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

What are curtains and what is their purpose?

Curtain curtains appeared in the Middle Ages. Then they served as a divider between rooms. Translated from French, the word “curtain” means “door”. Nowadays, thick curtains are used to decorate window spaces. They are applicable to any room: bedroom, kitchen, living room, etc.

The main function of curtains is to protect the room from light. In addition, they often act as the central detail of the entire interior of the room.

Fabrics for curtains: synthetic and natural materials

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

• the fabric is easy to wash;
• does not wrinkle;
• resistant to sunlight;
• maintains aesthetics for a long time.

The advantages of natural materials include the following:

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

The main advantage of natural curtains is their presentable appearance and environmental friendliness

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

1. Natural silk. It looks expensive and can be easily decorated in the form of folds and gathers. Requires careful care, fades in the sun.
2. Linen. Quite dense material. Wrinkles easily. Shrinks after washing. Natural antiseptic. Durable to use.
3. Satin. Thick cotton fabric with a slight sheen. Maintains aesthetics for a long time.
4. Atlas. Shiny material. The composition may include polyester.
5. Velvet. Short pile fabric. Contains synthetic additives.
6. Jacquard. The composition includes natural and synthetic threads of different thicknesses. The fabric is thick and durable. It can be single-layer or multi-layer.
7. Organza. Thin translucent fabric. It can be made of silk and viscose, but is more often represented by polyester fabric.

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

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

Helpful advice! When purchasing fabric for curtains for sunny windows, it is better to give preference to materials with synthetic additives that increase resistance to ultraviolet radiation.

Blackout curtain: 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 created precisely to obtain the necessary conditions indoors during the white nights.

Curtains made of blackout fabric can darken a room almost 100%

Curtains for blackout windows 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 sunlight, but also from the penetration of warm air.
3. Soundproofing. 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 or attract dust, so it washes well.
6. Hypoallergenic. Does not cause allergic reactions, does not harm health, can be used in any room, including children's rooms.

Related article:

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

Features of choosing curtains for the kitchen, living room and bedroom. Main types of products by color and size. Material and style originality.

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

How are they different from curtains and curtains?

Curtains are a general name for all types of window curtains. Curtains are a variety of them and differ from curtains in that:

• made from heavier and denser fabrics;
• shade the room;
• do not allow extraneous noise into the room;
• can be secured in different ways.

Fabrics for curtains

Curtains can be made from natural or artificial fabrics.

The most common materials for sewing them are:

• silk;
• velvet;
• satin interspersed with polyester;
• blackout;
• satin and crepe-satin;
• jacquard;
• brocade;
• taffeta, etc.

The sound-proofing and light-protective properties of the product depend on the chosen fabric: the denser the material, the higher they are.

When choosing fabric, you need to pay attention to the size and purpose of the room. For example, luxurious jacquard products are appropriate in large halls. And taffeta will rustle a lot, so curtains made of this material are not suitable for the bedroom.

Tulle and curtains in the living room

The classic design uses light, airy, flowy fabrics. They are practical and versatile, because they can adapt to any style decision.

For curtains, tulle, calico, and chiffon material are used. Also choose fabrics for curtains especially carefully.

It can be velvet material or corduroy. The overall picture will depend on the materials you choose.

To achieve the effect of solidity, even majesty, you should give preference to dense, heavy fabric, complementing it with light and airy ones. This will fit perfectly into the design of the curtains in a spacious living room with a high ceiling.

Such an element in the Baroque style is ideal. For variety and dilution of the classic atmosphere, use waves, brushes, and fringe.

If we talk about drapery, it is worth saying that the folds look quite organic and are attached to the walls thanks to tiebacks, beautiful ribbons, or magnets.

For a small space decorated in a minimalist style, choose satin or silk curtains. This choice goes well with tulles.

This airiness visually enlarges the space and helps achieve an airy atmosphere.

Use asymmetrical designs, for example, on one side. Pay attention to the length.

Types of curtains

Depending on the method of fastening and combination with other curtains, the following types of curtains are distinguished:

• multilayer;
• on eyelets;
• with lambrequin.

Multilayer

Long floor-length curtains combined with tulle are called multilayer. This room design option is considered a classic and is suitable for decorating large rooms with high ceilings.

The combination of heavy taffeta or velvet fabrics with airy organza or chiffon tulle helps to achieve coziness in the room. You can decorate the composition with tassels, fringe or scallops.

On the eyelets

Grommet curtains are straight curtains with trim at the top. They look good on a tubular cornice. This design can withstand heavy fabrics.

Curtains with eyelets have the following advantages:

• the ability to hide the fastening rings due to the vertical folds of the product;
• ease of use (sliding);
• durability (the fabric on the eyelets does not wear off over time).

With lambrequin

The top edge of the curtains can be decorated with a hard or soft lambrequin. It is a horizontal part of the curtains made of fabric. The height of the structure is from 1/5 to 1/7 of the length of the product.

Curtains with a lambrequin will act as the central composition of the room. They bring aristocratic notes to the design. Fringe, tassels or thin ribbons are used to decorate curtains.

Trends

Classic design is always done using curtains. It is a majestic atmosphere that exudes aristocracy.

If you combine them with beautiful curtains, you can significantly diversify the classic look.

You can clearly see in the photo of the curtains in the living room what colors and combinations are currently relevant. First of all, it is laconic, moderately restrained composition. Add a touch of modernity to this and it will turn out really beautiful.

Designers highlight several popular and sought-after new products:

• addition of lambrequins;
• combining light, airy tulle with curtains;
• eyelets;
• connection of curtains with Roman blinds, or Austrian. These two species have earned special sympathy from specialists this season.

Before choosing curtains in the living room interior, remember that all components must be harmoniously combined with each other.

First of all, decide what style the room is decorated in, what materials are most often used, desires, and your preferences.

Only by taking these factors into account can you achieve truly excellent results.

Varieties by style

The choice of material and method of fastening products depends on the style of the room. Each direction has its own colors, patterns and ornaments.

Classic

To decorate a room in a classic style, curtains made of fabric of a noble, pure color are suitable. Curtains should look strict and harmonious; a minimum amount of fittings is allowed on them. The composition is often complemented with lambrequins with swags.

Minimalism

To decorate a minimalist room, thick floor-length curtains are suitable. The color should be restrained, and the fabric should be soft and smooth. There is no need for decorations in minimalism.

Country

A country style room can be complemented with short or long curtains made of natural fabric (cotton, linen). Small flowers and large checkered patterns are preferred. Country is a distinctive style, so the color of the curtains can be any, even bright. The product is decorated with ruffles or lace inserts.

Provence

For sewing curtains, choose natural fabrics of medium density. The most common type of fastening is on a drawstring or tape. White curtains with a floral print are the best choice for decorating a room in Provence style.

Modern and modern

When decorating a modern room, use curtains made of fabrics in contrasting colors with an abstract asymmetrical print. The most common shades are gray, mustard or lilac. The curtains are decorated with mother-of-pearl inserts, shiny threads, etc.

Loft and hi-tech

These trends have something in common with minimalism. Straight curtains without additional design will look beautiful in a loft space. The only difference is that when decorating a room in a high-tech style, the curtains are complemented with a light veil so that its shade matches the main one.

Variety

If you are concerned about how to choose curtains for your living room, then pay attention to the possible options.

Curtains with eyelets are quite relevant now. Their advantages:

• a decorative element that falls in even and vertical folds to the floor;
• simple and comfortable, sliding smoothly, does not cause unnecessary noise;
• will last a long time, while maintaining their original, attractive appearance.

Combine different fabrics when designing this look. Make the upper and lower parts from dense materials, and for the key, central part, choose a light, even transparent fabric.

Taken together, it looks great. Combining two different colors from the same type of fabric will only highlight your taste.

A bright accent when decorating a living room is curtains with a lambrequin. They are quite elegant, chic, and create an aristocratic atmosphere.

You can complement the curtains with different types of lambrequins.

All these types are unique. Don't forget about the decorative side. Use tassels, braid, fringe. Remember the color combination of all components.

According to the purpose of the room

The choice of curtains depends on the type of room.

Living room

In houses with spacious halls, luxury curtains made of heavy fabrics (jacquard, velvet) are often chosen. Since dinner parties and holidays are held in the living room, it would be appropriate to decorate the curtains with lambrequins and tiebacks.

Bedroom

When choosing curtains for the bedroom, pay attention to the density of the fabric. You should focus on natural materials with good light-protective function. Designers recommend choosing curtains sewn with a lining - this will increase their sound insulation properties. The color scheme should be dim. Pastel colors and burgundy shades are perfect - they will promote a restful sleep.

Children's

To sew curtains for a child's room, it is advisable to choose natural curtain fabrics with patterns. For girls, curtains with images of flowers, princesses, animals are suitable, and for boys - with cars, cartoon characters, etc. The fabric should be pastel or not too bright colors.

Kitchen

For the kitchen, curtains up to the window sill are suitable. It is important to choose a fabric that does not absorb surrounding odors. Synthetics are a good material for kitchen curtains.

conclusions

When choosing curtains, you should pay attention to a lot of factors. Don't forget that the choice of fabric depends on the scale of your room.

For a large room, dense materials are suitable, for small ones - light materials.

When choosing a design, focus on the style, because for modern design, plain materials are more acceptable, for classics, vice versa. The colors must match.

To make the right choice, consider these recommendations and supplement them with your own.

Combination with other types of curtains

Curtains go well with other types of curtains. The main condition is that the finished window design must fit harmoniously into the interior of the apartment.

Drapes and curtains

The classic combination in the design of the living room is floor-length tulle and curtains. Heavy fabrics are draped and secured on both sides of the opening using tiebacks or magnets. This technique is only suitable for large rooms. If the room is small, you need to choose a medium-weight material for curtains - satin or silk.

Combination with Roman blinds

To add variety to your interior, you can use Roman blinds in combination with curtains. This combination will perfectly complement a room with one large window. When designing a composition, you need to consider the following characteristics:

1. Material. In large rooms, thick fabrics should be used, while in small rooms, light textiles should be used.
2. Drawings and ornaments. In addition to the classic interior, it is better to choose fabric with a pattern. In a room decorated in Art Nouveau style, plain materials are appropriate.
3. Color. Curtains should be in harmony with the decoration of the walls and not merge with Roman blinds.

Combination of curtains and Austrian curtains

Austrian curtains are weightless products made from light fabrics - voile, cambric, satin. In combination with curtains, they provide good shading of the room. Austrian curtains come with lush inserts and folds. In this case, the sets will emphasize the richness and luxury of the interior.

Combination with muslin

Thread curtains go well with drapes. A wide selection of shades will help complement any interior. Threads by themselves do not protect the room from sunlight, so a combination with muslin will help shade the room.

If the muslin is decorated with beads or sequins, then the curtains should be plain. Then the emphasis will remain on the threads. If the muslin is plain, printed curtains are allowed.

Functional curtains in living room interiors in various styles

In this section we will talk about the fact that curtains can be used not only for draping windows, but also as an independent element of decor, as well as a functional partition in the interior of a living room, using the example of works from the portfolio of the Studio of Angelika Prudnikova.

Interior drapery in the living room

All photos In the photo: New 2018-2019.
Light turquoise curtains in an Art Deco-style living room In a bright Art Deco-style living-dining room, elements of lambrequin and mint-colored curtains serve to decorate the interior, along with gilded columns and half-columns, as well as beveled mirrors.

Thick curtains in the TV area of ​​the living room with a round bay window

All photos In the photo: Thick curtains in the TV area of ​​a living room in the Art Deco style
Panoramic windows in a round bay window with a TV area, where the sun's rays penetrate from different angles, can be effectively draped only with thick dark curtains. Designing the drapery with an additional layer of light curtains in a creamy shade, effectively contrasting with the dark base, will avoid gloom. A wide ceiling cornice with a gilded pattern around the perimeter of the room and a multi-level white ceiling with lighting will visually increase the height of the room.

Dark drapes and light curtains with tiebacks in the drapery of panoramic windows

All photos In the photo: Multi-layer curtains with tiebacks in the living-dining room
Panoramic windows in the studio space of the living-dining room are draped with multi-layer curtains with tiebacks. Dark sliding curtains will protect from too bright light on a summer afternoon.

Hourglass curtains emphasizing the enfilade of the room

All photos In the photo: Curtains - “hourglass” in the design of the living room
The interior of the living room in the art deco style is decorated with the help of a repeating element - curtains in the shape of an “hourglass”. This “refrain” sets a certain rhythm and emphasizes the enfilade of the interior of the first floor of a modern country house.

Partitions with curtains for zoning space

All photos In the photo: Curtains for visual separation of the living room and bedroom
To separate the living room space with a fireplace from the bedroom in the interior of a small apartment on Michurinsky Prospekt, glass partitions and a curtain are used. A curtain made of thick fabric helps to visually divide a room with Art Deco and classic elements into functional zones, if necessary.

Curtain instead of an interior door in a narrow opening

All photos In the photo: Design of a curtain in the Art Nouveau style for a doorway
To gracefully decorate a narrow doorway leading to a corridor or other room in the apartment, it is enough to choose a curtain that matches the style and color. A deep pink curtain decorated the interior of the kitchen-living-dining room in the Art Nouveau style.

Symmetry in the classic interior of the living-dining room

All photos In the photo: Symmetry and orderliness in the classic living-dining room
In the classic interior of the dining area in the living room in beige tones, everything is subject to strict symmetry. This orderliness is also supported by the color scheme: an almost monochrome beige-brown palette creates an unusually peaceful and calm atmosphere.

Combining primary interior colors

All photos In the photo: Design of pink curtains for a classic living room interior
In this living room interior, reminiscent of a ladies' boudoir, silver shades create the effect of a slight shimmer, enhanced by wide beveled mirrors above the white fireplace portal in a classic style. And shades of bright pink, bordering on fuchsia, in the textile design of the room act as bright accents. The function of curtains in living room design is, first of all, to combine the main colors of the interior in one drapery. This design technique always allows you to “put the interior together.”

Change of scenery. Fashionable colors of the year in the interior

All photos In the photo: Turquoise curtains in the living room in the Art Deco style.
Project 2018-2019 Luxurious turquoise curtains with a complex lambrequin consisting of swags with “sags” and tassels became a fashionable color accent in the beige interior of the living room, smoothly transitioning into the kitchen-dining room in the art deco style. Pearl gray color formed a harmonious duet with turquoise. If fickle fashion next year chooses a new color as its favorite, you can easily refresh the interior by replacing the curtains and decorative covers on the pillows.

Crystal curtains for zoning the kitchen-living room

All photos In the photo: Crystal curtains for zoning the kitchen-living room in the art deco style
When considering the various types of curtains for the living room, we could not help but mention the crystal curtains that are popular today, designed not only to decorate, but also to gracefully zone the interior.

Curtains are an indispensable element of room design, which will not only add completeness and integrity to the living room environment, but can also significantly change the perception of the interior, introduce new notes and place accents.

The famous interior designer Anzhelika Prudnikova pays attention to every detail of the interior, and in the design of curtains as part of the development of the project, she puts not only professionalism and a sense of style, but also a rich imagination, not being afraid to experiment and find new, unique solutions.

Colors and patterns

Curtains can be either plain or mixed (color combinations, patterns, etc.).

The following shades are common:

• beige;
• blue;
• grey;
• eggplant;
• golden;
• brown;
• green, emerald, turquoise;
• pistachio.

All-white curtains look uninteresting. In this case, you can choose light curtains with patterns, for example, with floral patterns, figures, etc.

Double products look stylish if the color of the curtains is in harmony with the shade of the lining.

The most successful combinations:

• beige + chocolate;
• gray + blue;
• white + red;
• gray + light pink;
• yellow + brown, etc.

Rules for choosing curtains to match the wallpaper or wall color

The main rule for choosing curtains for wallpaper is that they should not be the same color. Curtains will look beautiful if you choose a darker or lighter shade compared to the walls. The image should also not repeat the pattern on the walls. If the wallpaper is white with a bright pattern, the color of the curtains should be the same as that print. If the wallpaper is light with a blue pattern, then you need to choose blue curtains with a light pattern. Moreover, if there are small drawings on the walls, it is advisable to choose curtains with a large print.

Curtains: what are they?

Curtains are a type of curtains that have become widespread due to the fact that they perform not only a decorative role. This is a functional element of the interior that protects the room, as written above, from drafts and rays of the sun.

Sometimes you can even protect yourself from prying eyes with the help of curtains. This problem is usually relevant for residents of multi-storey buildings whose apartment is located on the ground floor. Curtains perform their protective functions well due to the fact that they are sewn from fairly dense fabric.

Typically, curtains are installed together with curtains. This can be seen from the photo of the curtains. This can be explained by the fact that they have a lighter texture. And this combination looks very harmonious and quite interesting. Typically, designers use this combination for window openings in the living room, bedroom and hall.

As a rule, 2 curtains are used. This is a more common combination. However, recently, designers are increasingly choosing to use only one curtain, creating an unusual window opening design that looks quite interesting.

They sew curtains from different fabrics. It can be natural or artificial material. The design of the product can also be anything. On sale you can find curtains decorated with thematic and abstract designs, as well as decorated with various decorative details.

More expensive models can be decorated with machine embroidery. Therefore, there are no special problems in the process of choosing suitable curtains.

The design of curtains and curtains is varied and this is an excellent option for rooms that need to be completely protected from the penetration of sunlight. This problem is especially acute when the room’s windows face the sunny side.

Latest fashion trends

Fashion trends in textile interior design for 2020-2021:

1. Eco-friendly fabric. Products made from natural materials are preferred.
2. Dim colors. Stylists advise choosing curtains in natural colors (walnut, gray, blue, etc.).
3. Strict style, lack of overload with details.
4. Two-color curtains.
5. Patterns: floral and abstract.
6. Photocurtains with volumetric effect (3D).

Now the trend is combined curtains with additional lifting mechanisms. Designers pay attention to finishing the curtains along the edges using a different fabric.

Jewelry and accessories

To decorate curtains, use the following accessories:

1. Decorative ribbons. They are sewn on the top of the product.
2. Buttons - metal, wood or fabric.
3. Ties. They can be in the form of bows or hanging knots.
4. Fairy lights. Using lightweight fabric, you can create a hanging train that adds sophistication to the interior.
5. Clips, brooches, clips. These embellishments can be sewn on or secured with magnets.
6. Pompoms made of threads.
7. Fringe brushes.
8. Applications. They can be used to decorate curtains in a children's room.

Proper care and washing

Curtains require careful care, which includes:

1. Dry cleaning. Products must be vacuumed regularly using a special small attachment.
2. Delicate wash. Before wet cleaning, remove all decorative elements. Curtains are placed in a special bag for washing. The machine is set to “wool” or “silk” mode and a temperature of no more than +30 °C. Dry the curtains unfolded on a terry blanket.
3. Ironing. The temperature and ironing method are chosen taking into account the fabric.
4. Storage. It is not recommended to leave the curtains folded, as folds will appear that are difficult to remove. For long-term storage, the canvas is wound on cardboard cylinders with the pile inward.

Examples of using curtains in the interior

Classic simple, bright, two-color, with or without ornament, with lining and veil - a large selection of products is now available. Photos of curtains and examples of modern interiors are presented below.