We talk about the types of curtains/draperies that are suitable for different rooms, about the types of fabrics, and how much they will cost you.
The selection of textiles is usually the final stage of creating an interior. The final, but by no means the easiest. Properly selected accessories will emphasize and enrich the style and decoration of the rooms, but unsuccessful options will negate all the preliminary efforts of the designer. We tell you in detail how to choose curtains.
How to choose the right curtains for the size of the room
Determine the proportions of the room. If it is long and narrow, like a pencil case, dark draperies should be abandoned. They visually increase the length of the room even more, creating the effect of a tunnel.
If the ceiling is low, no need to build lush lambrequins at the top. But for front rooms with high ceilings and double light, they can be a real salvation, as they visually separate the walls and dilute the monotony.
Particular attention should be paid to the design of studio premises, such as kitchens and living rooms. As a rule, the windows in such rooms are on the same wall, so the curtains will need to be matched in design, color, and finish.
Also, pay attention to what furniture or household appliances will stand next to the window, and whether radiators run along them. Perhaps the latter will have to be hidden behind the curtains, increasing the length of the cornice. Quite often, kitchen countertops come close to the window, the way out in such a situation is to hang a Roman structure up to the length of the windowsill.
As for the length of classic curtains, this is a matter of taste. Although, for reasons of practicality, designers advise making them less than 1 cm from the floor surface. But some people like the draperies to flow and fall to the floor in spectacular folds.
Fabrics
If desired, you can take any material for sewing, but it is still better to use specially designed types for this. Their peculiarity is that they have a significant width from edge to edge, or, as professionals say, a height of up to 330 cm. Variants intended for tailoring have a standard width of 140-150 cm.
Lightweight thin materials, such as organza or voile, are often supplied with a weighting agent instead of an edge. Directly at the factory, the machine sews a dense braid to one of the edges with a special seam, reminiscent of a polymer cord. By purchasing such a fabric, you save on the hemming of the bottom of the product.
For sewing French, Austrian, and English types – all those that gather in abundant folds and scallops, choose non-wrinkling fabrics, synthetic.
Compound
80% of the fabrics are 100% polyester. The material is very versatile, it can look like silk, taffeta, velvet, and like embroidered satin. It makes sense to buy polyester, it is easier to care for it, and it does not fade in the sun. Whereas natural silk will have to be put on a lining. However, there are mixed types, different in the percentage of fibers.
Natural materials are represented by cotton and linen. They need to be bought and cut with a margin because they shrink a lot when washed. The maximum width of domestic linen and cotton fabrics is 220 cm. Wider and more expensive ones are supplied by Italian manufacturers.
Separately, let’s talk about blackout fabrics. These are also synthetic materials, on one side of which a special opaque layer is applied. They have a high density and are completely opaque. They are bought for home theaters, south-facing bedrooms, or other areas where sunlight is undesirable. In addition, such fabrics are good sound insulators.
Types of curtains
Classic curtains
We all know the quadrangular gathered fabric panels that cover the windows. The differences are in the way the draperies are attached to the cornice because they do not just hang, they must move easily and without hindrance. For these purposes, a curtain tape can be sewn to the back – not the cheapest, but a very functional option. Also, curtains can be fastened on hinges, on ties (ribbons), on eyelets, and also with the help of a drawstring (this method of fastening is also called a “tunnel”). There are other options.
For the manufacture and operation of classic curtain compositions, manufacturers offer various auxiliary materials. These are curtain or mounting tapes, hooks, rings, eyelets, and other attributes. Their range is very diverse.
Curtain tape
Dense wide braid, equipped with small pockets along the entire length, and pierced with threads for assembly. Depending on the order in which these threads and pockets are arranged, the tape has its own fold pattern, as well as a certain gathering factor – 2, 2.5, or 3. Although this factor can be adjusted manually, tightening the threads more or less.
The simplest mounting tape provides a parallel fold. It is also called “pencil”. With the help of curly ribbons, you can get unusual folds such as “bow”, “puffs”, “glass”.
Pockets, or loops, are designed to hook them onto hooks, which, in turn, are tucked into the guides of the profile cornice. If the cornice is a rod, then the fastening system there will be somewhat different.
Eyelets
This is the name of metal or plastic rings that are mounted directly into the fabric itself. That is, to fix the grommet, you must first make a hole in the canvas. To do this, you need to carefully calculate the number of eyelets and the distance between them.
The diameter of the eyelet correlates with the diameter of the rod (pipe) of the eaves. The distance from the pipe to the ceiling is taken into account so that the “comb” of the fabric does not rest against the ceiling. There must be an even number of rings. The optimal distance between the holes is 16–20 cm. If you make the distance larger, then the folds will turn out to be too large. Smaller folds are acceptable if the curtain arrangement consists of two lines, for example, you want to hang tulle and sliding curtains. For double-row cornices, eyelets are arranged in pairs, increasing the distance between them so that the inner fold is smaller than the outer one.
In order for the edge of the fabric to better hold the fold, it is laid with grommet tape before punching, the standard width of which is 10 cm. However, the tape can be replaced with interlining.
Curtains with lifting mechanism
Roman curtains
They are a piece of fabric, fixed in a special way on the cornice. Less material is required for sewing this type, usually, the size of a Roman blind is limited by the width and length of the window opening. But the cornice will need a special one – with a lifting rope (for small windows) or a rotary chain (for large windows) mechanism. They do not move aside, but rise up, gathering in straight or soft, sagging folds.
If you decide to sew a Roman blind yourself, then when calculating its height, you must take into account the so-called “dead zone”. The fact is that when assembling the fabric panel, it will not be able to rise close to the very eaves. It is also necessary to calculate the number of lifting blocks. In order for the “Roman” to rise evenly, without distortions, small plastic rings are sewn on its back along the entire length, at equal distances from each other. Ropes or cords are threaded into the rings, which are attached to the eaves at the top, and at the bottom are fixed on the lower tier of folds. This is an integral part of the same lifting rope mechanism.
It is customary to make folds strict and straight, and for this, it will be necessary to make narrow drawstrings from the braid on the reverse side of the fabric panel. Thin strips of fiberglass, a lightweight but durable plastic, are inserted into these drawstrings. Also, a metal weighting bar can be inserted into the “hem” of the curtain, but this is not necessary.
English curtains
In fact, this is a variant of the Roman blind, but more feminine, with soft folds. There are no hard plastic inserts here. There are usually fewer lifting blocks here, but their number also always depends on the width of the window. Rings are sewn to the fabric in vertical rows, and you need to calculate how deep the folds will be on the product. Lifting ropes are often replaced with decorative cords and ribbons of contrasting color. In this embodiment, they can be located on the front side. The bottom is decorated with ruffles, bows, fringe, border or lace.
French
It is a panel of fabric, assembled with scallops (or puffs). The younger generation with this type of curtains, most likely, is little known. Now they have been replaced everywhere by vertical blinds and rolls. However, sometimes the well-forgotten old comes back into fashion.
For French options, you will need a lot of fabric. Decide for yourself how long (vertically) you need a curtain and multiply this size by 2 or 2.5 – this is the so-called assembly factor. If there is less fabric, beautiful scallops will not work. A braid is sewn to the wrong side at the same distance from each other, which forms backstage. A cord is threaded into the backstage, and the fabric is collected.
Modern profile cornices with a lifting cord mechanism allow not only to lift the structure up, but also to move it to the side, however, such options are more expensive, and the curtain is assembled into an ugly lump. Also, the product is usually supplemented with a latch, which allows you to adjust the length of the canvas and the number of scallops.
Austrian curtains
They are similar to French but have a slight difference. Only their lower part is going into folds: depending on the designer’s idea, this can be half the size or less. The upper part of the product remains stationary. The advantage is that it requires less fabric. Thanks to this cut, the Austrian curtain can be used as a lambrequin.
Curtain systems with a lifting mechanism are united by one common element – the fabric is attached to the cornice with Velcro.
Roller blinds
Such products are also called roller blinds and roller shutters. How to choose roller blinds? They are a smooth canvas of dense fabric, which, when lifted up, rolls up into a roll. Thanks to the lifting chain mechanism and the latch, their length can be adjusted and fixed at any level.
“Rolls” are universal and convenient, and, probably, that is why they have acquired many modifications. They can be divided into two groups: open structures (without a box) and closed ones, they are also called a cassette. Open systems consist of a shaft, on which the fabric is wound during operation, as well as a guide mechanism and a bottom bar. In closed systems, among other things, there is also a box in which the shaft is hidden, and the fabric, as it were, is tucked into the cassette when wound. The latter option is more expensive but more convenient to use, has a neater look, and the fabric gets less dirty.
Japanese curtains
This is a cross between curtains and sliding partitions. The second name is Japanese Panels. Usually, they are straight and rather narrow panels of fabric (up to 120 cm wide), sliding along the upper rails to the left or right. If the curtains are made of fabric, then a weighting bar is inserted into the lower edge of the product.
For panel structures, special cornices were invented – metal profiles with a system of guides and slats to which products are attached. The maximum number of lines in these systems is five, otherwise, the cornice will become unreasonably wide and heavy, and some of the panels will be too far from the plane of the window opening.
Curtains-cafe
They are also called “hourglasses”. They are said to have been invented by the French and were originally placed on the glass doors leading to cafes. We are talking about decorative curtains that are attached to mini-cornices. Their dimensions are limited by the size of the glass. The fabric in the middle is collected with the help of a pickup, from which the hourglass shape appeared.
Additional decor
Lambrequin
In construction and architecture, the word “lambrequin” is synonymous with the word “platband”, it usually adorns roofs and window openings. In a more common sense, these are pieces of fabric placed horizontally, smooth, or gathered, with which they decorate the upper part of windows, doorways, arches, and portals, as well as beds with curtains.
As a rule, lambrequins are fixed motionless over curtains. Their designs are very diverse: soft and hard. They are complemented by all sorts of decorations, such as flounces, scallops, ruffles, tassels, fringes, curly cutouts, appliqués, pleated pleats, and more.
Bando
Lambrequin can be planted on a gang – a rigid frame made of plastic, plywood or wood. This design is first covered with fabric, and then decorated with draperies. However, thanks to modern technologies and materials, such as perforated leather or felt, bandeau can become an independent element of window decor.
Svaigi
Svaigi is a piece of fabric cut in a special way along an oblique thread and gathered. One or two edges of the swag fall down in beautiful folds. There are swags with different “shoulders”, symmetrical and asymmetric, in the latter the wings sag at different levels. Swag can be an integral part of a lambrequin or play a solo part, be used in pairs, overlap, or cross. Swags are often combined with other elements of textile design – with jabots and ties.
Jabot
Jabot (de jabot) is a cascade of folds in the form of a scarf, placed from one edge of a soft lambrequin. No wonder its name is consonant with the word “frill” – an element of clothing.
Coquilla
If the vertical folds are arranged symmetrically on both sides of the swag, then such a composition is called a mold. In tailoring, the word “coquille” refers to the neckline of women’s dresses and blouses.
What curtains to choose for different rooms
1. Kitchen
It is better to choose curtains for the kitchen so that they do not absorb the smell well and are easy to wash. For these purposes, classic fabric options made of linen, cotton, or polyester are suitable. Also, a good choice is curtains made of non-combustible fabric. They can be made of silk, velvet, jacquard or satin, with the addition of organophosphorus compounds. Because of this, they do not burn but only smolder.
In a small kitchen, it is worth giving preference to curtains in neutral colors or echoing in color with walls or furniture. A bright long curtain can divert all attention to itself.
An even more practical option is Roman, roll options, and blinds. They are easy to clean and look good in miniature kitchens, leaving room under the windowsill. An interesting accent can be a “roll” with an unusual pattern.
2. How to choose curtains for the living room
When choosing window textiles for the living room, start with the style in which the interior is made. Classic fabric options can fit into almost any living room. With their help, you can even visually stretch or expand the window, to do this, hang a cornice 20-30 cm above the window and it will appear higher, or choose a cornice wider than the window so that it also seems larger.
According to the length, such curtains are divided into three groups: short, a couple of centimeters above the window sill; medium, 15-20 centimeters below the windowsill; long, 2-3 centimeters above the floor.
Long curtains are usually made with a small gap between the fabric and the floor, but in some cases, it is worth deviating from this rule and allowing the fabric to form beautiful folds.
Roll, Roman, and Japanese panel options will fit well into a loft-style living room, minimalism, or techno. They are very concise and in this case play a purely practical role, without becoming an accent accessory in the interior and without drawing attention to themselves.
3. Bedroom
If your bedroom windows are visible from neighboring houses, look for double curtains. The first layer, as a rule, is made of light translucent fabric: tulle, silk, and satin. It can be pulled during the day without depriving yourself of sunlight. A second layer of jacquard, linen, or thick cotton is useful at night so that street lighting does not interfere with sleep.
Floor-to-ceiling fabric curtains fit well into all interior styles: classic and modern. Try matching textiles in rich hues to match the color of your furniture or wall art, or use neutrals to tint bright accents in the room.
4. Nursery
When choosing curtains for a child’s room, give preference to natural fabrics: silk, cotton, linen, wool, linen.
They will have to be washed at least once a month, so make sure that window textiles are made of poorly wrinkled fabric and can be easily removed and put on the cornice.
Pay attention to the pattern when choosing accessories for a baby or preschooler’s room: children learn about the world by looking at objects around them, so look for a fabric with an interesting pattern or patterns. With their help, you can create a feeling of a fairy tale in the nursery.
In the room of a teenage student, it is better to choose fabrics of neutral shades so that nothing distracts from the lessons. All shades of gray, beige, and white will do.
Price
If you are a fan of luxurious palace interiors and are not indifferent to the textile beauty described above, then it does not hurt to think about spending. As with tailoring, the executor of your order will have to tinker a lot with these swags, jabots, and molds. And this means a significant increase in the cost of the order. Even a simple lambrequin will add about 50% of the cost of a classic tandem of tulle and thick curtains. Usually tailoring will be much more expensive.
Care Tips
It is also better to think about this in advance, as unexpected difficulties may arise. For example, only a professional can mount a complex composition on the spot. Usually decorators work together.
Dust accumulates in numerous folds, and if the fabric is heavy, the product is lined, and the ceilings are high, then it is rather problematic to remove the curtains from the cornice on your own. That is why many design studios offer such services as dismantling, dry cleaning and subsequent installation of complex curtain structures on windows. And if you are not ready to spend money on this, then it is better to give preference to light and practical fabrics that can be washed at home in a washing machine and ironed on your own.
And one more piece of advice: if cats live in the apartment , then it is better to refuse draperies made of delicate fabrics – veils and organza, thin viscose and silk . Ugly puffs from the claws instantly appear on them.
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