Curtains in the bedroom: varieties, design options and recommendations for selection
The conversation about the design of bedrooms can take a long time. But they usually talk about furniture, about various decorative objects, floor and wall coverings, ceilings. But the use of curtains also deserves close attention.
Peculiarities
Until recently, many believed that the repair and arrangement of the bedroom can be carried out "on a leftover basis." Everything was reduced to the convenience of the bed for a good sleep and to a simple passage to this bed. But times are changing, and it's time to raise the aesthetic bar. When choosing curtains for the bedroom and, in general, forming the composition in the room, it is necessary to achieve the formation of conditions for full-fledged leisure. Much depends on what basic materials are used in the room.
A house built from wood and materials derived from it usually implies the use of natural curtains. Their style should also express natural motives. There are many more design options in other rooms.
By varying the texture and texture of the fabric, various options for draperies and fastenings, you can find the perfect solution without any problems.
Quite a lot of people prefer to be guided by the oriental principles of feng shui when choosing the same curtains. It makes no sense now to discuss how justified they are - it is better to see what conclusions can be drawn from them. According to the canons of feng shui, thick curtains that are impervious to light should be used in the bedroom. They can help you relax and help you go to sleep faster. Physiologists and professional designers generally agree with this recommendation.
However, the creators of feng shui schools go further - they recommend paying attention to the color of the curtains, taking into account the "insulation" or "cooling" of the interior, depending on the chosen tone.
The size of the curtains should be large enough to cover the window and reach the floor. The optimal, according to the teachings of Feng Shui, is a round cut. Folds and draperies should appear in any position. Opening and closing the curtains should be smooth.
Views
If ordinary curtains made of light or dense tulle seem too boring and inexpressive, you should give preference to French curtains. These products embody all the charm of the old Versailles palace. The aristocratic design has its own name - the marquise. Another option for replacing classic (one-sided) curtains is double-sided curtains. There is nothing complicated about them, they are just two pieces of fabric, sewn back to meet.
Since the front surfaces are outside on both sides, darkening the room is most effective.
The lifespan of the double-sided curtain is longer than that of conventional options. It can even become a substitute for a cloth with lambrequins. The material for a double-sided curtain is selected as high quality as possible, its density can vary greatly. Additionally, the advantages of such a solution are:
expansion of space in the bedroom;
harmonious entry into any design project;
excellent compatibility with decorative details;
ease of varying light in the room;
protection of objects in the room from sunlight.
The double-sided curtain can be used in the usual classics, and in the baroque, and even in the rococo style. Depending on the choice of consumers, there are sliding and fixed curtains. Some double curtains are made from lightweight fabrics. Multi-layer curtains also deserve attention. They look original and attractive.
Layers can be created from a variety of curtains. However, solutions that match in color or in type of fabric are also quite appropriate. Another option is to hang curtains with draperies, hooks and other accessories. The most important element of a multi-layer curtain is a curtain made of extra dense fabric. Usually tapestry or velvet is used for it.
It is not at all necessary to use white tulle. It is allowed to use tulle that matches the tone of the curtain or with the general design concept.
Multilayer curtains in large rooms are complemented with multi-tiered lambrequins or atypical grabs. To create an unusual effect, different colors are combined. Another way to achieve the same result is to use a play of textures.
The curtains installed under the ceiling cornice deserve special attention. Some of them create the illusion of a double canvas. To do this, a differently colored strip is sewn to the main part of the curtain. Then money is saved not only on matter, but also on the cornice (not a triple, but a double cornice is purchased).
Some connoisseurs, instead of the usual construction for the ceiling, choose an arch curtain. For her, pieces of fabric are used 2-3 times longer than the cornice itself. The more accurate figure depends on the build ratio. The more folds and the more intricate the drapery, the greater this coefficient will be.
The upper straight line is usually covered with a curtain tape, which allows you to embroider a quality curtain. This approach is used by both professional ateliers and home craftsmen.
Full-fledged triple curtains deserve attention. They are considered to be the most suitable for satisfying the aesthetic needs of most people. There are a wide variety of tonalities and geometric solutions. Different layers may differ:
width;
total length;
key;
texture of the material.
Regardless of the specific option, the cornice should match the overall spirit of the space.The use of eaves made of metal, wood, plastic of various grades is practiced. The most important requirement in any case will be reliability and sufficient functionality. Therefore, there is one universal rule - where there is a triple curtain, the cornice should also be of a triple type.
Only in this case, the load from the material will be evenly distributed and the support will withstand the suspended fabrics.
Sometimes there are curtains hanging on hinges. This solution is less common than the classic installation methods. That is why it stands out for its external unusualness, immediately attracts attention. The loop curtain is simple and easy to work with. Such a product can be used in any room, harmoniously adapting to the interior.
Hinge fastening is considered more beautiful than the traditional method. When the fabrics of curtains and hinges coincide, the situation becomes more organic. Contrasting elements can look amazing too. Replacing worn hinges is easy.
Moving the canvas along the eaves can be done easily and without unnecessary noise.
If you use atypical buttonholes, you can create an accent composition even against the background of a monochrome fabric. Sometimes loops are combined with:
application;
ruffles;
grabs;
other decorative details.
Hanging curtains are suitable not only for the bedroom, but also for any other room. They will look appropriate in almost any style. Even the heaviest fabric will hold onto the hinges securely. As for the disadvantage of such an attachment (destruction of tissue with frequent use), this is not too significant. Indeed, in any case, the loop will lose its qualities only after a long time.
Classic loops are simply sewn onto the curtain itself. A more perfect version is fastened with buttons.
You can always unfasten such fasteners and wash or iron the canvas itself without any problems. Preparing it again for use is also not difficult. In some cases, thread fasteners are used, which may look original.
There are also various strings - braid, ribbon. Drawstring curtains are used in bedroom styles:
shabby chic;
provence;
retro;
romance.
A coarse rope tie is used when the room is decorated in the spirit of a loft or ultra-modern styles. As for the Velcro loops, their most important advantage is the ease of removing the curtains. The fasteners themselves are more reminiscent of classic loops (in the case of light curtains). For hanging powerful dense curtains, reinforced Velcro is used.
Many other types of mounts can be used, created by designers at their discretion.
When selecting loops, you need to pay attention to:
mechanical strength of the fabric;
the optimal distance between the individual attachment points (otherwise the canvas will sag);
compliance with the general stylistic concept (including the principle of contrast).
An important gradation of curtains is models for the whole wall and for one window. If the structure occupies the entire wall, the curtain is usually attached almost to the very joints (corners).
Materials (edit)
Whatever type of curtains is needed, it is also necessary to take into account the peculiarities of the material from which they are made. Natural silk is much more aesthetically pleasing than synthetic fabrics. The delicacy of silk fabrics and, at the same time, their impressive strength immediately inspire confidence.
It is appropriate to use a silk curtain in any interior. Experts believe that it is advisable to use silk curtains only in rooms facing north.
The disadvantages of silk are:
easy creasing;
burnout in the sun;
unsuitable for machine washing.
Matting curtains can be very interesting to look at. Contrary to popular belief, they are used not only in environmental design. This fabric is characterized by a combination of density, mechanical strength and lightness.Depending on the choice of the consumer, their surface is monochromatic or decorated with prints.
What is important, the matting hardly ignites.
This fabric helps contain noise and is soft. It is very easy to look after her. The mat allows you to use a wide variety of mounting options. It can be combined with lighter materials. But such a combination must be very well thought out, otherwise it will not be possible to realize the characteristic advantage of the matting - its visual rudeness.
Another matter "with a long history" is the atlas. Consumers appreciate it for its extremely flat and smooth surface. The atlas is moderately dense. In its pure form, it is quite expensive. To reduce costs, the main fabric is mixed with:
viscose;
synthetic fibers;
cotton.
It is important in modern conditions that the atlas does not collect static electricity and almost does not provoke allergic reactions.
Satin curtains wear out little. However, they will be quite heavy and require very careful fastening.
Cotton is considered a good alternative to satin. It is widely used when sewing home interior textiles.
The most affordable type of cotton fabric is chintz. In many cases, it is decorated with expressive designs. Satin will be a little more expensive, which shines about the same as satin. The satin curtain is very easy to drape. The mercerized canvas has a very beautiful shine and almost does not fade even in the bright sun.
Linen curtains are often used. It is a little rough, but prized for its exceptional durability. Linen curtains are recommended for rustic and eco-style. You will have to pay a lot for flax, but this is a reasonable price.
Special solutions in the finishing of curtains allow making both dense and openwork curtains from linen fibers.
The use of flax is popular because of its minimal allergenicity and increased strength. However, it wrinkles intensively and does not smooth out well. A washed linen curtain will shrink right away. Artificial materials also deserve attention. A good option is viscose, derived from cellulose.
Unscrupulous companies often pass it off as natural fabrics. Viscose fiber is absolutely safe for health, and it is pleasant to touch it. It is hard to believe that such a comfortable canvas can be created from hard and rough wood. Viscose is not susceptible to the accumulation of static charges, it is not difficult to drape it. Air easily passes through this material, but it is fragile when wet.
Of synthetics, polyester is also noteworthy. In its pure form, it is rarely used - usually this fabric is mixed with other synthetic and natural fibers.
This fabric wears out little and tolerates heavy pollution well. Polyester is easy to care for. However, in some cases, it provokes allergies and is susceptible to the accumulation of static electricity.
Acrylic competes well with natural materials, which is quite rare for synthetic substances. Acrylic curtains are completely safe for health, outwardly attractive and able to harmoniously fit into any interior. They differ:
minimal allergenicity;
long service;
easy care;
impermeability to air;
a tendency to build up static electricity;
increased hardness under the influence of sunlight.
Nylon curtains are also widely used.
A complex polymerization process creates a very thin and strong material. At the same time, it is also soft and, judging by the reviews, looks like silk.
Nylon is twice as strong as silk and resistant to wear and tear, and lighter in addition. But nylon curtains can trigger allergies and prevent proper ventilation.
Blackout has a very good reputation for blended fabrics. It is a multi-layer polyester fabric. The blackout does not let in sunlight, which makes it possible to guarantee the isolation of the room from the heat. The side facing the room can be finished with any texture. It is customary to divide blackout into two main types - three-layer and two-layer with a special coating.
Occasionally, curtains are made of taffeta, which is a combination of:
viscose;
acetate;
cotton;
silks;
polyester.
Taffeta is characterized by rigidity, elegance and increased density. At the same time, it looks like a light fabric that can harmoniously fit even into a medium-sized room. It is successfully used when sewing curtains, curtains and lambrequins.
A very important property is also resistance to sunlight. As for jacquard, this fabric can consist of both natural and synthetic fibers.
Jacquard is not a specific substance or compound, but a type of weaving. Consumers note that the jacquard ornament is equally attractive both from the face and from the inside. Depending on the composition, the price of matter and its attractiveness for a particular interior depend. The problem with jacquard is that it wrinkles. You can use other materials for the bedroom, but the listed options should be considered first.
Consider as an alternative:
gabardine;
organza;
curtain fabrics.
Design options
Cafe-type curtains are becoming a fairly stylish choice. Initially, they were used to decorate restaurants, bistros and similar establishments. To create a home atmosphere, the curtains are covered with various patterns:
floral ornament;
graceful floral pattern;
animalistic motives;
checkered compositions.
Cafe curtains are relatively short and should be hung in the middle of the window.
Therefore, experts advise to purchase suitable cornices in advance. According to a number of experienced designers, cafe curtains should be preferred in the style of Provence or another version of the country.
One of the trendy modern curtain design ideas is the "French" design. It is appropriate where the bedroom is large enough.
The French approach involves using:
silks;
atlas;
muslin;
less often tulle and moire.
The common feature of such materials is lightness and translucency. All curtains have several sections containing curvy folds. French curtains are unusual enough to look harmonious even in the most sophisticated and elite interiors.
But the Roman style is aimed primarily at creating a light and airy atmosphere.
Unfolded Roman shades are completely straight, after folding they are covered with horizontal folds.
These products are designed to protect against excessive heat and sunlight. Austrian curtains can be simpler, but no less interesting. They are characterized by lush folds. Usually in the "Austrian" versions, materials with an airy texture are used. Such curtains can be easily applied in any traditional interior, not only in the bedroom, but also in the dining room and in the guest area.
Among the attractive design innovations is the Color block curtains. This composition is formed by several color combinations. Color block makes the environment livelier and richer.
With these curtains, you can set pronounced color accents in the room. But the Japanese original models are distinguished by simple execution and laconism, elegance of appearance.
The Japanese approach implies the use of strictly natural substances. A combination of two or more textures is allowed. The canvases included in the system must be of the same size. They are attached to multi-layer cornices. Japanese curtains are recommended for minimalist bedrooms with large windows.
The pleated curtain is something like a hybrid of conventional curtains and blinds.A cloth is placed on the planks made of plastic. This solution makes the room warmer and more comfortable. Floral print curtains are a good alternative., among which there are very chic samples. But the drawing should be discreet, moderation of the composition is very important.
An overly flashy floral print can annoy people, especially after a few months, when the initial effect of novelty wears off.
Asymmetric curtains are often used. When chosen correctly, the design idea can be easily supported. This is exactly the solution that will not go unnoticed in any home. Asymmetry will help transform and adjust the properties of the room at your discretion.
It is necessary to use asymmetric curtains:
for windows with bay windows, in the form of a trapezoid or triangle;
to create a dynamic and lively environment;
to correct poor room geometry;
to correct the unjustified displacement of the window from the middle of the wall.
Sometimes they combine a classic curtain and an asymmetric lambrequin.
A similar combination is done on the entire wall and helps to eliminate the disadvantages of a narrowed room. But there are a number of situations where an asymmetrical curtain is unacceptable.
So, in a very small room, it unnecessarily burdens the space. Where there are already enough bright and expressive accents, another aesthetic addition can create a chaotic feeling.
In a classical setting, asymmetry often contradicts the general concept. It should be selected by very experienced designers, otherwise serious mistakes are inevitable. You also need to remember that traditional straight curtains are the only acceptable option in the style of hi-tech and minimalism. If the interior is designed in a classic spirit, you can use traditional styles with fringes and tassels.
Fringe immediately makes the curtain more elegant and gives it a "fun" home look. In recent years, a deviation from the canon has begun, suggesting the use of such an element only on the lower edge of the canvas. Many designers, developing original textiles, present designs with fringes sewn onto the bottom 2/3 of the curtains. The use of colored and one-color fabrics is allowed. Regardless of the specific nuances, a feeling of luxury and pomp will immediately be created.
Color solutions
It is quite important to know, of course, the peculiarities of the color scheme of curtains in the bedroom. Both one-sided and two-sided solutions are rarely painted black, because there are not too many fans of a frankly gloomy interior. But beige paint definitely falls into the number of proven classic options. You can safely choose any shade of it, including for curtain canvases.
The turquoise color is much more capricious and requires more careful handling. Its main advantage is its external similarity with the color of sea waves. This tone will create a sense of innocence and freshness. Lilac curtains are advised to choose those who want to make their room more comfortable.
As for floral prints, it hardly makes sense to consider them unfashionable and outdated.
Of course, embroidered daisies and bells have lost their relevance at the end of the last century. However, there are more modern solutions with roses, orchids and other subjects that fit harmoniously into any interior. In any case, the type of curtains should match the appearance of the room. You need to plan a general concept first, and only then select the curtains.
Photocurtains also deserve attention. This type of designer piece is popular with consumers of varying wealth. Photo printed curtains can be made from a wide variety of materials. Relatively recently, solutions have appeared made of special plastic or thick paper.
Returning to curtains with roses, it should be emphasized that they create a sense of genuine imperial luxury.
There are many options for these prints, but they all look graceful and give a great mood.
Popular are:
airy tulle with a characteristic pattern;
photocurtains with a floral print;
sets of paintings with flowers of different sizes.
As for curtains with hieroglyphs, this is perhaps the best solution for Chinese-style rooms. Usually they use fabrics made of cotton or silk of not too flashy colors. The hieroglyphic ornament is perfect for the formation of "Japanese" bedrooms.
In both cases, it is recommended to give preference to muted keys. Floral patterns are also welcome.
We take into account the style
Patchwork-style curtains have gained considerable popularity. It involves the use of dissimilar tissue grafts. They are combined into a single canvas. In a country style bedroom, linen curtains in warm tones will look good. The Provencal setting will be accentuated by curtains that create an exceptionally sophisticated feel.
Baroque canvases are used if the pomp of the interior is very important. Curtains of this style contain heavy fabrics and a lot of gold.
Rococo curtains also have a golden ornament. In the Art Nouveau style, you need to give up decorations and any small details, and they do the same when decorating a room in the spirit of minimalism. A high-tech curtain should look like a "chopped" one, with angular shapes.
How to choose?
When choosing curtains for a large window overlooking the sunny side, it is required to give preference to heavy, dense materials. But since it is usually required not only to limit, but to regulate the luminous flux, it is advisable to take a closer look at double and even triple options. Thick curtains will help on a hot day. Lighter tulle is used in relatively dark weather.
As for curtains for a semicircular window, the solution is simple - the curtain should repeat the opening on which it is hung.
When choosing a solution for a narrow window, it is necessary to use multi-layer curtains. They will definitely help make the reception visually wider. Alternative solutions would be:
transfers;
curtains;
products with lush elements.
It is quite difficult to select curtains for a corner window. There are several requirements:
accentuation of the original form;
the use of a special type of cornice;
obligatory lush appearance of the whole structure.
You also need to think about:
practicality of the product;
its service life;
compliance with the general style;
health safety.
How to hang?
Just compliance with the general principles of the interior, which helps to decorate the space, is not enough. It is also important to correctly install the structure, otherwise it is impossible to arrange the window. The bar is a classic. It can be made from a wide variety of materials. Grips, eyelets, hooks are not a bad choice.
But it is important to know something else - how to hang a curtain for 2 or 3 windows... Experts advise paying attention to the width of the pier. If it is 1 m or more, then you need to leave this space free, not to occupy it with fabric.
Better to pay attention to decor elsewhere. The bar itself should not be covered with lambrequins and draperies.
The curtain is attached to the string:
hooks;
clips;
holders.
This solution is optimal for thin fabrics with an airy structure. There is no need to close it with a lambrequin. The easiest way is to hang curtains on a baguette. Pickups can be used.
Any canvases and curtains look equally good on a baguette.
There are other ways:
aluminum profiles (hiding hooks and fasteners);
spacer cornices (allow you to do without drilling);
mounting boards.
Hooks will work with all but the heaviest types of canvas. Dense, heavy curtains are usually attached to rings. But the eyelets are obviously not suitable for light fabric. In bedrooms, it is sometimes also recommended to hang curtains on hinges.Clips may work for heavy to moderately heavy curtains, but can create puffs on fabric.
Beautiful examples
This photo shows how beautiful the combination of light yellow and darker curtains looks. Both are used both in direct form and in draperies. The darker part of the canvases corresponds in appearance to the decor of the sofa. And here another two-tiered combination is demonstrated - an impenetrable yellowish curtain comes out in front, there is a transparent white tulle behind. The curtains are arranged in two symmetrical groups on either side of the window.
For curtains that should not be used in the interior, see below.