Window decoration with curtains: the choice of cornices and fabrics

Being able to undress beautifully is just as important as getting dressed. Under the strict guidance of experts from the Arte Domo gallery, we “bared” the window and demonstrated all the details of his wardrobe.

Full set

• Cornice should be chosen depending on the style of the interior and the type of curtains. If the window is multilayer, as in our case, install several rows of heavy profile cornices on it. Choose models with controls for French, Austrian and English curtains.
• Lambrequin can be sewn from any well-draped fabric. To decorate it, use: braid, tourniquet, fringe, laces and brushes. An important point: with the help of a lambrequin, it is easy to adjust the proportions of the “problem” window – for example, to make the window opening visually higher. There are several types of lambrequins. They are hard and soft, with a straight and curly bottom (“wave” or “arch”).

It is not at all necessary to “wrap up” your window in all “clothes” at once. In a modern interior, it is quite possible to do without two upper layers: a lambrequin and heavy curtains.

In this case, working “curtains” will play a role not only functional (open and close access to light), but also decorative.

Keep in mind, this option involves using both heavy taffeta and velvet as well as printed cotton and linen.

Choose companion fabrics for tulle and French (or Roman) curtains depending on the style of the interior. It can be silk, linen with viscose, satin.

• For such a “half-naked” window, a lightweight cornice rod… It can be wooden, metal or plastic, depending on the style of the interior.
• In the lightweight version, there is no lambrequin masking the cornice rail, so you should pay attention to the choice of decorative elements: fleeron tips, rings, brackets, holders, eyelets and clips.
• Tulle (fr. Tulle, from the name of the city Tulle in the department of Corrèze) – a light transparent mesh or patterned fabric that plays the role of a “veil” for the window. Tulle can be sewn from cotton, silk, wool or polyester blends.

On a note:

1. Decorative fabrics are 50% of the success of the interior. In the design of one room, experts recommend using at least 6 types of textiles different in texture, color and pattern: for sewing curtains and accessories (blankets, tablecloths, pillows), upholstering furniture and lampshades. Then your house will not give off a museum and furniture showroom.
2. A silk curtain will last longer if you place it on a lining such as cotton satin. It will protect silk fabric from the damaging effects of sunlight.
3. Tissue is a living substance that is sensitive to changes in humidity and air temperature in a room. Keep in mind: natural cotton and linen are most susceptible to shrinkage. Polyester fabrics are unpretentious, easy to iron, but are considered ignoble.
4. It is not recommended to combine materials of different weights in one product: for example, making a wide edging of heavy velvet on a thin silk fabric.

The Austrian curtain is distinguished by lush scallops along the lower edge of the canvas.

The upper edge of the fabric is draped with a curtain tape or by hand.

The principle of the Austrian curtain is often used in lambrequins.

Suitable materials are translucent veil, shiny silk, linen and mixed fabrics (for example, linen and viscose – the combination of these components provides the desired fabric drape).

The French “marquise”, an indispensable attribute of classic interiors, is well known to us: in Soviet times, similar ones were often hung in school assembly halls and grocery stores.

This curtain consists of sections formed by semicircular folds of fabric, which are evenly distributed along the width and height of the fabric. The higher the “marquise” rises, the more abundant, “curly” the folds become. French curtains made of silk or translucent tulle go well with lambrequins and heavy curtains.

The English (London) curtain combines two qualities: severity (this is evidenced by the evenly falling upper part of the canvas) and softness (its lower edge, when raised, forms rounded folds).

This model is actively used in offices in combination with heavy curtains, often without tulle. As a rule, it is sewn from fabric with a classic English pattern, however, bold combinations of colors and textures are also welcome.

A Roman blind is a flat cloth of fabric, divided into equal horizontal sections. Rigid fiberglass or wood rods are sewn into each such section to restrict and fix it.

It is easy to raise the curtain by pulling on the cord threaded from the inside through the loops or rings sewn onto the fabric. The fabric is attached to the cornice with Velcro (Velcro). When choosing fabric for a roman shade, start from the degree of protection you need from light. Full blackout will provide a canvas with a black out lining.

Japanese curtains (panels) are best suited for spacious rooms with large windows. They are a system of fabric screens fixed on a special multi-row cornice with Velcro (in different variations, the cornice includes from 2 to 5 runners). Vertical panels move parallel to each other, alternately opening and closing different parts of the window.

Weighing strips are sewn along the lower edge of the product, preventing the canvas from deforming. For Japanese curtains, rep weave fabrics that are subject to stretch and shrinkage under the influence of moisture are not suitable. Materials with a large pattern always look advantageous: the panels do not create folds in which the ornament can be lost. Another significant plus of Japanese curtains is that due to the absence of creases, they practically do not collect dust.

Where to buy fabric and accessories

Artville Salon: st. Pokrovka, 27, building 1, t. 228 0323.

Salon French Touch: st. Oktyabrskaya, 5, t. 688 8492.

ANT studio: 3rd Syromyatnichesky per., 3/9, t .: 916 8153, 917 5035.

Salons Lege Alto: B. Nikolopeskovskiy per., 7, building 1, t .: 241 1111, 241 7135; Kutuzovsky prospect, 18, t. (499) 243 2372.

Arte Domo Company: 40/2 Prechistenka Street, tel. 105 0561.

Salon (fabrics) French Touch: st. October, 5, t .: 739 5095, 688 8492.

Neuhaus Design and Interior Galleries: 64 Leningradsky Prospect (MADI Institute, laboratory building, entrance from Shebashevsky Lane), t .: 780 4747, 780 4748; M. Kaluzhsky per., P. 4, t .: 780 4757, 780 4758; St. Petersburg, V.O., Novosmolenskaya nab., 1/4, t. (812) 324 4454.

Interior decoration salon De Luxe: st. B. Gruzinskaya, 42, t. 967 9460, fax 2548930; SPb., Nab. Martynova, 16, t. (812) 324 7573, t./fax (812) 324 7574.

Read more: filament curtains in the interior