Curtains: what they are, the difference from a cornice, what types there are, washing and care

The final stage of renovation in a residential building is window decoration. The design of the window opening should harmoniously fit into the overall interior of the room, be practical, attractive. However, owners cannot always clearly answer what they want to see on the windows: curtains, drapes, drapes? This article examines in detail what a curtain is, what its main functions are, and how to use it in the interior.

Curtains should match the chosen room — When choosing curtains and drapes, you need to consider the design of the entire room

Content

Brief description of how it differs from a cornice
Main functions
Cornice and curtain rod what is the difference
Criteria for distinguishing tulle
Types of models
Washing and care: useful tips
Reviews
Video: Curtains, Drapes, Drapes Ideas for Window Decoration
Photo gallery of beautiful curtains for window decoration in the living room, bedroom, children's room:

Brief description of how it differs from a cornice

A large assortment of accessories, curtains, window decorations often leads to confusion. It is important to remember - a curtain is the most ordinary tulle. From Dutch, this word is translated as "light curtain". Such tulle is used in different ways: as a background, as an independent decor.

Choosing a curtain for a window — When choosing a curtain or tulle, it is important to consider its functional properties.

Main functions

Curtain for window decoration — The curtain takes the central place in window decoration

Today, curtain fabric performs a number of useful functions.

Protects the room from dust. The fabric retains small particles. For this reason, they must be washed several times a year - optimally 3-4 times. Then excess dust will not threaten the health of household members.
Decorates the window opening. Curtains are made with different patterns, ornaments, even drawings. The color palette of the canvas is huge - you can choose a product for any style, color of the design.
Curtains are translucent curtains that let light through well and serve mainly a decorative function.
Protects from direct sunlight. Light, airy fabrics can prevent furniture from fading. This will significantly extend the service life of items.
Protects from prying eyes. Behind the curtain cloth, strangers will not be able to see the room. At the same time, the house will be light and cozy. Such a functional component is especially important for owners of private houses, cottages, apartments on the first floor.
Curtains block out light, completely darken the room and protect from prying eyes.
A spectacular addition to heavy curtains. They perfectly highlight the exquisite curtain fabrics.
Three types of curtains on one window: translucent light curtains, heavy opaque curtains and light decorative curtains over the entire composition

Cornice and curtain rod what is the difference

Curtains and cornices — Curtains are long, wide pieces of fabric, and cornices are devices at the top of a window that hold curtains and drapes.

It may sound strange to many, but quite often the words cornice and curtain are used in the wrong meanings. The cornice began to be called the outer part of the window sill, and curtains are the fasteners of curtains on window openings. This is a big mistake. After reading the previous paragraphs, you will get an answer to the question: what are curtains? Then another question will arise: what is a cornice?

A curtain rod is a special device, a "fixer" for curtains, a crossbar for curtains. It can be ceiling or wall mounted. Sometimes the curtain rod is masked by stretch ceilings. The crossbar is made of various materials: metal, wood, plastic, etc. It not only fixes the curtain. Today, the curtain rod plays an important decorative role. Many interiors look incomplete without it.

Criteria for distinguishing tulle

Woven pendants are made in various variations of color, shape, design. This approach makes it possible to select a product for any interior style: classic, minimalism, modern, Provence, etc.

Material of manufacture

Tulle is made from translucent, light fabrics. Usually, good viscose, silk, veil, cotton, and linen are used. Natural fabrics are mostly popular among fans of eco-design. Synthetic fabrics are more practical. They do not lose their appearance even after several washes.

Important! The above fabrics may have different density. Because of this, the curtain may be light or close in structure to drapes.

Viscose is a natural material. It rarely causes negative allergic reactions. Viscose is breathable, trapping dust. Its undoubted advantages include the ability to dry quickly and high repellency. A viscose curtain is perfect for the kitchen.
Silk is an expensive, exquisite raw material. Silk curtains fit well into modern and classic styles. They are usually made longer than the ceiling height. Silk has unique decorative properties. It is smooth, pleasant to the touch, shines beautifully, shimmers. The fabric breathes well, retains heat. Silk curtains are hung in bedrooms, living rooms, halls.
Veil cannot be called a super-attractive fabric. However, it is very practical. Veil has a translucent, matte surface. It protects the room from sunlight well. Veils are characterized by softness and ease of care. Veil window accessories are quite inexpensive. They are usually used in the kitchen and in private homes.
Cotton is the most wear-resistant material. A cotton product can last for years, provided it is properly cared for. Cotton is natural, does not fade, and does not deform. Among the disadvantages is a small shrinkage.
Flax most often has a light shade. It can withstand hundreds of washes. However, the appearance of linen curtains may not suit every interior style.

Form

Shaf curtains. They are long, narrow, and have an irregular shape. One end of the fabric is usually lower than the other. They are used as decoration.
Scarf curtains are long and narrow, with one end hanging lower than the other.
Scissor curtains. This is a standard form. The length of the fabric is the same on both sides.
Scissor curtains are a classic form of curtains that usually hang to the floor with equal length on both sides.
Tiers. They are small in size. They partially cover the window.
Curtains-tiers are small curtains that are designed to cover one or more parts of the windows.
Svags. They are made in complex shapes. They serve as decoration.
Swag curtains are decorative varieties that can have a complex shape, but always have two hanging edges.

Method of picking up

Having made even a brief review of the photos presented in the article, you can notice one nuance - all the curtains are picked up differently. Some are left hanging in their original form, others are folded into an original shape. You can lay the fabric and pick it up in different ways.

The first option is to buy long canvases. Then they will beautifully spread on the floor. In this case, a tie-back is not needed. This method is very correct for a classic interior of the room.

Curtains without a grab are the simplest option, when the curtains hang simply by being folded when pulled apart

Please note! If you want the fabric to flow beautifully across the floor, you need to choose very light, pliable fabrics. Silk is ideal.

The next option is a simple grab with a fabric loop. This is a classic way to decorate a window opening. Under such a grab, the bottom of the curtain hangs evenly, and upwards, it forms a beautiful semicircle.

Curtains with a simple grab - under the grab the bottom of the curtain hangs evenly

The assembled grab is almost identical to the previous version. However, the bottom of the canvas hangs at an angle.

Curtains with a tie-back — Curtains with a gathering tieback - the bottom of the curtain hangs at an angle

The interlacing tieback is the most original option. This technique will help to easily decorate a window in a room decorated in the Provence or Art Nouveau styles.

Original version with interlacing — An original version of a two-color curtain with interlacing

Styles

This is the main classification. Curtains are made in various styles. The most popular are.

Scandinavian. This style usually uses classic shaped items – scissors. Different colors can be used: white, milky, light blue, gray, light brown. Scandinavian style is universal. Such a curtain will be appropriate in rooms of different purposes.
Curtains and drapes in Scandinavian style will become an elegant element of decor and, thanks to their simplicity and elegance, will easily fit into any interior
Classic. These are even, simple, white (gray) canvases that fall down. They are necessarily complemented by curtains. Classic is especially relevant at the moment. Such models can often be seen in rooms decorated in the styles of minimalism, high-tech.
Curtains for the living room in a classic style, decorated with a lambrequin and drapes
French. Products in this style are distinguished by delicate colors, the presence of additional decorations: festoons, lambrequins.
French curtains together with drapes made of noble fabrics of dark colors allow you to plunge into an atmosphere of chic, to recreate the style of classicism, baroque, rococo and empire
Panel. This is a specific type of curtain. Panel curtains can be used only in exclusive styles, interiors. Their main advantage is their uniqueness;
Curtain panels in home space design are a very effective and bright design detail
Japanese. Japanese curtains are characterized by high density and absence of folds. They have many common features with panels. Japanese-style canvases often have unusual patterns and bright color accents.
Japanese curtains are an elegant and at the same time discreet interior detail that, depending on the fabric, can complement any room.

Types of models

Curtain model Hilja — The Hilya curtain model can be hung by passing the curtain rod through hidden loops, or using rings and hooks.

Set of thick curtains Maygull — A set of thick curtains in dark blue color Maygull, reliably protecting from excessively bright light and drafts

View	Brief description, owner reviews
Hilya	These are medium-density curtains. They let in daylight. They are often used to create multi-layered compositions. The canvases are made of polyester and have a tape on top. You can use it to make folds. Reviews of hilya curtains are mostly positive. Owners note the wide range of colors and ease of use.
Maygull	This model is characterized by high density, made of polyester. It perfectly blocks light, summer heat, drafts. Most often, the canvas has a dark shade: blue, brown, black, etc. Reviews of Maygull curtains are good. Most users note excellent protection from sunlight. Thanks to Maygull, you can arrange a darkening in the room for daytime sleep. There are also negative reviews about Maygull curtains. One of them is the difficulty of care. The product is subject to dry cleaning only.
Lille	Snow-white Lille curtains are a budget, inexpensive model. They are made of polyester, have a low density. Lille perfectly transmits daylight. For this reason, they are usually used together with thick curtains. Users note the fragility of the fabric. Curtains are easy to damage, tear during washing, operation. Among the advantages, one can note the ability to shorten the product yourself. It does not need to be hemmed.
Wilborg	Thick Vilborg curtains will perfectly protect from daylight. They have a high price, noble design. In addition to protection from light, Vilborg well contain summer heat, prevent drafts in the room. Reviews of the model are mixed. Most users notice only the advantages during operation. However, there are a number of dissatisfied owners. Among the disadvantages of Vilborg are the high price, the need for frequent washing. The canvases quickly collect dust.

Curtains made of light fabric Lille — Curtains made of lightweight Lille fabric help to maintain an atmosphere of privacy, but at the same time do not block out daylight

Vilborg Thick Curtains — Vilborg thick curtains in beige color made of dense heavy luxurious fabric

You can see what types of curtains there are in the photos presented in this article.

Washing and care: useful tips

Fabric care labels — It is essential to care for curtains according to the recommendations for a specific product.

Textile accessories in the house by definition need washing, special care. Curtains often have fingerprints, dust, dirt from an open window during rain. The main care is washing. Let's consider useful recommendations, rules for cleaning curtain fabrics made of various materials:

Silk, veil. These are the finest fabrics that require delicacy. Silk and veil can only be washed at a minimum temperature of 20 degrees. The mode should be set to delicate. Then the product will retain its shape and attractive appearance for a long time. Additionally, you can protect it with a special bag. It is better to dry naturally - in the open air. Do not wring. Before hanging the curtain on the window, you can lightly iron it.

Please note! It is not worth pre-soaking silk or veils. Any stains can be removed from them without much difficulty.

Viscose. This raw material normally tolerates temperatures up to 40 degrees. When washing, it is allowed to use special products. When choosing a product, you need to make sure that it is intended for thin materials. Viscose can become rough if exposed to the sun for a long time. For this reason, after washing, you can use conditioner. After conditioner, rinsing is not required. The material can only be ironed through a damp cloth.
Cotton, linen. Natural fabrics are not too demanding in care. They are usually used in eco-style. Cotton, linen can be washed at a temperature of 40-60 degrees. Natural raw materials have a high density. Therefore, if necessary, you can even use bleach. The most difficult stage of care will be drying. Cotton, linen cannot be dried with a heater, near batteries. Such drying will cause shrinkage. It is best to ensure natural drying in the air. Linen must be ironed slightly damp.
Polyester. The most popular among buyers. Polyester keeps its shape well and has an attractive appearance. Washing polyester products is not always allowed. However, if the manufacturer gives the go-ahead, then you should choose a delicate mode. The water temperature should not reach 40 degrees. Low temperature will help to avoid creases. Some models are not recommended for washing. In this case, dry cleaning can be used.

Reviews

Modern roller blinds, blinds, Japanese curtains have slightly pushed classic curtains out of fashion. However, ordinary curtains can also find a place in a residential interior. They can be used independently, in addition to thick curtains. Owner reviews are in most cases very positive. Users note the attractive appearance of modern models, their unique ability to hide the room from prying eyes without darkening. Also, among the advantages, many highlight ease of care, protection from drafts. According to reviews, curtains-scissors without additional curtains are increasingly used. It looks simple, relevant. The most popular colors are: milky, gray, white, light blue, blue.