Today it is not difficult to design a window opening, as designers offer a wide variety of options, for example, French curtains. Curtains with luxurious wavy folds will not only become a real decoration of the home, but will also demonstrate the good taste of the owner.
History of awning curtains
French curtains originated in the era of King Louis XIV. The Sun King loved luxury. Lush halls, graceful curves of furniture, large windows testified to pomp.
All these delights could not but affect the design of window openings. In ball rooms, windows began to be decorated with curtains made of natural silk. Their main feature was the abundance of lace.
The fashion for awning curtains spread throughout Europe. And now these luxurious curtains are used to decorate both rooms in the Rococo and Baroque styles, as well as rooms in the minimalist and Provence style.
Story
The history of these curtains dates back to the Baroque era. This style is quite visible in the flashy luxury of the “Marquis”.
These curtains are called “French” for a reason - their name is associated with their origin: the appearance of French curtains is associated with the reign of Louis XIV and the aesthetic ideals of refined and sophisticated hedonism established at that time.
Advantages and disadvantages
Popular back in the 18th century. French curtains today do not lose their relevance due to the fact that they have a number of advantages:
- Beautiful appearance. A window opening decorated with “French women” becomes the center of attention of any interior.
- Versatility. They are suitable for any room in the house, as well as restaurants, cafes, concert halls and other public spaces.
- Compatibility with other curtains. To maintain harmony, give preference to smooth curtains.
The only drawback of curtains is that they require a lot of fabric to sew. In addition, they are not easy to care for: washing and ironing will require effort.
Simplified sewing option: step-by-step instructions with photos
The preliminary preparation is completed and you can start sewing French curtains. We offer you step-by-step instructions with photos that will help even an inexperienced craftswoman sew awnings on her own.
- To obtain soft draperies and curves after tightening the braid, darts are made on top along vertical lines. Their size depends on the height of the product. When lengthening the curtain, the dart will be much longer and deeper.
Calculation table for scallops for French curtains - Draping is done using a small drapery braid with rings into which the cords of the lifting device are threaded. The length of such a braid is acquired based on the following parameters: the height of the awning, multiplied by the number of sections, adding the height of the cut.
Advice. For huge windows, it is advisable to make large sections, and for narrow ones, neat small waves (from 0.25 to 0.45 m). The number of sections for windows can be calculated using a special table.
Operating procedure:
- Place the curtain on a smooth surface (for example, the floor) face down.
- Pin the braid along vertical lines with needles so that the bottom of the product coincides with its end.
- On the side, the braid should be placed butt to the side edges.
- Tuck the ends of the braid from below a few centimeters, pulling the cords out of the fold in advance.
Diagram: simplified method of sewing French curtains
- Sew the ribbon to the product, and then iron the bottom of the curtain and stitch the edge at the bottom.
- After the tape is sewn, you need to adjust the top cut to the size of the tape fastener.
- Cover the cut with tape and stitch it.
- Sew small weights on the bottom to maintain the vertical shape of the curtains.
- Pull the cords together to form delicate folds of drapery. They are secured with ribbons.
The main types of French curtains
French products, presented in several types, allow you to choose curtains for most interiors.
Mechanical "awning"
Before sewing French curtains, you should determine whether the window will be closed or whether the curtain will be opened often. In the second case, you need to install a lifting mechanism. Rings are built into the tape, through which a cord is threaded, making the panels movable.
Static curtain
Curtains that completely cover the window are made of translucent fabrics (tulle, organza, veil), which allow the sun's rays to pass through well and do not reduce the illumination of the room. A special feature of this option is the absence of a lifting mechanism.
Lifting
Lifting “awnings” have a special mechanism that regulates the rise and allows you to control the length of the curtain. In this case, you need to choose an appropriate cornice that will sound in unison with the curtains and not go out of context of the interior.
Fixed
These curtains constantly cover the window. They can neither be raised nor lowered, nor can they be moved to the right or left. On such “awnings” the festoons are fixed.
Long
These majestic, luxurious curtains add chic to your interior. Floor-length “French women” are quite popular. They look expensive and graceful.
Short
The length of the product can only cover window openings. Such curtains are chosen when there is a sofa by the window or the window sill turns into a tabletop. Shortened “awnings” that reach the window sill are the best option for the kitchen.
French awning curtain with a description of window design options
The right choice of window textiles is half the battle; often the tailoring and design itself makes the room more expressive. The style with uniform draperies is called “Louis-style curtains” or French “marquise” curtains.
Rooms with similar window designs always look elegant and respectable; in some cases it is even difficult to imagine a worthy alternative.
Proven options when the room immediately receives a new design rethink:
- concert halls;
- classrooms;
- baroque living rooms;
- palace style bedrooms;
- classic meeting rooms;
- furniture showrooms specializing in expensive Italian furniture in historical style.
Translucent tulle with uniform drapery was invented in France, during the heyday of pompous luxury and sophisticated hedonism.
Under Louis XIV, certain aesthetic ideals developed - lush crinolines of women's dresses, high hairstyles, powdered faces with flecks and the flashy luxury of palace interiors.
Medieval France was tired of mourning and epidemics that wiped out 2/3 of the population. In the 18th century, a new approach to life took root, giving rise to a craving for luxury and sophistication. This, in fact, is what distinguishes “marquises,” although there is no exact description in dictionaries and history textbooks, and the primacy of the invention is disputed.
Once upon a time, this luxurious curtain was made from the finest silk brought from Japan and China.
Today, expensive translucent fabrics for window draping are available to everyone; the store has lifting devices and accessories. All that remains is to choose a modification:
- with a lifting mechanism controlled remotely on an electrically driven cornice;
- standard non-sliding option (if necessary, the decorative panel can be closed by hand).
One of the secrets of the beauty of French curtains is their luxurious, uniform drapery of soft fabrics that sag in rounded scallops.
The design, with its many soft folds, has stood the test of time and is still evolving. The method of draping in rows has been in demand for 2 or 3 centuries, periodically returning to fashion.
You can sew an inexpensive version of the “awning” with your own hands.
It will cost twice as much to order a complicated sewing method from a specialist, but they will be equipped with lifting accessories. This equipment will help you easily change the length of the curtain. The styles of draped tulle are variable if they are equipped with heavy night curtains and decorative details made of velvet, tapestry and other heavy fabrics.
When choosing a fabric, in addition to white, they often prefer something in the same palette of the room - warm or cold tones.
Such fabrics emphasize the beauty of the interior without burdening it. On the contrary, one of the properties of an elegant “awning” is to create the impression of high ceilings, cleanliness, airiness and spaciousness.
Suitable interior styles
French curtains elegantly and at the same time solemnly decorate the windows. Like the Austrian ones, they are ascending, that is, they are collected in the upper part in lush clusters. When lowered, French-style curtains retain beautiful wavy folds along their entire length and add luxury to the room.
Baroque
Baroque in translation means “pompous”, “prone to excess”. Style cannot be recreated without expensive fabrics. Multilayer complex compositions with lambrequins are welcome.
It is better to give preference to rich shades:
- emerald;
- ruby;
- wine;
- rich purple;
- golden or silver.
Provence
Textiles are of great importance in decorating a room in Provence style. The material of the curtains should be natural, calm in color. Natural pastel shades of lavender, olive, and powder are popular. Curtains can be made of unbleached linen, organza, chiffon, chintz.
Classic
The classic style involves the use of expensive textiles - satin, plain or with a barely visible silk pattern.
A combination of white and gilded, pastel tones, and sometimes strict black splashes are welcome in the color palette.
The classic English version involves velvet curtains. “French” voile curtains will fit well into interiors with straight curtains.
Modern
Soft light diffused through thin tulle creates coziness. You can decorate window openings by combining curtains with roller blinds or Roman blinds.
A chic addition to a classic interior
The essence of awning curtains is lush flowing draperies that create identical semicircular folds along the entire height or closer to the bottom.
It is believed that the more folds, the more luxurious and solid the interior looks - this can be seen in the photo. In this case, the curtain can be static or working. In the second option, the product is lifted using a lifting mechanism using a remote control, but the first option, when it is assembled manually, is much more common.
The awning will be a wonderful decoration for the interior of a living room or bedroom in the art deco style; it is also suitable for the kitchen - in this case, the curtains end a little before the window sill. Such curtains do not move apart in different directions - they gather, rising to the eaves, maintaining their stunning folds.
They are best suited for decorating wide and tall windows that let in a lot of light. To create light flowing folds, awnings use silk, organza, tulle or cambric in light pastel colors. Synthetic materials are also used - they create more lush and rigid folds, but are much easier to clean and wash. To complement the atmosphere of luxury, curtains with tassels and lambrequins are used.
Suitable colors for French style curtains
When choosing the color of the curtains, you need to decide on the purpose of the curtains. Dark colors are only suitable for large rooms. Curtains in pastel colors will decorate the dining room and bathroom.
It is important that the colors of French products match the decoration of the walls.
You should not select textile designs that exactly match the color of the wallpaper.
Red
In a minimalist style, red curtains create a bright accent. The rich color of passion will add splendor to the interior. The feeling is enhanced when using satin, brocade, and velvet.
Beige
The beige color of the textile will create a feeling of warmth and tranquility. If you choose a relief material, it will add solemnity to the room. Beige curtains do not completely absorb light, so when the sun's rays enter the room, they will fill it with warmth and delicacy.
Violet
Purple drapes are associated with sophistication and elegance. Shades of lilac in textile designs will transform even the simplest kitchen. Purple curtains in the office will awaken creativity.
White
The color of purity in the design of windows makes the room lighter and visually larger. Long French curtains can create the appearance of a high ceiling and expand the space. The neutrality of white goes well with any shade.
Pink
Pink brings a feeling of happiness, optimism, and joy to the interior. The accent in the living room can be fuchsia colored panels. You can mix pink and powder, combining them with peach wallpaper. The result will be a unique composition.
Green
In the color spectrum, green is between yellow and blue, and therefore belongs to the warm and cold range. Warm gives energy and gives inspiration, while cold soothes.
Green “French” colors in the kitchen will create an atmosphere of peace, light shades in a small living room will visually increase the area, and rich emerald shades will add luxury.
Awning curtain design
If you choose the right design, you can make the windows in each room unique.
Flowers and vegetation
A colorful floral print will give the interior a special mood and fill the room with energy. Such curtains will look good in rooms filled with sun.
Monograms
This ornament will satisfy even the most refined taste. With the help of monograms, a simple room turns into a royal apartment.
Tips for choosing textiles
To create volume and graceful flounces, light fabrics that respond well to multi-level drapery are used. The material should easily fit into smooth curves and form beautiful and lush festoons.
Veil
The weightless veil falls in beautiful waves, which allows you to create a luxurious curtain design. Often the exquisite texture is complemented by elegant designs, interesting embroidery, and printed patterns.
Organza
Airy, lightweight fabric, yet stiff enough to reliably hold the shape of the folds. It does not wrinkle and transmits light perfectly. In appearance, organza can be matte, shiny, printed, or smoothly dyed.
Silk
Soft, durable fabric with a glossy sheen. “Awnings” made of silk shimmer beautifully in the light.
Velvet
This fabric is aesthetic, attractive, looks expensive, and has a unique depth of color. The material does not cause allergies, holds its shape well and does not deform.
Satin fabric
Satin has an elastic and beautiful shiny surface, high strength. The fabric is flexible and drapes easily. The satin can be plain or have patterns on the surface.
Linen
Fabric made from natural fibers creates a cozy atmosphere in the room. Such curtains are called “natural air conditioning”. In addition, they do not accumulate static electricity. In summer, such curtains give the room coolness, and in winter - warmth.
Calculation of the required material
The choice of material for making an awning with your own hands depends only on personal preferences and the interior of the room. However, organza curtains look most impressive - they allow enough light to pass through, while creating subtle reflections on the surface. The size of the fabric for processing is calculated based on the length of the cornice and the height of the room; when sewing curtains for the kitchen, the distance from the cornice to the window sill.
- The width of the canvas is equal to the length of the cornice multiplied by the assembly factor: it varies depending on the material and is:
- for organza – 1.8 m; for veil – 2.2 m; for silk or tulle – 2.5 m.
- The height of the canvas is calculated as the estimated height of the curtain multiplied by the assembly factor, which is:
- for organza – 3 m; for veil – 2.5 m; for silk or tulle – 2 m.
Most often, the fabric turns out to be quite large in size, which cannot be purchased in a store, so the curtain is sewn together from several cuts along the vertical seams. The seams should be located between the gathers, as shown in the photo.
To determine the size of the required cut, you need to make the following calculations: The width of the cornice is divided by the desired number of sections and multiplied by the assembly factor. The width of the fabric in the roll is divided by the resulting value of 1 p. If the number is less than the required number of sections, then you will need at least two widths of the fabric roll. The height of the canvas is multiplied by the value of 3 points (1 or 2, sometimes 3). Thus, in point 4, the length of the required cut is obtained. The fabric is ironed using steam, but organza and tulle are ironed at the lowest temperature without using steam.
Sewing French curtains with your own hands - step-by-step instructions
Sewing awning curtains is not difficult, but there are many nuances, for example, the correct proportion of scallops.
Calculation of the number of festoons
For the calculation you need to take into account:
- textile texture;
- window size.
For tall windows, the step length of the scallop is 25 cm. If the openings are wide, then the step width is 50 cm. The thinner the material, the smaller the fold size should be.
Calculation of the amount of material needed
To get luxurious waves, the fabric should be 3 times the size of the finished product in height and 2 times larger in width. Good “awnings” are distinguished by an abundance of ruffles. A master class on sewing medium-length French curtains begins with measuring the window. To calculate fabric consumption, the resulting width is multiplied by 1.5, and the length by 2.
What do you need to buy besides fabric?
To sew a curtain, you need to purchase:
- textile;
- special cord;
- braid with rings;
- threads
How to prepare fabric for cutting
The fabric must be decatified. In order for the material to shrink, it must be wet-heat treated. After sewing, the curtain will be difficult to iron, so the fabric should be ironed efficiently.
Cutting the material
They make a pattern of individual canvases. Cut out the required number of strips. Seam allowances of 4 cm are left on the sides and bottom, and 2 cm on the top. To determine the width, use the length of the cornice as a guide.
To calculate the distance between scallops, you need to divide the width of the canvas by the number of scallops.
Carrying out tailoring
Both panels are sewn together using a French twill or linen seam so that the first panel protrudes 4 cm from the second. The seam size is the width of the sewing machine foot.
After stitching the seam, turn the product over, fold it under the first seam twice and make another stitch. This way you get a drawstring for the cord. The following panels are attached in the same way.
The side seams are laid in the direction on which there are 2 lines (this is the wrong side). After all the seams are stitched, they are ironed. The cords are threaded through the drawstring and secured at the top using a sewing machine. The curtain is carefully pulled together. Velcro tape is sewn at the top, through which the drawstring is pulled and the product is attached to the cornice.
How to correctly calculate the amount of fabric for an awning?
The dimensions of the French curtain panel differ significantly in the blank and finished product states. Therefore, before purchasing fabric, you should make some calculations to ensure that the result is truly aesthetic. A feature of the French curtain is the presence of many folds that form scallops under their own weight. Thanks to this, the cut of the panel during sewing and assembly is significantly reduced in size.
Varieties of French curtains.
When calculating fabric, measurements are taken of the width of the finished curtain along the cornice and its desired height.
After this, the resulting figures should be multiplied by the assembly coefficient along the eaves (Kk) and the assembly coefficient along the height (Kv). To get a curtain that is the same width at the top and bottom, it is necessary to take into account Kk of at least 1.8. In addition, you need to know that for more elastic and heavy fabrics this value can be greater:
- fabric with a texture similar to organza requires a Kk of 1.8; synthetic veil and the like - 2-2.3; natural tulle and similar ones - 2.5.
These figures are the minimum values of Kk; the desire to save money can lead to the fact that an awning hung on the eaves under the influence of gravity will very noticeably narrow downwards.
The length of the curtain from the curtain rod to the desired height is also multiplied by the coefficient Kv, the minimum value of which is 2. For different fabrics it also changes, but in an inverse relationship: for elastic or heavy fabrics it may be less than for light ones, but rigid in texture:
- fabrics with an organza texture require a minimum Q of 3; synthetic veil - 2.5; natural tulle - 2.
Calculation table for scallops for French curtains.
For a relatively small curtain, the blank will therefore be so large that in some cases the width of the rolled fabric may not be sufficient. In this case, you will have to connect several smaller parts, the width of which should be equal to the width of each section of the folds, so that the seam falls where the braid is stitched. This will require additional calculations:
- after determining the width and length of the workpiece, taking into account the coefficients, calculate the number of individual parts and their finished sizes, depending on the size of the fabric in the roll; multiply the dimensions of the finished part by Kk, add allowances for seams and hems, determining the dimensions of the pattern of each element; calculate the quantity parts that can be cut from fabric of the available width; multiply the height of the curtain in the cut (height multiplied by Kv) by the number of cuts that will be required to accommodate all the elements.
The final figure may turn out to be large, and when cutting, you will end up with excess fabric, especially if the width does not allow you to cut out more than 2-3 curtain parts.
Return to contents
For sewing you need the following materials and tools:
- sewing machine; scissors; centimeter tape or tailor's meter; fabric for curtains, dimensions according to calculations; curtain tape for the top of the product; braid for the awning.
Figure 2.
Pattern of a French curtain with darts. When cutting the fabric, cut off the edge on the left and mark the required number of parts that fit along the width, not forgetting to take into account seam allowances (1 cm) and processing of the edge on the side (2-3 cm). Set aside the length of the curtain in the cut with taking into account an allowance for processing the bottom and top of 5 cm. Repeat until all the parts are cut. Sew the cut elements on a machine, ironing the seams. Process the side sections and the bottom of the curtain with a hem stitch and mark the places where the braid will be sewn. To do this, it is very convenient to pull the thread out of the fabric, the resulting path will mark the middle of the tape. Between the sewn parts, you should mark the place for the braid so that the stitching seam between the parts also falls in its middle. Stitch the braid. Its quantity is calculated based on the number of sections of folds and the length of the panel in the workpiece.
Sew begins from the bottom edge, retreating 5 cm from the edge, along the marked paths or seams. After completion, pull out the ends of the threads and tie them securely at both ends of the braid. The top of the curtain can be processed in 2 ways: Make darts. To do this, subtract the width of the finished product from the width of the cut, and divide the remainder by the number of assembled sections and by 2 more, rounding the result to a lesser extent. The resulting number is laid to the left and right of the stitch seam or the line of sewing the braid along the upper cut.
The length of the darts is made about 50 cm, this value is marked along the seam or track from the top. Connect the marks to the right and left of the sewing line of the braid with a mark indicating the length of the dart (Fig. 2). Sew along the marked lines. With this method, the curtain braid for the top (with loops for hooks) is stitched without subsequent assembly. Assemble the top onto the braid.
The length of the curtain cut is set aside from the bottom, an allowance of 1-1.5 cm is added, and a line is drawn on the face of the product. The fabric is folded along the line to the wrong side, ironed, the curtain tape is pinned and stitched on top. The edges of the tape should be 2 cm longer than the sides of the curtain on each side; this excess must be folded before stitching. Stitch the bottom edge of the tape and remove excess fabric, if any.
While pulling out the threads, gather the top of the panel to the size corresponding to the length of the cornice. Return to contents After completing the assembly, the curtains need to be ironed and folds formed. This is best done from the top edge so that the elongated threads can be hidden. There is no need to cut them off, because the curtain can be stretched again when washed. This will make the ironing procedure easier. During the formation of folds, the length of the finished awning curtain is determined by the distance from the top to the bottom edge of the scallop, which sags in the middle. When the desired length is reached, the threads are fixed and hidden under the braid.
The hooks are secured in the loops of the curtain tape at the top and installed in the runners of the cornice. The outer hooks are secured, and the lower edge of the curtain is aligned using the threads at the bottom of the braid. During operation, the awning can be raised and lowered by manually pulling out the threads of the braid. There are models of curtain rods with a drive for mechanically raising the curtain fabric.
They are installed in accordance with the instructions, and the curtain is sewn according to the general rules described above. French marquise curtains are the embodiment of luxury and baroque classics. They came into our lives from stunning palaces; they are used to decorate the window openings of concert halls with high arches. But nothing stops you from bringing wealth, celebration, elegance and luxury into your home with the help of a stunning accessory. It is most suitable for rooms decorated in a classic style, as well as shabi chic and art deco, which will perfectly complement the interior with wooden antique furniture. Choosing French curtains
Some finishing features
Despite the fact that French curtains are self-sufficient in themselves, they can be decorated with lambrequins, fringe, ribbons, and bows.
Lambrequin
You can decorate the product using a lambrequin in a contrasting shade or to match the product. It can be straight or curly. The bottom edge is often decorated with braid or fringe.
Tassels
Tassels can be used to decorate the lower edge of curtains, lambrequins - products made from dense fabrics. Waves with tassels look unusual and stylish.
Fringe
Beautiful fringe highlights the colors of the fabric. With its help you can fix the drapery. Sometimes fringe helps hide uneven seams. Country-style curtains can be decorated with cotton lace. Such curtains attract attention and are appropriate in any room.
Bugle beads
Bugle beads for curtains are a presentable and stylish solution. With its help you can decorate a lambrequin or flounces on French curtains.
Static awning
In cases where the window does not require swinging open, you can do without a special lifting mechanism.
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You can sew static French curtains like the most ordinary ones - just trim the edges and sew on the top tape to secure it to the cornice. Additionally, you need to sew ribbons along the length of the curtain, while gathering the fabric.
Recommendations for the use and photos of French curtains in the interior of different rooms
The rooms in which “awnings” are used may have different purposes. It is not recommended to use them only in very small rooms.
Living room or hall
This window decoration will add a touch of solemnity and luxury to the interior.
Bedroom
A bedroom decorated with French curtains with an intricate pattern will look relaxed and romantic.
This room is a place of solitude where an intimate atmosphere reigns.
Exquisite window decoration with “awnings” with an abundance of folds and ruffles will add another piece of French chic to the interior. A good option would be organza curtains in delicate light colors.
In the kitchen
You can make your kitchen unusual by hanging French curtains. It is better to use the length up to half the window. Coats, translucent material in light colors are suitable. “Awnings” made of light fabric with a delicate pattern, decorated with a bow, will add a touch of coquetry to the kitchen space.
Children's
By hanging French curtains in the nursery, you can create an atmosphere of magic and fairy tales. It is appropriate to use them in a girls' room.
Balcony
Today, the balcony is not just a storage room. Often it is a continuation of the living room, kitchen, or nursery. To maintain coziness, you can hang short French-style curtains here. To create a unified interior, the color of the curtains must match the textile structure of the room.
Cabinet
Floor-length French curtains will make the ceilings higher and create space. An elegant pattern on the curtains can create an atmosphere of respectability and solidity in the office.
On the stairs
French curtains with lambrequins will look especially beautiful on narrow and high windows. If width allows, you can hang an “awning” with straight curtains. For multi-level windows, “French” tulle is suitable.
Awnings for the kitchen
French curtains in the kitchen look more than organic, the main thing is that they fit into the overall interior. In this case, it is imperative to proceed from the area of the room: for a “Khrushchev” building, short curtains are suitable, and for a kitchen of an enviable size, long curtains will be appropriate.
Decorating a kitchen with an awning Source art-interior.moscow
See also: Catalog of house projects made of profiled timber in the half-timbered style.
As for the material, French curtains made of fabric such as:
- linen : soft and practical material, tolerates washing well without losing its original appearance;
- veil : an airy, marshmallow-like curtain will “unload” the interior and decorate the window;
- silk : light and dense material does not allow sunlight to pass through and shimmers beautifully in artificial light;
- organza : suitable for a small kitchen, giving it elegance and without visually reducing the space;
- satin : distinguished by bright tints in the light;
- satin and poplin : very dense and “bulky” fabrics will fit perfectly into a classic spacious kitchen.
The colors can be different, again, based on the overall design of the kitchen. The most popular options were:
- delicate pastel colors;
- white;
- pink;
- beige;
- olive;
- Bordeaux;
- blue haze.
Scalloped curtains with patterns and prints are not preferred by buyers as the frills distort the images.
Long awnings in the kitchen Source acmedecor.ru
Options for combining with other types of curtains
The awning curtain is universal and harmonizes perfectly with other types of curtains.
Curtains
Light French curtains made of transparent fabric look good in combination with drapes. It is recommended that the latter be straight and made of thick fabric.
Roller blinds
Roller blinds also harmonize with the “French curtains”. Moreover, curtains perfectly decorate the room, and roller curtains serve as protection from bright sunlight and prying human eyes.
Ways to combine awnings with other types of window frames
French curtains go perfectly with:
- Curtains;
- Lambrequins;
- Fringed;
- Golden threads (muslin);
- Bugle beads;
- Cantami.
A win-win option is a combination of awnings with classic curtains. Festoons framed with a lambrequin also look beautiful.
Tip: the folded fabric will be complemented by various decorations and accessories - decorative cords, fringe, beads. They will give the product individuality and uniqueness.
Examples of design of non-standard windows
Increasingly, non-standard window openings are being used in apartments and houses, but this is not a reason to refuse luxurious French curtains.
Bay window
Large bay windows are a popular architectural solution. To decorate them, rich and saturated colors are used. On bay windows in the kitchen, you can use an “awning” curtain up to the window sill in combination with a Roman one.
Window with balcony door
When designing a window, you need to take into account the functionality of the balcony and the necessary illumination of the room. For a classic-style living room, for example, light curtain fabric with many transverse folds and plain tulle are used.
Arch
Arched windows give the interior an expensive effect and are associated with royal chambers. Arched windows are true luxury, which can be emphasized with awning curtains.
Uncover
Pattern of Marquise curtains is the most important and crucial stage.
When cutting, it is important to avoid skewing or slipping of the fabric. Therefore, the first thing we do is prepare the surface. Once the workplace has been selected, let's proceed:
- The fabric is laid out with the front side facing the work surface, the resulting folds and unevenness are smoothed out with your hands. If necessary, we trim the edges of the fabric with scissors. We measure the length of the Marquise curtain for the windows (taking into account the coefficients and allowances for the top and bottom seams). Draw the side line of the pattern , take into account an additional 3-4 cm for the side seam. The next step is marking the width of the step (one fold). It is better to carry it out not with chalk, but by pulling the thread in the marked place along the entire length. The resulting groove will be a mark for attaching the middle of the braid and will guarantee that the guide piece will lie perfectly even for the formation of folds. In the same way (pulling the thread) we mark the remaining distances between the scallops. Having measured the required number of steps, add seam allowances and draw a second side line We begin cutting after applying all the necessary markings, and preferably after checking the correctness of the calculations made and their “display” on the canvas.
Caring for French curtains
As with all textiles, the main problem for curtains is dust. The abundance of folds makes it difficult to care for. If the “awnings” are made of dense fabrics, then you can use a vacuum cleaner and clean at the lowest speed.
Stains and partial dirt can be removed with a sponge soaked in soapy water. To maintain its shape and original beauty, it is better to have the textile structure dry cleaned.
The curtain made of light translucent material is washable. To do this, set the machine to a delicate or gentle mode. To smooth out the drapery, you should use a steam generator.
Lift curtains
Awnings in their work resemble blinds, because they have the same operating principle as blinds.
French curtains differ from blinds in that they have the ability to be fixed at absolutely any height and length.