French curtains in the interior. French curtains. What are modern french curtains

Luxurious, rich, stylish, solemn - any of these epithets can characterize French curtains. Smooth lines, lush arcuate draperies, cascading vertical rows of soft scalloped folds, combined with a light texture of delicate fabric and magnificent curtain accessories, leave no one indifferent. Looking at them, even the most staunch adherents of laconic interiors begin to think about decorating at least one window in the house with beautiful “French women”. What is the secret of the centuries-old attractiveness of such a phenomenon as French curtains and how they differ from other lifting curtains, we will understand in this article.

History of appearance

It is believed that the description of the first curtains with scalloped folds laid along the entire length appeared in the 17th century in France during the reign of Louis XIV - King - the Sun in the heyday of baroque and classicism. Who exactly came up with the idea of ​​decorating windows not with straight lines, but with canvases gathered along the entire length in cascading rows of festoons, history is silent. Nose light hand by an unknown designer, such curtains for windows quickly gained popularity among the nobility and became the personification of wealth and luxury. They were sewn from natural Chinese silk and decorated with fringe and tassels.

For "French" fabrics, several times more is required than for straight curtains, in addition, numerous scalloped folds do not look on cheap textiles and small windows. Therefore, it is quite clear that they were inaccessible to ordinary people, and the people called them "marquises" - by analogy with one of the highest European noble titles.

Officially, "marquise" is called a fabric canopy for protection from the sun and rain.

The second unofficial name has been preserved behind the curtains by aristocrats to this day and leads to confusion of concepts. The fact is that officially awnings are called fabric awnings over windows, used to create a comfortable shaded area on the street in front of houses, cafes and restaurants.

In its original form, the marquise curtains are stationary (they do not move apart, do not rise, but simply hang motionlessly to the floor), they look very solemn and pompous and look best in spacious rooms with high ceilings. Therefore, today they are used mainly on stage, in concert and banquet halls, restaurants, spacious halls of country houses.

For owners of average apartments, options for French curtains have appeared, sometimes they are called French blinds, adapted to modern realities:

• Firstly, the length of the canvases was significantly shortened and, for example, in the kitchen, you can hang a French curtain up to the windowsill.
• Secondly, in addition to natural silk, many high-quality, but not so expensive fabrics have appeared today, on which scalloped folds also look attractive: organza, chiffon, cambric, moire.
• Thirdly, cornices for French curtains began to be equipped with lifting mechanisms, both with manual and electric control, which can be mounted on hinged windows, which significantly increased their functionality and expanded their scope.

What are modern french curtains

French curtains (marquises) - a cascading variety of lifting curtains. But unlike other lifting models, they come to the fore not with practicality and functionality, but with beauty and the difference in their appearance obvious. At the same time, it is impossible to confuse French blinds with strict Roman blinds with their characteristic even linear folds and laconic rolls, on which there are no folds at all. But they have much in common with the Austrian models: the canvases are divided into vertical sections and assembled into arched folds. French and Austrian curtains the photos below clearly demonstrate the difference between these two species.

The difference lies in the fact that the draperies of the Austrians are not so plentiful: they are formed only in the lower part and are much wider. When unfolded, they are completely straightened, and their length never falls below the window sill. Awnings are curtains, even in the lowered position, consisting of a large number, divided along the entire length into vertical segments of cascading scallops (sagging towards the center of the assemblies). When the curtain rises, they become even deeper and more expressive.

The length of French curtains can be set to any length, both to the window sill or just below it, and to the floor. In addition, they are divided into stationary (fixed) and lifting:

Cornice for French curtains

The cornice for French curtains can be the same as. Depending on the model, it is equipped with a lifting mechanism or a simplified version is dispensed with. At the same time, the fastening of the canvas can be on Velcro tape or on hooks. The photo below shows standard curtain rods for French curtains with an open and closed curtain lift mechanism.

It is worth noting that no matter what fabric (thick or transparent) was used for tailoring, thanks to the abundant and complex drapery, the marquise is able to completely protect the interior of the room from views from the street.

What fabrics are suitable for French curtains

French curtains in the interior are far from the most economical way to decorate windows. They will require several times more fabric than ordinary curtains. In addition, scalloped folds on cheap fabrics look ugly and primitive, and, despite the fact that modern awnings do not have to be sewn as they used to be from expensive natural silk, it will not be possible to significantly save on textiles either.

Before choosing the French version of the curtains, it is advisable to properly weigh the costs of their manufacture and make sure that they fit well into the interior and the money spent on them will be compensated by the beauty and harmony of the situation.

To make the folds look spectacular, even and smooth, you need to choose a well-draped, light and soft fabric. These conditions are best met by natural or mixed, with a small addition of polyester fibers, textiles:

• tulle;
• thin silk;
• chiffon;
• batiste;
• moire;
• muslin;
• veil;
• organza.

Such curtains look light and delicate and are used as curtains, both independently and together with curtains made of taffeta, satin, velvet, brocade. At the same time, curtains should also look luxurious and not be lost in the splendor of French curtains.

French satin curtains

Sometimes awnings are also sewn from dense, but thin, soft and well-draped fabrics. It could be:

• velvet;
• velours;
• curtain wool.

Such curtains do not need partners and look elegant and respectable. Any curtains hung with them would be redundant. But you need to keep in mind that windows with dense opaque awnings look "deaf" and they are only suitable for spacious rooms and corresponding to them in status classic interiors with massive furniture natural wood and gilded or bronzed accessories.

French velvet curtains

The appearance of the folds depends entirely on the texture of the fabric: the softer and heavier it is, the more concise and smoother the scallops are. And, conversely, the harder and lighter the material, the more magnificent and embossed they are.

As for the colors, only plain fabrics are suitable for this type of curtains. Any drawing will be lost in numerous scallops, it will look broken, and the curtain will be untidy.

Which rooms and interiors are awnings suitable for?

French curtains in the bathroom

Pompous and aristocratic French curtains will not fit into every room. Cascading vertical rows of scallops, expensive fabrics, accessories in the form of fringes, tassels, flowers and beads will look ridiculous and cumbersome on small windows in small rooms and modest interiors. Best of all, "Frenchwomen" look in an exquisite romantic setting of rococo and baroque in the spirit of the 17th-18th centuries with artsy, smoothly curved furniture, crystal chandeliers and bronze figurines.

French curtains in the interior of the living room

Of course, few people today would think of creating an interior in their home that completely copies the atmosphere of past centuries, but its main signs and general style must be respected. If you want to decorate a small room with awnings, use options adapted to modernity and performing the function of tulle - made of transparent white or pastel shades of fabric, up to the window sill, without additional decorations.

French curtains in the office

So that the light tulle French curtain does not “play” from the draft and hangs statically, special weights can be sewn to its lower edge.

A short French curtain complemented by an original pelmet on the kitchen window

Concerning functional purpose rooms in which it is planned to hang curtains of this type, it can be anything - the main thing, as already mentioned, is the surroundings corresponding to the marquise. Of course, French curtains look best in the living room or office, but they are used no less often in such non-residential rooms as the bathroom and kitchen (as in the photo above). The only room where their use is undesirable is the nursery. No matter how attractive the “Frenchwomen” are, dust inevitably accumulates in numerous scallops and they often have to be washed, so curtains that are more functional and simple in shape are appropriate for the room where the kids live.

Despite their aristocracy and sophistication, French curtains can make the interior not only elegant, but also cozy and peaceful. The main thing is that they should match the interior and look, and a modern mechanism with a lifting block will help to increase their functionality.

Video: French curtains in the interior

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The owners of French balconies are definitely lucky - the panoramic glazing of the loggia creates a delightful feeling of spaciousness and freedom. But it is impossible to admire the views endlessly, so you need to choose curtains for such a balcony so as not to feel in front of everyone. After all, the French loggia will be a great place to relax, and maybe even for an office. What frame to choose for a balcony with panoramic windows? Let's look for inspiration in photos showing good design ideas!

Principles for choosing curtains for a French balcony

Perhaps you should immediately understand the terminology. It so happened that a French balcony means two architectural solutions at once: a small single-leaf balcony (traditionally with a wrought-iron fence) and a spacious loggia with floor-to-ceiling glazing. In this case, we mean the second option.

Features of the glazing of the French balcony to a certain extent dictate the principles for choosing a frame:

Design ideas for a French loggia

The variety of interior solutions invented by designers for balconies with panoramic glazing can give rise to a well-known psychological phenomenon - “stupor” with an excess of choice. This phenomenon is often observed in supermarkets: there are so many products that the buyer does not know what to choose! And in the end takes the usual brand. To solve this problem, you should first decide how exactly you will use the panoramic balcony, and then carefully study the advantages of various design ideas.

If the French loggia becomes a relaxation area for you - say, with a deck chair or a coffee table - light curtains are best suited. An excellent choice is thin silk or cotton fabrics in light, pastel colors, flowing in straight canvases. You can intercept the curtains with tiebacks: in this case, the balcony will provide an excellent view, but the feeling of the "aquarium" will disappear.

If you are going to equip an office on a French balcony, choose concise solutions that do not distract from work. For example, a light tulle that allows access to light, but hides you from the views from the street. However, it must be remembered that when the light is on, the entire loggia will be in full view. A combination of tulle with thicker curtains for the evening will help solve this problem. Another interesting proposal is the combination of cozy wooden blinds with light chiffon or organza curtains.

A very convenient option for a French balcony is roller, Austrian and Roman curtains. At any time, you can raise them and enjoy the panorama that opens up.

Finally, if the loggia is spacious enough, it will look great panel japanese curtains. Evaluate this option - you might like it.

They are magnificent flowing draperies formed from even semicircular folds of fabric (scallops) laid along the entire height. French curtains will perfectly decorate the window opening, which together with them will be distinguished by sophistication and luxury. Traditionally, French curtains are used to give the room more solemnity, splendor, both in public and private interiors. French curtains originated in the 18th century, when solemnity, luxury and splendor were in fashion. A lot of time has passed since then, but these curtains continue to successfully fit into almost any interior.

The French curtains together with are among lifting curtains. The basic principle by which they are used is a lifting mechanism that allows you not to push the canvas to the sides, but to lift it at the top of the window. At the same time, beautiful wavy folds are preserved along the entire length. The main difference between these two types of curtains is that French curtains always retain folds along the entire length, whether they are up or down, and Austrian curtains retain soft folds only at the bottom edge of the curtain.

Usually, in the manufacture of French curtains, thin and light are used. fabrics- cambric, silk, other materials of pastel and light colors. Also, some use transparent tulle of any colors and shades, veil, organza. At the same time, the main requirement for fabrics is elasticity, which provides drapery with soft folds. Recently, when sewing French curtains, modern fabrics are used, for example, polyester, which is superior to silk in practicality, is easy to wash, does not fade, does not shrink, but at the same time it gives a look of rigidity and creates lush folds.

French curtains are often combined with classic curtains with tassels and pelmets.

Application

Since their inception, French blinds have been used to drape the windows of royal banquet and ballrooms, reception rooms and bedrooms. Very often, when sewing them, they used the same fabric that the walls of the room were upholstered with. Also, for many, French curtains are associated with theaters, offices, restaurants, assembly halls. Nowadays, French curtains have found their application not only for decorating the interiors of the Kremlin, but also luxurious mansions and stylish apartments.

If you hang such a curtain in the hall, then at the entrance to the house an elegant atmosphere will be created.

At the same time, French curtains can decorate the window opening in the bedroom, giving a relaxed and romantic look to the interior, and at the same time a kind of privacy. In a room with wide windows, you can use the simplest option for placing French curtains in the interior. To do this, hang 2-3 narrow French curtains of various lengths on the window (for example, to the middle of the window, to the window sill, to the floor). This option looks good on its own, without additional curtains.

There is a classification of French curtains, according to which they are divided into two categories:

• decorative- when the folds on the curtains are fixed and cannot be changed. In this case, the curtains are raised only manually.
• workers– free curtain control, here you can already use modern systems and lifting mechanisms that easily allow you to open and close the window opening.

You can make French strength on your own, because the method of sewing them is very simple. The fabric consumption for these curtains is one and a half times more in width and 2 times more in height than the dimensions of the finished product. The maximum width and length allows for rich and luxurious builds. The panel of the future curtain is divided by cords into symmetrical vertical sections. The maximum area of ​​a finished French curtain is 8 sq.m. With a larger area, difficulties may arise during installation and operation.

So, French curtains are a classic, noble, luxurious beauty that will fill your home with an atmosphere of warmth and comfort, and, in addition, enliven and ennoble it.

French curtains or, as they are called in another way, "marquises", are truly luxurious textile interior items. They can add a touch of elegance, nobility and high cost to any room. And all because even in ancient times, only very wealthy people living in estates or palaces could afford such curtains. And therefore, such curtains were made exclusively from expensive and quality materials. In this article, you will learn a lot of new and interesting information French curtains, their features and interesting options use in the interior.

Peculiarities

The famous French curtains appeared, or rather came into fashion, presumably from the 14th to the 17th centuries, and, as the name implies, their appearance took place in France. In those days, the local nobility always tried to decorate their estates in a special way, with a certain chic and splendor, which they could easily do with the help of curtains with luxurious pleats that perfectly emphasized the Baroque and Rococo styles of those times.

For several centuries now, "marquise" curtains can enliven any room, be it small size or, conversely, huge.

The features of such curtains can also include:

• Versatility. Such curtains look equally good in houses, apartments, country cottages and various public institutions, such as restaurants, cafes, theaters, wedding palaces and so on. French curtains always create a feeling of splendor and celebration around. They give their special atmosphere to any room.
• The high cost of execution. Despite such a simple design with ruffles, French curtains can cost a decent amount, especially if you want them to look really royal, because for this you need to purchase expensive fabrics. In general, curtains in this style are often made to order according to individual measurements, since ready-made options are not always ideal for certain windows.
• form. French curtains can be given the most different forms and decorate with them the bedroom, living room or any other room. Moreover, such curtains are very friendly with lambrequins, which can be their elegant addition.

This type of curtains is referred to as cascading curtains due to the fact that their individual parts (sections) are folded. The number of so-called sections can be different, and they themselves are called scallops. Folds on French curtains are made in the form of peculiar arcs. All sizes and parameters should be combined with future folds, but all this is calculated based on the size of the window on which this textile decoration will flaunt.

An important point is also the fact that this type of curtain does not move apart to the sides, but rises up, while when the curtains rise, the folds will appear more clearly. To create such curtains, light fabrics are mainly used, which are easily draped, while they most often do not work with heavy fabrics.

French curtains are easily attached, and rise with the help of a special mechanism that can be installed on the eaves. It cannot be said that this type of curtains is unpretentious in care, since at home they are most often not cleaned, but sent to dry cleaning.

Of course, refusing to wash at home is in favor of ensuring that your textiles live as long as possible and maintain a presentable appearance.

Varieties

Options for French curtains can be very diverse. If a designer is working on them, they will easily turn out great, but even if you decide to develop your own sketch of future curtains and choose a fabric for them, then do not be afraid to turn on your imagination and bring the most daring ideas to life:

• The length of French curtains can be different. Such curtains can close the window opening, reach the window sill, or be very long, right down to the floor.
• All types of curtains of this type are made according to the same principle, in which a special decorative band for assembly is used to obtain folds. With the help of this braid, in the future, shuttlecocks, or rather, scallops, are obtained. According to their functionality, they can be light or dense, everything will depend on the fabric and on the screed. According to the mechanism, such curtains are static and lifting.
• Curtains that are static in terms of mechanism are most often used as tulle; they are perfect, for example, for the kitchen. Such options usually close the entire window in width and do not require extra lifting mechanisms. For them, you can use translucent fabrics that easily let sunlight into the room.
• Lifting French curtains have a special mechanism, a lift regulator, which helps to control the length of the textile product. It is very important to choose an appropriate cornice for lifting curtains, which will be perfectly combined not only with curtains, but also with the interior as a whole.
• Some options can move apart on the sides of the windows, but this is not expected in the classic version of French curtains. Nevertheless, modern versions offer a lot of upgrades in performance techniques.

Some people very often confuse French and Austrian curtains. Although they are similar to each other, they have an important difference in that the Austrian models have folds only at the bottom of the curtains, while the French ones themselves have curtains made entirely of folds.

To make the curtains voluminous, lush, festive and easily decorate any apartment, you should pay attention to light fabrics. Veil, organza, cambric, tulle, silk and velvet lend themselves well to drapery. In general, the choice of fabrics for the manufacture of curtains of this type is quite extensive, but in order for the folds on the curtains to turn out to be airy and flowing, it is better not to choose heavy fabrics.

With great desire you can diversify the curtains with the help of a beautiful fringe or lace along the edges of the curtains. Various tassels and ruffles always add a special zest to any curtains. If French curtains are made of luxurious fabric with a pattern or patterns, try not to overdo it with decor and do everything in moderation.

If you chose this species curtains, for example, for a closed summer gazebo, but the windows will often be open, decorative weights can be sewn to the curtains, thanks to which the curtains will not rise and fly in all directions.

How to choose a color?

In order to correctly choose not only the colors, but also the curtains themselves, it is very important to pay attention to their future combination with the interior, and in addition, decide on their purpose. If you are looking for curtains solely for decoration and they will not protect the room from sunlight, then choose light translucent options in light shades, there can be pastel colors, and nude options, as well as fabrics with light patterns, but it is best to give preference to plain options. . Translucent fabrics are especially good for kitchens, dining rooms and bathrooms.

Bright, deep and rich French curtains will become a luxurious decoration for any bedroom, hall, living room or office. Often bright options are hung in children's rooms. Remember that dark colors are only suitable for large rooms, because you can make a small one quite gloomy with the help of such colors. Therefore, it is better to decorate small rooms with soft curtains.

Try not to choose curtains that match the color of the walls in the room, often this technique does not always look advantageous, it is better to purchase a fabric a few tones darker or lighter than the wallpaper.

Care

The biggest problem for French curtains, as well as for other textile accessories in the house, is dust. She settles in the folds, and it is difficult to do anything with her. If the fabric is denser, then you can clean it with a vacuum cleaner at the lowest speed, but since French curtains are most often made from very light materials, washing is indispensable here.

Of course, so that the curtains take the desired shape and do not lose their original appearance, it is best to give them to dry cleaning. At home, you can wash small curtains, for example, from the kitchen, which, if you have a steam generator, you will shape yourself. Very important point is also the fact that such curtains are not washed with other linen and use a delicate or gentle mode.

Proper and high-quality care of curtains will prolong their excellent condition for many years, while they will look like new.

"Marquise" in the interior

French curtains require special attention, so before choosing such textiles for the windows of a particular room, it is very important to make sure that they are the most suitable for the interior and the whole environment.

In general, many experts argue that such curtains are classic. They will successfully fit into any interior, but it is worth considering all their features:

• For the bedroom designers recommend giving preference to calm colors of curtains, for example, cream, beige, powdery and others from a delicate and muted palette of shades. Such light colors create a sense of calm and harmony around. Therefore, for a room where a person spends at least eight hours of rest, they will be very useful. It is preferable for bedrooms to choose natural and environmentally friendly materials that are not only considered safe, but also practical.

• Kitchens are very often decorated with light organza French curtains.. They do not weigh down the atmosphere of the room and at the same time always bring a touch of grace to it. Some even decorate balconies with such curtains. It looks good if the situation matches.

• Emphasize the high cost of the interior and add splendor to the living room you can easily use luxurious French curtains, especially if they are embroidered. And lambrequins and curtains will be a great addition to them. With the help of such curtains, you can make a special contrast in the room, which will delight not only all household members, but also guests. Also, these curtains fit perfectly on bay windows.

• children's room can also be complemented with elegant curtains with frills, on which you can “seat” decorative butterflies or place miniature bows. Especially such beauty will be appreciated by young princesses.

beautiful elements in modern design living space can provide comfort and harmony in your home. Today, French curtains in the interior are considered a fairly popular option for decorating window space. Thanks to them, a warm and mysterious atmosphere appears in the room. They are often used in country estates and spacious apartments.

You can create such a model yourself at home. Our material presents detailed instructions how to sew french curtains effortlessly. All the subtleties of the workflow are noted here.

The advice of experienced professionals will help you make the correct calculation of the material and the frequency of weightless waves.

How to choose material for curtains?

Curtain fabrics may contain a small amount of lurex. beautiful glitter under sunbeams will add a piece of luxury to the interior space.

Marquise curtains are often used in classic design. They will become a real decoration of your home. There are several criteria when choosing a fabric for sewing curtains:

• soft texture. It allows you to create a large number of air folds on the surface of the material. More dense fabrics are intended for large waves, which are used to create lambrequins;
• heavy materials (jacquard, natural linen) will help to make large folds;
• French curtains for the kitchen should be made of synthetic fabric. Pretty designers prefer to use organza or tight tulle. These materials lend themselves well to cleaning;
• do not choose fabrics with a small pattern in the form of flowers or geometric shapes. During drapery, the decorative elements of the material will be lost against the background of the window space. As a result of this, a tasteless detail may appear in the interior, which will constantly distract.

Ready-made Roman blinds can be supplemented with a beautiful lambrequin. A luxurious duet of dense and airy material creates a truly sophisticated design.

Basic rules for combining fabrics

Marquise curtains require a competent combination of fabrics and materials. You can create beautiful smooth waves using several types of fabric. The veil is in perfect harmony with thin organza. It also looks good in a duet with dense satin or natural linen.

You can add decorative elements with the help of voluminous tiebacks or beautiful beads enclosed in a long shiny cord. During drapery, the crystal bugle will gently descend along the edges of the air waves.

How to calculate the amount of fabric to create curtains?

There is a certain technique that provides for all the subtleties of the workflow. As noted above, the first step is to correctly calculate the distance between the waves.

To do this, multiply the length by 2 and add the required distance for allowances. Basically it is 4-6 cm from each edge. An allowance of 5 cm is made at the bottom. As you can see, everything is quite simple.

For sewing a small curtain, you will need 3-4 m of an air veil. The size of the finished curtain will be 2 m. These parameters are enough to decorate a small window opening.

Patterns for Roman blinds

At the beginning of the workflow, it is recommended to define the model. There are several types of curtains, which differ in the number of folds on the surface of the fabric. Modern options provide for the presence of a secret drawstring, which will regulate the assembly of the material.

The pattern is a large rectangle with additional marks for a hidden lace. The distance between them is calculated based on your preferences.

It is worth noting that the closely spaced drapery creates lush curtain patterns that are suitable for a living room or bedroom.

Stages of creating curtains

Algorithm self-creation French curtains consists of several stages:

• processing of cuts and edges of fabric. To do this, the material is placed on a flat surface, preventing the appearance of unnecessary folds;
• a bend is made in the lower part and fixed with a needle and thread. On average, it is 5 cm above and below;
• further mark the position of the hidden wings. They will continue to provide the necessary air waves;
• after that, a lace is pulled into the drawstring, which will be in the role of a canvas retainer;
• the final step will be to attach an additional tape with places for attaching hooks. They help to evenly attach the curtains to the eaves.

Such lightweight curtain designs will be a real decoration for a bedroom, kitchen, living room or even a balcony. They are able to fill the interior with an atmosphere of lightness and romance. Even in ancient times, they were used to decorate luxurious castles and estates.

Today they are used in baroque, rococo or classic style. They will never go out of fashion. The photo of French curtains shows best options for window decoration.

Photo of French curtains