What is the difference between Roman and Austrian ones, or how not to get confused in curtain styles

For admirers of sophisticated and aristocratic interiors, English or London curtains will be an excellent choice for window decoration. They belong to the group of lifting curtains, provide excellent protection from the sun and are a striking decorative element. For 3 centuries, English curtains have not gone out of fashion. They combine well with other types of window curtains and are suitable for all living spaces, including offices and libraries.

How do English curtains work?

The uniqueness of English models lies in the combination of 2 different draperies:

bow vertical;
scalloped horizontal.

On the reverse side of the textile there are rings located vertically.

Cords (cords) are threaded through them, allowing you to adjust the length of the curtain and fix it at the desired level.

The curtain is attached to a special curtain rod equipped with an open or closed lifting mechanism. When lowered, it is a rectangular canvas. When it is lifted, beautiful wavy folds are formed between the lifting cords, and fan-shaped folds on the sides. The farther from the edges the cords are located, the longer the sag will be. And if the rings with cords are brought closer to the edge of the canvas, it will drape only in waves. And the higher the curtain is raised, the more magnificent it will be.

Unlike the Austrian model, which can be gathered to the very top, the English curtain rises to 1/3 of the window. It may have 1, 2 or several sections.

London curtains are often decorated with stiff lambrequins, fringes, cords with tassels, ruffles and flowers. To create more volume, they are sewn on a lining.

We sew it ourselves: instructions for sewing London curtains ↑

Even novice craftswomen can sew London curtains on their own. You need skills in working with a sewing machine, a little imagination and patience, and the ability to draw up a simple pattern.

Calculation of the amount of fabric and preparation of accessories ↑

Before you go shopping for materials, measure the width and height of the window opening and determine the location of the cornice. There are several ways to install an English curtain:

Directly in the window opening above the frame.
Above the window, like classic curtains - in this case, the width of the cornice will be larger.

You can buy a ready-made curtain rod for curtains or make a holder yourself. For a homemade plank you will need:

Kit for homemade cornice

A wooden strip of the required length with a cross-section of approximately 2 by 5 cm.
Paint, if you do not plan to cover the slats with fabric.
Several self-tapping screws with rings at the ends.
Adhesive tape – Velcro in a roll equal to the length of the curtain rod.

After the size of the finished product is determined, we calculate the amount of fabric. For a design with two folds, you need to add at least 60 – 90 cm to the width. This “extra” will determine how voluminous the bow will be and how deep the fold will be.

Several patterns of window textiles in the English style

You will also need a narrow ribbon for curtains and curtains. The length of one strip of sewn tape is equal to the length of the curtain when unraveled; if there are two tails, it is necessary to double the length of the tape. For every 15 - 30 cm of tape you need one plastic ring for the cord.

There are ready-made ribbons with rings

It’s easier to navigate using the standard scheme by replacing the symbols with your own measurements. The depth of the folds can be changed, the main thing is to maintain symmetry and general proportions.

A simple pattern for calculating the amount of material

The cornice strip can be covered with material using a glue gun, or sewing a thick cover. On the lower part of the front side, use hot glue to glue the Velcro to which the curtain will be attached, and screw self-tapping screws into the lower part, through the rings of which a cord will be threaded to lift the curtain.

Step by step: simple sewing instructions ↑

If you want a dense product that does not allow light to pass through, be sure to buy lining fabric. Cut out the main fabric from the selected fabric with a gap of 5-6 cm on all sides for folding the fabric.

Connection of lining and face fabric

Advantages of London curtains

English windows fit harmoniously into many interior styles. They look expensive and extraordinary.

Other advantages of curtains:

used independently and in combination with other types of curtains;
when lowered they have a strict and laconic appearance, when raised they are light and graceful;
suitable for decorating any windows, including arched and bay windows;
can be used as complex lambrequins;
if necessary, completely block the entry of sunlight into the room;
They have a simple cut, so they are easy to sew with your own hands.

Combination of English curtains with other types of window decor

In most cases, London curtains are used as an independent window decoration, but they can also be combined with other types of fabrics. In order to increase their functionality and give a richer appearance, English curtains can be supplemented with curtains, classic curtains, roller, Austrian or pleated fabrics. The upper edge of the product can be additionally decorated with a lambrequin. This will give the curtains a more formal look.

Note: short fixed English curtains can also be used as a lambrequin. You can pair them with a light curtain or Austrian curtains.

Suitable fabrics

The choice of textiles for London models should be approached carefully. The best option is high-quality natural English fabrics that have a dense structure and hold their shape well.

Good options for creating clear and heavy folds are jacquard, brocade, grosgrain and taffeta. Silk and linen create airy draperies.

Natural fabrics carry a special energy, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. They are presented in a wide range on the Russian market.

Synthetic analogues tend to become electrified and attract dust. In addition, such textiles look too simple for noble English curtains. However, it can also be used to decorate windows in the London style. The main condition for fabrics is their sufficient elasticity so that the formed folds are lush.

Models made of organza and other light fabrics can serve as curtains.

Features of fabrics and models

Curtains in the English style can be varied. Different models bring their own nuances to the atmosphere of the room. They differ in the number of folds (minimum 2) and the shape of the vertical edges: fan-shaped folds or in the form of a cascade.

When choosing fabrics you need to pay attention to several points:

Texture. For a strict, ascetic design, dense fabrics are suitable - taffeta, brocade, jacquard. They hold their shape well, form straight, lush folds that emphasize the solidity and solemnity of the setting. Light materials are chosen for interiors with romantic notes. Silk and linen look elegant, creating soft waves, the smooth lines of which soften restraint and add a bit of coziness and warmth.
Color. Dark and light colors are welcome. But pastel shades are traditionally used. Floral patterns and intricate monograms are classic British style. For rooms with low ceilings, vertical stripes are suitable; for narrow rooms, it is better to choose horizontal stripes.

It is advisable to give preference to natural fabrics, because in England they value sophistication and nobility.

How to choose a color

Traditional colors of London curtains are warm pastel colors. Recommended designs include tartan, stripes, florals and monograms.

Modern models can be dark, depending on taste preferences and the overall color scheme of the room. They are made in one color or several. Textiles that match the wallpaper or repeat patterns on the walls look attractive. For example, green curtains with short red fringe will coquettishly echo the green and red polka dots on the wallpaper.

In one room it is allowed to use English curtains with two patterns, but in the same color scheme. For example, a beige living room will be decorated with yellow-golden textiles: some with stripes, and others with vertically positioned monograms.

The strip helps to visually model the space: placed vertically, it “raises” the ceiling, and horizontal placement “expands” the walls.

In the photo: red curtains with white and gray stripes, decorated with buttons along the line of the lifting cord, adding piquancy to the interior of the room and visually increasing the height of the room.

Lighting and additional accessories

When decorating rooms where English-style interior design is used, they try to use various decorative elements. Organizing proper lighting is also important here. The central chandelier is an important and main attribute in the room. Wall or floor lamps will very effectively complement the main lighting. Such items will be convenient in bedrooms and living rooms.

Accessories and other elements are discreet, with some often featuring the British flag and other national symbols. Paintings by real painters are highly valued. It is also welcome to add images of animals and various landscapes to the walls. In such areas, dim light and twilight are often organized.

Wallpaper with print Source www.pinterest.com

Bright interior of the corridor Source comfortoria.ru

Various floor planters and statues, as well as decorative pillows of different colors and other elements add luxury and perfection to the space.

Combination with other types of curtains

Curtains in the English style are often combined with other types of window textiles: horizontal and roller blinds, Roman models, pleated, muslin, tulle and classic curtains. Diverse designs can be used for non-standard windows or for the implementation of complex design projects.

For example, to decorate a window, you can use patterned short curtains, decorated with fringe at the bottom, and white horizontal blinds.

Advantages of English curtains

English-style curtains have a number of advantages.

Combine with thick and transparent classic curtains.
Suitable for any room.
Versatile: lowered curtains create a strict look, while raised curtains with folds give the room lightness and weightlessness.
English chic emphasizes the luxury of decoration.
Thanks to dense materials, curtains perfectly protect against the penetration of unnecessary light and play the role of “night” curtains.
The simple cut makes it possible to sew such curtains yourself.

Master class on sewing English curtains with your own hands

To sew London curtains yourself, you need to purchase curtain fabric, a special ribbon with rings, nylon cord and Velcro tape.

Curtain rod

To make a cornice you will need a wooden plank with a cross-section of 50x25 mm. It is primed and painted in the required color. You can simply cover it with fabric and use a construction stapler to secure the edges.

The hard part of the Velcro tape is glued to the front side. Then the cords are marked on the back side. A self-tapping screw with a hook is screwed into each mark. It is necessary for future fixation of the cord.

Calculation of the amount of fabric

Determining the width and length of the curtain pattern:

Width. It consists of three components: the length of the cornice, the number of folds (30 cm per fold) and allowances for the side seams.
Length. You need to measure the distance from the cornice to the bottom of the window sill and add 5-6 cm for the hem and top seam allowance.

We make a paper pattern according to the established length and width.

Marking folds

The distance from the edge of the product to the first fold should be at least 15 cm. On the pattern, set aside 15 cm to the left of the edge and mark a vertical line with a pencil, then measure another 15 cm, draw the vertical again - this is the middle, the line of the cord, and after another 15 cm we draw line corresponding to the right fold. We carry out similar actions on the right side.

Step-by-step instruction

Let's move on to cutting and sewing curtains:

We transfer all the lines of the paper pattern onto the fabric.
We cut the curtain, adding 1.5 cm on the left, right and top for seam allowances and 2.5 cm at the bottom for the hem.
We form counter folds along the marked lines, secure them with pins or basting, and sew the top and bottom using a machine.
Iron the product and remove the basting. From the inside along the cord line we sew a ribbon with rings.

Processing seams, designing fasteners

We bend and machine stitch all the edges except the top. We sew a soft strip of Velcro tape to it.

Cut 2 nylon cords. The length of each is determined as 2 curtain lengths plus the length of the base strip.

Fold the cord in half and tie it at the bottom ring. We bend the hook on the self-tapping screw into a ring. We pass the cord vertically through all the rings, including the self-tapping ring, and then horizontally through the rings to the right. We fix the cords in the ring of the outer self-tapping screw.

If the curtain rod is purchased in a store, we tuck the cords into the lifting mechanism.

London curtains, how to sew

We start by collecting the necessary materials. The first thing we need is material.

Advice! Since a noble English curtain visually supports the entire interior, the fabric must be appropriate - quite dense and light-proof.

English curtains can be sewn at home

Fabric that will suit:

jacquard;
linen;
taffeta;
reps;
wool;
chenille;
veil;
thick cotton.

Having decided on the main fabric and for the folds, as well as having the necessary accessories, you can begin needlework

Choose any one, but take into account your sewing skills and the characteristics of the materials as you go, because sewing London curtains is not a particularly difficult process, but it requires certain knowledge and skills.

To sew such a curtain you will need light textiles with a dense texture.

For example, cotton and linen are easy to work with, but wrinkle extremely quickly and are very difficult to iron, which means that the curtains will only have to be kept in the assembled position. If you plan to straighten them regularly, you will run to them every day with a steamer. Rep and wool also contain nuances not only in the ironing methods, but also in the sewing process; these are too unruly and difficult fabrics for a beginner, but quite within the capabilities of a lady who already knows how to sew some things. The most commonly used are jacquard and taffeta, the first is quite easy to work with, the second looks completely original when slightly wrinkled.

The most impressive prints for London curtains are stripes, tartan and flowers.

However, many modern designers manage to combine the “incompatible” and take successful steps a little away from the heavy classics. In some cases, it is not forbidden to use flying textures and allow the London curtain to take a slight “breath,” but experienced people can work with such fabrics.

London curtains will provide enough light in any room

Advice! If you want simultaneous lightness, but also fairly clear forms of folds, it makes sense to buy crepe, it captures the waves better.

Slightly wrinkled textiles look advantageous in the classic interior of a living room

Cornice

You can buy it, or you can make it. In order to build a cornice with our own hands, we will need a wooden stick, the size of the distance that the curtain should cover, and with a cross-section of 5 by 2.5 cm. We clean, prime or cover with fabric, in case of covering it with the same material from which we plan to sew the curtain itself. curtain, we get an invisible cornice.

An English curtain will add romance and lightness to the room

How to cover it: the base is wrapped in textiles (you will need a long tape 15-20 cm wide and as long as the cornice itself, plus additional centimeters for allowance), the edges are fastened with a regular furniture stapler. Next, the rigid part of the Velcro sewing adhesive tape is attached to the superglue.

Delicate and cozy dining room thanks to light olive shades of walls and curtains

Self-tapping screws with hooks are screwed into the resulting structure for fastening the cords from the rear at the location of each supposed fold; the hooks are bent into rings in the desired direction using pliers.

English curtains will add elegance and rigor to a spacious bathroom

London curtains, sewing master class

We determine the number of folds - each of them will require 30-35 cm in width, it turns out that for two folds we will need to add about 70 cm to the length of the cornice itself, and for three all 105. If you want to make more magnificent folds, you need lay 40-45 cm. Example: for a window 2 m wide with three folds you will need 200 + (30 or 35, or 40x3) cm. At the same time, from the sides to the first fold the indentation should be at least 15 cm so that the slopes are not exposed when assembled curtains.

Sewing pattern for London curtains

Marking - measure 15 cm per indent and draw a vertical line with soap or chalk; if the fold itself is 30 cm, then mark its middle after 15 cm, the border after another 15 cm, etc. in width to the end.
We lay the material according to the markings on the left and right to the intended center along the upper and lower edges, and secure with horizontal stitches.

For the window near the home library, you can choose a lighter, but darker curtain fabric

We sew the second part of the Velcro tape onto the upper cut.
Rings. In the center of each of the folds you need to stitch the finished ribbon and sew the rings at a distance of 15-20 cm from each other and 5-7 cm from the bottom.

Using light shades of London curtains, the bedroom is filled with natural light

We thread nylon cords into the sewn rings. Their length should be based on the calculation of the length of the curtain x 2, plus the length of the strip. Each cord is folded in half, the center is tied at the bottom ring, and it itself is threaded upward into the remaining rings, including through the screw holes. The ends of the cords are brought out on the right along rings horizontally and are attached to the ring of the last screw, where a beautiful curtain ring is put on.
We place the finished curtain on the cornice.

Bright kitchen with accent textile elements

Advice! To make the curtain look even more beautiful, plain fringe or piping is often sewn onto the bottom edge.

Beautiful small fringe perfectly matched to the color of the curtain itself

London curtains in the interior of different rooms

Windows can be decorated in English style in all rooms. They add a romantic touch to the atmosphere of the room and make the interior softer and more sophisticated.

For the living room

Volumetric curtains look impressive on large windows of spacious living rooms. They fill the room with luxury and elegance. They are often combined with tulle and curtains. And for Roman curtains, London curtains can become an original lambrequin.

In the bedroom

An atmosphere of privacy will be created by dense English models, complemented by voile curtains. Transparent tulle sewn into the folds of a lift curtain looks interesting. Window textiles are additionally decorated with ribbons, cords and tassels.

Single-color curtains in the English style, complemented by checkered curtains, look harmonious and cozy in combination with a bed and chest of drawers made of solid wood.

To the kitchen

The short cut of the curtains is well suited for the kitchen. They are practical, free access to the window and sill, and are easy to remove and hang. In addition, during cooking, they can be raised higher to prevent dirt from getting on the fabric. For spacious kitchen-dining rooms, multi-sectional English models are chosen. The white kitchen is diversified by short curtains with cheerful patterned colors.

Interior in English style: description and photo examples

They try to arrange all the interior components in the rooms with the proposed interior correctly. If this is a living room, then provide comfortable placement of armchairs and sofas. They must create all conditions for the convenience of conducting conversations. As for the bedroom, the bed and chests of drawers with dressing tables should be on walls that interlock with each other.

Living room in English style Source provolp.ru

Bright accents are what is needed in the stated direction. They can be pillows, figurines and floor figures. One piece of furniture (for example, a chair) that differs in appearance and color from the main set of the room will look impressive.

Office in English style Source arhivach.ng/

Layout rules in an “English” setting require that the living room and kitchen have no walls between them. To dilute the space, they try to organize arches and semi-arches. As a last resort, it is allowed to install glass sliding doors.

English style in living room design Source infoupdate.org/

When creating an office and a bedroom next to each other, they try to separate them from each other with a thick wall and a door. The entire partition is lined with wooden panels. It is preferable to use furniture made from natural materials.

Living room interior in English style Source rabotayout.ru

As for the shades, they are all soft and subtle. No poisonous colors are allowed when creating an English-style room. Ideally, the noble tones of natural wood will look great. Less commonly allowed is the use of dark burgundy, green, khaki or beige. All these shades can be found both in furniture and in surface cladding.

Cabinet design option Source terrout3.biz

The English style may contain a minimum of wood. Provided that the overall decor in the room will have several strict interior details. Such features are welcome in accessories for upholstered furniture and other textile details.

On a note! They try to lay the kitchen and hallway floors with porcelain tiles. It is better to choose material models with a good imitation of wood. However, glossy surfaces are not allowed.

Photo of short curtains for the kitchen

Read here Kitchens in a modern style: many photos of kitchens will help you decide on the interior design

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