Curtains on windows in Russia are a common occurrence. In modern life, they perform mainly decorative functions. In the old days, curtains served as a talisman for the family hearth. It was believed that they scared away evil spirits and all kinds of negativity from the home.

How to choose the right curtains for your interior
How to choose the right curtains to match your interior?

Why do you need curtains on your windows?

Curtains are a powerful decorative element. They can add extra appeal to the interior or disrupt its harmony and become a strong irritant.

The look of a room depends largely on the color of the curtains.
The look of a room depends largely on the color of the curtains.

In addition to decorative functions, they perform a number of practical functions.:

  • shade the rooms during the day and do not let in the light from night lamps;

  • prevent drafts from penetrating from windows into the room.

The functionality of curtains is determined by the material and form of their manufacture.

What types of curtains are there?

You can find curtains of various types, functionality and styles on sale. When buying them, you need to decide on appointment products. They can be paired or single. The first type of curtains is used in interiors of rooms decorated in classical and modern styles. The panels of paired curtains are symmetrically placed on both sides of the window. A single curtain is placed on the side that is most convenient for a person to approach. This arrangement of the panel should not disturb the overall harmony of the interior. Like paired, single curtains are suitable for decorating rooms in a modern style.

Curtains should not be the same color as the walls.
Curtains should not be the same color as the walls.

Curtains can be hung over them. valances. These are short curtains that are a decorative addition and can be included in a set of curtains for window decoration. Tiered shading is often used to curtain kitchen windows. It consists of lower and upper curtains, with a gap left between them. The upper part of the curtains has the shape of a long and wide scarf.

Note! Materials of different density are used for sewing curtains. Fabrics made of transparent materials are usually made with linings. Such products are suitable for use in living rooms and dining rooms.

Classic curtains

The products are universal. They are made mainly from jacquard, natural silk and taffeta. Curtains are used to decorate rooms for various purposes.

Bedroom
Bedroom

Their distinctive features include::

  • precise proportions;
  • use of noble materials in sewing;
  • presence of decorative elements;
  • discreet design;
  • harmonious color scheme.

Curtains can be gathered at the sides and fixed with clips. They shade windows with transparent light curtains. Classic curtains for living rooms should have a discreet design, for bedrooms - a color scheme in calm tones. In children's rooms, classic curtains with a delicate pattern can be used to cover windows.

Japanese curtains

The products are used for decoration premises with modern interiors. The simple and laconic design of Japanese curtains is ideal for lovers minimalism. Smooth fabrics of various widths are used in the production of products. They are attached to multi-level cornices. Such curtains harmonize well with panoramic windows and double-glazed windows, but do not look good on ordinary window frames.

Japanese curtains
Japanese curtains

The appearance of Japanese curtains resembles vertical blinds, but they cannot be turned. Each panel of Japanese curtains has separate guides, along which they slide apart and slide together. A different number of cornices can be used to attach the curtains. This allows you to model their overall design.

Japanese curtains - oriental motifs in a city apartment
Japanese Curtains – Oriental Motifs in a City Apartment

Japanese curtains can be opened and closed manually or automatically.

French curtains

The second name of the products is awnings. They are characterized by lightness and airy elegance. They are worth french curtains from several panels with a large number of folds. Such products are designed to emphasize the luxury of interiors. In modern design, curtains are made of elastic transparent fabrics.

French curtains
French curtains

French curtains can have lace or frills. They perform a decorative function in the design of window openings. Curtains have vertical fastening. Their lower part is often pulled together and fixed. This gives the curtains volume. Curtains are often attached to rotary and lifting mechanisms. This allows them to be automatically raised and lowered, changing the degree of shading of the room.

Pleated blinds

The fabric used in sewing products resembles blinds with its folds. Curtains of this type are widely used to shade windows in office premises. They have a large color range, which allows you to liven up any boring interior. Pleated curtains can shade windows of any format.

Pleated blinds
Pleated blinds
Note! Pleated material repels dust well and does not fade in the sun. Curtains can be attached to walls, ceilings, window openings and sashes. The products have a long service life and do an excellent job of shading rooms from the sun.

Roller blinds

The products include several subspecies. The fabrics are made of synthetic materials with added natural fibers. The lower part of the curtains has weights. They protect the canvases from deformation. The maximum height of roller blinds is limited to 2 m, and the width is 1.8 m.

Roller blinds
Roller blinds

The products are used to shade standard double-leaf windows.

Selection criteria

When buying curtains, be sure to pay attention to their size, style and cost. The selection of products begins with them. The following criteria for selecting products are:

  • interior style, functionality and area of ​​the premises;

  • material for finishing walls, floors and ceilings.

Curtains with contrasting transverse print can visually expand a narrow room, and with a vertical one - visually make it higher. Windows in small rooms are best shaded plain curtains, painted in light tones and made of lightweight fabrics. In spacious rooms, windows are covered with massive canvases with a large pattern.

For living rooms and bedrooms you need to buy thick curtains. For shading windows in the kitchen, the following are suitable: curtains made of light airy fabrics, roller blinds and Japanese blinds. A business atmosphere in offices can be created by plain canvases in neutral tonesWhen choosing the color of curtains, it is important to remember that dark colors tend to fade in the sun. Light curtains are more easily soiled, even small stains are noticeable.

These nuances influence the scope of use of curtains. Dark fabrics are better suited for dusty rooms with intensive movement, and light ones - for sunny rooms.

They go well with expensive interiors silk curtains, and with simple ones - linen and cotton fabricsTogether with polyester and its blends, these materials can be used in interiors designed in traditional and modern styles.

Matching with furniture
Matching with furniture

Depending on the quality of the material, curtains are divided into:

  • antimicrobial;
  • biodegradable;
  • darkening;

  • fire resistant;
  • thermal;
  • stain resistant.

To darken the rooms well, windows should be covered with curtains made of triple weave fabrics. The length of the curtains has a great influence on the appearance of the rooms. You can give them a majestic look by hanging curtains from the ceiling to the floor. The combination of transparent and opaque ones makes the rooms more voluminous.

What you need to know about fabrics

The choice of curtains based on the quality of the fabric depends on their functional purpose. Heavy material has a high density. Curtains made from it protect rooms from light penetration better and retain heat in the rooms well. Due to the rigidity of the material, it does not drape well. Curtains made from it should be hung on stronger cornices. Lightweight fabrics are lightweight. They drape well, but do not protect rooms from light penetration as well.

Kitchen
Kitchen

All materials have different durability. They do not fade and retain their original properties for a long time. curtains made of polyester fabrics. Such products do not need to be ironed. They can withstand a large number of washes. Cotton fabrics are lightweight. They can "breathe" and block up to 70% of light.

How to choose curtains depending on the room
How to choose curtains depending on the room

Difficulties in care may arise with silk curtains. The material requires careful washing, but products made from it create an atmosphere of coziness and elegance in the premises. The rustic look has linen curtains, but they are often used in combination with sheer curtains when decorating bohemian interiors.

Please note! Velvet has sound-absorbing properties. The material is suitable for interiors in the Art Nouveau style. Curtains made of it are used for draping windows in government offices together with transparent tulle without a pattern.

Adviсe

  1. For windows in rooms with low ceilings You need to use curtains with light colors. They should be made of lightweight materials.
  2. In children's rooms and offices It is better to use French curtains or Roman blinds.
  3. Chamberliness The rooms need to be given dark curtains with a dense texture.

Questions and Answers

How often should you change the curtains in a room?

In practice, curtains are replaced as they wear out. Psychologists recommend updating them once every 2-3 years.

How to choose the color of curtains?

The color of the curtains should be in harmony with the interior. Usually it is selected to match the color of the wallpaper or decorative elements of the interior.

What kind of curtains are suitable for the bedroom?

It is better to decorate the windows in the bedroom with curtains of soft shades and textures.

What kind of curtains are suitable for the kitchen?

Kitchen curtains should be made of material that can withstand multiple washings.

How wide should curtains be?

The width of the curtains should be 2-3 times greater than the width of the windows.

Video tips for choosing curtains