Luxurious, chic, rich, stylish, palatial, solemn, charming - these are all the epithets that characterize French curtains (awnings). The interior, which is crowned with them, becomes truly royal. Smooth lines, soft arcuate draperies, combined with a light texture of fabrics and a variety of finishes, will leave few people indifferent. Unlike more practical models of curtains and drapes, such as Roman or roller blinds, French blinds come first with beauty, and only then with functionality.
They look especially impressive in the frame of the classical style, or Provence style. Sewing an awning for your living room, bedroom or kitchen on your own is a laborious task. But if you are patient and friendly with a sewing machine, you will be able to sew French curtains. You just need to remember that such a model of blinds requires strict observance of proportions in the interior, otherwise it will look heavy, weighting in it, which is not far from dissonance.
In general, the awning is a cascade-lifting model. This is its similarity with the Roman and Austrian curtains: all these are varieties of blinds. But the first draperies do not exist at all (only horizontal folds), the second drapery of the lower part is formed when the product is lifted up, and when lowered they look even.
The marquise, on the other hand, consists entirely of festoons (sagging assemblies) in the lowered state. As they rise, they become deeper and more expressive.
Marquise curtains for formal interiorsFrench curtains in the interior of the room can only cover the window opening (for example, tulle in the Provence style kitchen), often combined with curtains or lambrequins, or they can play the first violin, occupying the entire width of the wall. Here, the presence of upper curtains depends on the overall stylistic design of the space and the need to create a complete blackout (if it is a bedroom or home theater).
Special cut - special textiles
To begin with, let's make a reservation that marquise blinds are far from the most economical option for window decoration: it will take several times more fabric to sew French curtains than ordinary curtains, moreover, expensive, high-quality materials are preferred here, rich (respectively - also expensive) finish. Therefore, before sewing such curtains, you need to make sure that they are ideal for a particular situation, and the cost of them will be justified by the beauty of the product, and harmony with the surrounding space.
French curtain in the kitchen - one wonders why? In order for the gathers to be even and beautiful, the fabric chosen for these blinds must be well draped. Light, soft textiles are suitable: tulle, thin satin, silk, veil, chiffon, moire, organza. But if you sew French curtains from hard, dense, heavy fabrics with a pronounced rough texture, they can distort your entire Provence-style interior beyond recognition, because they will have a completely different look when assembled.
Marquise organza curtains, interesting pattern of vertical stripes when assembled How to sew a marquise
In principle, sewing it is quite simple: the side and bottom seams are sewn in a straight line, the upper braid and curtain tape are sewn in a straight line in the center of each scallop. It is much more difficult and painstaking work to carefully pick up the fabric and install the lifting device.
Let's figure it out in order.
How much fabric to take, so as not to be mistaken
The calculation of the required width depends on the desired depth of the scallops: the more the width of the material exceeds the length of the cornice, the deeper the drapery cascades will fall. On average, this value is 1.5. That is, for a window with a cornice length of 2 m, you need to take a tulle 3 m wide.
The calculation of the cut length for French curtains is made based on the thickness of the selected materials and the desired assembly depth. For example, for a deep assembly of organza, the estimated length of the curtain must be multiplied by 3, for tulle - by 2, for a veil - by 2.5. For easier assembly, these numbers can be reduced. For example, let's take a height of 2.5 m. To sew an awning with a beautiful assembly, you need to take tulle 5 m in length.
Calculation of the number of scallops: what to consider
When calculating the number of draperies, you need to proceed from the size of the window and the selected fabric. For narrow and high ones (for example, in a Provence-style kitchen), it is better to choose a small step - 25-35 cm, for wide ones - up to 50-60 cm and even more. The thinner and lighter the material from which these draped blinds will be sewn, the smaller the scallops can have a French blind.
The required web width is another factor affecting the number of scallops. Do not forget that the width of the awning before assembly is several meters. And here you can not do without stitching several canvases together. Therefore, it is necessary that each such seam hit the middle of the festoon, where the curtain (gathering) tape will be located. At the same time, allowances for seam processing must be left on the sides.
Tailoring technology
Lay out the future French curtains on a flat surface, but for now just pieces of tulle stitched together until the desired width is obtained. Mark the center lines of the scallops with chalk or pins, leaving allowances for processing: from the sides and bottom of the curtains - 5 cm each, from above - 2 cm.
Fold over and stitch the side seams twice. Baste the gathering tape along the markings with a needle or pins. At the same time, it should not reach the bottom cut of the material by 5 cm, to the top - by 2 cm. Attach each tape from both edges.
If the top edge of your blinds is also gathered, it is enough to fold it in 2 cm and attach a fastening tape that will adjust the width of the assembly. If you want your French blinds to have a smooth top, first divide the difference between the width of the tulle and the length of the curtain rod by the number of scallops. Either sew the resulting value into a tuck (30-50 cm deep) in the center of each scallop, or lay it with a bow fold and sew horizontally. After that, attach the fastening tape. Now fold and stitch the bottom of your blinds twice.
If you were going to sew them on a window in a romantic kitchen with a touch of Provence, where it is not supposed to raise and lower the curtains, then everything is almost ready. It remains only to pull the curtain tape to the desired size, fasten it with knots, straighten the assembly and hang the awning on the eaves. You can decorate the kitchen.
French marquise curtains in the interior of a small kitchen can look heavy, be careful in experiments When is a lifting mechanism needed?
If the romanticism of Provence fanned your bedroom or living room, we have not finished sewing French curtains for them yet. In these rooms, the scalloped curtain must be lifted, therefore, before pulling it down, it is necessary to assemble the lifting mechanism.
Special rings must be sewn in the center of each gathering tape. At the same time, we retreat from the lower edge at least 5 cm, from the top - at least 12 cm. The distance between the rings is about 30 cm (with small scallops - less, with wide ones, respectively, more).
Special weights must be attached to the bottom of each gathering tape to keep the fabric in a vertical position. Now we tighten the scallops, straighten the assembly so that it is uniform, tie the ends of the cords of the curtain tape.
Next you need nylon cords. They need to be fixed on each lower ring and threaded up through all the rings. Then skip along the top row of rings in one direction, gathering together, and tie all the ends into one knot. With the help of such a control system, the structure will change its height.
Now you can attach the tulle to the fastening hooks of the eaves.
French curtains in an interior decorated in the Provence style or similar design directions look especially impressive if they are sewn using a suitable decor: ruffles, tassels, fringe, decorative braid.
Vintage style in the interior of a private house, marquise curtains in Provence style 
Marquise curtain decor - brushes, beads, glass 
When you need high taste and a sense of beauty curtains that emphasize the status and belonging to a certain type of activity 
Combination of French curtains and curtains, original decor 
Lambrequin according to the type of French curtains Marquis 
A gentle version of the French curtain, combined with transparent curtains and decor 
The prototype of the French curtains Marquis, embodied horizontally, in a lambrequin 
With taste and some good naivete - black trim of French-type curtains from a white veil 
French marquise curtains look beautiful in the interior of the kitchen, provided that the space is filled with minimal kitchen attributes 
Marquise curtains as tulle for baroque, rococo furnishings 
Marquise curtains with glass beads for a loggia or balcony These curtains, also called awnings, are distinguished by beautiful uniform folds (scallops) along the entire length of the canvas. Their homeland is France, where they appeared in the XVIII century. Awnings were sewn exclusively from expensive fabrics and were used to decorate windows in the houses of nobles.
The principle of operation of French curtains is a special cord lifting mechanism that holds the canvas in a certain shape.
Many people confuse awnings with Austrian curtains. A distinctive feature of the former is that they have folds (scallops) along the entire length of the panel, and Austrian curtains - only along the bottom edge.
Marquis classification
There are French curtains:
- workers- they are used in new types of cornices and are regulated by means of a lifting mechanism controlled by a remote control;
- Decorative- canvases, which are controlled exclusively by hand.
Applications
Initially, awnings were used to curtain windows in rooms for celebrations - banquet halls, palaces, theaters, restaurants. But you can use them in the conditions of an ordinary apartment, at home. These curtains, due to their splendor, are perfect for decorating windows in the living room, bedroom. In the hall, the French curtain will become the main accent of the interior; against its background, ordinary furniture will seem expensive and refined.
French curtains will add romanticism and elegance to the interior of the bedroom. All this thanks to the soft folds that carry the charm of France. Even in the children's room, awnings will be appropriate. Made of thin material, they will give the room lightness. You can decorate them with bows, butterflies, decorative elements that will be of interest to the child.
Advice: for a nursery, it is better to choose French curtains up to the windowsill, so the child will not touch them during the game.
The classic design of the kitchen is complemented by elegant awnings. They will turn any meal into an important feast. The length of the curtain should also be small so that the product does not interfere with cooking and cleaning.
French curtains in the office will be appropriate. They emphasize the formality of the situation and the importance of the conversation.
The effect produced by French curtains will depend on the type and texture of the material used for their tailoring, as well as the conformity of the design of the product with the dimensions and style of the room. Considering that the awnings were originally intended to give the room a solemn look, they will look good in rooms with large windows and high ceilings.
This window drapery will give the interior sophistication, nobility, solemnity, and even some pomposity. It will adequately frame the awnings and give the interior a finished look with a lambrequin, or classic curtains.
Production of French curtains, materials
Awnings are sewn from light fabrics - silk, cambric, organza, veils. Classic French curtains are made of dense silk, pleasant to the touch. It can be smooth, or have a damask pattern. This texture of the canvas allows you to form beautiful, smooth folds from it.
From synthetic materials for sewing awnings, polyester is used. In terms of performance, it is superior to silk, but is more practical and cheaper.
Design features
The width of the finished curtain panel corresponds to the length of the cornice, or slightly exceeds it (for the formation of assemblies). When sewing a product with your own hands, it is necessary to make allowances for the formation of scallops along the height of the fabric (this indicator exceeds the size of the finished product by 1.5-2.5 times).
Material calculation
To form the drapery, special rings and gathering braid are used. Its length is calculated by the formula: l=h*f+h. Where h is the height of the cut of the canvas, f is the number of scallops.
Features of cutting fabric
Before starting to draw up a sketch, it is necessary to take measurements of the window opening. Next, you need to determine the width of the product. To do this, the length of the cornice board (width of the window opening + 5 cm) is multiplied by 2 and 10 cm is added to the resulting figure (allowances for two hem seams. This calculation formula allows you to make small assemblies along the width of the fabric. If you do not need them, then the width of the panel must correspond to the length of the cornice + 4 cm is added to the processing of the curtains from the sides.
To calculate the length of the curtain, the formula is used: h (desired product height) * 2 + 2 cm (for the design of the top seam) + 5 cm (for the bottom hem).
In order for the curtain to look beautiful, not sag and not be too tight, it is necessary to determine the optimal number of scallops. A table will help in this, in which the number of warehouses is calculated depending on the width of the curtain panel.
The optimal distance between the scallops is 50-60 cm. But narrower folds can be formed - about 30 cm wide. The vertical distance between them should be in the range of 12-24 cm.
Advice: so that the French curtain does not rise when there is a draft, or when a window is opened, special weights are sewn to its lower edge.
After cutting, you will get a rectangular piece of fabric. On the back side of the panel, the location of the scallops is marked. To do this, outline the vertical and horizontal lines along which the gathering braid will be sewn. After that, the curtain is turned inside out. The braid is preliminarily fixed on the cloth with pins so that its lower end coincides with the edge of the awning. On the sides of the product, the braid is placed close to the side edge.
The lower edge of the braid is tucked 2.5 cm, having previously ironed and pulled out the cords from it to tighten the folds. When processing the sides, the edge is cut off and processed with a seam "in the hem".
Next, proceed to the formation of the top of the curtain. The curtain tape is applied to the fabric 4 cm from the front side and stitched together. The product is turned inside out, and stitched again along this first line, and then pass along the bottom edge of the tape. This stage of sewing curtains can be final. After this, the cords of the tape are pulled together, forming folds.
On a note: on the upper edge, you can make a small scallop (0.5-1 cm), which will cover the hooks. But for this, at the cutting stage, double the height of the scallop should be laid.
If the awning is lifting, the locations of the rings are marked on the cloth. Their bottom row should be located at a height of 5 cm from the lower edge of the awning, and the top row - 12 cm. Sew the rings in 4 stitches with a double thread, securing the part with a double knot. The formation of folds begins only after sewing on all the rings. The braid threads are pulled together neatly, making uniform folds. The width of the upper border is adjusted in size to the cornice board. The ends of the threads are tied as close as possible to the cloth and cut off.
Next, proceed to fitting the cornice board with a finishing cloth. To do this, the tape is cut to the width of the finished curtain. That part of it, where the hooks are located, is nailed to the front edge of the eaves board with small carnations. The second side is sewn to the braid located along the upper edge of the awning. The curtain is attached to hooks driven into the board, carefully aligning the panel.
The cords are threaded into the rings, starting from the bottom edge of the product. Each ring is secured with a knot at the bottom. At the top, all ends of the cords are passed through the hooks of the eaves board and the curtains are brought out to one side. Then they are pulled together, evenly placing the folds over the entire panel of the awning. Fasten the scallops with ribbons.
After installing the cornice board with the awning over the window, the ribbons are removed and the curtain is lowered. The connected ends of the cords are tied in a knot so that it is located behind the last hook. Then they are threaded through the handle to raise the awning and another knot is tied at a distance of 46 cm from the first. Next, the ends of the cords are cut off, fasteners are installed, around which the cord is wrapped to fix the curtain in the desired position.
Ways to combine awnings with other types of window framing
French curtains go well with:
- curtains;
- Lambrequins;
- Fringed;
- Golden threads (muslin);
- glass beads;
- Kantami.
A win-win option is a combination of awnings with classic curtains. Scallops framed by a lambrequin also look beautiful.
Advice: various decorations, accessories - decorative cords, fringe, beads will complement the folded canvas. They will give the product individuality and originality.
Awning care
French curtains are unpretentious in care - it is enough to periodically clean them with a vacuum cleaner. Awnings made of synthetic fabric can be washed. Ironing of the product is done in a wet state. But if these curtains are made of natural material, it is not recommended to wash them yourself - the folds may lose their shape.
Proper care will keep your French blinds in top condition and extend their lifespan by several years.
Video: Luxurious French curtains
Curtains in the kitchen are not only a decorative decoration, they perform several important functions at once - they protect the room from prying eyes and sunlight, create comfort and maintain the necessary atmosphere. If you correctly design the window opening, you can hide some of the shortcomings of the room - for example, "raise" the ceiling a little, or visually enlarge the window.
The design of kitchen curtains, with the right design, completes the interior design, and even becomes its highlight. The process of choosing curtains for the kitchen should be taken responsibly. An excellent solution for arranging kitchens in all sorts of traditional interiors will be French curtains - a model that came from the past, but still has not lost its relevance.
French curtains will give the kitchen a special chic.Disadvantages and advantages of French curtains in the interior of the kitchen
Luxurious curtains made of weightless fabric with lush scallops are a French invention. Such curtains at one time decorated the interiors of the boudoirs of aristocrats and banquet halls of palaces. The second name for a similar design of curtains is “marquise”.
Gradually, richly decorated textiles began to be used in the design of theater scenes. At present, after several centuries, French curtains are still associated with luxury and wealth, but even the windows of ordinary city apartments can be decorated with their help.
A little decorative luxury in your kitchen. There are several reasons to use French style curtains in the kitchen.
Curtains of this type can be selected in size for any window opening. Spectacular scallops look very respectable, expensive and not as strict as Roman blinds. In addition, they practically do not block access to the windowsill or window, and allow enough sunlight into the room.
Despite the completely closed window, light easily penetrates the room. French curtains can be perfectly combined with lambrequins, curtains and other types of window textiles.
The combination of French curtains with lambrequin. Even on a narrow and small window, such curtains will look appropriate, since the splendor of the folds, their number and height can be adjusted at your own discretion.
The curtain will look unobtrusive if there are few folds. French curtains are perfect for kitchen windows located on the ground floor, as they reliably protect the room from prying eyes.
With the help of a denser fabric, you can hide the kitchen from prying eyes. Luxurious textiles will perfectly complement the rich classic interior, as well as give a special charm to even the simplest and most modest kitchen.
The French curtain is an interior element that attracts attention. The only drawback of French curtains is that they will have to use a lot of fabric to create a lush and spectacular drapery. In addition, washing and ironing such curtains will also require some effort.
Caring for French curtains is not easy, but it's worth it. Advice! To facilitate the care of French curtains, it is recommended to use not natural fabric, but material with the addition of synthetic fibers when sewing them. Such a fabric can not be ironed after washing, as it will not wrinkle.
The main types of French curtains
There are many different types of French curtains. If you wish and have some imagination, you can even develop your own version of such curtains. Between themselves, French curtains may differ in the following ways .
- Length- curtains can be both long and short. However, for arranging the kitchen, most often they choose the option of curtains up to the window sill, as more practical. Long curtains can be used to decorate a spacious kitchen-living room with large panoramic windows.
- Types of festoons (flounces)- they are formed using a special braid, which is used when sewing curtains. Scallops can be light, dense - depending on the strength of the screed.
- Mechanism- French curtains are lifting and static. Lifting structures are equipped with a special mechanism with which you can adjust the length of the curtains. Static French curtains act as tulle, they are simply attached to the cornice, completely covering the window in width. Additional mechanisms for such structures are not required.
French curtains are easy to combine with other types of curtains. Many people confuse French curtains with Austrian ones. They do have similar features, however, the Austrian type models are equipped with scallops at the very bottom, while the French curtains consist entirely of flounces.
This is what Austrian curtains look like with scallops at the very bottom. The choice of fabric and colors for French curtains
French curtains for the kitchen can be of any length, but the most practical option is the model of curtains to the windowsill. Luxurious drapery "on the floor" is used much less frequently when arranging the kitchen.
The optimal length for French curtains in the kitchen As for the choice of textiles, there are no special restrictions. You can safely choose the most airy material, or dense textured textiles. The difference will be in the shape of the folds - the denser and heavier the fabric, the more clearly the scallops are indicated.
Soft thin fabrics always fall in smooth “waves”, and with the help of light fabrics, lush, practically weightless “clouds” can be formed. In the manufacture of French curtains, translucent fabrics such as muslin, organza, silk, chiffon, cambric, polyester and tulle are most popular. As for opaque canvases, French curtains made of cotton, satin, jacquard and linen are especially successful.
The fabric material should be consistent with the overall style of the kitchen. Regarding colors, there can be many options - French curtains can have any shade, but many people prefer light neutral tones: white, beige, milky, pastel.
Curtains in light colors are neutral and fit any kitchen set. Fabrics with colorful patterns are used extremely rarely, and this is due to the design of the curtains - when the French curtain is raised, the beauty of any pattern is simply lost in folds and frills. However, if you still have a great desire to slightly enliven the interior of your kitchen with a colorful print, then you should use fabrics of light shades, with a repeating colorful ornament - these can be flowers, a cage or peas.
It is better if the drawing on the curtain is not large Advice! To make the design of French curtains more interesting and “rich”, you can use glass beads, fringe, gilded threads, bright borders and other decorative elements to decorate the lower edge.
What style of kitchen interior harmonizes with French curtains
French curtains today look far from being as pompous as their distant predecessors several centuries ago. However, they still retained their most basic features, such as tenderness, lightness, softness and refined aristocracy.
If the headset has a complex configuration, then it is better to choose a curtain without a large number of decorative elements. In order for the kitchen, decorated with French curtains, to look organic and elegant, you should choose the appropriate environment, in which the main elements of classical styles must be present. Such curtains will perfectly fit into the shabby chic interior, they will also be in harmony with the Provence style.
The French curtain will add romance to such interior styles. But best of all, French curtains fit into a traditional classic interior with all its inherent attributes: wooden furniture fronts, carved table and chair legs, crystal chandeliers and sconces, light shades in furniture upholstery, gilded patterns and stone countertops.
However, to create the perfect kitchen interior with French curtains, it is not at all necessary to use all of the above elements - just add two or three of them to the design.
Strict tenderness of the classics. Such curtains will perfectly complement and emphasize the interiors of kitchens made in the Rococo, Empire, Renaissance, eclectic styles.
French curtains are perfectly combined with opaque curtains to the floor. If desired, they can be combined even with such democratic and modern styles as country, English and Mediterranean style.
A convenient mechanism makes it easy to raise and lower the curtains as needed. Advice! When choosing French curtains for your kitchen, you need to take care of good ventilation of the entire room. If this is not done, various fumes will constantly accumulate in the numerous frills of the curtains, which cannot be avoided during cooking, and then the curtain will lose its attractiveness.
How to choose the right French curtains for the kitchen
French curtains look very luxurious and presentable, but such models are not universal. Not every modern kitchen can be decorated with such curtains. When choosing the most suitable option, you need to consider some important factors.
The color of the curtains depends on many factors: the color of the headset, the color of the walls, the lighting, the mood of the kitchen owner The first thing you should pay attention to is the style of the interior, it should be traditional, not ultra-modern. French curtains are completely unsuitable for kitchens made in the styles of minimalism, hi-tech, ethnic style.
The whole French curtain consists of curved lines that do not fit into the concept of strict and clear lines of high-tech style. The shade of the curtains is also important - if the kitchen is small, it should be as light as possible. The fabric in this case should be chosen light, translucent. You should not buy too expensive natural fabrics for sewing curtains, which will not look appropriate in the kitchen.
Even during the reign of Louis XIV, French curtains were in vogue, but even today they do not lose their place in any interior.
These curtains are used by many luxurious establishments, theater houses and even wedding palaces. They also have a special place in the home interior.
Today, history does not tell which of the designers was the first to create this masterpiece. It is because of the luxury and wealth that the second name of the French curtains is “marquise”.
To sew a French curtain, you only need a not very large fabric flap and sew a braid vertically along it, thread all the cords and collect the material into the so-called scallops. From such a simple patch, you can make a magnificent decoration in the room, which will not only cover the window, but also stylishly decorate your home.
If such ready-made French curtains are hung in the bedroom, then it will look like royal chambers.
Many people get confused between the difference between Austrian and French curtains. They differ in that the Austrian has only a wavy bottom, and the French wavy completely.
Looking at the curtains in general, you can understand that they differ in length. Divided into types: stationary and lifting.
The stationary view of the French curtain completely occupies the entire window, and is a tulle. Therefore, they are made from fabrics that let in daylight. Such fabrics are light and light colors.
If we consider the lifting curtain, then they differ from the stationary one only in that they have a latch that regulates the length of the entire curtain, as well as the number of folds on it.
The right choice of fabric
To create a large volume of curtains, you need to use the lightest fabrics when sewing. Under the reign of Louis XIV, designers used different silks or cambric.
Later, tulle was used in the Russian Empire. But new productions began to use the option of curtains with organza. Also do not manage and polyester. This option has an excellent structure, practical, and easy to care for. You can find polyester curtains in different rooms.
They not only decorate the window, but also protect from ultraviolet radiation. The velvet design of the French curtains is relevant in the interior, creating a fabulous atmosphere.
To make beautiful French curtains, you need to take elastic materials, because after assembling them, they will give a lot of volume.
French curtains in the interior are a great luxury, and they look very beautiful and festive. They are mainly used as decoration for the room, as the quality of the material requires special attention. French curtains will also add aristocratic and sophisticated look to the hall or living room.
If desired, these curtains can be used in your bedroom, and a short version in the kitchen. But for the bedroom, tulle is the best choice. A haze of pink or blue makes the room even more romantic.
An interesting fact is that curtains of this type will add luxury next to a modest sofa or armchair. Pour into the design of expensive furniture.
DIY French curtains
You can not spend a lot of money on buying different models of curtains, as you can sew them with your own hands and decorate the kitchen with them. The first thing to do is measure the window. Multiply the width by 1.5, the length by 2. This is how we find out how much fabric is needed.
After you have decided on the choice of fabric, you need to hem the sides of the seams, as well as the bottom. Next, you need to mark the strips of fabric, the width of which is 3 cm. Thread and fix the cords and strips from above. Fasten to the cornice with a wide ribbon or wide loops.
How to care
Dust accumulates on the scallops and this is the main problem. But a simple vacuum cleaner can solve this problem. Stains on the curtains are removed with a simple washcloth, moistened with a solution of soap.
Tulle or organza curtains can be machine washed, but velvet fabrics are best taken to the dry cleaners.
Photo of French curtains in the interior
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, "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.
- form. 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, but rises, and 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 dry-cleaned.
Of course, refusing to wash at home is in favor of your textiles living as long as possible and retaining 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, festoons, 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, their important difference is that the Austrian models have folds only at the bottom of the curtains, while the French ones themselves have curtains made entirely of folds.
To make the curtains voluminous, lush, festive and easily decorate any apartment, you should pay attention to light fabrics. Veil, organza, cambric, tulle, silk and velvet lend themselves well to drapery. In general, the choice of fabrics for the manufacture of curtains of this type is quite extensive, but in order for the folds on the curtains to turn out to be airy and flowing, it is better not to choose heavy fabrics.
With great desire You can diversify the curtains with the help of a beautiful fringe or lace along the edges of the curtains. Various tassels and ruffles always add a special zest to any curtains. If French curtains are made of luxurious fabric with a pattern or patterns, try not to overdo it with decor and do everything in moderation.
If you 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 choose the right not only 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 exclusively 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 soothing colors of curtains, for example, cream, beige, powdery and others from a delicate and muted palette of shades. Such light colors create a sense of calm and harmony around. Therefore, for a room where a person spends at least eight hours of rest, they will be very useful. It is preferable for bedrooms to choose natural and environmentally friendly materials that are not only considered safe, but also practical.
- Kitchens are very often decorated with light organza French curtains.. They do not weigh down the atmosphere of the room and at the same time always bring a touch of grace to it. Some even decorate balconies with such curtains. It looks good if the situation matches.
- Emphasize the high cost of the interior and add splendor to the living room you can easily use luxurious French curtains, especially if they are embroidered. And lambrequins and curtains will be a great addition to them. With the help of such curtains, you can make a special contrast in the room, which will delight not only all household members, but also guests. Also, these curtains fit perfectly on bay windows.
- children's room can also be complemented with elegant curtains with flounces, on which you can “seat” decorative butterflies or place miniature bows. Especially such beauty will be appreciated by young princesses.
