Types of curtains

Curtains are one of the main interior decorations. No matter how beautiful the renovation is, no matter how expensive and prestigious the furniture is, if there are no curtains, or they are ugly, there can be no question of any comfort. Therefore, each hostess approaches with special trepidation to the curtain selection process, trying to match their image with the general interior of the room. In this article, we will look at the basic types of curtains and their features.

Classic curtains

The classics are truly indestructible and hardly anyone would argue with this. Every person is familiar with classic types of curtains. They are versatile in their application, because they can decorate absolutely any room, from the kitchen to the living room. Features of classic design curtains include:

• tailoring from graceful and noble materials;
• the presence of beautiful decorative elements;
• adherence to exact proportions;
• harmony in the choice of color scheme;
• careful thoughtfulness of design.

Therefore, classic curtains are always in fashion - they are dignified, beautiful and elegant. The classic version provides for the design with diverging curtains and decoration with lambrequins. Curtains can be gathered on the sides and fixed with clamps. The obligatory set of classic curtains includes a transparent light curtain. The striking harmony of heavy and light fabrics, combined with the play of color, gives an amazing charm to the entire room. Modern fashion requirements have led to the fact that designers bring their own nuances to the standards and now you can find a very different variation of the classic execution of curtains, but from this they are no less beautiful. However, no matter how their appearance changes, there are things that the classics will never tolerate:

• triviality and minimalism;
• desperate experiments;
• disregard for established dogmas.

Classic curtains fit perfectly into absolutely any room, whether it be a country apartment or a simple city apartment. For the living room, it is recommended to purchase curtains of a discreet design with exquisite decor. In the bedroom, curtains in calm tones will be appropriate, for the nursery, elements of enthusiasm can be allowed, therefore, the presence of delicate patterns on the curtains that will be in harmony with the rest of the textiles and furniture.

As for the material from which the curtains are sewn, we can say with confidence - the more expensive it is, the better. As a rule, it is jacquard, natural silk, taffeta, satin, brocade, etc. It is necessary to supplement the design of classic curtains with extreme caution, because one ridiculous detail and everything will be ruined. For the role of grabs, it is better to choose classic fabric strips and brushes, or holders made of metal and wood. Lambrequin in classic curtains is optional, therefore it is selected exclusively according to the preferences of the homeowners.

Japanese panels

For lovers of everything oriental, you can offer an original solution in the interior in the form of Japanese curtains. They look somewhat unusual, but they will ideally fit into the modern design of apartments and houses. Lovers of minimalism will also like this approach. Simple and laconic Japanese-style curtains at the same time help to create the necessary coziness.

Japanese curtains are straight, smooth fabrics that can be pulled apart to any convenient width. Such beauty is attached to multilevel cornices. No matter how you move them, they will always remain perfectly flat, which is explained by the presence of a weighting agent on each curtain. Their only drawback, they are very beautifully combined with panoramic windows or windows from ceiling to floor, with the usual window openings, the compatibility is not so attractive.

They can be compared to vertical blinds with one difference - they cannot be rotated, and the size of Japanese curtains is much wider. Each curtain moves towards itself and due to the fact that they "roll" on different rails, they can be directed at each other. By increasing and decreasing the number of cornices, you can simulate the overall design at your discretion. The posted screens can move either manually or be controlled by an electric drive.

French curtains

For many, everything French is associated with something light, airy and graceful, French curtains are no exception. This option can be very different, but they will always add coziness to the room and emphasize the refined taste of their owner.

French curtains, they are also marquis, are several independent sections with more folds, falling like a textile waterfall. They are suitable for those who like luxury and chic. By the way, the name of the marquis did not appear just like that, because their creation fell on the era of classicism, and therefore they stand out for their pomp, reflecting the wealth of the 18th century. Previously, curtains were used to decorate not simple rooms, but rooms where social events and celebrations took place, so the interior had to be above all praise. All requests were met by designs with ruffles, laces and other rich decor. However, now the design has been significantly simplified, replacing everything with drapery made of elastic transparent fabric.

As we have already said, French curtains are independent elements that together create a holistic image. Features of such curtains:

• In the fabric itself. The more elastic and pliable the material is, the more elegant, chic and more expensive the curtain will look. But the design of window openings plays rather a decorative component, because it is difficult to hint about practicality here. Often these are multi-layered curtains that look light and luxurious.
• Vertically arranged scallops and shuttlecocks are used. The more they pull together, the more magnificent and elegant the curtain turns out.
• In the upright position, the French curtain is helped to hold the balancing elements, which are fixed at the bottom of the canvas.
• Various tassels, fringes, beads, lace, etc. serve as additional decoration.

French curtains are very easy to use and will not cause any inconvenience to their owners, however, the more elegant they are, the more difficult it will be to clean them, so this moment must be foreseen in advance. Nowadays, French lifting curtains, which have a rotary-chain mechanism, are widely used. Due to it, you can adjust the degree of darkening in the room, and the higher the curtain rises, the more magnificent it becomes from above.

Pleated curtains

Despite the fact that this version of curtains appeared in the middle of the twentieth century, they began to be in decent demand only now. In appearance, they can be confused with blinds, because the fabric used for their sewing really resembles them with its folds. When there was no alternative to blinds yet, it was pleated curtains that could be found in office premises, and in this case their striking similarity played into the hands. All this makes them universal to this day.

A huge selection of textures and color palette allows the buyer to thoroughly roam in his imagination and choose the curtains that are most suitable for the interior. Their unique features will make it possible to create a unique interior design and add zest to everyday life. And if, for example, Japanese curtains are suitable mainly for large windows, then pleated curtains are universal in this regard.

Pleated material meets all modern standards. They perfectly repel dust and retain their aesthetic properties well even after prolonged exposure to the sun. They can be a worthy replacement for not so cozy blinds. You can find different fastening at the pleated: on the ceiling, on the wall, and even in the opening of the window itself or on its sashes. The technology of their production promises a long service life, moreover, they are more likely to annoy with their appearance than deteriorate externally.

They perfectly reflect sunlight, which means that even under the fiercest sunlight, the room will not bake. Therefore, if you are not very fond of heat and sun, then pleated curtains are created just for you.

Roller blinds

Roller blinds are a generic name that includes several subspecies. In any case, these are straight canvases made of various rigid materials (often polyester with the addition of natural fibers). At the bottom of the panel there is a weighting agent, due to which deformation of the curtain is not allowed.

• Standard roller blinds. The shaft of such rolls has an average diameter of about 30 mm, the maximum width does not exceed 1.8 meters, and the height is limited to two meters. These curtains are combined with standard double sash windows. Installed either on the wall or directly into the window opening itself. Standard roller blinds are often limited to classic colors.
• Suite. Unlike standard roller blinds, this type of pipe can be up to seven centimeters in diameter. Such indicators allow you to create large products, the width of which can be up to 3.5 meters, and the height up to 4.5. Fabrics can be of very different textures and have different properties. Often this option finds its application in offices and business centers, where there is a need to close large window openings.

In both of the above options, the box in which the curtains are hidden can be made of different materials and have a very different design and size. It is very convenient that this position of the curtain protects it from dirt and dust. Let's continue to consider the variations of roller blinds.

• Mini-set curtains. This option provides for the location on the window sashes themselves, and it does not matter what material the windows will be of: wood or plastic. This is a small roller, the diameter of which almost never goes beyond 15 mm, which is hidden in an aluminum box. The great advantage of such curtains is just in the form of fastening, because with them it will not be difficult to dissolve the window and ventilate the room, while the window sill always remains in free access, which greatly saves usable space.
• Open curtains are the same mini-cassettes that provide mounting on window sashes. There are completely no guides and no extra mechanisms, so they are much cheaper than other options. They can be mounted in various ways, including without drilling, although it is preferable.

Roller blinds can have a wide variety of colors, from classic monochromatic to bright with patterns. They can be used as independent curtains, or used as a dimmer - it all depends on personal taste preferences and the interior.

Roman curtains

Due to its simplicity, Roman blinds win more and more hearts every year. They can be of different colors, textures, but at the same time they always have one mechanism that allows you to adjust the degree of window openness.

Such curtains appeared a very long time ago, back in the days of the Roman Empire, from which, in fact, their telling name came from. Its structure is a cornice, on which an even panel with special rods is fixed, due to which characteristic folds are then formed. At the bottom, a flat curtain is held by a special weighting agent. The curtain is height adjustable with a chain mechanism. A Roman blind can be fixed both above the window and on the sash, and in the window opening. Roman blinds can be of two types:

• The classic is a flat canvas, when raised, uniform folds appear, overlapping each other. This option has a laconic design that will fit into any interior.
• The cascading version of curtains, even when fully opened, do not lose their characteristic folds, which cascade down along the entire length of the curtain. Often used in Country styles, Art Deco or traditional version.

The material for sewing Roman blinds can be varied, have different light transmission, be patterned or not. However, if we talk about classics, then most likely you can find tapestry, velvet, organza or brocade. They will be an excellent alternative to curtains where ordinary ones look out of place. For example, in the kitchen, bathroom, loggia, bathroom. If you want to hang such decorations in the bedroom or living room, then in addition you can use simple straight curtains to match, this combination looks just amazing.

Austrian curtains

The Austrian version of curtains combines two styles at once - French and Roman. From the first they got pomp and grace, and from the second a lifting mechanism that allows you to move the curtains up and down.

The Austrian curtain is a single even canvas, but when it is lifted, the bottom of the curtain is draped and playful arcuate folds appear. It is worth noting that folds appear precisely when lifting and at the time of fixing them in this position. While French curtains have pleats all the time, regardless of whether they are raised or in a calm state.

Such curtains appeared in the 18th century, but earlier they were referred to as "scalloped". They were considered very beautiful and luxurious, and gained particular popularity and distribution at the Austrian court, from which the new name came. They decorated the bedrooms and dwellings of real aristocrats and did not cease to be fashionable for a long time. Since the late 19th century, it has become popular to hang them in doorways.

Austrian curtains are attached to rail curtain rods, and to give the curtain the desired shape, special cords are used, which are passed through rings and loops throughout the curtain. The control takes place through a chain mechanism with a braking system.

Almost any fabric can be used for sewing Austrian curtains, but often the choice falls on translucent light textures in pastel colors. Such a decoration looks most impressive in the presence of a shiny surface, which is given by organza, silk, cambric, veil and other similar canvases. Despite the fact that they can be sewn from any material, the richness of the appearance is ensured precisely due to the correctly selected fabric. Therefore, it is better to devote enough time to choosing the material. It is also worth understanding that the stiffer the curtain fabric is, the wider the folds will be, and vice versa.

For hanging such beauty, the most suitable will be the bedroom, living room and dining room. It is important to think over high-quality lighting that will emphasize the chic and luxury of Austrian curtains.

Bamboo curtains

Weaving of bamboo curtains is done manually, using a special tool, and as a material, either bamboo stalks split into strips are used, or its straws, thus an absolutely natural curtain is obtained. Unfortunately, they cannot boast of a large selection of colors, just like any other natural material, however, you can find whitewashed and tinted specimens.

Such curtains undergo a special treatment that allows you to protect the room from sunlight and remain intact for several years. Since bamboo curtains are resistant to humid environments by their properties, they can be safely hung on balconies and terraces. They are also used for rooms that are located with windows on the sunny side, so as not to arrange a bathhouse in the room. However, if the goal when buying such curtains is just to hide from the sun, then you should not purchase options made from straw, since they cannot boast of their density. But even the densest models will not create dense darkness.

Like any other options for curtains, these have their own advantages and disadvantages. Among the positive qualities, one can note the democratic cost, durability, environmental friendliness, moisture resistance and versatility. Cons include heavy weight, limited size, ability to absorb odors, and limited choice of colors.