French curtains first appeared in the mid-18th century in the living rooms of the European nobility, when the Rococo style prevailed in the interiors, and since then they have never gone out of fashion. In the Soviet Union, most of whose population lived in small-sized Khrushchev buildings, they were used mainly to decorate the windows of theaters, restaurants and large government agencies. IN modern Russia spacious apartments and private cottages are no longer rare, and French classics are experiencing a rebirth.
What interiors are French curtains suitable for?
The photo shows French curtains in combination with drapes in the interior of a classic living room.
Distinctive features of “French women” are fabric with shiny smooth surface, pomp, a huge number of horizontal folds cascading along the entire length, many accessories in the form of frills, braid, fringe, ribbons and ruffles. Such pompous curtains look only in spacious rooms, with high ceilings for which they were once created.
The most suitable for them are considered to be refined and romantic interiors, filled with household items in the style of the 18th-19th centuries and furnished with elaborate furniture without pronounced straight lines. Such as:
- Baroque,
- Rococo,
- Classicism,
- Empire style,
- Colonial,
- Neoclassical.
Of course, small interiors with romantic, but less pretentious interiors are also decorated with French curtains. But in this case, they use simplified versions, adapted to modern living conditions.
Living rooms in the Rococo and Baroque styles are classic examples of the use of French curtains.
French curtains in modern living rooms
There are static and lifting ones. Static curtains hang motionless, completely covering the window and part of the wall below it. They are sewn from translucent fabric and used as curtains - a soft transparent curtain that protects inner space from prying eyes.
Stationary curtains made of translucent fabric, combined with elegant curtains made of golden brocade, look great in an interior with elements of classicism.
The height of French lifting curtains can be adjusted, making them long (to the floor), medium (to the window sill) and relatively short (like a lambrequin).
To sew them, you can use fabrics of any density.
French curtains with a lifting mechanism fit perfectly into the living room window in the style of Russian salons of the 19th century.
In interiors modern apartments French curtains are mainly used as curtains.
Fabric selection
For this type of curtain, fabric with a smooth, shiny or matte surface may be suitable: satin, brocade, chiffon, silk, organza. The main requirement is that it should drape well. Its density depends on the quality in which the curtains are planned to be used (curtains or drapes).
The colors can also be any, but preferably monochromatic. Fabrics with patterns should be selected with care. Even the smallest floral print can get lost in numerous folds and ruin appearance already overflowing with “highlights” of French curtains.
Long curtains are not suitable for windows above flights of stairs, and short curtains look unpresentable on them. The perfect solution- hang a short transparent French curtain on such a window.
The bottom of transparent French curtains with the length of the window sill can be supplemented with a strip of thick fabric in the color of the upholstery on the furniture. It will add severity to the curtains and make them fit into a not-too-romantic interior.
To visually increase the height of the window opening, make the festoons on the French curtains as narrow as possible.
Narrow translucent French curtains can be attached to the casements of multi-section windows, like blinds.
The higher the curtains are raised, the more folds they form and the more magnificent they look.
Despite all their inherent pomp, sophisticated and sophisticated French curtains can make the atmosphere in the living room cozy and calm. The main thing that should not be forgotten when choosing them is that they must correspond to the general concept of the interior.
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 an elegant design for any window opening.
Designer: Tkachenko Alexandra
Origin history
French curtains came to us from the era of the dominance of solemn classicism. The distinctive features of such curtains are pomp 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. In them, sunlight adjustment is carried out using a lifting rotary-chain mechanism - they simply rise to the top of the window and are secured with a special lock. At the same time, when raised upward, more folds are formed and the curtains become more magnificent, gathering into beautiful “clusters”. 
Length of the product 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
For the manufacture of 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 speak about color scheme, then they often choose fabric in light 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, and 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
This window decoration is suitable 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 in pastel colors are ideal for a 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 reveal 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.
These curtains, also called awnings, are distinguished by beautiful uniform folds (festoons) along the entire length of the canvas. Their homeland is France, where they appeared in the 18th century. Awnings were made exclusively from expensive fabrics and were used to decorate windows in the houses of nobles.
The operating principle of French curtains lies in a special cord lifting mechanism, holding the canvas in a certain shape.
Many people confuse awnings with Austrian curtains. Distinctive feature The first is that they have folds (festoons) along the entire length of the panel, while Austrian curtains have folds only along the lower edge.
Classification of awnings
There are French curtains:
- Workers- used in new types of curtain rods and are adjusted using a lifting mechanism controlled by a remote control;
- Decorative- canvases that can be controlled exclusively manually.
Application options
Initially, awnings were used to cover windows in rooms for celebrations - banquet halls, palaces, theaters, restaurants. But they can also be used in conditions ordinary apartment, Houses. These curtains, due to their pomp, are perfect for decorating windows in the living room and bedroom. In the hall, the French curtain will become the main accent of the interior, against its background ordinary furniture It will seem expensive and sophisticated.
French curtains will add romanticism and elegance to the bedroom interior. All this thanks to soft folds that carry the charm of France. Even in a children's room, awnings would be appropriate. Made from thin material, they will give the room lightness. You can decorate them with bows, butterflies, and decorative elements that will be interesting to the child.
Advice: For a child’s room, it is better to choose French curtains that reach the length of the window sill, so that the child will not touch them while playing.
The classic kitchen design is complemented by elegant awnings. They will turn any meal into an important feast. The length of the curtain should also be short so that the product does not interfere with cooking and cleaning.
French curtains would be appropriate in the office. They will 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 to sew them, as well as the compliance of the product design with the dimensions and style of the room. Considering that awnings were originally intended to give a room a formal look, they will look good in rooms with large windows and high ceilings.
This window drapery will add sophistication, nobility, solemnity, and even some pomp to the interior. A lambrequin or classic curtains will adequately frame an awning and give the interior a complete look.
Making French curtains, materials
Awnings are sewn from light fabrics - silk, cambric, organza, veil. Classic French curtains are made of thick silk, pleasant to the touch. It can be smooth or have a damask pattern. This texture of the fabric allows you to form beautiful, smooth folds from it.
From synthetic materials Polyester is used for sewing awnings. According to their own performance qualities it is superior to silk, but is more practical and costs less.
Design Features
Curtain panel width in finished form corresponds to the length of the cornice, or slightly exceeds it (to form assemblies). When sewing a product with your own hands, it is necessary to make allowances for the height of the fabric to form scallops (this figure exceeds the size finished product 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 fabric cut, f is the number of scallops.
Features of fabric cutting
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 (allowance for two hem seams. This formula calculation allows you to make small gathers along the width of the fabric. If you do not need them, then the width of the panel should correspond to the length of the cornice + 4 cm is added for processing the curtains from the sides.
To calculate the length of the curtain, the formula is used: h (desired height of the product) * 2 + 2 cm (for 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 festoons. A table will help with this, which calculates the number of warehouses depending on the width of the curtain panel.
The optimal distance between scallops is 50-60 cm. But narrower folds can be formed - about 30 cm wide. The vertical distance between them should be within 12-24 cm.
Advice: To prevent the French curtain from rising when there is a draft or opening a window, special weights are sewn to its lower edge.
After cutting, you will receive a rectangular piece of fabric. On the back side of the panel, the location of the scallops is marked. For this purpose, vertical and horizontal lines, along which the gathering braid will be sewn. After this, the curtain is turned inside out. The braid is first fixed to the panel 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 folded in 2.5 cm, after ironing and pulling out the cords from it to tighten the folds. When processing the sides, the edge is cut off and processed with a hem seam.
Next, they begin to form the top of the curtain. Curtain tape is applied to the fabric 4 cm from front side and stitch them together. The product is turned inside out, and stitched again along this first line, and then passed along the bottom edge of the tape. This stage of sewing curtains can be the final one. After this, the ribbon cords are pulled together, forming folds.
On a note: on the upper edge you can make a small comb (0.5-1 cm) that will cover the hooks. But for this, at the cutting stage, the scallop should be double height.
If the awning is lifting, the locations of the rings are marked on the panel. Their bottom row should be located at a height of 5 cm from the bottom edge of the awning, and the top row - 12 cm. Sew the rings in 4 stitches with 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 carefully, making uniform folds. The width of the upper border is adjusted to the size of the cornice board. The ends of the threads are tied as close to the panel as possible and cut off.
Next, they begin to cover the cornice board with finishing fabric. To do this, the tape is cut to the width of the finished curtain. The part where the hooks are located is nailed to the front edge of the cornice board with small nails. 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 at the bottom is secured with a knot. At the top, all ends of the cords are passed through the hooks of the curtain rod and the curtains are brought out on one side. Next, they are pulled together, evenly placing the folds throughout the entire panel of the awning. Secure 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 with a knot so that it is located behind the last hook. They are then passed through the handle for raising the awning and another knot is tied at a distance of 46 cm from the first. Next, the ends of the cords are cut, 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 frames
French curtains go perfectly with:
- Curtains;
- Lambrequins;
- Fringed;
- Golden threads (muslin);
- Bugle beads;
- Cantami.
A win-win option - a combination of awnings and curtains classic type. Festoons framed with a lambrequin also look beautiful.
Advice: will complement the folded fabric various decorations, accessories - decorative cords, fringe, beads. They will give the product individuality and uniqueness.
Caring for awnings
French curtains are easy to care for - just periodically clean them with a vacuum cleaner. Awnings made of synthetic fabric can be washed. Ironing of the product is done in a damp 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 curtains in perfect condition and extend their service life by several years.
Video: Luxurious French curtains
Beautiful elements in modern design living space can provide comfort and harmony in your home. Today, French curtains in the interior are considered a fairly popular option for decorating window spaces. Thanks to them, a warm and mysterious atmosphere appears in the room. They are often used in country estates and spacious apartments.
You can create such a model yourself at home. Our material presents detailed instructions how to sew French curtains without special effort. All the subtleties of the work process are noted here.
Advice from experienced professionals will help you make the correct calculation of the material and the frequency of weightless waves.
How to choose material for curtains?
Curtain fabrics may not contain a large number of Lurex. Beautiful shine underneath sun rays will add a piece of luxury to the interior space.
Awning curtains are often used in classic design. They will become a real decoration of your home. There are several criteria when choosing fabric for sewing curtains:
- soft texture. It allows you to create a large number of air folds on the surface of the material. Thicker fabrics are intended for big waves which are used to create lambrequins;
- Heavy materials (jacquard, natural linen) will help make large folds;
- French curtains for the kitchen should be made of synthetic fabric. Quite designers prefer to use organza or thick tulle. These materials are easy to clean;
- You should not choose fabrics with small patterns in the form of flowers or geometric shapes. During draping, the decorative elements of the material will be lost against the background of the window space. As a result, a tasteless detail may appear in the interior, which will constantly distract.
Ready-made Roman blinds can be complemented with a beautiful lambrequin. A luxurious duet of dense and air material create a truly exquisite design.
Basic rules for combining fabrics
Awning curtains require a competent combination of fabrics and materials. You can create beautiful smooth waves using several types of fabric. The veil harmonizes perfectly with thin organza. It also looks good in a duet with thick satin or natural linen.
You can add decorative elements using voluminous tiebacks or beautiful beads enclosed in a long shiny cord. During draping, the crystal glass beads will gently fall along the edges of the air waves.
How to calculate the amount of fabric to create curtains?
There is a certain methodology that provides for all the subtleties of the work process. As noted above, the first step is to correctly calculate the distance between the waves.
To do this, multiply the length by 2 and add the required distance for allowances. Basically it is 4-6 cm from each edge. An allowance of 5 cm is made at the bottom. As you can see, everything is quite simple.
To sew a small curtain you will need 3-4 m of airy veil. The size of the finished curtain will be 2 m. These parameters are enough to decorate a small window opening.
Patterns for Roman blinds
At the beginning of the work process, it is recommended to decide on a model. There are several types of curtains, which differ in the number of folds on the surface of the fabric. Modern options provide a secret drawstring that will regulate the assembly of the material.
The pattern is a large rectangle with additional marks for a hidden lace. The distance between them is calculated based on your preferences.
It is worth noting that closely spaced drapery creates lush curtain models that are suitable for a living room or bedroom.
Stages of creating curtains
Algorithm self-creation French curtains consist of several stages:
- processing of cuts and edges of fabric. To do this, the material is placed on a flat surface, preventing the appearance of unnecessary folds;
- a bend is made at the bottom and secured with a needle and thread. On average it is 5 cm above and below;
- Next, mark the position of the secret drawstrings. They will further provide the necessary air waves;
- after that, a cord is pulled into the drawstring, which will act as a fastener for the fabric;
- The final step will be to attach additional tape with places for attaching hooks. They help to attach the curtains evenly to the curtain rod.
Such lightweight curtain designs will become a real decoration for the bedroom, kitchen, living room or even balcony. They are able to fill the interior with an atmosphere of lightness and romance. Even in ancient times, they were used to decorate luxurious castles and estates.
Today they are used in Baroque, Rococo or Classical styles. They will never go out of interior fashion. The photo of French curtains shows best options for decoration of window space.
Photos of French curtains
Introduced into fashion during the reign of Louis XIV, French curtains survived the Sun King and have not lost their appeal to this day. Their inherent solemnity and festivity are actively used in the interiors of expensive restaurants, famous theaters, prestigious concert halls and wedding palaces. They are also in demand in home interiors.
What are they, French curtains
Which of the designers of the era baroque and classicism came up with the idea of collecting a piece of fabric into festoons, history is silent. Nose light hand by an unknown creator, the design of French curtains became the personification of luxury and wealth. In confirmation of these qualities, the curtains received their second name “ marquise", corresponding to one of the highest noble titles in Europe.
To create a French curtain, just take a large piece of fabric, sew the braid vertically, thread the cords and gather the material into scallops. Surprisingly, it's like this simple design transforms a simply beautiful scrap into an exquisite piece of sewing craftsmanship. The waves coming one after another look pompous and rich, giving the atmosphere a special charm. An associative series is also included here, classifying this type of curtains as attributes of royal chambers.
Important! Many people confuse the French curtain with Austrian. The main difference between these two types is the number of waves: in the French one they are located throughout the entire canvas, while in the Austrian one they decorate only the bottom of the curtain.
Types of French curtains
With a general design pattern, curtains are distinguished by length. They can be long, floor-length, medium or short. In addition, they are divided into stationary or static and lifting.
Stationary French curtain It occupies the entire space of the window and is not equipped with a lifting mechanism. In most cases, it plays the role of tulle and is made from lightweight fabrics that transmit light well.
Lifting curtain is complemented by a lock that allows you to adjust the length of the fabric and the number of folds. With its help you can turn a curtain into a lush lambrequin.
Please note that the design of French curtains does not provide for sliding the curtains along the sides of the window.
Fabrics
To create the volume and graceful folds characteristic of French curtains, the lightest fabrics that respond well to multi-level drapery are used. During the time of Louis XIV, silk and cambric were used for these purposes. In Russia, in the 18th century, tulle began to be used for French curtains. Modern manufacturers offer models made from organza.
Polyester is also popular for sewing many pleated curtains. It combines a beautiful structure, practicality, and ease of maintenance. Polyester models can be seen in public spaces, where they serve not only as decoration, but also as excellent protection from penetrating ultraviolet radiation.
In an interior that aspires to refined respectability, curtains made of noble velvet are appropriate. The fabric, which has a soft shine, fits perfectly into folds and creates special atmosphere fairytale castles.
To summarize, we can say that materials that are elastic, easily draped and gently fit into smooth curves are suitable for French curtains. Their main task is that when assembled they form beautiful and voluminous festoons.
Application in the interior
Of course, French curtains in the interior are luxury, celebration and unprecedented beauty. Naturally, with such qualities, they are most often used to decorate windows in the front rooms of houses. A hall or living room, decorated with graceful waves of silk or velvet, acquires style and refined aristocracy.
However, lush festoons can organically blend into the decor of the bedroom and the surroundings of the kitchen. It is important to choose the right material for curtains. In the bedroom it is better to hang tulle, veil or organza. White, blue, a pink haze, smoothly shimmering in numerous festoons, enhances the atmosphere of romance and spiritual peace.
For French curtains in the kitchen, it would be correct to use inexpensive ones, synthetic fabrics, with a pattern of small flowers or a stylish print of sparsely scattered large flowers. Thin cotton, linen, and cambric are also suitable. A cute addition of ruffles and frills located on the sides of the curtains will give them a slight naivety and fit perfectly into country style. Decorative elements bugles, fringe, tassels, and gold threads can appear. When choosing decor for curtains, consider the texture of the main material and the style of the room.
Interestingly, French curtains have amazing property: they are equally successful in subtly emphasizing the respectability of the dearfurnitureand give luxury to the humble