French curtains (19 photos): beautiful design and window decoration

French curtains, or "marquises", became fashionable palace interiors in the XVII century, during the reign of King Sun of Louis XIV. The prevailing baroque style at that time assumed the illusion of expanding space, this task in the window decor was performed by curtains made of light white fabric collected by festoons. The rococo style that replaced Baroque created a chamber room facing inward, this effect was achieved by French curtains made of dense colored fabrics. Rational classicism logically organizes the interior, using a combination of thin and dense French curtains.

For centuries, French curtains in the interior create a special atmosphere of royal luxury, solemnity and wealth, which determines their use in theaters, restaurants, wedding palaces. French curtains will add refined style and aristocratic chic to the interior of an apartment or a country house.

Types and features of the device

French curtains of all kinds are made according to the same principle - using a prefabricated braid, which is sewn to the fabric from the wrong side at regular intervals. Then they tighten the cords, forming voluminous scallops. They are divided by function into light and dense, and by mechanism - lifting and static. But all types of French curtains do not provide for sliding along the sides of the window.

A static curtain is stationary over the entire width of the window; it is usually used as a tulle. For such curtains, light fabrics are selected that transmit light well. This provides a light scattering function without shading. Where the lifting gear is definitely not needed is in the bathroom.

Lifting French curtains are equipped with a mechanism that regulates the length of the canvas. In the raised position they can serve as a lambrequin. Modern design combines a thirst for simplicity and functionality with unusual visual effects. Lifting curtains from dark or bright fabrics that transmit light well will be just such a solution, additional window decoration is not required. When choosing lifting or electrically controlled French curtains, the cornice will be an integral technological part of the design, its design should also be in harmony with the interior.

Often French curtains do not differentiate with Austrian. The fundamental difference is that the festoons in the French curtains are located along the entire length, and in the Austrian only in the lower part.

Types of fabrics used for French curtains

The choice of fabrics from which French curtains can be made is quite rich, but not every fabric will do. The material should ensure the formation of volumetric, elegant and flowing folds. Light or dark, plain or with a pattern, a suitable fabric can be found for any design idea. Here is a list of fabrics that are most often used for French curtains:

• organza,
• batiste,
• veil,
• tulle,
• polyester
• muslin,
• silk,
• cotton,
• linen,
• brocade,
• velvet.

French curtains in a modern interior

Modern interior design is diverse, it does not dictate one particular style, but bears eclecticism, takes all the best from history and geography, transforming it into a unique space that reflects the tastes and interests of a person. The classic white marquise, if you hang it in the living room, will give an exquisite respectability and create ideal lighting for paintings, this will suit lovers of painting, it is not without reason that such window decoration is used in many museum halls.

For the kitchen, French curtains in the Provence style are suitable.The charm of the French province, expressed in light surfaces decorated with floral patterns, evokes a feeling of home comfort and warmth. Also, the Provence style will be a great solution for the bedroom of a young girl or a happy married couple. If you hang the marquises on the balcony and put at least one large indoor plant there, there will be a full winter garden in a city apartment. Window decoration with French curtains with an asymmetric lambrequin will reveal an extraordinary personality in the apartment owner, following the traditions of antiquity.

Rolled modern analogues of French curtains - accordion pleats, can be hung on a balcony or kitchen, where the greatest threat of dirt and dust, this will greatly facilitate the cleaning process. It is also better to choose roll versions for a children's room due to their functionality and convenience. A wide selection of colors and fabrics, which provide pleated blinds, allows you to create a unique window design that combines classic and modern.

Bedroom Design with French Curtains

The design of the bedroom is very important for any person, because it is there that rest hours are held. No matter what happens in the surrounding world, no matter what problems await at work, French curtains in the bedroom will create a feeling of well-being. The design of the bedroom window determines how exactly sunlight affects the awakening from sleep, the mood for the next day depends on it.

The choice of red curtains will set the couple in an erotic mood. French curtains with lambrequin in the Art Deco style will allow you to relax with a sense of sophisticated sophistication. Blue or green satin curtains are suitable for the bedroom of a free wealthy man. Curtains in the Provence style, chosen for the bedroom, will create the feeling of the very cherished “happily ever after”.

Kitchen design in Provence style

Provence style is relevant in modern interiors, as at home we strive for a sense of comfort and peace. Due to the high risk of contamination from fat, materials for curtains in the kitchen should be chosen more practical, for example, linen or polyester. Also, a functional solution would be to choose roller blinds in the Provence style. The addition of frills and ruffles will adorn the rustic style and add a touch of naivety to it. It will look good with a lambrequin decorated with French braid, fringe or bugle.

French Curtain Care

The main problem of caring for such curtains is dust, which accumulates in folds. A vacuum cleaner will help to cope with dust on dense fabrics. You can overcome the stains with a rag dipped in soapy water.

Curtains made of tulle or organza are machine washable in delicate washing mode. Velvet or brocade curtains are best left to dry cleaning specialists.