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.
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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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Adviсe
- For windows in rooms with low ceilings You need to use curtains with light colors. They should be made of lightweight materials.
- In children's rooms and offices It is better to use French curtains or Roman blinds.
- Chamberliness The rooms need to be given dark curtains with a dense texture.
Questions and Answers
In practice, curtains are replaced as they wear out. Psychologists recommend updating them once every 2-3 years.
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.
It is better to decorate the windows in the bedroom with curtains of soft shades and textures.
Kitchen curtains should be made of material that can withstand multiple washings.
The width of the curtains should be 2-3 times greater than the width of the windows.