains
Curtains should be in harmony with the rest of the interior in color, texture, style.With their help, you can not only create a special mood, but also correct the shortcomings of the room. You need to understand whether the curtains will become companions of decoration, furniture, the rest of the textiles or act as a contrasting accent, which will be supported only by a pair of accessories. Pay attention to the mounting method - it may not correspond to the style direction.
The color of the curtains and the size of the room
Outfitting for a window is able to visually change the dimensions of a room, its shape. Saturated dark tones can visually reduce the room, while light delicate colors will allow you to slightly expand the boundaries, fill the room with air. Warm and cold shades work in a similar way. Warm - expand the space, cold - narrow.
In order to visually approximate the shape of a narrow and long room resembling a trailer to a square, a short wall with a window should be accented. For this, curtains of bright, saturated colors with an active pattern are ideal. A product with horizontal stripes will help to achieve the same effect. Vertical lines create the illusion of high ceilings. If the window is located on a long wall, you should choose fabrics of soft pastel shades - creamy, powdery, light blue. Such colors visually move the wall and allow it to dissolve in space, to become unobtrusive.
Choice of furniture
When choosing window textiles, you must consider the color of the furniture. It is not necessary that they match in tone. Color saturation may vary. Shades can contrast with each other or repeat in the elements of the pattern. Properly selected curtains can combine furniture of different colors. For example, a burgundy armchair and an olive sofa will harmonize perfectly against the background of dark green shores equipped with pickups or a lambrequin of the color of burgundy.
Choose by type of mounting
Cornices for curtains are classified by a wide range of features.They differ in configuration, method of attachment to the wall, materials of manufacture, number of rows. According to the fixing method, there are two main options for cornices:
Varieties of cornices by configuration:
The type of fastening depends on the cornice. For round use the following options:
There are various devices that allow you to fix the canvas:
Style selection
When choosing curtains, it is important to understand that conformity to the chosen style is an indispensable condition. Consider several popular options.
Provence - a direction that was born in the outback of France. It is characterized by the use of natural and simple materials, romantic prints, an abundance of ruffles, folds and bows. Curtains in this style can be plain - pink, pale blue, creamy or with a small floral pattern, polka dots or stripes. The choice depends on whether they will serve as a backdrop for other interior details or an accent.
Loft - a distinctive feature of this style is the use in decoration of such materials that allow you to recreate the atmosphere of an abandoned warehouse or industrial premises. Therefore, elaborate forms and various decorations in the form of lace, quilling and intricate draperies are inappropriate here. In the original loft, the windows were completely devoid of any curtains. Today, to create a minimum of comfort in such interiors, simple discreet materials of neutral colors are used - black and white, gray-brown, preferably translucent, so as not to block the path of light.
Classic curtains make the interior solemn and pompous. For their manufacture, expensive noble materials are used - satin, velvet, silk, brocade, jacquard. Most often these are monophonic, well-combined types of fabrics. In kits, usually 2-3 subtle shades are present. As a rule, these are white, dairy, beige or gray colors. Elegant fabrics give golden and silver shades.
Marine style is a reminder of the summer, the blue sky, the shining sun and the sea. For such an interior, bright curtains in turquoise, blue colors are suitable. These colors will be even more effective in a company of neutral shades. On the curtains, a striped print, marine-themed images, various accessories - shells, ropes, eyelets or hand-held clamps are welcome.
Choice of wall, ceiling and floor finishes
If you select curtains for the interior, then there are two main options:
If the finish itself is active - contains prints, ornaments, neutral monophonic fabrics should be preferred. Mix patterns with the utmost care. For example, a large flower on the carpet will blend well with medium-sized floral elements. You should not use more than two prints in the interior of one room.
Contrast curtains in the interior - the brightness of the window
The neutral room will transform, as if by magic, it is worth adding an unexpected surge in the form of contrasting curtains. Bright active colors fill the room with expressive energy and cheer up. A window highlighted with bold colors becomes an accent. Feel free to use orange, yellow, lime tones. Now the interior just does not seem boring and trivial to anyone. Bold strokes, as if made by a brush of a cheerful artist, will become the embodiment of your courage and originality.
Determined by the size of the curtains
The length of the curtains depends on their purpose and the preferences of the owner. You must evaluate various options in advance and choose the one that is right for you.
Possible options:
The width of the curtains is determined as follows. The length of the cornice is multiplied by a special factor. Its value is determined depending on the required volume and degree of splendor of the future drapery. In small rooms it is worth saving space and making folds barely noticeable. In the spacious rooms - living room, dining room - steep impressive bends are quite appropriate. If impressive waves are not required, the length of the cornice is multiplied by 1.5-2. If you dream of volumetric pronounced folds, substitute a factor of 2.5-3. For high-quality dimming, it is necessary to ensure a tight closure of the paintings. For this purpose, it is necessary to add another 15 cm to the width of the curtains.
Tips and tricks for choosing curtains in different rooms
The purpose of each of the rooms of the apartment determines its content. This applies to decoration, furniture, appliances, textiles. The style of curtains, type and color of fabric, accessories are also selected depending on the type of room.
Bedroom
The bedroom is a private space. When designing it, you must rely on the general style of the room and the tastes of the owner. General rule - blackout curtains are needed in the bedroom. They help to fence off from street light, onlookers, partially muffle extraneous noise. Such curtains contribute to speedy falling asleep and a good rest.
Blackout curtains are especially relevant in the bedroom. Their fabric effectively blocks the path of sunlight, has the ability to soundproof and heat insulation. In winter, it retains heat; in summer, it protects from heat. The material consists of three layers. Central - black, is a filling and is visible only on the cut.The side facing the room can be any color. But the layer turned outward - light - often white. The light surface reflects light well.
Living room
Living room - common room. The whole family gathers here, receptions are arranged. This is a kind of front hall, and it should look accordingly. If the classical interior of the Baroque era reigns here, you can not do without solid curtains from expensive fabric. Lush draperies decorated with fancy lambrequins and gold fittings - eyelets, tassels, fringe, emphasize the dignity of dark brown status furniture made of oak or rosewood. Such textiles will be most welcome here. If you choose a modern style, for example, high-tech or minimalism, the shape of the curtains can be deliberately simple, but you definitely should not refuse high-quality expensive materials.
Kitchen
Textiles for windows in the kitchen have their own characteristics. It must combine beauty and practicality. Since the room, like the windows in it, does not differ in impressive dimensions, it is better to do without lush assemblies and long curtains. In the kitchen, roller blinds, Roman curtains, cafe curtains will be optimal. The advantage of such products is that they do not require additional space, they are easy to care for and combine perfectly with classic curtains. The kitchen with large windows and a balcony door perfectly fit Japanese panels. When closed, they form an even, flat surface. Transparent panels transmit light well and allow you to hide long pipes and radiators.
Children
Curtains for a children's room should be selected in accordance with the chosen style, taking into account the child's age and gender. The color of the curtains - bright or delicate, and maybe neon or even black - will depend on this, in adolescence, its own rules.
How to adjust the window using textiles
The non-standard use of curtains allows you to visually change the size and shape of the window.When using an arch cornice, the illusion is created that it has a semicircular shape. A narrow window will appear wider if the curtains protrude beyond its edges. If you place the pickups just above the middle of the panels, the opening will become visually longer.
Conclusion
Window textiles can change a room beyond recognition. This is the last touch that will highlight the design of the room. If you are going to change the curtains in your apartment, use our tips to create a harmonious interior.