How to use French curtains in the interior of the kitchen. Marquise - an elegant French curtain What curtains are loved in France

Even during the reign of Louis XIV, French curtains were in vogue, but even today they do not lose their place in any interior.

These curtains are used by many luxurious establishments, theater houses and even wedding palaces. They also have a special place in the home interior.

Today, history does not tell which of the designers was the first to create this masterpiece. It is because of the luxury and wealth that the second name of the French curtains is “marquise”.

To sew a French curtain, you only need a not very large fabric flap and sew a braid vertically along it, thread all the cords and collect the material into the so-called scallops. From such a simple patch, you can make a magnificent decoration in the room, which will not only cover the window, but also stylishly decorate your home.

If such ready-made French curtains are hung in the bedroom, then it will look like royal chambers.

Many people get confused between the difference between Austrian and French curtains. They differ in that the Austrian has only a wavy bottom, and the French wavy completely.

Looking at the curtains in general, you can understand that they differ in length. Divided into types: stationary and lifting.

The stationary view of the French curtain completely occupies the entire window, and is a tulle. Therefore, they are made from fabrics that let in daylight. Such fabrics are light and light colors.

If we consider a lifting curtain, then they differ from a stationary one only in that they have a latch that regulates the length of the entire curtain, as well as the number of folds on it.

The right choice of fabric

To create a large volume of curtains, you need to use the lightest fabrics when sewing. Under the reign of Louis XIV, designers used different silks or cambric.

Later, tulle was used in the Russian Empire. But new productions began to use the option of curtains with organza. Also do not manage and polyester. This option has an excellent structure, practical, and easy to care for. You can find polyester curtains in different rooms.

They not only decorate the window, but also protect from ultraviolet radiation. The velvet design of the French curtains is relevant in the interior, creating a fabulous atmosphere.

To make beautiful French curtains, you need to take elastic materials, because after assembling them, they will give a lot of volume.

French curtains in the interior are a great luxury, and they look very beautiful and festive. They are mainly used as decoration for the room, as the quality of the material requires special attention. French curtains will also add aristocratic and sophisticated look to the hall or living room.

If desired, these curtains can be used in your bedroom, and a short version in the kitchen. But for the bedroom, tulle is the best choice. A haze of pink or blue makes the room even more romantic.

An interesting fact is that curtains of this type will add luxury next to a modest sofa or armchair. Pour into the design of expensive furniture.

DIY French curtains

You can not spend a lot of money on buying different models of curtains, as you can sew them with your own hands and decorate the kitchen with them. The first thing to do is measure the window. Multiply the width by 1.5, the length by 2. This is how we find out how much fabric is needed.

After you have decided on the choice of fabric, you need to hem the sides of the seams, as well as the bottom. Next, you need to mark the strips of fabric, the width of which is 3 cm. Thread and fix the cords and strips from above. Fasten to the cornice with a wide ribbon or wide loops.

How to care

Dust accumulates on the scallops and this is the main problem. But a simple vacuum cleaner can solve this problem. Stains on the curtains are removed with a simple washcloth, moistened with a solution of soap.

Tulle or organza curtains can be machine washed, but velvet fabrics are best taken to the dry cleaners.

Photo of French curtains in the interior

Luxurious, rich, stylish, solemn - any of these epithets can characterize French curtains. Smooth lines, lush arcuate draperies, cascading vertical rows of soft scalloped folds, combined with a light texture of delicate fabric and magnificent curtain accessories, leave no one indifferent. Looking at them, even the most staunch adherents of laconic interiors begin to think about decorating at least one window in the house with beautiful “French women”. What is the secret of the centuries-old attractiveness of such a phenomenon as French curtains and how they differ from other lifting curtains, we will understand in this article.

History of appearance

It is believed that the description of the first curtains with scalloped folds laid along the entire length appeared in the 17th century in France during the reign of Louis XIV - King - the Sun in the heyday of baroque and classicism. Who exactly came up with decorating the windows not with straight lines, but with canvases gathered along the entire length in cascading rows of festoons, history is silent. But with the light hand of an unknown designer, such window curtains quickly gained popularity among the nobility and became the personification of wealth and luxury. They were sewn from natural Chinese silk and decorated with fringe and tassels.

For "French" fabrics, several times more is required than for straight curtains, in addition, numerous scalloped folds do not look on cheap textiles and small windows. Therefore, it is quite clear that they were inaccessible to ordinary people, and the people called them "marquises" - by analogy with one of the highest European noble titles.

Officially, "marquise" is called a fabric canopy for protection from the sun and rain.

The second unofficial name has been preserved behind the curtains by aristocrats to this day and leads to confusion of concepts. The fact is that officially awnings are called fabric awnings over windows, used to create a comfortable shaded area on the street in front of houses, cafes and restaurants.

In its original form, the marquise curtains are stationary (they do not move apart, do not rise, but simply hang motionlessly to the floor), they look very solemn and pompous and look best in spacious rooms with high ceilings. Therefore, today they are used mainly on stage, in concert and banquet halls, restaurants, spacious halls of country houses.

For owners of average apartments, options for French curtains have appeared, sometimes they are called French blinds, adapted to modern realities:

Firstly, the length of the canvases was significantly shortened and, for example, in the kitchen, you can hang a French curtain up to the windowsill.
Secondly, in addition to natural silk, many high-quality, but not so expensive fabrics have appeared today, on which scalloped folds also look attractive: organza, chiffon, cambric, moire.
Thirdly, cornices for French curtains began to be equipped with lifting mechanisms, both with manual and electric control, which can be mounted on hinged windows, which significantly increased their functionality and expanded their scope.

What are modern french curtains

French curtains (marquises) - a cascading variety of lifting curtains. But unlike other lifting models, it is not practicality and functionality that come to the fore, but beauty and the difference in their appearance is obvious. At the same time, it is impossible to confuse French blinds with strict Roman blinds with their characteristic even linear folds and laconic rolls, on which there are no folds at all. But they have much in common with the Austrian models: the canvases are divided into vertical sections and assembled into arched folds. The French and Austrian curtains of the photo, which are below, clearly demonstrate the difference between these two types.

The difference lies in the fact that the draperies of the Austrians are not so plentiful: they are formed only in the lower part and are much wider. When unfolded, they are completely straightened, and their length never falls below the window sill. Awnings are curtains, even in the lowered position, consisting of a large number, divided along the entire length into vertical segments of cascading scallops (sagging towards the center of the assemblies). When the curtain rises, they become even deeper and more expressive.

The length of French curtains can be set to any length, both to the window sill or just below it, and to the floor. In addition, they are divided into stationary (fixed) and lifting:

Cornice for French curtains

The cornice for French curtains can be the same as. Depending on the model, it is equipped with a lifting mechanism or a simplified version is dispensed with. At the same time, the fastening of the canvas can be on Velcro tape or on hooks. The photo below shows standard curtain rods for French curtains with an open and closed curtain lift mechanism.

It is worth noting that no matter what fabric (thick or transparent) was used for tailoring, thanks to the abundant and complex drapery, the marquise is able to completely protect the interior of the room from views from the street.

What fabrics are suitable for French curtains

French curtains in the interior are far from the most economical way to decorate windows. They will require several times more fabric than ordinary curtains. In addition, scalloped folds on cheap fabrics look ugly and primitive, and, despite the fact that modern awnings do not have to be sewn as they used to be from expensive natural silk, it will not be possible to significantly save on textiles either.

Before choosing the French version of the curtains, it is advisable to properly weigh the costs of their manufacture and make sure that they fit well into the interior and the money spent on them will be compensated by the beauty and harmony of the situation.

To make the folds look spectacular, even and smooth, you need to choose a well-draped, light and soft fabric. These conditions are best met by natural or mixed, with a small addition of polyester fibers, textiles:

tulle;
thin silk;
chiffon;
batiste;
moire;
muslin;
veil;
organza.

Such curtains look light and delicate and are used as curtains, both independently and together with curtains made of taffeta, satin, velvet, brocade. At the same time, curtains should also look luxurious and not be lost in the splendor of French curtains.

French satin curtains

Sometimes awnings are also sewn from dense, but thin, soft and well-draped fabrics. It could be:

velvet;
velours;
curtain wool.

Such curtains do not need partners and look elegant and respectable. Any curtains hung with them would be redundant. But you need to keep in mind that windows with dense opaque awnings look “deaf” and they are suitable only for spacious rooms and classic interiors corresponding to them in status with massive natural wood furniture and gilded or bronze accessories.

French velvet curtains

The appearance of the folds depends entirely on the texture of the fabric: the softer and heavier it is, the more concise and smoother the scallops are. And, conversely, the harder and lighter the material, the more magnificent and embossed they are.

As for the colors, only plain fabrics are suitable for this type of curtains. Any drawing will be lost in numerous scallops, it will look broken, and the curtain will be untidy.

Which rooms and interiors are awnings suitable for?

French curtains in the bathroom

Pompous and aristocratic French curtains will not fit into every room. Cascading vertical rows of scallops, expensive fabrics, accessories in the form of fringes, tassels, flowers and beads will look ridiculous and cumbersome on small windows in small rooms and modest interiors. Best of all, "Frenchwomen" look in an exquisite romantic setting of rococo and baroque in the spirit of the 17th-18th centuries with artsy, smoothly curved furniture, crystal chandeliers and bronze figurines.

French curtains in the interior of the living room

Of course, few people today would think of creating an interior in their home that completely copies the atmosphere of past centuries, but its main signs and general style must be respected. If you want to decorate a small room with awnings, use options adapted to modernity and performing the function of tulle - made of transparent white or pastel shades of fabric, up to the window sill, without additional decorations.

French curtains in the office

So that the light tulle French curtain does not “play” from the draft and hangs statically, special weights can be sewn to its lower edge.

A short French curtain complemented by an original pelmet on the kitchen window

As for the functional purpose of the rooms in which it is planned to hang curtains of this type, it can be anything - the main thing, as already mentioned, is the surroundings corresponding to the awning. Of course, French curtains look best in the living room or office, but they are used no less often in such non-residential rooms as the bathroom and kitchen (as in the photo above). The only room where their use is undesirable is the nursery. No matter how attractive the “Frenchwomen” are, dust inevitably accumulates in numerous scallops and they often have to be washed, so curtains that are more functional and simple in shape are appropriate for the room where the kids live.

Despite their aristocracy and sophistication, French curtains can make the interior not only elegant, but also cozy and peaceful. The main thing is that they should match the interior and look, and a modern mechanism with a lifting block will help to increase their functionality.

Video: French curtains in the interior

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French curtains first appeared in the middle of the 18th century in the living rooms of the European nobility, when the Rococo style prevailed in the interiors and have never gone out of fashion since then. In the Soviet Union, most of the population of which lived in small-sized Khrushchev houses, they decorated mainly the windows of theaters, restaurants and large government institutions. In modern Russia, spacious apartments and private cottages are no longer a rarity, and French classics are experiencing a rebirth.

What kind of interiors are French curtains suitable for?

The photo shows French curtains in combination with curtains in the interior of a classic living room.

Distinctive features of the "French women" are a fabric with a shiny smooth surface, splendor, a huge number of horizontal folds cascading along the entire length, a lot of 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 refined and romantic interiors, filled with household items in the style of the XVIII-XIX centuries and furnished with artsy furniture without pronounced straight lines. Such as:

Baroque,
Rococo,
Classicism,
Empire,
Colonial,
Neoclassic.

Of course, French curtains are also used to decorate small rooms with romantic, but less pretentious interiors. But in this case, their simplified versions are used, adapted to modern living conditions.

Rococo and Baroque living rooms are classic examples of French curtains.

French curtains in modern living rooms

There are static and lifting. Static curtains hang motionless, completely covering the window and part of the wall below it. They are sewn from translucent fabric and used as a curtain - a soft transparent curtain that protects the interior from prying eyes.

Stationary curtains made of translucent fabric, combined with elegant golden brocade curtains, look great in an interior with elements of classicism.

The height of the lifting French curtains can be adjusted, making them long (to the floor), medium (to the windowsill) and relatively short (like a pelmet).
For their tailoring, 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 the interiors of modern apartments, French curtains are mainly used as curtains.

Fabric choice

For this type of curtain, a 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 it is planned to use curtains (curtains or drapes).

Colors can also be any, but preferably monophonic. Fabric with a pattern must be selected with care. Even the smallest floral print can get lost in numerous folds and ruin the look of French curtains already overflowing with “highlights”.

Long curtains are not suitable for windows over flights of stairs, and short curtains look unpresentable on them. The ideal solution is to hang a short transparent French curtain on such a window.

The bottom of transparent French curtains with a window sill length can be supplemented with a strip of dense fabric in the color of the upholstery on the furniture. She will give the curtains severity and make them friends with a not too romantic interior.

To visually increase the height of the window opening, make the scallops on the French curtains as narrow as possible.

Narrow translucent French curtains can be attached to the sashes of multi-section windows, like blinds.

The higher the curtains are raised, the more folds form on them and the more magnificent they look.

Despite all the pomposity inherent in them, refined and refined 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 comply with the general concept of the interior.

The very word "marquise" evokes associations with the world of the aristocracy, balls and palace receptions. This word has two meanings: firstly, the marquis is a high title, located on the hierarchical ladder between dukes (princes) and counts. Well, the marquise, respectively, is a title belonging to a noble lady. And secondly, the marquise is exquisite curtains, which are also called French. Luxurious, cascading graceful folds, worthy of the halls of Versailles!

If elegant interiors appeal to you, check out a selection of photographs showing the use of awnings in living rooms, bedrooms and dining rooms. Your interior muse will be delighted!

History of French Curtains

Curtains-Marquis did not accidentally have such a name. This magnificent window decoration appeared in the era of classicism in palace halls and aristocratic living rooms. To demonstrate the splendor of the royal court and the palaces of the French nobility, there were already few ordinary curtains made of expensive fabrics. And refined, exquisite awnings with a waterfall of graceful folds were born.

The appearance of these curtains corresponds to the canons of classicism: on the one hand - wealth and palace luxury, on the other - symmetry and clarity of lines, even some rigor and conciseness. The awnings are characterized by straight vertical rows of scallops evenly gathered into horizontal folds. As a result, associations arise with cascading waterfalls, easily and naturally falling from the eaves.

Types of French curtains

Despite the general principles of creating awnings, these curtains are far from the same type. French curtains can be divided according to several criteria:

By lenght. They can reach the window sill, fall below it and almost touch the floor. Awnings are considered classics, created for narrow high windows and falling below the window sill by about a quarter of the length. But there are no strict rules here, the main thing is a sense of proportion and taste. Now awnings are also used for draping panoramic windows - entirely, to the floor, and in short variations.

The look of the folds. They can be both very lush and very light, reminiscent of ripples on a lake.

By design. There are stationary and lifting awnings. The first type is a classic. The second is a comfortable modern variation, inspired by the example of Roman and Austrian curtains.

French curtains in the interior

The choice of fabric for French curtains depends on which room, in what environment they will be placed. Now most often awnings are sewn from transparent and translucent fabrics, acting as a luxurious variation of tulle. At the same time, French curtains can play the main violin in window decor, and act as a backdrop for thicker and darker classic curtains.

But nothing forbids sewing awnings from silk or satin, including rich, deep colors. Here are some examples:

The windows in the living room can be decorated with turquoise satin cascades. This is a bright and at the same time light shade.

Popular for creating French curtains is dense silk and satin in shades of ivory and beige.

Golden or champagne awnings will make a chic impression (but with such luxury you should be careful not to cross the line of good taste!).

You can even sew French curtains in burgundy fabric, and they will look like garlands of gorgeous roses on the windows.

Additionally, awnings can be decorated at the bottom with fringes, ruffles or tassels, but light and airy options should be chosen so as not to visually overload the interior solution. French curtains are already luxurious, so you should not decorate them too much, especially if they are part of a window ensemble along with curtains.

Beautiful elements in modern living space design can bring coziness and harmony to your home. Today, French curtains in the interior are considered a fairly popular option for decorating window space. 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 provides detailed instructions on how to sew French curtains without much effort. All the subtleties of the workflow are noted here.

The advice of 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 contain a small amount of lurex. A beautiful shine in the sun will add a touch of luxury to the interior space.

Marquise curtains are often used in classic designs. They will become a real decoration of your home. There are several criteria when choosing a fabric for sewing curtains:

soft texture. It allows you to create a large number of air folds on the surface of the material. More dense fabrics are intended for large waves, which are used to create lambrequins;
heavy materials (jacquard, natural linen) will help to make large folds;
French curtains for the kitchen should be made of synthetic fabric. Pretty designers prefer to use organza or tight tulle. These materials lend themselves well to cleaning;
do not choose fabrics with small patterns in the form of flowers or geometric shapes. During drapery, the decorative elements of the material will be lost against the background of the window space. As a result of this, a tasteless detail may appear in the interior, which will constantly distract.

Ready-made Roman blinds can be supplemented with a beautiful lambrequin. A luxurious duet of dense and airy material creates a truly sophisticated design.

Basic rules for combining fabrics

Marquise curtains require a competent combination of fabrics and materials. You can create beautiful smooth waves using several types of fabric. The veil is in perfect harmony with thin organza. It also looks good in a duet with dense satin or natural linen.

You can add decorative elements with the help of voluminous tiebacks or beautiful beads enclosed in a long shiny cord. During drapery, the crystal bugle will gently descend along the edges of the air waves.

How to calculate the amount of fabric to create curtains?

There is a certain technique that provides for all the subtleties of the workflow. 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.

For sewing a small curtain, you will need 3-4 m of an air 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 workflow, it is recommended to define the model. There are several types of curtains, which differ in the number of folds on the surface of the fabric. Modern options provide for the presence of a secret drawstring, which 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 the closely spaced drapery creates lush curtain patterns that are suitable for a living room or bedroom.

Stages of creating curtains

The algorithm for self-creating French curtains consists 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 in the lower part and fixed with a needle and thread. On average, it is 5 cm above and below;
further mark the position of the hidden wings. They will continue to provide the necessary air waves;
after that, a lace is pulled into the drawstring, which will be in the role of a canvas retainer;
the final step will be to attach an additional tape with places for attaching hooks. They help to evenly attach the curtains to the eaves.

Such lightweight curtain designs will be a real decoration for a bedroom, kitchen, living room or even a 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 classic style. They will never go out of fashion. The photo of French curtains captures the best options for decorating window space.

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