Curtains: this is a decorative and functional design of windows and doorways

Along with the emergence of a trend towards increasing window openings and the use of panoramic views, interior designers are constantly looking for new ideas for creating curtain models. Large areas of glazing require protection of the premises from the scorching sunlight and prying eyes. A universal option is to use dense fabrics. Curtains: this is an interior decoration item and a functional enclosing element.

Curtains are not only a functional interior detail, but also a decorative

Curtains, curtains, drapes: what is it, application features

It would be wrong to think of curtains, curtains and drapes as different names for the same item. According to the explanatory dictionary, a curtain is a piece of cloth or piece of fabric designed to cover something. A curtain is a roll-up window curtain. A curtain should be called a curtain for windows or doors, made of dense fabric.

A curtain is a thick curtain for window or doorways

In everyday life, all concepts are mixed up, since the main function of objects is to close windows or doorways. The general trend can still be traced. Curtains are considered to be short and lightweight fabrics. The user's concept of what curtains are significantly different from the dictionary interpretation. Long canvases are often called this way, regardless of the density of the matter. In addition, curtains are all structures for windows that may not be made of fabric and have different opening mechanisms. Curtains are considered to be dense fabric curtains that cover window or doorways from top to bottom.

In this article two concepts will be used: "curtains", "curtains". It will be about long models, for the manufacture of which both dense and relatively light types of fabrics are used. It is permissible to call dense canvases curtains, but in relation to light ones, the use of the word "curtain" is inappropriate.

As a rule, curtains are made of dense fabrics that let in a minimum of light.

Curtains on windows as an element of decor and a way to protect from light

Every detail counts in the interior. Moreover, windows, which are large elements of the room. The way they are designed should be thoughtful; curtains should be hung in accordance with the chosen style. A wide variety of fabrics and a wide selection of finished products quite often allow window curtains to become an accent in the interior.

The decorativeness of the window design is given by the colors and texture of the fabric, as well as the features of the cut and additional elements. Curtains make the room cozy. They can also influence the visual perception of the room as a whole. Canvases attached to ceiling cornicewill make the room higher. Volumetric light curtains help expand the space. Curtains with tie-backs visually increase the size of the window.

When decorating windows with curtains and curtains, you need to think through every detail

Equally important is the functionality of the window decoration. In this regard, the curtains can have the following purposes:

1. Shade. That is, to partially create an obstacle to the penetration of light into the room.
2. Protect from ultraviolet radiation. Completely block sunlight from entering the room.
3. Provide night shielding. Close the room from prying eyes and bright street lights.

Depending on the purpose, the curtains can be made from fabrics of different weights. If conditions require heavy, dark curtains, tulle can be an interesting decorative addition.

Curtains will be the best option for windows located on the south side

Useful advice! When choosing curtains, initial attention should be paid to their functionality, and then, with the help of decor, achieve compliance with the style of room decoration.

Modern types of curtains: sliding and lifting models

In the course of interior decoration, curtains provide the final touch. Depending on the created environment, the options are restrained, bright, with folds or even canvases, etc. The way of functioning is also important. Depending on the latter, two types of curtains are distinguished:

1. Sliding. Two canvases move in different directions, or one moves in a certain direction.
2. Lifting. The canvas is lifted up with a roller (wound) or a cord (collected).

According to the way of functioning, curtains are lifting and sliding

Almost all soft fabric curtains can be referred to as sliding structures. These are classic options in which long canvases fall down, as well as Japanese curtains with top and bottom fixing.

Lifting structures are the following curtain models:

1. Roller blinds. The web is wound on a shaft.
2. Roman curtains. They are controlled by an interconnected system of cords (cord mechanism) or chains (rotor-chain mechanism). The latter can be automated and started using a remote control. When raised, folds are formed.
3. French curtains. When raised, they are collected with soft folds.
4. Blinds curtains. They can be vertical and horizontal. The principle of operation is based on swivel blades.

In lifting models, the fabric is lifted up with a cord or roller

The choice of the type of curtains is largely determined by the size of the window opening. The amount of textiles in the room is also important - the overabundance significantly affects the overall perception of the interior.

Curtain fabrics: synthetic and natural materials

Curtains can be made from both natural and synthetic fabrics. Both types of material have their own advantages and disadvantages. The popularity of synthetics is explained by the following characteristics:

• the fabric is easily washed;
• does not wrinkle;
• resistant to sunlight;
• retains aesthetics for a long time.

The advantages of natural materials include the following:

• environmental friendliness;
• presentable look - synthetics are unacceptable for many interior styles.

The main advantage of natural curtains is a presentable look and environmental friendliness.

You can understand the features of the materials by looking at photos of fabrics with names on the Internet. Among the most popular are:

1. Natural silk. Looks expensive, easy to decorate in the form of folds and gathers. Requires careful care, fading in the sun.
2. Linen. Quite dense material. Easy to wrinkle. Shrinks after washing. Natural antiseptic. Durable to use.
3. Satin. Thick cotton fabric with a slight sheen. Keeps aesthetics long.
4. Atlas. Shiny material. May include polyester.
5. Velvet. Short pile fabric. Has synthetic additives.
6. Jacquard. The composition includes natural and synthetic threads of various thicknesses. The canvas is dense, durable. It can be single-layer and multi-layer.
7. Organza. Thin translucent fabric. It can be made of silk and viscose, but more often it is represented by polyester fabric.

Curtains made of synthetic fabrics do not wrinkle, are easy to wash and are UV resistant

The question of what is tulle deserves special attention. In everyday life, they can be called any curtain. In fact, tulle is a mesh fabric. It is made from both natural and synthetic threads.

Useful advice! When purchasing fabric for curtains for windows on the sunny side, it is better to give preference to materials with synthetic additives that help to increase UV resistance.

Blackout curtains: interesting design and high functionality

The appearance of blackout fabric on the domestic market cannot be called a revolution, but it can still be classified as a breakthrough in terms of improving the decorative and functional properties of curtains. It shades the room almost 100%. According to unconfirmed reports, Finland is considered the birthplace of this matter. It was precisely to obtain the necessary conditions in the room during the white nights period that it was created.

Blackout curtains can darken a room by almost 100%

Blackout window curtains are very popular today. This demand is explained by a number of positive qualities of this material:

1. Long service life. The fabric does not fade, does not fade, does not shrink, does not deform and therefore retains its aesthetic appearance for a long time.
2. Thermal insulation property. Such curtains will protect not only from the sun's rays, but also from the penetration of warm air.
3. Soundproofed. The density of the fabric allows you to muffle external sounds.
4. Heat resistance. Curtains can be hung even in a room that has special fire safety requirements.
5. Easy care. The material does not absorb odors, does not attract dust, therefore it is well washed.
6. Hypoallergenic. Does not cause allergic reactions, does not harm health, can be used in any premises, including children's rooms.

Related article:

Curtain design: beautiful window decoration that sets the tone for the entire interior

Features of the choice of curtains in the kitchen, living room and bedroom. The main types of products in color and size. Material and style originality.

Despite its special performance characteristics, blackout is not a dark and impersonal dense material, but is distinguished by a wide variety of patterns and shades. You can choose a fabric of this type for any interior. Quite often, such dense curtains are complemented with tulle. This combination gives lightness to the window design.

The use of thick curtains in the interior of small rooms

A small room requires a special approach to interior design. Do no harm is one of the rules.If the room is located on the ground floor or the sun illuminates it with direct rays for 4-5 hours a day, you cannot do without a curtain, that is, without hanging the window with a thick cloth. Otherwise, discomfort cannot be avoided.

When choosing a window design in such a room, certain requirements regarding color and pattern should be taken into account:

• dull shades;
• curtains without large prints and patterns;
• lack of contrasts.

For small rooms, it is better to choose plain curtains, without patterns and prints

It is better to use plain options that do not attract attention. The shape of the canvases is also appropriate in a simpler one, without unnecessary folds and assemblies.

Useful advice! When choosing curtains for shading windows in a small room, you should strive to acquire canvases in which protection from light is provided by a denser arrangement of threads than their thickness. These canvases look less heavy.

Another rather important point is layering. Blackout curtains and tulle are a perfectly acceptable combination, but in a small room it can cause the effect of excessive veil. In order not to spoil the interior, you should use completely transparent types of tulle without a pattern. This is especially true for windows with colored curtains. Plain curtains can be supplemented with a tulle fabric with a medium-sized and infrequent pattern.

Night curtains: choice of fabric and style depending on the room

The main function of night curtains is to protect against light penetration into the room and create a feeling of being closed from external sounds. One of the materials that meets the necessary requirements is blackout. There are many more fabrics that are suitable for creating night curtains.

Light (even dense) matter will not give the necessary shading. That is why photo curtains from the Internet for the most part offer solid dark options. These are canvases of chocolate, gray, blue, emerald colors. The dense fabric forms beautiful folds, so the curtains look very expensive and complement the interior.

Night curtains are made of dense fabrics that protect the room from light penetration at any time of the day

It is appropriate to use dense satin, velvet, jacquard, gabardine as fabrics for night curtains. For example, satin can be a good choice for a bedroom, but for such a fabric it is better to make an inner additional protective layer that will keep the canvas from fading.

There are special requirements for night curtains in the hall (photos on the Internet clearly demonstrate this). To create an atmosphere of solemnity, fabrics with a glossy surface and all kinds of additional decorative elements are used.

Decorative design of curtains: lambrequins, frills, drawstrings, hooks

There are many ways to decorate curtains. An unusual cut, all kinds of laying options, and additional elements are used. Models should be considered based on the quality of the fabric and the style used in the interior. If there is no exact idea of ​​what products to buy or how to decorate the curtains, then you can refer to the collections of photos on the Internet. Among the main elements of the decor of thick curtains are the following:

• lambrequins;
• frill;
• drawstrings;
• pickups.

Lambrequin is a drapery that is located at the top of the curtains and is placed along the entire length of the cornice. Lambrequins are:

• soft - the falling fabric is laid in a certain way;
• rigid - the fabric is glued, the structure is rather rigid, without folds;
• combined - have both hard and soft parts.

Lambrequins give the curtains and the room as a whole solemnity and festivity. In the presented photos, curtains and lambrequins are made from both fabric of the same color and from different ones. Multi-colored options enliven the interior.

You can decorate the curtains with ruffles, grabs, wings and lambrequins

Ruffles are an interesting decoration of the curtains. They can be made in the upper part, which gives completeness to the window composition, or along the edge of the curtains. Usually frills have edging of bugles, braid, cord and other elements.

The drawstring serves both as a fastening method and as a decorative decoration. A cornice is threaded into the horizontal pocket, which contributes to the formation of pleasant small folds.

The simplest and most effective way to decorate the curtains is to use hooks. The canvases are collected and fixed using all kinds of tapes, braids, loops made of identical curtains or contrasting fabrics, hairpins and other accessories.

Useful advice! When planning to use hooks as a curtain decoration, it is necessary to take into account the peculiarities of the material of the fixing elements. Daily tying, fastening and pinning should not leave traces of damage on the fabric.

Features of modeling curtains in a hall with a balcony

The balcony is an excellent architectural addition to the premises. The advent of plastic windows has made it possible to maximize the glazing area. And yet there is an obstacle on the path of light passing into a room of such a layout - a balcony. This should be taken into account when decorating the interior. Such windows should not even be partially closed with thick curtains during the daytime (unless there is a need for protection from ultraviolet radiation).

For a window with a balcony door, it is better to give preference to sliding curtains.

There is one more feature to be reckoned with - the presence of a door, access to which must be free. With the constant need to pull back the curtains, it is difficult to maintain proper aesthetics in the room.

A good option for a window in a room with a balcony is tulle curtains. The fabric is lightweight, transparent, suitable for any interior style. By hanging three identical canvases, you can achieve aesthetics and create the necessary conditions for the free opening of the door.

If there is a need to hang night curtains, it is more convenient to move them along the wall during the daytime. An interesting decor that contributes to the comfortable use of the balcony block can be curtains with grabs, and with asymmetric ones. The window part is assembled below, the door part - above. It is original and provides free access to the balcony door.

Roman curtains with tulle are also acceptable for rooms with balconies. Neat and tight-fitting canvases are complemented by an elegant fabric. This combination is especially suitable for small rooms.

Options for curtains for a living room in a modern style

The living room is a special room. It should be not only cozy, but also impeccably decorated, arousing admiration to a certain extent. The overall assessment of the interior largely depends on the curtains. Keeping up with fashion trends is almost impossible, but following the trends will be useful. Moreover, they are not just dictated by whims and novelty for the sake of novelty, but are based on improvement.

Elongated curtains are often used in living rooms of modern styles.

And even the unshakable classics - lambrequins - have acquired some modern features today. They began to use this type of decor not only in lush interiors, but also in high-tech and minimalism styles. The types of lambrequins presented on the Internet in the photo have a minimum of rounded lines, right angles, while they still effectively cover the cornice and contribute to the creation of an interesting composition.

Among the features of modern interior fashion regarding curtains, the following can be distinguished:

• diversity;
• combination of styles, experiments;
• increase in length.

The combination of fabrics of different textures and colors, the use of multilayer structures, the use of brushes for decoration, fringes allow you to diversify the interior of the living room, make it unique.

On the photos offered on the Internet - curtains for the living room with increased length.Soft folds laid on the floor add an element of luxury and chic to the room.

Important! For curtains of this style, only soft types of fabric should be used.

Curtains: this is a convenient way to divide rooms and zoning space

It has become less and less common to use curtains instead of doors to close the opening, but with certain planning features, this is a completely appropriate option. They are harmonious in classic rooms with large doorways. Curtains can have various decorative additions, for example, lambrequins. Photos of curtains of this design clearly demonstrate how you can divide rooms, giving them comfort and closing the mount with original fabric additions.

Curtains are great for zoning space in the house.

Interior curtains can be used to separate the study from the bedroom. They will muffle the severity of work furniture, making the room more comfortable, and will not violate the glamor of the burnt environment.

With the help of curtains, you can zone the room. If the size of the canvas is large, that is, the separation line is long, it is better to choose a plain fabric. A ceiling structure made of pipes is suitable as an attachment, and it is better to hang the curtains on the eyelets. When zoning in this way, strength is important. And the movement of the canvases during the opening process will be smooth.

Curtains on eyelets are highly aesthetically pleasing. The fabric gathers in the same folds when closed, and the rings themselves are decorative elements.

Exclusive window decoration: how to sew curtains with your own hands

The main advantage of hand-made curtains is their originality. Sometimes you have to take on your own tailoring because of non-standard windows, when all the ready-made options simply do not fit in size. Besides the necessity, sewing curtains is also a great pleasure. For those with minimal skills in using a sewing machine, this will not be difficult.

Style won't be a problem either. You can view on the Internet photos of classic, modern, minimalist curtains, accumulate ideas, add your own creative details and create an interior miracle.

When doing the work directly, you should use the following tips:

If you have minimal sewing skills, then the curtains are easy to sew with your own hands.

• it is worth purchasing first the cornice, and then the fabric;
• you need to take measurements after determining the place of attachment of the cornice;
• when buying fabric, even taking into account seam allowances, it is worth purchasing a cut 10-15 cm longer in order to have a margin in case of unforeseen errors;
• if you plan to decorate with additional fabric elements, you should definitely make a pattern for them, and then cut out parts from the material along it;
• purchase threads for sewing 1-2 tones darker than the canvas;
• all the folds and folds to make and iron.

Useful advice! When sewing curtains from very dense fabrics, coarse side seams should be avoided. Instead of a fold, you should use overlay.

What curtains to choose: advice from professional designers

How to choose curtains for the hall, bedroom, office to really decorate the interior, and not just curtain the window? The safest option is to seek professional help. True, this takes time and money. There is also an easier way. You can use their advice. Here is some of them:

The colors of the curtains must be in harmony with the color scheme of the interior

1. To prevent curtains from looking scanty, the distance between the fabric and the flooring should not be more than 5 cm.
2. Elongated canvases should have an additional 20-25 cm. Too much fabric will fold too much on the floor.
3. Small walls on the sides of the window should not be covered with curtains, as this will significantly burden the room.
4. The cornice should protrude 20-25 cm on both sides of the window frame.
5. Long light silk curtains will adjust the space of a small room.
6. Dark curtains should be used in large rooms. They will give the room comfort, intimacy.
7. You can visually increase the height of the room by nailing the cornice to the ceiling and placing the curtains on the floor.
8. Curtains to match the furniture - modern and stylish.
9. If the room is decorated in one color, it should be shaded with curtains. Curtain fabric should not blend in with furniture and walls.
10. It is better to decorate northern windows with warm shades (yellow, beige, gold), southern ones - cold ones (blue, turquoise, lilac).

Coziness and comfort is created by the correct selection of interior elements. Curtains are the addition with which you can add missing notes to the room, decorate, highlight or, conversely, balance colors and shades. It is the curtains that most of all affect the perception of the space of the room. Even the most gray environment will become pleasant if the window is decorated in an original way.