French curtains for two windows in the bedroom. French curtains. Designing and sewing French curtains with your own hands. Provence - French country

This type of curtain is of the cascade type. They have a special difference - they are assembled along the entire length to the floor itself. This option is ideal for large windows.

French curtains: chic, comfort, luxury

To make such curtains, a special fabric is used, which must have elastic properties, because it is very important that the drapery lies softly and smoothly. The design of French curtains presupposes chic and elegance, so such curtains are decorated with an abundance of ruffles and ruffles.

The original intention of using such a luxurious accessory was to give the room splendor and wealth. It is worth saying that today the purpose of using such curtains remains the same. Roman blinds are a flat fabric and have the same folds as French ones. They fit very compactly into a window opening or above it. Special strips help achieve clear lines. The chain mechanism is used to assemble curtains.

French curtains are so memorable that they are almost impossible to confuse with any other models. For example, the French curtain, which is called “Marquise”, is a transparent fabric that consists of draped folds. Looking at such curtains, it may seem that any additional decorations will weigh down or oversaturate the product, but no, the peculiarity of French curtains is the presence of flounces, tassels, fringe or beads. To choose the right accessory, you need to take into account the interior of the room and its purpose. It's important to choose the right material and a curtain model.

French curtain in the interior

It is worth noting what types of French curtains there are. They are conventionally divided into stationary and with a lifting mechanism. In the first case, the curtain is stationary and is not suitable for moving or lifting. Such options are often made of organza or chiffon, and their function is similar to that of tulle. Curtains with a lifting mechanism are more popular. They can be easily lifted required height and fix in the same position.

When choosing curtains, it is very important to take into account the features of the room. French curtains are ideal for the bedroom. When choosing a model of such curtains, you should definitely take into account functional purpose curtains For example, for a bedroom where the windows face the sunny side, the best combination there will be translucent tulle and thick curtains in dark shades. A win-win option would be roller blinds, the height of which can be adjusted at will.

Relatively color palette, then gentle ones are best suited for the bedroom, light colors: beige, pastel, powder. Gently blue, green, muted burgundy and purple will fit perfectly. This range will help create harmony and give a feeling of peace. The material from which the curtains are made should preferably be natural, possibly with a small amount of synthetic fibers. This will prevent dust accumulation and static effect. Natural fabrics are also highly permeable fresh air, which is simply necessary for healthy sleep.

French curtains can also be used for the living room and kitchen. Translucent organza, which has virtually no folds, is perfect for the kitchen.

If you want to decorate your kitchen interior with luxurious, but at the same time light and practical curtains, pay attention to the models of French curtains. They are a solid fabric, the length of which can be adjusted at your discretion by tucking the fabric into lush scallop folds using vertical braid. By choosing French curtains for the kitchen, they can be used either independently or 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 palace pomp.

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 the spectacular textiles began to be used in the design of theater stages. 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 home - from the interior of a romantic bedroom to a cozy kitchen.

Light and airy draperies in french style

5 reasons to hang French curtains in the kitchen:

1. Short draperies do not block access to the window and sill, but thanks to the spectacular festoons they look much more respectable than Roman or roll structures.
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 kitchen interior

1. The number and splendor of the folds can be varied at your discretion, so the “French” ones look great both on a small narrow window and on a wide opening.
2. Thanks to the lush folds, the French curtain covers 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 complement both for expensive historical interiors (classic, baroque, renaissance, empire), and for kitchens decorated in the spirit of cozy country, romantic Provence or elegant English style.

Lush festoons in a classic kitchen interior

Note! Many people confuse Austrian and French curtains, because the models are really similar in the shape of the folds, the lifting principle and the solid fabric. The difference is that French curtains have scallops that run along their entire length and do not completely straighten out even when the curtain is lowered. And the Austrian ones form folds only in the lower part of the canvas.

Types of lifting curtains

Choosing fabric for sewing curtains

French curtains for the kitchen can be of any length - as practical short curtains to the window sill, 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 shape of the folds (the heavier the fabric, the more clearly defined the arcs will be). Dense soft fabrics will fall in smooth “waves”, and the lungs will help form lush “clouds”.

Colored transparent textures perfectly diffuse 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 textiles with multi-colored braid

As for colors, curtains can be any color of the rainbow, although preference is usually given to white and other neutral tones. But textiles with a pattern are rarely used, because when the curtain is lifted, the beauty of the pattern can be lost in the folds. But if you really want to liven up your kitchen interior with a colorful print, use light-colored fabric with a repeating colorful pattern (polka dots, checkered patterns, flowers).

Floral motifs in the kitchen interior

Can be used for sewing plain fabrics different colors

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

Scalloping systems

Distinctive feature French curtains - a cascade of smooth arched festoons. IN classic version curtains are mounted on profile cornices, which allows the formation of 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 - the curtains are raised using a system of several cords and rings.

1. Automatic - just flip a switch or press a button remote control to activate the roller, which will rotate and gather the curtain onto the desired height on one's own.

Operating principle of automatic lift

Note! The simplest design“French” 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 decor for a window in the kitchen, you can sew french curtains on one's own. 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 when sewing any curtains is 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 you should add a margin of 1.3-1.5 in order to beautifully drape the opening with fabric and leave a seam allowance.
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. The coefficient of assembly depends on the type of textile, the pomp 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 - by no less than 2.5.
4. The number of strips with scallops - the length of the cornice should be divided into 4-5 equal sections (or more - depending on the size of the window).

An example of fabric calculation for French curtains in the kitchen:

Given: 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: multiply the length to the window sill by 2.5 (assembly factor for lush festoons). 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 sheets. But if you can find required material in a narrow roll, 80 cm wide, it will be ideal option for the beginning seamstress. According to our calculations, such material will need 17.6 meters (4.4 m * 4 canvases) with the width of each row of folds being 35-40 cm.

Scheme for calculating the material depending on the number of festoons

In addition to the fabric, you will need a cornice for attaching lifting curtains, a ring and a roll of nylon cord - all of this can be bought at a sewing accessories store. And, of course, you can’t do without a home craftsman’s kit - sewing machine, scissors, thread, needles/pins and a measuring ruler with chalk for marking.

Sewing 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 darts in the right places of the drapery, and also to correctly fasten 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 required width of the curtain.
2. Lay out the resulting whole canvas on a table or other flat surface.
3. Make markings, indicating with chalk the location of the central lines of the scallops, taking into account seam allowances (5 cm at the bottom and sides, and at the top according to the width of the curtain tape or Velcro).
4. Finish the bottom and side edges by folding the fabric twice and secure the fold with an even stitch.

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

1. Now all that remains is to form the festoons. To do this, on the sides, along the seams that fasten the stripes and along the marking of the center of the scallops, you need to lay a French (or linen) seam, with large stitches through which you can pass the gathering cord. The second option is to buy ready-made braid with stitches in a sewing accessories store (the so-called “awning” tape) and attach to the wrong side of the product with a regular stitch.

Note! For a curtain under a two-meter cornice from our example, consisting of four pieces of fabric, you will need 9 seams and 9 175 cm pieces of cord.

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

Pattern for sewing French curtains with your own hands

1. We make a bend at the top edge, then attach a fastener to it - curtain tape or one of the sides of teasel. After this, we adjust the width of the product to the size of the cornice.

At this stage, you can complete the assembly - the curtain is already ready. All that remains is to smooth the fabric, attach it to the hooks of the curtain rod or align the sides of the teasel tape on mounting strip. But if you want a moving curtain rather than a static one, 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 fastenings are not visible from the front side, it is necessary to make indents - at least 5 cm at the bottom, and 12-15 cm at the top. Also, the rings need to be attached to the sides and seams of the towels in increments of 15-30 cm.

Important! The pitch 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 tassels, beaded fringe, decorative stones or bugles). After this, all that remains is to thread the pieces of nylon cord through all the rings.

This is done like this:

• The first piece is inserted 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 brought out to the right side.

Note! The length of the cord will consist of the sum of two curtain lengths 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 eaves and out to the right.

• All other cords are carried out in the same way, after which their free ends on the right side of the curtain are woven into a beautiful braid 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 speeded up if you buy ready-made “awning” tape with rings already sewn on.

Ready-made braid for French lift curtains

Video: step-by-step master class

Methods for attaching French curtains

Like any lifting curtains, French models can be attached directly to window frame using adhesive tape, hang it on the curtain rod by hooks and even directly on the bar (if the loops of the curtain tape are wide enough). But, unlike roller and Roman designs, lush festoons require free space. Therefore, you should not attach French curtains directly to plastic windows, and as shown in the photo - on a strip along the edge of a window opening or on a cornice.

Types of holders for French curtains:

1. Plank equipped with adhesive tape – 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 system for wall mount

1. A special curtain rod for lifting curtains has small loops, hooks, a recess or cavity for lacing, which adjusts the height of the curtain. This holder is very convenient for DIY models - you don’t have to invent a way to disguise and evenly place the cords on top of the curtain.
2. Cornice with lifting mechanism – ready-made solution for French curtains, already equipped with a system of cords that simply need to be threaded through the rings, and an adjustable chain.

Fastening for French curtains on a cornice with a chain system:

Fastening for French curtains on the cornice

Note! You can replace the finished cornice with a piece of metal profile or wooden beam, onto which one of the strips of teasel tape should be glued or nailed with small nails (the second part is sewn to the curtain). Additionally such homemade holder wrapped in fabric or painted in the color of the walls or curtains.

French curtains in the kitchen interior are an excellent alternative to regular tulle and a real decoration for 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 into needlework or simply haven’t had time to acquire sewing machine- no problem. This 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

Overly pretentious and inappropriate in modern houses. This is not entirely true. Awnings fit organically into a residential interior if its atmosphere matches their sophisticated aristocratic character. Especially when it comes to the bedroom.

What fabric to choose for French curtains?

The photo shows an example of a combination of French curtains with straight curtains. Both types of these curtains complement each other perfectly.

The bedroom is the territory of the most intimate aspects of human life. The sophisticated sensuality of French curtains does not look excessive in her interior. And if less lush varieties of awnings are most often chosen for rooms such as the kitchen and children's room, then for the bedroom there are never too many voluminous, cascading folds on the curtains.

The photo shows an example of the use of French curtains in a classic bedroom interior. Warm colors I create an atmosphere of comfort and privacy.

To fully reveal the aesthetic possibilities of “French women,” they are sewn from thin and well-draped materials with a shiny, smooth surface, such as silk, muslin, cambric, and organza. Their colors should match the color of the bedroom. Most suitable for strong and good sleep Natural natural colors and all shades of pastel are considered.

It is desirable that the fabric be plain. Selecting a pattern that will not get lost or distorted in the numerous festoons of French curtains is not an easy task. But if you are confident in your design abilities, you can experiment with prints. Sometimes, well-chosen stripes or checks look very impressive on awnings.

How to choose French curtains for your bedroom design?

As we have said more than once, under the general name “French curtains” there are two, similar in appearance, but models differing in functionality: stationary and lifting. Both can be of different lengths.

Stationary curtains are not equipped with a lifting mechanism. Most often they are sewn from light, light-transmitting materials and used as tulle in spacious rooms with high ceilings.

Lifting curtains are equipped with a special mechanism that allows you to adjust their length and the density of their folds. If you raise such a curtain higher, it will resemble a lambrequin. Lifting awnings are more versatile than stationary ones and are suitable for rooms of any size.

To avoid the feeling of an overabundance of textiles and closed space, it is better to decorate a bedroom with two or more windows and a door to the terrace or balcony. different models single fabric awning. At the very large window You can hang a stationary curtain up to the window sill, and a lifting one on the door.

Short curtains made from the floor are suitable for windows in small rooms. transparent fabric. Long blackout curtains will visually reduce the already small space. In addition, in many bedrooms, especially small size, place a table, chair or bedside table near the window. In this case long curtain no use either. And so that transparent fabric protects the room from prying eyes, lay it on
frequent and lush folds.

If the new French curtains seem too simple and modest to you, complement them with twisted cords, beads or braid. And to make the decor look justified, decorate with similar accessories a couple of items in the room, for example, pillows and a bedspread. This simple technique will help unite the interior space.

For a small arched window in a bedroom with classic interior It is difficult to find suitable curtains. Hang a golden brocade awning on it. Even small and narrow window, framed as “real” French marquise gives ordinary bedroom aristocratic chic.

It is difficult to spoil the interior with French curtains. They are able to withstand and smooth out many errors and inaccuracies in its design. And it’s very easy to check how well they are selected. If you wake up cheerful and rested in your updated bedroom, then everything has been done correctly.

French curtains- this is a type of curtains consisting of several separate sections, each of which has many lush folds of fabric falling down. By decorating the windows with French curtains, the room is instantly filled with luxury. As a rule, there are folds of fabric along the entire height of the curtain, which allows you to create exquisite design any window opening.

Designer: Tkachenko Alexandra

History of origin

French curtains came to us from the era of the dominance of solemn classicism. Distinctive Features Such curtains are pompous and emphasized luxury. French curtains, with their many light draperies, are associated with royal apartments, 18th-century castles and, of course, theater curtains. Traditionally, French curtains were used in rooms for receiving guests, state rooms to give the room greater solemnity - both in public and private interiors. Despite the fact that more than three centuries have passed, French curtains are still in demand in interior decoration.

At first, French curtains were often decorated with lace, the main thing was more ruffles. Nowadays, they are more often made from transparent elastic so that the drapery lies in smooth folds.

Mechanism and installation

French curtains are very easy to use; they are a single piece of fabric with airy, lush, flowing folds. Cords are threaded through rows of loops along the bottom edge, and when they are pulled together, scallops are formed. The folds in a French curtain are preserved along the entire length, regardless of whether the curtain is raised or lowered - this is what distinguishes a French curtain from an Austrian one.

Curtains can be lifting or static. Static curtains hang motionless and cannot be moved in any direction or lifted up. They are made, as a rule, from light translucent fabrics, for example, chiffon, organza, and perform the function of tulle.

Second – lift curtains - the most common. They have adjustment sunlight carried out using a lifting rotary-chain mechanism - they simply rise to the top of the window and are secured with a special clamp. At the same time, when raised upward, more folds are formed and the curtains become more magnificent, gathering into beautiful “clusters”.

Product length can be different: both up to the floor and covering only the window opening. Shortened versions of such curtains, which reach the window sill, and the lower part of the wall under the window remains open, are ideal for the kitchen.

Fabric, patterns and decor of French curtains

To make French curtains, silk is used (displaced in lately polyester), as well as translucent tulle.

Textile For this type of curtains, translucent and light textures are mainly used, such as silk, cambric, wool, muslin, moire, satin. If we talk about color scheme, then they often choose light-colored fabric pastel colors(beige, peach, cream, pale blue), but very often French curtains are made from white fabrics. French curtains look noble not only individually, but also combine perfectly in composition with classic curtains or lambrequins, can be emphasized with decorative braid or fringe.

Frills, ribbons and ruffles create a visual illusion of volume, refracting light, creating an elegant home comfort. Satin or silk folds effectively emphasize the grace and nobility of curtains of a unique French design.

Rooms and style

Such decoration windows will do For classic style . They are also suitable for rooms decorated in the Empire style with its pomp and chic, as well as in luxury styles Baroque and neoclassicism.

In the living room they will represent comfort, in the bedroom- romance, office they will give presentability, and kitchen – luxury. For each room it is better to choose the appropriate fabric and model of French curtains. For example, curtains with an abundance of ruffles and flounces made of soft draping fabric pastel colors perfect for the bedroom. In the living room, you can combine light draperies in combination with heavy curtains. But French curtains for the kitchen can be made of translucent organza, have a minimum of folds and floral patterns.

French curtains in the interior look best in spacious rooms, since in a room with modest dimensions such chic curtains cannot reach their full potential.

Photos of interiors with French curtains:

The whole world admires French curtains, and for many centuries their style has been considered a sign of prosperity and prestige, wealth and solidity. Curtains can not only emphasize the high cost of decoration, but also demonstrate the impeccable taste of the owner of an apartment or house.

French curtains are well-known curtains, often decorating wedding palaces, concert halls, halls in cultural centers and others public institutions. They appeared back in the 18th century in France, and were used only in the palaces and reception chambers of kings and other rich nobility. This is due to the fact that such luxurious curtains required a lot of fabric, it was high quality and very expensive.

Today, at great variety materials on the market, any connoisseur of medieval interior decoration can afford to sew or purchase ready-made French curtains. In this article we have collected detailed information about what French curtains are, what is the best material to make them from and where to hang them.

What are French curtains

French curtains are a large rectangular sheet of fabric, assembled along its entire length in uniform lush folds, forming scallops. Initially, according to history, French curtains were static; today they are equipped with a curtain rod with a lifting mechanism, which greatly simplifies their use, because such curtains themselves cannot be moved to the sides and open the window.

Although previously the French curtain was exclusively up to the floor, now its length can be different: to the floor, to the window sill, and just below the window sill. And you can hang such lush curtains not only on large windows in a spacious room, but also in more modest apartments. The French women decorated and continue to decorate ceremonial occasions with fringes and tassels.

Materials for French curtains

French curtains in the interior can be either made of transparent fabric for the day or made of thick fabric for the night. In any case, the choice of material for such curtains must be taken responsibly so that the legendary decoration looks presentable and dignified.

To make French curtains, you will need much more fabric than for ordinary curtains, so before purchasing material you should determine exactly whether this decor suits your interior or not, do you like curtains with lush scallops?

For curtains

The most important thing in the presentation of French curtains is the beauty and splendor of the folds, and only high-quality fabrics can cope with this and they must have the following properties: lightness, density, softness and pliability for draperies. Here is a list of the best fabrics for elegant curtains:

• organza;
• veil;
• chiffon;
• silk;
• muslin.

Organza is a dense fabric and the folds on it are very clear and even, and it also has a shiny coating over the entire surface, which will help convey all its beauty to the curtains and bring us as close as possible to the era of the reign of King Louis XIV. Voile and chiffon are lighter fabrics in structure and the folds on such curtains will be airy. Muslin is a natural material and very thin, so if you want to make French curtains from it, you should take into account that the folds may not be as pompous as with organza, but simpler.

French curtains can be either an independent decoration on the windows or combined with thick curtains of a classic cut.

French curtains from thick fabric can decorate your window at night. The material for such decoration needs to be very dense in order to darken the room well, and soft, forming graceful folds.

It could be:

• velvet;
• atlas;
• cotton or linen;
• wool for curtains.

A velvet French curtain, as in the photo below, is always rich and luxurious; the only disadvantage of such fabric is the rapid accumulation of dust. Satin looks solemn because of its shimmer in the light, and its soft texture allows the formation of folds. Natural cotton or linen fibers can also be used in French curtains and decorate the interior, especially since they are highly breathable.

There is no need for additional curtains for thick French curtains, as this will overload the window and the entire decor.

Fabric color

Depending on your interior and its color range you can choose French curtains of any color. Most often these are monochromatic models, since the pattern can simply get lost in numerous folds. To give a solemn atmosphere to the room, snow-white, gold or milky curtains are suitable. Blue and light green shades look more gentle and romantic. For blackout curtains, it is better to choose more dark shades: burgundy, blue, brown, red.

Application in the interior

Today, in order to hang aristocratic curtains at home, it is not necessary to decorate the entire room in the style of a royal castle, but it is still worth considering some points to create a harmonious image.

Kitchen

Often hung in the kitchen french blinds short cut, it is very convenient if they are equipped with a lifting cornice. In general, the kitchen interior can be in a modern way, then the fabric will be simple: a light transparent veil, plain or with a small pattern. This window decor will be complemented by a contrasting color lambrequin and tassels along the lower edge.

In a spacious bedroom you can hang long French organza curtains and complement the look with thick classic curtains. If the window is located above the bed or sofa, then short French women will be very useful. As for colors, the choice is entirely yours. Psychologists advise using a minimum of contrasting combinations in the rest room and choosing calm colors: beige, sand, muted green or blue.

In the bedroom, roller blinds are more relevant than ever - French on this photo fits perfectly into a classic interior

The living room is the central place in any home, where guests are received and family holidays are held. Therefore, an appropriate atmosphere should reign. Formal curtains with many folds will perfectly cope with the function holiday decor and meet your expectations. If there are two or more windows on one wall in the living room, then you can hang one wide curtain the width of the entire wall. Or you can decorate each window with separate sets of curtains with additional drapes.

Lush lambrequins with flounces, fringe and tassels emphasize the high cost of curtains and decorations.

French curtains are a unique and non-standard way to decorate the windows in your home. With them correct selection For specific room you will create an atmosphere of celebration and comfort at home.