French curtain. French curtains. Romanesque and Gothic curtains

It is difficult to overestimate the importance of French curtains in creating a beautiful interior design. They represent the best combination of simplicity and sophistication, which, in fact, attracts the attention of a large number of consumers. Such products differ from analogues in lush draperies, which are formed along the entire length of the fabric due to even scallops. Due to such an elegant appearance, French curtains have found application not only in houses and apartments, but also in public interiors, giving solemnity and comfort to each room.

The history of French curtains

The first mention of French curtains comes at the beginning of the 18th century. They began to be made to decorate the royal baroque. Later they found application in classicism. They were made from thin fabrics, mainly from silk. In large rooms, the windows were covered with light French curtains. In houses, it was preferable to use thick silk curtains.

Modern collections of French curtains 2015-2016

The current French curtains are distinguished by the content of modern dense fabrics of various tones. The latest collections attract with the presence of hard lush folds, made in pastel colors. Also, a new trend involves the use of polyester, which is not inferior in its softness even to silk. In addition, this material is very practical and does not lose its properties during washing. Such curtains are great for transforming not only the interiors of banquet halls, but also stylish apartments. Due to the wide abundance of textures and colors, modern collections of small curtains can even be used in small rooms. Light French curtains allow you to visually increase the space of the window and give the room a unique look.

French curtains on original fabrics from Europe

Salon curtains ArtService offers everyone a wide range of amazing French curtains for every taste. In our company, you can save a lot, as we cooperate directly with fabric manufacturers. In addition, we are not chasing large fees, because we are interested in a wide audience of potential customers. Also, the quality of products should be attributed to the advantages of purchasing French curtains from us. We employ only experienced professionals who are ready to take on even the most complex order. Individual curtains will allow you to more effectively decorate any room, giving it a solemn atmosphere. In the production of our products, we use only high quality products. At the same time, the company does not stop there, but continues to develop its production facilities, regularly adding new French curtains to the collections.

In ArtService you can buy French curtains for:

• Bedrooms;
• Hall;
• Hall;
• Kitchens;

French curtains to order are 2-3 times cheaper than our competitors for the reasons already mentioned above. At the same time, they are distinguished by even greater sophistication and beauty. Such products will be a great decoration for any room in the house or apartment. At the same time, they will be able to give each office more solidity.

The range of finished products includes unique French curtains with curtains for bedrooms. These curtains are great for decorating windows in bedrooms, giving the room ease and romance. If desired, we can transform the finished collections with various accessories such as brushes and pelmets. Such solutions look very interesting on arched windows.

We offer a warranty on all of our products. If you have doubts about the quality or appearance of the goods, you can return them and get your money back.

The most profitable offers!

The ArtService company constantly holds promotions and provides discounts on the remaining types of fabrics, accessories and other items. You can take advantage of one of the hot offers of the company and we will offer curtains with a significant discount.

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 high-quality materials. In this article, you will learn a lot of new and interesting information about French curtains, their features and interesting uses 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 folds that perfectly emphasized the Baroque and Rococo styles of those times.

For several centuries now, "marquise" curtains can enliven any room, whether it is small 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.
• shape. French curtains can be given a variety of shapes and decorate the bedroom, living room or any other room with them. 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 curtains themselves are 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 have chosen this type of 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. A 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 graceful curtains with frills, on which you can “seat” decorative butterflies or place miniature bows. Especially such beauty will be appreciated by young princesses.

Recently, French curtains can most often be seen in kitchens, although they are also chosen for halls and halls. It is worth dwelling in more detail on how the models from France differ from all the others.

Features, advantages and disadvantages

Many people wonder what it is - French curtains. It is not for nothing that the luxurious decorations of Renaissance palaces immediately come to mind. Indeed, French curtains look pompous and solemn. The French curtain is a canvas gathered in folds, due to which beautiful draperies are formed. Depending on the model, such curtains can either be pulled up or left in a static position. Difficulties are the care of such curtains. They are difficult to clean, as dust collects in the folds and eats into the fabric. And also the disadvantage is the huge consumption of fabric, due to which such a model is heavier than analogues, for example, Roman blinds.

Varieties

There are a huge number of varieties of French curtains. They are subdivided according to length, type of braid, fabric density. However, the most important division is according to the way the curtains are attached. They are divided into two varieties.

• Stationary. This refers to a model that cannot be folded or raised by pulling the braid. Such curtains are more suitable for rooms in which natural light is not welcome. And also this option is good for kitchens on the first floors, as it reliably protects the room from prying eyes. Blind curtains can be of various lengths, but most often either models are chosen to the floor or to the middle of the window. In the second case, an optimal ratio is achieved between the amount of light transmitted and the privacy of the situation. For the kitchen, the second option is usually used, sewn from tulle or other light fabric.

• Folding. The awning curtain is often equipped with a mechanism that allows you to pull it up at your discretion. It's all about the frame system, so it's almost impossible to make folding French curtains on your own. It is better to immediately purchase a ready-made version. If the French curtain is made of thick curtain fabric, then it is advisable to equip it with an automatic lifting mechanism. This will greatly simplify operation.

When choosing which curtain to hang - deaf or folding, you should focus on the practicality of the chosen option. If you need to open the window from time to time, it is advisable to hang a folding curtain. If it is not necessary to open the window at all, then the stationary option is more rational.

Fabrics and colors

If earlier French curtains were sewn only from expensive elite fabrics, today the choice is huge. Curtains are made from both natural and artificial materials, they can be both light and dense. They also differ in price. Technologies are such that even not the most expensive fabric can perfectly repel dust and at the same time look attractive. Depending on the room, both translucent flying materials and dense fabrics for curtains can be used. The main condition is sufficient elasticity of the fabric, otherwise it will not work to create characteristic scallops. By the way, you should not take models for French curtains that have folds only at the bottom. The name of such curtains is Austrian curtains.

To date, the following materials are most often used:

• tulle;
• organza;
• silk;
• batiste;
• wool;
• taffeta;
• velvet.

As for color, traditionally French curtains are made in pastel colors: white, ivory, beige. This statement is true for thick curtains, and for tulle models. An interesting solution is bright French curtains. Burgundy and emerald colors are perfect for heavy curtains. Sunny yellow is the color of choice for kitchens. Blue or pink can be used both in the kitchen and in the nursery, provided that the curtains are made of flying materials.

Color combination may vary. Often, French curtains are complemented by lambrequins, which can be made from the same fabric as the main canvas, but in a different color scheme. For example, the following combinations are common:

• white + beige;
• yellow + gold;
• white + blue.

We select the style of the rooms

French curtains can be successfully fitted into almost any interior, including such devoid of sophistication options as country or rustic. Much depends on the length of the curtains, their type, as well as on the design features. For example, it is much more appropriate to choose medium-length deaf curtains made of catchy chintz fabric for a country-style kitchen, rather than heavy velvet floor-length curtains. First you need to decide for which room French curtains are selected. Options for the kitchen and for the bedroom will vary. If for the kitchen, first of all, you need to pay attention to the functionality of the material, then in the bedroom you can pick up curtains of their more branded, but pleasant to the touch fabric. It is also important to pay attention to whether the material is hypoallergenic, especially when buying French curtains for a nursery.

Currently, French curtains are most often chosen specifically for the kitchen, so it makes sense to consider in detail the three most popular directions in which these rooms are furnished. So, you can often see modern dining areas furnished in a classic or rustic style. All three options are universal, that is, they are suitable for decorating both large kitchens and small ones. Curtains are selected depending on financial capabilities.

Modern

It would seem that buying French curtains for a modern interior is not entirely appropriate, but in reality everything turns out to be wrong. Depending on the fabric and the length of the curtains themselves, they may look less elaborate and sophisticated than usual. A good option is natural fabrics, such as linen. Linen curtains do not get dirty, but the fabric drapes well. A wide range of colors and patterns will allow you to choose the right model for each specific interior. The only downside is the price. Linen is an expensive fabric, especially with all sorts of additives that make it easier to care for.

And also in modern interiors you can often see tulle curtains just below the window sill or up to the middle of the window. There are some advantages to choosing this option. For example, you can not worry that the room will be too dark. Tulle transmits light well, while protecting the room from prying eyes. True, complete privacy cannot be achieved with the help of such curtains.

In any case, for a modern interior, it is worth choosing the most simple options without a lot of decor. For example, you do not need to look for curtains with lambrequins. One braid along the edge will be enough, although most often you can do without it. And also the fabric should be with a simple elegant decor, without cheap shine and overflow.

Classical

French-style curtains look most harmonious in classic interiors. This also includes a more elaborate baroque style, which differs from the classics by the presence of a huge amount of gilding, intricate details in the decoration and similar excesses. Accordingly, French curtains must fully meet the requirements of the style.

• You need to pay attention to the fabric. The most commonly used combined curtains. On the one hand, French curtains can be made from tulle, and thick ordinary curtains can be hung on top. On the other hand, French curtains made of dense fabric, such as brocade or velvet, will also look appropriate, especially if there is additional decor: fringe, trim, and the like.
• Colors can be any, but monochromatic deep colors are most often chosen: green, burgundy, blue. For a more modest setting, gray curtains with a silver jacquard pattern will look good.
• Be sure to have lambrequins and other additional elements. Only with sufficient pomposity will French curtains look truly elegant and solemn.

Important! This option is not suitable for the kitchen. If the kitchen area is decorated in a classic style, it is better to choose a different type of curtains.

Country

It would seem that there is nothing more strange than French curtains in a rustic room. In reality, things are a little different. Such curtains, made of light bright fabric with a pattern, look quite appropriate and even emphasize the deliberate simplicity of the interior. The main thing is to choose the right length, colors and material. First of all, it is worth mentioning that the French curtain in the country room should not fall below the middle of the window, because it is the ajar window that will make the curtains less formal. If the window faces the sunny side and you want to lower the curtains from time to time, then you should choose a folding option. So, if necessary, you can cover the curtains, and after the sun disappears, return the room to its original appearance.

Almost any materials will do, but it is important that they are not luxurious. Chintz fits well. But you should not make French curtains from tulle, except to choose a mesh version with embroidery. Any fabric should look like it was handmade, so the patchwork style is welcome. As for the colors, bright colors and combinations will look good. Checkered curtains are a classic of the genre, especially when it comes to the kitchen window. And also curtains with print a la appliqué and painted for patchwork will look good.

If you want to decorate the interior of the kitchen with luxurious, but at the same time light and practical curtains, pay attention to the models of French curtains. They are a single piece of fabric, the length of which can be adjusted at your discretion by tucking the fabric with lush scalloped folds using a vertical braid. Having chosen French curtains for the kitchen, they can be used both independently and in an ensemble with other curtains. But in any case, they look elegant, stylish and give the atmosphere of the room a truly Parisian charm and a bit of palatial pomposity.

Curtains with lush scallops were invented to decorate the interiors of banquet halls and bedrooms of the French nobility (which is why their second name is “marquise”), then spectacular textiles began to be used to decorate theater scenes. And today, almost three centuries later, French curtains are still associated with wealth and success, and can decorate the windows of any room in our house - from the interior of a romantic bedroom to a cozy kitchen.

Light and airy French-style draperies

5 reasons to hang French curtains in the kitchen:

1. Short draperies do not block access to the window and window sill, but thanks to spectacular scallops, they look much more respectable than Roman or roll designs.
2. They go well with other types of window textiles - curtains, lambrequins.

A short curtain in a duet with a luxurious lambrequin fits perfectly into the interior of the kitchen

1. The number and splendor of the folds can be varied at will, so the "French" looks great both on a small narrow window and on a wide opening.
2. Thanks to the lush folds, the French curtain closes the room well from prying eyes, so it can be used even in the kitchen on the ground floor without blinds or thick curtains.
3. Such a curtain will be an ideal addition for both expensive historical interiors (classic, baroque, renaissance, empire), and for kitchens decorated in the spirit of a cozy country, romantic Provence or elegant English style.

Lush scallops in a classic kitchen interior

On a note! Many people confuse Austrian and French curtains, because the models are really similar in the form of folds, the lifting principle and a solid canvas. The difference is that French curtains have scallops all the way down and do not fully unfurl even when the curtain is down. And the Austrian ones form folds only in the lower part of the canvas.

Varieties of lifting curtains

Choosing fabric for curtains

French curtains for the kitchen can be of any length - both practical short curtains to the windowsill, and lush drapery "to the floor". There are no special restrictions in the choice of textiles. The material can be airy or quite dense, the difference is in the form of folds (the heavier the canvas, the more clearly the arcs will be expressed). Dense soft tissues will fall in smooth "waves", and the lungs will help form lush "clouds".

Colored transparent textures perfectly scatter light

The most popular types of fabrics:

• Translucent - veil, organza, muslin, silk, cambric, chiffon, tulle, polyester with various additives.
• Opaque - satin, cotton, linen, jacquard.

Plain textile with multi-coloured braid

As for colors, curtains can be any color of the rainbow, although white and other neutral tones are usually preferred. But textiles with a pattern are used infrequently, because when the curtain is raised, the beauty of the pattern can be lost in the folds. But if you really want to revive the interior of the kitchen with a colorful print, use light-colored fabric with a repeating colorful ornament (peas, cage, flowers).

Floral motifs in the interior of the kitchen

For sewing, you can use plain fabrics of different colors.

On a note! To finish the lower edge of the curtains, you can use lush ruffles, a fringe of gilded threads or glass beads, a spectacular border of bright color. The choice of decor depends on the density of the material and the style in which the interior of the kitchen is decorated.

Systems for scalloping

A distinctive feature of French curtains is a cascade of even arched scallops. In the classic version, curtains are mounted on profile cornices, which allows you to form more lush and expressive folds. In the modern interpretation, the canvas is attached only to the upper holder with special Velcro, like other lifting models.

Types of lifting mechanisms for French curtains:

1. Manual - curtains are raised using a system of several cords and rings.

1. Automatic - just flip a switch or press a button on the remote control to activate the roller, which will rotate and adjust the curtain to the desired height on its own.

The working principle of the automatic lift

On a note! The simplest design of "Frenchwomen" can also be static - that is, the folds will be fixed in one position without a lifting mechanism. For short curtains for the kitchen, this can be a good and very economical solution. .

We sew French curtains with our own hands

Ready-made models with lush scallops are quite expensive, but if you have a sewing machine and a desire to create a unique window decor in the kitchen, you can sew French curtains yourself. Despite the apparent complexity of the design, such work is quite feasible even for a novice seamstress. Therefore, we will consider in detail all the nuances of the upcoming work - from window measurements to the manufacture of the product itself.

Material calculation

The key to success in tailoring any curtains is the correct measurements. Therefore, we arm ourselves with a tape measure and go to the kitchen window.

We are interested in four main parameters:

1. The length of the cornice, to which a margin of 1.3-1.5 should be added, in order to beautifully drape the opening with fabric and leave an allowance for the seams.
2. The height of the future curtain, which is measured from the cornice to the window sill or the middle of the window (however, if we are talking about a kitchen-dining room with a large opening, you can sew a curtain up to the floor).
3. Assembly coefficient - depends on the type of textile, splendor and bending of the folds. For dense material, you need to multiply the length of the curtain by 1.8-2, for light tulle, chiffon or veil - at least 2.5.
4. The number of stripes with scallops - the length of the cornice should be divided into 4-5 equal segments (or more - depending on the size of the window).

An example of calculating the fabric for a French curtain in the kitchen:

Given: a standard window with a two-meter cornice, the length of the curtain is up to the window sill (175 cm).

Determine the width: multiply the length of the cornice by 1.5. Total: 2 m * 1.5 = 3 meters.

We determine the height: we multiply the length to the window sill by 2.5 (assembly factor for lush scallops). Total: 1.75 m * 2.5 = 4.375 m (including allowances - 4.4 m).

To form 8 rows of scallops on the curtain, the fabric will have to be cut into canvases. But if you manage to find the right material in a narrow roll, 80 cm wide, it will be ideal for a beginner seamstress. According to our calculations, such matter will need 17.6 meters (4.4 m * 4 canvases) with a width of each row of folds of 35-40 cm.

Material calculation scheme depending on the number of scallops

In addition to the fabric, you will need a curtain rod for attaching curtains, rings and a skein of nylon cord - all this can be bought at a sewing accessories store. And, of course, you can’t do without a set of home craftswomen - a sewing machine, scissors, thread, needles / pins and a measuring ruler with chalk for marking.

Tailoring technology

To get a spectacular curtain with lush folds, it is important not only to correctly calculate the amount of material, but also to provide tucks in the right places of the drapery, and even correctly fix the rings for the lifting mechanism. In order not to miss any of the upcoming stages of work, we suggest using our hint.

Step-by-step instructions for sewing French curtains with your own hands:

1. Sew the pieces of fabric together to obtain the desired width of the curtain.
2. Lay the resulting whole canvas on a table or other flat surface.
3. Make a markup, indicating with chalk the location of the center lines of the scallops, taking into account the allowances for the seams (at the bottom and on the side - 5 cm each, and on top - along the width of the curtain tape or Velcro).
4. Finish the bottom and sides by folding the fabric twice and secure the fold with a straight stitch.

Advice! For convenience, you can first baste the seams by hand or pin them with pins, and then iron them with an iron.

1. Now it remains to form the scallops. To do this, from the sides, along the seams that fastened the strips and along the markings of the center of the scallops, it is necessary to lay a French (or underwear) seam, with large stitches through which you can pass the gathering cord. The second option is to buy a finished braid with stitches in a sewing accessories store (the so-called "marquise" tape) and attach to the wrong side of the product with a regular stitch.

On a note! For a curtain under a two-meter cornice from our example, consisting of four sheets of fabric, you will need 9 seams and 9 cord cuts of 175 cm each.

1. Then we take a pin, pass the cords through the seam loops and collect the curtain with beautiful folds. After that, you need to tighten each end and sew to the bottom of the curtain. To get beautiful folds, you can make small tucks in the center of each row of scallops or limit yourself to only the first row from the top, allowing the rest to form arbitrary “waves”.

Pattern for sewing French curtains with your own hands

1. On the upper edge we make a bend, then we attach a mount to it - a curtain tape or one of the sides of the pile. After that, we adjust the width of the product according to the size of the eaves.

At this stage, you can finish the assembly - the curtain is ready. It remains to smooth the fabric, attach it to the hooks of the eaves or combine the sides of the fluff tape on the mounting plate. But if you want a movable rather than a static curtain, you will have to work a little more.

Installation of the lifting mechanism

In order for the curtain to be adjustable in height, you will need small rings that are sewn at the bottom of the curtain along each edge of the French seam. So that the fasteners are not visible from the front side, it is necessary to make indents - at least 5 cm from the bottom, and 12-15 cm from the top. Also, the rings must be attached on the sides and the seam of the towel in steps of 15-30 cm.

Important! The step depends on the size of the scallops. For small and narrow “waves”, smaller indents are needed, for deep or wide ones, larger ones.

At the bottom of each gathering tape, it is recommended to hang small weights that will evenly hold the fabric in a vertical position (for light curtains, you can use heavy brushes, a fringe of beads, decorative stones or glass beads). After that, it remains to thread the cuts of the nylon cord through all the rings.

It is done like this:

• The first segment is wound into a ring located in the lower left edge of the curtain, passed through all the rings sewn along the side seam, passes through the cornice and is displayed on the right side.

On a note! The length of the cord will consist of the sum of the two lengths of the curtain and the length of the cornice (in our example (175 * 2) + 200 = 550 cm).

• The second cord is tied to the next lower ring, also runs vertically, then along the cornice and leads out to the right.

• All other cords are drawn in the same way, after which their free ends on the right side of the curtain are woven into a beautiful pigtail and fixed on a hook. This will be the control system that will allow you to raise and lower the curtain to the desired height.

Advice! The lengthy process of sewing on rings can be simplified and accelerated if you buy a ready-made "marquise" tape with rings already sewn on.

Ready-made braid for lifting French curtains

Video: step by step master class

Methods for fastening French curtains

Like any lifting curtains, French models can be mounted directly on the window frame with adhesive tape, hung on the eaves by hooks and even directly on the rod (if the curtain tape loops are wide enough). But, unlike roll and Roman designs, lush scallops require free space. Therefore, it is not necessary to fasten French curtains immediately to plastic windows, but, as shown in the photo, to a bar along the edge of a window opening or to a cornice.

Types of holders for French curtains:

1. A strip equipped with adhesive tape is an excellent budget option for static curtains. Models may differ in the type of fasteners for wall and ceiling mounting.

Ready-made cornice with Velcro and wall fixing system

1. Special cornice for lifting curtains - has small loops, hooks, a recess or a cavity for lacing, which adjusts the height of the curtain. Such a holder is very convenient for DIY models - you don’t have to invent a way to mask and evenly place the cords on top of the curtain.
2. A pull-up curtain rod is a ready-made solution for French blinds, already equipped with a system of cords that you just need to pass through the rings and an adjustment chain.

Fastening for French curtains on the eaves with a chain system:

Fastening for French curtains on the eaves

On a note! You can replace the finished cornice with a cut of a metal profile or a wooden beam, on which one of the strips of the fleece tape should be glued or nailed with small nails (the second part is sewn to the curtain). Additionally, such a home-made holder is wrapped in a cloth or painted in the color of the walls or curtains.

French curtains in the interior of the kitchen are a great alternative to the usual tulle and a real decoration for the kitchen window. And what is important - despite all the sophistication and visual complexity of the design, they are quite easy to sew with your own hands from any suitable material. But if you are not fond of needlework or simply did not have time to get a sewing machine, it does not matter. Such a model can be sewn in any studio, providing professional seamstresses with measurements of your window and the fabric you like.

Photo selection of kitchen interiors with French curtains

French curtains first appeared in the middle of the 18th century in the living rooms of the European nobility, when the Rococo style prevailed in the interiors and have never gone out of fashion since then. In the Soviet Union, where most of the population lived in small-sized Khrushchev houses, they decorated mainly the windows of theaters, restaurants and large government institutions. In modern Russia, spacious apartments and private cottages are no longer a rarity, and French classics are experiencing a rebirth.

What kind of interiors are French curtains suitable for?

The photo shows French curtains in combination with curtains in the interior of a classic living room.

Distinctive features of "French women" are fabric with a shiny smooth surface, pomp, a huge number of horizontal folds cascading along the entire length, many accessories in the form of frills, braid, fringe, ribbons and ruffles. Such pompous curtains look only in spacious rooms with high ceilings, for which they were once created.

The most suitable for them are refined and romantic interiors, filled with household items in the style of the XVIII-XIX centuries and furnished with artsy furniture without pronounced straight lines. Such as the:

• Baroque,
• Rococo,
• Classicism,
• Empire,
• Colonial,
• Neoclassic.

Of course, French curtains are also used to decorate small rooms with romantic, but less pretentious interiors. But in this case, their simplified versions are used, adapted to modern living conditions.

Rococo and Baroque living rooms are classic examples of French curtains.

French curtains in modern living rooms

There are static and lifting. Static curtains hang motionless, completely covering the window and part of the wall below it. They are sewn from translucent fabric and used as a curtain - a soft transparent curtain that protects the interior from prying eyes.

Stationary curtains made of translucent fabric, combined with elegant golden brocade curtains, look great in an interior with elements of classicism.

The height of the lifting French curtains can be adjusted, making them long (to the floor), medium (to the windowsill) and relatively short (like a pelmet).
For their tailoring, you can use fabrics of any density.

French curtains with a lifting mechanism fit perfectly into the living room window in the style of Russian salons of the 19th century.

In the interiors of modern apartments, French curtains are mainly used as curtains.

Fabric choice

For this type of curtain, a fabric with a smooth, shiny or matte surface may be suitable: satin, brocade, chiffon, silk, organza. The main requirement is that it should drape well. Its density depends on the quality in which it is planned to use curtains (curtains or drapes).

Colors can also be any, but preferably monophonic. Fabric with a pattern must be selected with care. Even the smallest floral print can get lost in numerous folds and ruin the look of French curtains already overflowing with “highlights”.

Long curtains are not suitable for windows over flights of stairs, and short curtains look unpresentable on them. The ideal solution is to hang a short transparent French curtain on such a window.

The bottom of transparent French curtains with a window sill length can be supplemented with a strip of dense fabric in the color of the upholstery on the furniture. She will give the curtains severity and make them friends with a not too romantic interior.

To visually increase the height of the window opening, make the scallops on the French curtains as narrow as possible.

Narrow translucent French curtains can be attached to the sashes of multi-section windows, like blinds.

The higher the curtains are raised, the more folds form on them and the more magnificent they look.

Despite all the pomposity inherent in them, refined and refined French curtains can make the atmosphere in the living room cozy and calm. The main thing that should not be forgotten when choosing them is that they must comply with the general concept of the interior.