French curtains: how to sew with your own hands? French curtains (19 photos): beautiful design and window decoration French curtains in the interior.

Beautiful fabric draperies can completely transform any interior, make exactly the mood in the room that you need. To give an atmosphere of romanticism in the bedroom or living room, you can use beautiful French curtains, it is not so difficult to sew them with your own hands. Such curtains are interesting in their performance. This is a cascade-lifting option, when the fabric does not move apart to the sides, but rises, forming a beautiful drapery. Folds are obtained in the form of an arc, but to create such a cascade, it is best to use light fabrics that drape easily. Too massive will not look so good, the folds will turn out to be rough and not very beautiful.

French curtains, thanks to spectacular draperies made of delicate fabric, decorate the interior and give an atmosphere of romanticism.

Features of French curtains

French curtains, as they are known today, first appeared in the 14th century in France. For a long time they were the main form of drapery, then gradually gave way to other forms. Today, these curtains have become popular again, they are used to decorate large halls, bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens and dining rooms. You can give them a different shape, decorate on top with a stylish lambrequin. For a classic style, this option is considered one of the most successful, it is distinguished by its softness and smoothness of lines.

The type of such curtains is cascade-lifting, since the individual sections are vertically arranged, assembled into beautiful folds. Such sections are called scallops, the pitch and quantity can be different. The folds are obtained in the form of arcs, they are very soft, but their shape is calculated individually. The parameters of the canvas depend on the size of the window opening, its height, width, location.

French curtains do not move apart when opened, as usual, but rise. At the same time, the folds become more pronounced, the drapery gives the room an unusually luxurious and sophisticated appearance. That is why only soft and light fabrics that are easy to drape are chosen for tailoring. The curtain can be raised using a manual mechanism or an electric lift, which is mounted on the eaves.

The choice of fabric for sewing curtains

French curtains are made from light, weightless, flowing fabrics that create beautiful folds.

The French curtain is a very light design, which is distinguished by soft folds, elegant appearance. Despite the many folds and draperies, such a curtain does not create the effect of heaviness, it seems both luxurious and sophisticated.

Traditionally, light and thin, almost weightless fabrics are used, which will not only lay down beautifully in folds, but also create a feeling of smooth and soft waves that will beautifully decorate the window opening. Canvases with a smooth texture that do not distract attention from themselves are best suited for this, for example, transparent and translucent tulle, organza, cambric. Fine wool, moire and silk are excellent, thin satin can be used. All of them fit well into the folds, create exactly the impression that is needed.

If necessary, the edge of the curtain can be decorated with fringe, tassels, various ruffles and frills.. But it is necessary to observe the measure so that the decoration does not overload the overall impression. It is important to choose the right color, pattern, texture of the fabric. It will depend on this what general impression the curtain will create, whether it will decorate the room or break its harmony. When choosing a fabric, you need to choose the right length. For example, for the kitchen, you can use curtains of medium length, but for bedrooms and living rooms, floor length is suitable.

How to determine the fabric consumption for French curtains?

French curtains decorated with tassels look unobtrusive and gentle.

To properly sew a beautiful curtain, you need to calculate the amount of material. The width is usually determined by the length of the cornice, but it is best to add a little more to give the drapery an appeal. Usually, another 4 cm is added to the length of the cornice for the seams. To determine the length, you need to take the total height from the eaves to the floor (or take into account a different height of the curtain), then multiply it by 1.5-2 times, add 5 cm for seam processing. This is required in order for the folds to turn out beautiful and spectacular.

As an example, consider the following calculation:

1. The length of the cornice is multiplied by the curtain assembly factor, which is 1.8-2.5. The assembly coefficient depends on the type of drapery, which can be dry, light, soft.
2. The height of the curtain is equal to the height according to the sketch, it is multiplied by the assembly factor (1.8/2/2.5).
3. The assembly factor value of 1.8/2 is used for dry fabrics, light. A gathering factor of 2.5 is used for lightweight fabrics that drape well, such as tulle, voile, chiffon.

An example calculation is as follows:

1. The length along the cornice is 2 m with an assembly factor of 1.8. It is equal to L-2*1.8=3.6 m.
2. 3.6 / 5 \u003d 0.4 m is the value of the assembly step between the vertical lines with the braid.
3. 5 distances are used along the length of the cornice, there are 6 assembly directions. This means that the height is 2.4 m, the coefficient is 2.5, and the total length of the fabric is 6 m.

Sewing curtains for windows

The French curtain is not so difficult to sew, but for this you need to have certain skills. To get beautiful folds after the braid is pulled together, it is necessary to make tucks on the upper part of the fabric. To do this, it is necessary to draw conditional vertical lines along which this braid will tighten the canvas. With the help of darts, you can easily achieve graceful and light lines, avoiding the impression of ordinary gathered fabric.

Depending on the height of the curtain, the size of the tucks may vary.

When lengthening the fabric, all tucks must be made deeper and longer.

Mounting tape with rings for cords is sewn along vertical lines that are drawn with chalk along the surface of the canvas. It is necessary to sew a braid between such guides, but you can use a beautiful piece of decorative fabric for this.

Drapery is made from a special narrow tape for draperies. It has special rings so that you can thread the cord for lifting. It is necessary to calculate the length of the tape based on the total height of the future curtain, which is multiplied by the number of future scallops. The height of the cut for the curtain is added to the value obtained.

To calculate the number of scallops for French curtains, you need to take into account the size of the windows. For large ones, it is best to take wide sections, but for narrow and high ones, soft waves of small size, from about 25 to 45 cm, are suitable. The total number can be correctly determined from the following table:

1. With a canvas width of 290 cm, the number of scallops is 5 pcs. with a step of 58 cm.
2. For a canvas of 340 cm, the number of scallops is 6 pcs. with an arrangement step of 56.7 cm.
3. With a width of 390 cm, the number of scallops is 6 pcs. in increments of 65 cm and 7 pcs. with a step of 55.7 cm.
4. With a width of 440 cm and the number of scallops in 7 pcs. the step is 62.9 cm, and with a quantity of 8 pieces - 55 cm.
5. With a width of 490 cm, the number of scallops is 8 and 9 pcs. with a step of 61.3 cm and 54.4 cm, respectively.
6. With a curtain width of 740 cm, the number of scallops is 11 and 12, the pitch is 62.7 cm and 57.5 cm, respectively.

French curtains are curtains known to all, often decorating wedding palaces, concert halls, halls in houses of culture and other public institutions. They appeared back in the distant 18th century in France, and were used only in the palaces and reception rooms of kings and other rich nobility. This is due to the fact that a lot of fabric was required for such chic curtains, it was of high quality and very expensive.

Today, with a wide variety of 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 better to sew them from and where to hang them.

What are french curtains

French curtains are a large rectangular fabric, assembled along the entire length by uniform lush folds that form scallops. Initially, according to history, French curtains were static, today they are equipped with a cornice with a lifting mechanism, which greatly simplifies their use, because by themselves such curtains cannot move apart and open a window.

Although earlier the French curtain was exclusively 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 already hang such lush curtains not only on large windows in a spacious room, but also in more modest apartments. Decorated and continue to decorate solemn French women with fringe and tassels.

Materials for French curtains

French curtains in the interior can be either daytime - made of transparent fabric, or nighttime - made of dense fabric. 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 ordinary curtains, so before buying fabric, you should determine for sure whether this decor suits your interior or not, do you like curtains with lush scallops?

For curtains

The most important thing in the representation 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 brilliant 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. Veil and chiffon fabrics are lighter in structure and the folds on such curtains will be airy. Muslin is a natural material and very thin, so if you want to sew French curtains from it, you should take into account that the folds can turn out not as pompous as from organza, but simpler.

French curtains can be both an independent decor on the windows, and combined with thick curtains of a classic cut.

Canvas French drapes can decorate your window at night. The material for such a decor 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 drawback of such a fabric is the rapid accumulation of dust. The satin looks solemn because of its play in the light, and the soft texture allows you to form folds. Natural fibers of cotton or linen can also be used in French curtains and decorate the interior, especially since they are breathable.

Additional curtains for thick French women will not be required, as this will overload the window and the whole environment.

Fabric color

Depending on your interior and its color scheme, you can choose French curtains of any tone. Most often, these are monophonic models, since the pattern can simply be lost in numerous folds. To give a solemn atmosphere to the room, snow-white, gold or milk-colored curtains are suitable. Blue and salad shades look more gentle and romantic. For blackout curtains, it is better to choose darker 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 still it is worth considering some points to create a harmonious image.

Kitchen

Short-cut French curtains are often hung in the kitchen, it is very convenient if they are equipped with a lifting cornice. In general, the interior of the kitchen can be in a modern way, then the fabric will be simple: a light transparent veil, plain or with a small pattern. Such a window decor will be complemented by a contrasting color lambrequin and tassels along the bottom edge.

In a spacious bedroom, you can hang long French organza curtains and complement the look with thick classic curtains. If the window is above the bed or sofa, then short French women will come in handy. When it comes to colors, the choice is entirely yours. Psychologists advise using a minimum of contrasting combinations in the rest room and choosing soothing colors: beige, sand, muted green or blue.

In the bedroom, lifting curtains are more relevant than ever - the French ones in this photo fit perfectly into the classic interior

The living room is the central place in any home, here they receive guests, spend family holidays. Therefore, the appropriate atmosphere must prevail. Solemn curtains with many folds will perfectly cope with the function of a festive decor and will meet your expectations. If there are two or more windows on the same wall in the living room at once, then you can hang one wide curtain the width of the entire wall. And you can decorate each window with separate sets of curtains with additional curtains.

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

French curtains are a unique and non-standard way to decorate windows in your home. With their proper selection for a particular room, you will create an atmosphere of celebration and comfort at home.

At the mention of France, associations arise with impeccable taste, sophistication, celebration and Versailles luxury. That is why the most elegant curtains began to be called French or awnings.

Design nuances

"Marquis" is a lifting structure controlled by a chain mechanism with many folds. Smooth drapery, covering the entire surface of the product, descends to the bottom with semicircular scallops. If the curtain needs to be opened, this is done like a blind: by pulling the fabric up.

Fabric choice

The most important issue, as expected, is the choice of fabric for French-style curtains. If it is supposed to decorate the window with a light translucent fabric, take organza, taffeta or a veil.

For decorating a window opening with dense materials, the following are suitable:

1. Velvet.
2. Atlas.
3. Silk.

Moreover, they must be of such density as to retain the shape of the folds. For this purpose, it is best to use materials that consist of a mixture of natural fibers with synthetics. But for kitchens, fabrics containing synthetics are preferred: they are easier to wash and last longer.

If French curtains are designed to focus on luxury, then rich shades of fabric are preferred: pearls, purple, gold, chocolate; when the curtain serves as a background element, curtains of light shades are chosen: white, beige, coffee with milk, gray or silver.

The French style involves the use of canvases with a pronounced texture and uniform colors. The main task of the product is to pay attention to drapery. If it is decided to use a fabric with a pattern, choose a small floral ornament. . Designers do not recommend using striped prints and large images for French-style curtains.

decors

For this type of curtains, the following decors are used:

• scallop;
• shuttlecocks;
• fringe
• wide lace;
• elegant braid;
• tapes;
• gold tassels and cords.

Add some Parisian charm to your kitchen with black and white floor tiles. The interior is complemented by white curtains controlled by cords. The walls are complemented with monochrome posters or images of vineyards, lavender fields.

French curtains in the interior of the kitchen are a stylish touch that creates a cozy non-standard environment. If there are a lot of windows, then a curtain made of a fabric of the corresponding tone is separately decorated. The connecting element in this case are soft lambrequins or gangs.

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When we choose French curtains for the kitchen, we want to get a sophisticated decor that pleases the eye. differ in a small floral pattern, give the atmosphere a playful touch. In such a kitchen, it is pleasant to gather with the whole family to talk over a cup of tea.

Complement the decor with fresh flowers in a vase, the shade of which can match the color of the curtain. Wallpaper with a delicate floral ornament looks advantageous, harmoniously shading the textiles.

French curtains for the kitchen are complemented by provincial-style lamps (hanging, table). Rattan or dark wood furniture gives a special charm to the atmosphere. Chairs or armchairs made of such materials seem to be transferred to a cozy Parisian cafe.

The French curtain in the kitchen is considered a fundamental element of decor. Cascading fabrics, lots of ruffles and airy draperies - all this artistically decorates the window and sets important accents.

French curtains or, as they are called in another way, "marquises", are truly luxurious textile interior items. They can add a touch of elegance, nobility and high cost to any room. And all because even in ancient times, only very wealthy people living in estates or palaces could afford such curtains. And therefore, such curtains were made exclusively from expensive and high-quality materials. In this article, you will learn a lot of new and interesting information about French curtains, their features and interesting uses in the interior.

Peculiarities

The famous French curtains appeared, or rather came into fashion, presumably from the 14th to the 17th centuries, and, as the name implies, their appearance took place in France. In those days, the local nobility always tried to decorate their estates in a special way, with a certain chic and splendor, which they could easily do with the help of curtains with luxurious folds that perfectly emphasized the Baroque and Rococo styles of those times.

For several centuries now, "marquise" curtains can enliven any room, whether it is small or, conversely, huge.

The features of such curtains can also include:

• Versatility. Such curtains look equally good in houses, apartments, country cottages and various public institutions, such as restaurants, cafes, theaters, wedding palaces and so on. French curtains always create a feeling of splendor and celebration around. They give their special atmosphere to any room.
• The high cost of execution. Despite such a simple design with ruffles, French curtains can cost a decent amount, especially if you want them to look really royal, because for this you need to purchase expensive fabrics. In general, curtains in this style are often made to order according to individual measurements, since ready-made options are not always ideal for certain windows.
• shape. French curtains can be given a variety of shapes and decorate the bedroom, living room or any other room with them. Moreover, such curtains are very friendly with lambrequins, which can be their elegant addition.

This type of curtains is referred to as cascading curtains due to the fact that their individual parts (sections) are folded. The number of so-called sections can be different, and they themselves are called scallops. Folds on French curtains are made in the form of peculiar arcs. All sizes and parameters should be combined with future folds, but all this is calculated based on the size of the window on which this textile decoration will flaunt.

An important point is also the fact that this type of curtain does not move apart to the sides, but rises up, while when the curtains rise, the folds will appear more clearly. To create such curtains, light fabrics are mainly used, which are easily draped, while they most often do not work with heavy fabrics.

French curtains are easily attached, and rise with the help of a special mechanism that can be installed on the eaves. It cannot be said that this type of curtains is unpretentious in care, since at home they are most often not cleaned, but sent to dry cleaning.

Of course, refusing to wash at home is in favor of ensuring that your textiles live as long as possible and maintain a presentable appearance.

Varieties

Options for French curtains can be very diverse. If a designer is working on them, they will easily turn out great, but even if you decide to develop your own sketch of future curtains and choose a fabric for them, then do not be afraid to turn on your imagination and bring the most daring ideas to life:

• The length of French curtains can be different. Such curtains can close the window opening, reach the window sill, or be very long, right down to the floor.
• All types of curtains of this type are made according to the same principle, in which a special decorative band for assembly is used to obtain folds. With the help of this braid, in the future, shuttlecocks, or rather, scallops, are obtained. According to their functionality, they can be light or dense, everything will depend on the fabric and on the screed. According to the mechanism, such curtains are static and lifting.
• Curtains that are static in terms of mechanism are most often used as tulle; they are perfect, for example, for the kitchen. Such options usually close the entire window in width and do not require extra lifting mechanisms. For them, you can use translucent fabrics that easily let sunlight into the room.
• Lifting French curtains have a special mechanism, a lift regulator, which helps to control the length of the textile product. It is very important to choose an appropriate cornice for lifting curtains, which will be perfectly combined not only with curtains, but also with the interior as a whole.
• Some options can move apart on the sides of the windows, but this is not expected in the classic version of French curtains. Nevertheless, modern versions offer a lot of upgrades in performance techniques.

Some people very often confuse French and Austrian curtains. Although they are similar to each other, their important difference is that the Austrian models have folds only at the bottom of the curtains, while the French ones themselves have curtains made entirely of folds.

To make the curtains voluminous, lush, festive and easily decorate any apartment, you should pay attention to light fabrics. Veil, organza, cambric, tulle, silk and velvet lend themselves well to drapery. In general, the choice of fabrics for the manufacture of curtains of this type is quite extensive, but in order for the folds on the curtains to turn out to be airy and flowing, it is better not to choose heavy fabrics.

With great desire you can diversify the curtains with the help of a beautiful fringe or lace along the edges of the curtains. Various tassels and ruffles always add a special zest to any curtains. If French curtains are made of luxurious fabric with a pattern or patterns, try not to overdo it with decor and do everything in moderation.

If you have chosen this type of curtains, for example, for a closed summer gazebo, but the windows will often be open, decorative weights can be sewn to the curtains, thanks to which the curtains will not rise and fly in all directions.

How to choose a color?

In order to choose the right not only colors, but also the curtains themselves, it is very important to pay attention to their future combination with the interior, and in addition, decide on their purpose. If you are looking for curtains solely for decoration and they will not protect the room from sunlight, then choose light translucent options in light shades, there can be pastel colors, and nude options, as well as fabrics with light patterns, but it is best to give preference to plain options. . Translucent fabrics are especially good for kitchens, dining rooms and bathrooms.

Bright, deep and rich French curtains will become a luxurious decoration for any bedroom, hall, living room or office. Often bright options are hung in children's rooms. Remember that dark colors are only suitable for large rooms, because you can make a small one quite gloomy with the help of such colors. Therefore, it is better to decorate small rooms with soft curtains.

Try not to choose curtains that match the color of the walls in the room, often this technique does not always look advantageous, it is better to purchase a fabric a few tones darker or lighter than the wallpaper.

Care

The biggest problem for French curtains, as well as for other textile accessories in the house, is dust. She settles in the folds, and it is difficult to do anything with her. If the fabric is denser, then you can clean it with a vacuum cleaner at the lowest speed, but since French curtains are most often made from very light materials, washing is indispensable here.

Of course, so that the curtains take the desired shape and do not lose their original appearance, it is best to give them to dry cleaning. At home, you can wash small curtains, for example, from the kitchen, which, if you have a steam generator, you will shape yourself. A very important point is also the fact that such curtains are not washed with other linen and use a delicate or gentle mode.

Proper and high-quality care of curtains will prolong their excellent condition for many years, while they will look like new.

"Marquise" in the interior

French curtains require special attention, so before choosing such textiles for the windows of a particular room, it is very important to make sure that they are the most suitable for the interior and the whole environment.

In general, many experts argue that such curtains are classic. They will successfully fit into any interior, but it is worth considering all their features:

• For the bedroom designers recommend giving preference to calm colors of curtains, for example, cream, beige, powdery and others from a delicate and muted palette of shades. Such light colors create a sense of calm and harmony around. Therefore, for a room where a person spends at least eight hours of rest, they will be very useful. It is preferable for bedrooms to choose natural and environmentally friendly materials that are not only considered safe, but also practical.

• Kitchens are very often decorated with light organza French curtains.. They do not weigh down the atmosphere of the room and at the same time always bring a touch of grace to it. Some even decorate balconies with such curtains. It looks good if the situation matches.

• Emphasize the high cost of the interior and add splendor to the living room you can easily use luxurious French curtains, especially if they are embroidered. And lambrequins and curtains will be a great addition to them. With the help of such curtains, you can make a special contrast in the room, which will delight not only all household members, but also guests. Also, these curtains fit perfectly on bay windows.

• children's room can also be complemented with elegant curtains with flounces, on which you can “seat” decorative butterflies or place miniature bows. Especially such beauty will be appreciated by young princesses.

The luxury and pomposity of the palace decoration of the 18th-19th centuries in the Rococo and Baroque styles required the appropriate exquisite decoration of door and window openings. This was reflected in the classic French curtain, which has survived to this day. It refers to lifting curtains, that is, it does not move apart, but gathers at the top of the window opening and is a lush, semicircular folds of light fabrics (polyester, brocade, muslin), as a rule, in plain pastel colors. The fabric in such products forms a soft, smooth drapery, but today french curtains successfully sew from dense fabrics. At the same time, rigid scallops are formed, and the curtain itself acquires a respectable appearance.

French curtains- the best option for creating a solemn and ceremonial atmosphere, so they are an integral attribute of restaurants, theaters, receptions, assembly halls, as well as interiors decorated in a classic style. They perfectly complement the room with antique furniture and create the necessary feeling of respectability and luxury. Such a curtain can be successfully supplemented with curtains, lambrequins and tassels.

Nowadays, French curtains are successfully used for bedrooms, living rooms, as well as for children's rooms, kitchens and other rooms. For such curtains, the use of bows, ribbons, fringes and large decorative elements is extremely important. The colors of fabrics, at the same time, can be the most diverse: from classic plain to playfully multi-colored. The folds fall down the entire length of the curtain, whether it is raised or lowered. When fully raised, they beautifully gather into luxurious ruffles and, in this form, serve as an excellent decorative element for window decoration. The length of the French curtain reaches the very floor, or the canvas can charmingly cover only the window opening. The option of several canvases with folds at different heights also looks great: at the top, middle and bottom. Such a curtain looks especially elegant and is perfect for an interior in a romantic style.

French curtains consist of vertical identical sections, with the help of cords assembled into semicircular horizontal folds. The width of the sections is selected depending on the interior or the desire of the customer, but the narrower they are, the more magnificent the scallops will be. When choosing this option, it should be remembered that such a curtain visually reduces the space.

French curtains can be raised manually or using a chain mechanism with fixation at different heights, or be decorative without the possibility of lifting. The main rule to consider: unlike the size of the finished product, when sewing fabric, it is required twice as much in length and one and a half times as much in width, because only in this case the product will acquire the necessary luxurious cascade of folds.

One of the fashionable novelties is the design of bay windows with the help of French curtains.

The masters of our salon will help with the choice of fabrics, style and immaculately sew French curtains of various complexity and sizes to give your interior an exclusive, unforgettable and elegant look.

Below are examples French curtains for living room, bedroom, study, nursery, kitchen, dining room.