What are the curtain fabrics and how to choose them?
Curtains are a special type of curtains that decorate both windows and doors or openings. They are mainly made of heavy materials. The assortment of curtain fabrics is quite wide, so it is worth considering the most popular and deciding how to choose the right material.
What it is?
First you need to figure out what is meant by curtain fabric. It is a medium to high density material that is used as a curtain to protect window or door openings. One of the features of curtain fabrics is protection against:
- sun;
- wind;
- prying eyes.
Also, curtain fabrics play the role of decor, complementing the interior. It is interesting that the materials from which the curtains are made are also used for the manufacture of various tablecloths, covers for decorative pillows of all shapes and sizes, as well as for upholstering furniture. The result of using the same type of material is a complete and holistic interior, which makes the room cozy and welcoming.
It is worth noting that curtains were first used in the Middle Ages. They were originally used for draping doorways to protect rooms from drafts and unwanted sounds. Subsequently, curtains began to be used more as a decor.
Species overview
Curtains are made from different fabrics, among which there are both natural and synthetic materials. It is worth considering the most popular options that not only cope with the task at hand, but also do not require special care.
Atlas
It is considered the most noble material.Has a surface as close as possible to silk. In the design of the room, curtains will play one of the main roles, making the interior elegant and complete.
Silk
Silk is a sought-after material that is used as the main decoration for decorating luxurious interiors. Among the advantages of such curtains are:
- shine;
- overflows of material;
- rich appearance.
It is worth noting that under the active influence of the sun, the material begins to deteriorate rapidly, therefore, preference is usually given to its artificial variations.
Veil
It is a thin cotton cloth, the advantages of which include:
- monotony;
- the ability to use in any interior;
- harmlessness.
The material is absolutely non-toxic, does not cause allergies. Designers often use a veil to decorate a child's room.
Satin
Differs in a natural composition, which implies the content of cotton fibers. Outwardly, satin resembles a silk fabric, looks attractive and never goes out of fashion. Suitable for use in any premises.
Linen
Natural and completely environmentally friendly material, the advantages of which include:
- antibacterial effect;
- breathability;
- fungus resistance;
- service life up to 50 years.
Designers advise using linen to decorate children's rooms. Such curtains are also suitable for decorating premises in eco-style. Linen makes great curtains, especially if you use natural shades. Unfortunately, the material wrinkles and shrinks quickly after washing.
Taffeta
A thin material with a smooth surface, the curtains from which will give off a shiny overflow. Taffeta is based on fibers from:
- cotton;
- silks;
- acetate;
- polyester.
The peculiarity of the material lies in the possibility of obtaining a combination of multi-colored threads, which allows you to obtain different shades of curtains when viewed from different angles.
Chenille
Chenille is a jacquard fabric characterized by a velvety structure. For the manufacture of the material, multi-colored threads are used. Interestingly, chenille is used not only to create curtains, but also to make furniture upholstery.
Jacquard
A versatile material for curtains, which is suitable for decorating large halls, living rooms or bedrooms. Pros of jacquard:
- high density;
- long service life;
- natural production;
- high strength.
The peculiarity of jacquard is its increased resistance to temperature extremes and sudden changes in pressure. The material does not rot or age when exposed to sunlight. Among the jacquard fabrics, options are distinguished from one or more layers.
Blackout
Thin and at the same time quite dense fabric, resistant to external influences. It will perfectly protect the room from the penetration of sunlight, therefore, the material is often used in bedrooms or guest rooms.
Velvet
It has a dense and short pile, therefore it exhibits excellent performance characteristics. The material for curtains is in demand as a decoration for overall bedrooms and living rooms, as well as halls. Additionally, it is worth noting a few more materials that are used as curtains:
- Chanzalize. The composition of the fabric includes polyester, which is characterized by increased strength and resistance to various damages. The fabric is distinguished by a glossy front side and a rough back, covered with small specks.
- Plush. The peculiarity of the material is that it is surprisingly soft, but at the same time has a dense pile. Mostly plush curtains are used to decorate bedrooms, as the fabric perfectly absorbs the sun's rays and sounds, maintaining a calm atmosphere in the room.
- Brocade. We can say that this is more a decorative material made from a silk warp and metallized threads.Fancy patterns make the canvases attractive, allowing you to get original curtains for bedrooms and living rooms.
Not so long ago, curtains from monorrhea came into use. This is a beautiful fabric, which contains cotton and polyester fibers. It has a glossy shiny surface and a matte back, making it a competitor to silk and satin. Finally, curtains are sometimes sewn from matting, melange and velor.
There are many options, you just have to decide in advance on the design of future curtains.
Design options
The curtain fabric is suitable for the decoration of any premises, but it is worth carefully approaching the material. Basic recommendations for a comfortable and cozy design:
- On the kitchen it is worth hanging curtains made of practical canvases that will withstand high humidity and do not require special care. If we consider the design, then you can choose curtains with stripes, a cage or with a geometric pattern. Regular gray or white curtains will not work.
- In the nursery you can use bright curtains that will not fade even after several washes. Preference should be given to materials in bright blue, yellow or green shades so that the room evokes positive emotions in the child.
- Living room will accept luxurious and dense fabrics that will add richness to the interior and pleasantly surprise guests.
Additionally, you should pay attention to the color. If the design of the walls is monotonous, you can dilute it with bright curtains. If, on the contrary, the wallpaper has an ornament, a drawing, then preference should be given to more restrained monochromatic curtains in the Provence or classic style.
Correctly selected curtains are practical curtains that can protect a room from unwanted sounds, sunlight and the glances of strangers, and an important design element that will make a room even more attractive.
Popular manufacturers
The fabric market is represented by a large selection of materials produced by Turkish, Italian, Spanish, Russian and Belarusian manufacturers. Companies regularly release new materials and improve existing ones. To choose the right curtains, you should give preference to curtains from 4 well-known manufacturers both in Russia and abroad.
"Veles"
A popular manufacturer of luxury fabrics from Belarus. Differs in the release of high quality materials that can last a long time and not fade under the influence of sunlight. The textile company offers consumers a wide range of curtains in the style of:
- modern;
- classic;
- minimalism;
- high tech.
And this is not a complete list of available options. The advantages of Veles include affordable prices. At the same time, before launching on sale, each material passes all the necessary checks for compliance with the requirements of GOST.
"Cosiness"
A domestic company that literally 30 years ago started as a small company producing a small range of fabrics. Today "Uyut" offers its customers a wide range of textiles, among which curtains are popular.
In addition to fabrics in "Uyuta" you can also buy cornices and other components for the construction of a high-quality and reliable frame for curtains. The company regularly updates its assortment, releasing collections taking into account fashion trends.
"Helga"
The assortment of the company includes fabrics from:
- France;
- Italy;
- Turkey;
- Spain.
Curtain textiles are of high quality and resistance to external influences. It should be noted that the company has its own showroom, where you can see and touch the samples you like.
Togas
Produces curtains in demand among designers, as well as curtain rods and accessories for attaching curtains. The assortment of the company is represented by canvases of various shades and textures, with the help of which it will be possible not only to protect the room from external influences, but also to make the interior as comfortable as possible.
What to consider when choosing?
The choice of curtain fabric requires a responsible approach. Therefore, a few tips will be helpful.
- Dense canvases are best used in living rooms and halls with oversized windows, where the flow of sunlight is too abundant. For example, jacquard and velvet curtains are good options.
- If expensive furniture is installed in the room or dense upholstery is used, the fabrics should be as dense as possible to prevent damage to the material by the sun's rays. Therefore, it is better to choose in this case, for example, blackout.
- The width of the curtain fabric should be approximately 2.5 times the width of the cornice. Then it will be possible to achieve the ideal plasticity of the curtain and nice play on the folds.
- In the bedroom, the material of curtains and bedspreads should be the same. The same applies to curtains and tablecloths in the kitchen or upholstery and drapes in the living room.
- To decorate rooms with low ceilings, curtains with high density and drapery are often used. The result of this approach is the visual extension of the room.
Correctly selected material will perform two functions at once: protective and decorative. The curtains will fit into any interior and make the design as complete as possible.