Not only designers, but also housewives know: window decoration is the most important component of a harmonious interior. The look of even a beautifully decorated room can easily be ruined by “decorating” the windows with inappropriate textiles - too heavy, pretentious or tacky. A wonderful material - tulle mesh - will help you avoid pretentiousness in the design of window openings.
Mesh tulle, which until recently was not so popular, is already enjoying incredible success.
What is tulle
Tulle (curtain) is a translucent type of curtain woven from threads of one or more compositions. In the latter case, the tulle mesh on the window looks decorative. However, the corresponding effect also contributes to:
- Floral patterns embroidered directly onto the tulle;
- Inserts in the form of braid, stripes and pendants;
- Vertical or arched folds.
Compared to curtains, tulle is light in weight and therefore places little stress on the cornice. Therefore, the use of thematic curtains without curtains in certain situations comes in very handy - if the cornice is single or if the space requires lighting. Moreover, the tulle can be double - for convenient straightening in different directions to facilitate access to the glazing.
Drapery made from curtain tape
Curtain tape is a fabric strip with a cord that is threaded with a certain frequency. The frequency determines at what distance and how the fabric will gather in the upper part of the fabric. Accordingly, the fewer puffs, the fewer folds there are on the tulle.
Curtain tape can be used to create wavy mesh tulle.
- The edges are folded and processed. The upper part of the curtain is cut into pieces and folded on the wrong side, where the curtain tape is attached, and then ironed.
- Based on the width of the curtain, a cut of curtain tape is made, to which another five centimeters are added.
- The laces are pulled out from both ends of the ribbon and tied. The distance from the top edge is 0.5 centimeters, from the sides - 3 centimeters.
- On both sides, a braid is sewn along the laid basting. The side sections are folded twice and then stitched.
Purpose of tulle
Tulle is a lightweight fabric that is often less expensive than drapes. But is it worth comparing the cost of two types of curtains if they complement each other? Moreover, tulle is in a certain sense more functional than curtains:
- Masking the room (drapes completely cover the space from prying eyes, and tulle partially covers it);
- Diffusion of light (curtains, even when closed, let in daylight, and curtains only darken the space, and therefore partially create a play of color in the interior);
- Ventilation of the room (air passes through the curtains freely);
- Catching insects (sometimes arthropods flying inside get entangled in the veil).
And of course, mesh tulle in the interior makes the curtains more presentable. To verify this, just move two heavy curtains in different directions and leave the curtain in place. However, this technique is not suitable for all interior styles and spaces.
Main types
Tulle, like any other textile, is presented on the market in a wide variety of options, differing in weaving and material.
The most famous is the French network. It is created by hook knitting stitches, thus creating air loops. Loops may differ in size, structure and relief.
Embroidered tulle is a fabric covered with an embroidered weaving pattern, which can be intertwined with the mesh itself.
Synthetic tulle mesh is distinguished by its coarse weave and massiveness. As a rule, such curtains look impressive, even if the mesh is fine, and add volume and prominence.
Turkish tulle mesh is made of small cells, fine weaving, which is why it is popularly called “spider web”.
Much depends on the main type of thread with which the tulle is woven. Its fibers can be soft or hard, matte or shiny, fluffy or boucle. The choice depends solely on the taste of the hostess.
Current rooms
Some rooms have an atmosphere inside that quickly wears out the fabric. Such places include a bathroom, kitchen, balcony, workshop. Therefore, their glazing increasingly features blinds and roller shutters, which do not require decorative finishing in the form of tulle. Rooms for relaxation and sedentary work, on the contrary, welcome tulle. These rooms include:
- Bedroom;
- Living room;
- Study;
- Children's room.
On the other hand, tulle mesh for the kitchen can be a good window frame if there are several curtains and they have decorative stripes or embroidery. Also, do not neglect the location of the tulle: you can hang the curtains in the classic way or in the European way, so that they have arc folds. Another presentable technique for the kitchen is fitted tulle.
Features of the material
From the photo of the tulle mesh, you can guess that the name comes from the association with a fishing net. Moreover, the name has also been extended to models that are completely different from the original source. Particularly appreciated in this material:
- Ability to transmit light and air. Therefore, it is used in rooms with small windows, where a structure that does not block the sun’s rays is important for the curtain. And does not interfere with ventilation. The structure of the material dries quickly, which makes it easier to care for.
- The tulle is wrinkle resistant. And even accidentally formed creases are easily smoothed out.
- The mesh surface makes it easier to remove ties. And even their occurrence is considered an exception.
- The structure of the material allows room for creating additional decor. So, you can make a tulle mesh with embroidery by sewing the element to the base. Moreover, the risk of damaging the fabric is minimal.
The weaknesses of tulle are the difficulty in processing the material yourself, the tendency to sag and deform if the curtain is made of heavy fabric.
Due to the nature of mesh tulle, there may be differences in the result between the starting measurements and the finished curtain. In addition, dust accumulates on the mesh faster. However, this disadvantage is compensated by the ease of washing.
French tulle
The thematic network is crocheted and therefore stands out with columns in the form of links made of air loops. To understand the corresponding description, just look at a fishing net with small or large mesh. However, unlike seine, French tulle can be colored and sometimes even includes embroidery.
The straightness of French curtains makes them suitable for framing any windows. But the curtains will have to be selected - it is desirable that they be simple. At the same time, French tulle is suitable even for roller blinds.
Tulle mesh with horizontal stripes, description, in which interior they are used, photo
If you want to visually expand the space, the best choice would be mesh curtains with horizontal stripes. “Striped” design does not become outdated - it is always relevant, it is only important to choose the right option for a particular room.
The tulle mesh made of the most delicate organza looks elegant.
The stripes on the mesh are wide and narrow, plain and combined. The ways in which they appear on the canvas are also varied: they can be inserted or embroidered.
This option is best suited for the kitchen, as well as for decorating windows in the country.
Curtains made of mesh with wide stripes look better in spacious rooms, while narrow ones look better in small ones.
Important! Horizontal stripes can visually “lower” the ceiling, so it is recommended to use this design with caution where the ceiling height is below 2.5 m.
Other types of tulle
In addition to French and Turkish tulles, the curtain market offers many other themed products. Most of them are chosen according to the culture of a particular country:
- Greek tulle - a golden veil with meanders or spirals;
- Roman tulle is a veil of noble warm colors with curly embroidery or one attractive olive wreath;
- English tulle - white folding curtain with vintage patterns and bows;
- Austrian tulle is an analogue of English curtains, but with many folds and awnings;
- German tulle - a single-color sliding curtain with simple patterns;
- Japanese tulle - panels trimmed with curtains with vertical flowers or hieroglyphs in the middle.
As a result, the finished interior will always tell you what kind of tulle you need to purchase. At the same time, it is recommended to choose curtains together with drapes, imagining their future configuration in advance.
Color
There are no restrictions here, because all possible colors are presented on the market, including in combination with embroidery or pattern. You can choose tulle for absolutely any color palette of the room.
- White is the most obvious option, preferred by buyers 80% of the time. White color is universal in combination with any other shade, while it makes the room brighter and allows air to pass through.
- Brown tulle is suitable for both dark and light rooms, depending on how the space is geometrically shaped. This color creates a calm, subdued atmosphere.
- Cream or beige color combines the advantages of white and brown. It visually expands the space, while giving the room a lively but calm look.
Variety of curtains
Light tulle is presented in a wide range and a wide variety of options for every taste and color. This textile is considered to be of the highest quality; many models position themselves as elite-class fabrics. Turkish tulle confidently occupies a leading position not only in Russia, but also in other countries.
Turkish curtains meet all European standards, but cost much less than luxury European models.
A characteristic feature of Turkish tulle is its unusual design, which attracts the attention of all buyers. When producing curtains, they are decorated with various decorative details, hand embroidery or other characteristic prints.
In the classic style, curtains are used in shades such as jacquard or cambric. If desired, the curtains can be decorated with noble patterns in the form of floral motifs. They will create a play of light and shade, correctly delimit the space and give the room a special chic. Such curtains will fit perfectly into the oriental style, complementing it with their lightness.
You can complement such curtains with a variety of decorative clips. They will not only fix the tulle, but also create a beautiful drapery that you can adjust at any time.
Curtains in burgundy shades that imitate velvet, one of the most expensive and revered fabrics, also look great in the oriental style.
If you want to create the atmosphere of wealth and luxury inherent in Turkey, tulle decorated with hand embroidery would be an excellent solution. This can be embroidery to match the fabric or vice versa, a shade that can create contrast. Embroidery with intertwined gold and silver thread looks very beautiful.
To further emphasize the style of the room being created, the tulle can be decorated with rhinestones or stones. Curtains decorated with real pearls, which exude luxury, look quite interesting. Such curtains will not go unnoticed and will appeal to all guests.
Curtains depicting various genre scenes have become especially popular. Such tulle is made according to a personal sketch, thereby creating unique designer models, distinguished by their uniqueness.
In order to create such tulle, specialized printing presses are used. They apply the chosen image onto the fabric and then bake the dye with ultraviolet light. However, it is worth remembering that such fabrics require special care and more gentle use than other materials.
An interesting interior solution would be the choice of mesh tulle. For its production, mesh fabric is used, resulting from the interweaving of many air loops. This helps create texture. Curtains made of such fabric can also be decorated with an ornament or print. However, on its own, it looks very beautiful and relaxed.
Curtains decorated with a printed pattern look unusual. To achieve this effect, a special pigment is applied to the lightweight tulle material; as a result of this treatment, a three-dimensional pattern remains on the fabric. Most often, translucent or transparent fabrics are chosen to create such tulle, which creates a 3D effect.
Fashion trends
Recent trends dictate the use of embroidery, lace or guipure on tulle. It was popular before, but today it has gained considerable momentum thanks to design shows. The decorating trend is Victorian era fashion. It applies not only to things, but also to accessories, as well as window textiles. To be on trend, you should choose the right embroidery motif. The following are in demand:
- damask pattern. He made a splash at the annual exhibition in Milan. The pattern itself consists of large symmetrical figures with swirls and plants forming the design. The latest fashion is a combination of damask motifs and fabric of simple texture - linen or cotton;
You might be interested in: What are the different types of thread embroidery on fabric by hand?
Products with lurex
- "hand made style". Small bouquets or large flowers in handmade style have always been in demand, but they appeared relatively recently as embroidery on tulle, instantly becoming popular. A hand-drawn drawing can blend smoothly with the main color scheme, or it can stand out noticeably with the brightness and contrast of the patterns;
Ethnic pattern
- ethnic motives. Perhaps this is the only style that, during its existence, has absorbed such a huge variety of shapes, colors and design options. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that the ethnic pattern combines elements and ornaments of almost all national costumes of the world. Every person will be able to find in it something familiar and close to themselves.
Damask pattern
Flaws
- Some products are so dense that sunlight does not pass through at all. Some people actually want to get rid of UV light so they can sleep longer.
- By choosing the wrong tulle, you can visually make the room smaller. Here you need to take into account all the little things: the size of the window sill, the size of the window, the parameters of the room. Missing something important can ruin the appearance of the room.
The disadvantages of the material are quite few.
Airy organza
The optimal ratio of polyester, silk and viscose allows you to get the thinnest possible fabric with inserts of shiny threads. When exposed to sunlight, such fabric shimmers beautifully with golden and silver colors, pleasing the eye of the observer.
The buyer can choose from a plain fabric, lace textiles or fabric with rainbow tints.
Distinctive properties are the sufficient strength of the tulle, the ability to keep its shape for a long time, and resistance to shrinkage during washing.
Advantages of curtains
The advantages of using such material are noted:
- maintaining the shape of the product during long-term use;
- strength;
- tensile strength, thereby reducing the risk of deformation and damage to the product;
- easy to care for, tulle or mesh curtains dry quickly, with the exception of Greek tulle with embroidery;
- the fabric does not shrink (viscose is an exception);
- thanks to the mesh structure, it becomes possible to independently decorate the product with beads, ribbons and other materials;
- the bottom of the fabric does not crumble and holds its shape even if it is not processed;
- the product can be leveled independently, which allows you to adjust the dimensions;
- the fabric does not wrinkle, and when faint wrinkles appear, they are easily eliminated if you hang the product on a curtain rod or iron it at low temperature;
- due to their air permeability, curtains do not accumulate dust as intensively as a solid canvas;
- light curtains visually increase the free space in the room.
Criterias of choice
To decorate a window in a suitable way, you need to choose the right material.
Pay attention to the key criteria:
- type of fabric;
- the texture of the material, which is determined by the size of the cells and the presence of embroidery;
- color spectrum;
- weaving method;
- rigidity of the material: synthetic varieties hold their shape better, but they are not soft enough;
- dimensions of the fabric, which are determined by the purpose of the room: for the kitchen, living room, bedroom.
Mounting methods
To hang a product on a cornice, different methods are considered.
Types of devices:
- Profile - standard version, designed for 1 or 2 panels, attached to the wall or ceiling.
- Tubular - available in two options: curtains are attached to hooks or directly to the cornice pipe.
- Baguettes - equipped with a decorative strip that hides the fasteners.
- String - designed for light curtains (tulle without weighting, made of synthetic materials).
A drawstring is used to secure the product. To give the curtain a different shape, double magnets are used. With their help, they create folds and change the length.
Manufacturers and prices
Today the market is overflowing with various offers in this area. You can easily choose Turkish, French or Russian textiles. The most popular manufacturers are:
- Altax. The cost of the material is from 1,600 rubles per linear meter.
- ARIA. Cheaper material costs from 1,200 rubles per meter.
- Gallery. Budget option for 1,000 rubles.
- Lila – 1,170 rubles per m/p.
- Milano – 1300 rubles.
- Shanxing. The cheapest option costs up to 980 rubles.
Altax - tulle
Thus, tulle and mesh curtains are integral attributes of the interior. If they are made with embroidery with stones, thread or ribbons, then this further emphasizes the design. Products that perfectly match the color to the overall composition look especially good.
How to properly care for mesh curtains
Like any thing, tulle mesh should be treated with care. In order not to damage the cells, it is advisable to be careful when the canvas needs to be removed and hung.
You can wash this curtain as many times as you like, but if the fabric is colored or has ombre tones, it is advisable to choose a washing temperature of no more than 30 degrees.
White fabrics can also be washed at 40 degrees. Do not turn on the spin mode. Dry not on a clothesline, but by laying it on a flat surface. Moreover, the product does not need to be ironed.
But if necessary, it is important to set the iron to the minimum temperature. To smooth the mesh, it is recommended to use a steamer.
The best examples of window design with grids. Customer Reviews
At the latest exhibition of interior accessories in Milan, held as part of Milan Design Week, spectacular new products in the production of mesh tulle were presented.
The main thing is that the color of the tulle matches the color scheme of the interior.
Trending:
- Tulle with large damask embroidery, combined with plain curtains or “living its own life” is an expressive idea for decorating a room.
- Mesh with a shimmering effect (reflective fibers are woven into the structure of the fabric, creating the illusion of a “sheaf of sparkles”, “fireworks”, “starfall”). This is an unusually festive decision.
It looks especially beautiful under artificial lighting in the evenings and is appropriate where you receive guests, in the dining room and even in the bedroom.
- Mesh tulle with embroidery that “weights” the bottom edge, giving the curtains a static look. The 2018-2019 season suggests decorating the lower edge of the tulle with beads, sequins and rhinestones for more “weight”.
- Synthetic mesh imitating linen;
- Patterns in the form of piquant flies and diamonds, creating a bohemian and playful cabaret atmosphere.
The reverse of the standard option is also popular today - mesh over curtains.
To make it look good, you need a perfect compatibility of shades of different textured fabrics.
The best examples of window opening design for your interior will still be design samples that inspire you personally and create a suitable atmosphere in your home. Creating your own design is more difficult, but more interesting than chasing fashion - and mesh tulle allows you to realize the most fantastic ideas!
Anna, Moscow:
It is important not only to choose tulle of excellent production and a pleasant shade, but also to take into account all the features and correctly fit it into the interior.
— Our living room is on the dark side of the house; even in summer the sun doesn’t shine through the windows. The thick curtains made the room feel very gloomy. I was advised to try hanging a tulle net. I bought a white mesh and the look immediately became different, it’s nice to be in the room. Now I’m thinking about a more interesting option - I really like the mesh with embroidery. Another plus is that after washing the mesh does not deform at all.
Victoria, Rostov-on-Don:
Just choose a stylish model made of mesh cotton or linen.
- Mesh tulle makes the cutest, lightest and most practical curtains! The best thing for busy people is that they rarely need to be washed! It is very important for me! If the mesh is large, you can simply shake it off dust without wasting time on washing! This is exactly what I have. In the room I hung canvases of two different shades - white and blue, and arranged them in folds. I think it turned out very interesting!
Irina, St. Petersburg:
For window decoration in the living room and hall, it is best to choose something more elegant.
— Our city, as you know, is characterized by gloomy weather. Our house also has windows on the north side, we live like children of the dungeon. I want the rooms to look bright and elegant, especially the children's room. The whole family searched the Internet for options for curtains for the windows, and eventually settled on mesh tulle. Now we have plain beige in the kitchen, pink in the nursery, and in the bedroom we splurged on white embroidered one. Everyone is very happy, especially my daughter - she matches her curtains with different drawstrings to suit her mood, hangs different decorations on them - it’s convenient with the mesh.