Curtains for the living room: what to look for when choosing?
In fact, there are many criteria for choosing curtains in general, and for the living room in particular. But it’s not realistic to take them all into account, so you’ll have to choose those that seem more important to you. For now I'll just list them.
- Correspondence of curtains to the style of the living room interior
- Matching curtains to living room sizes
- Matching the color of the curtains with the color of the wallpaper
- Matching the color of the curtains with the color of the furniture
Now let's take a quick look at each of these criteria.
Correspondence of curtains to the style of the living room interior
This is a must. It makes absolutely no sense to hang heavy classic curtains with lambrequins in a living room with a high-tech or contemporary interior. They would also be inappropriate in a loft-style living room. But for a living room in a classic, art deco or modern style, this will be what you need.
If you prefer to decorate your living room in a cozy Provence style, then the curtains should be light and made from natural materials, such as chintz or satin.
If you use laconic minimalist or high-tech styles, you can completely abandon the use of curtains, replacing them with roller blinds, roller shutters or blinds.
Fans of eco-style, which is currently increasingly used, should know that only natural materials are used in decoration. The same applies to textiles.
Matching curtains to living room sizes
This point is to some extent related to the previous one. The fact is that classical styles require sufficient space, that is, a large area, high ceilings. Massive curtains look organic in such interiors.
But if you have a small living room with a low ceiling, then classic curtains will not be entirely appropriate. In this case, the interior style should be different and the curtains, accordingly, too.
Matching the color of the curtains with the color of the wallpaper
It must be said right away that there are different approaches to interior design. You can, for example, match wallpaper to existing curtains, or you can do the opposite. That is, match the curtains to the wallpaper. It's up to you to decide which is more convenient and cost-effective. But in any case, the color of the curtains should be combined with the color of the wallpaper.
You can read about how to choose the right wallpaper in the article “Wallpaper for the living room.”
Matching the color of the curtains with the color of the furniture
If you don’t plan to update the furniture in the near future, then of course it’s easier to choose new curtains to match the color of the furniture. This does not mean that the color of the curtains must be exactly the same. It should differ by 2-3 tones, and perhaps be a different color, but compatible with the color of the furniture.
Curtains with lambrequins
Labrequin is a part that hides a small section of curtains at the top. It can be either solid or not, in the form of some figure or simply fall off in waves. Previously, they were often used to hide marks in repairs. But today they perform a decorative function.
Read: Roman blinds - 170 photos of ideas and new stylish curtains for plastic windows
Modern design of curtains with bright prints and lambrequins look great together with plain walls.
Which curtains will suit beige wallpaper: photo
It is no coincidence that beige color has remained popular in the decoration of residential premises for a long time. It creates a pleasant, warm atmosphere, conducive to calm and tranquility.
You can combine both warm and cool colors with beige tones. It depends on the location of the living room windows and your personal preferences.
Curtains in warm colors can be 2-3 shades darker or lighter than the wallpaper. If the furniture is brown, then in this case you can choose curtains for the living room in chocolate tones. This will give the living room elegance and solidity.
As already mentioned, cool colors also go well with beige. For example, light turquoise curtains look good with peach wallpaper. This combination adds freshness to the living room interior.
How to choose a curtain fabric - classification basics
Some people call curtain rods, which is completely wrong, since curtain fabric is a translucent lightweight fabric - organza, for example, or tulle. Of course, the range of curtain fabrics is immeasurably larger. To make it much more convenient for you to choose fabric for curtains, you should consider the classification of these fabrics, where you will learn many interesting features of selecting curtain fabric.
This classification is carried out according to several criteria:
1. Dimensions of the curtain fabric. It can start at the floor and end at the ceiling, covering only the entire window opening or even part of it. The size of the canvas is selected according to the purpose of a particular room. For example, large curtains are rarely hung in the kitchen - here, as a rule, the window opening is partially covered. But in the bedroom it is better to hang large and lush curtains.
2. Number of pieces of fabric. Here curtains can be divided into single-sheet and double-sheet. The former will effectively protect against window drafts. They can only be moved in one direction. If desired, single-sheet curtains can be decorated with original tiebacks or garters. Often curtains are hung in a couple of tiers.
Double-sheet curtains can be pulled apart in different directions. It is recommended to hang them on large window openings, since on a small window the shifted panels will block a lot of light.
3. Type of fastening - curtains can be fixed to the cornice in different ways (this also depends on the type of cornice). But for the most part, the type of fastening of the curtain fabric depends on the curtain itself.
Airy, light curtains can be attached to thin braid, but with rings you can attach absolutely any fabric to the cornice, even heavy brocade.
If the interior style provides for or allows the use of a cornice in the form of a tube, then heavy curtains, and even with eyelets, can be hung on it without fear of the collapse of the entire structure. The curtain model is selected according to the shape of the window, its size and method of opening.
Knowing the basics of the classification of curtain fabrics and the features of their varieties, you will be able to choose suitable options for all rooms of your home with fewer problems and surround yourself with truly heavenly comfort. The modern assortment of curtain fabric is simply amazing, but knowing a minimum of the basics of classification, you will not wander through it, like in three pines.
Which curtains will suit gray wallpaper: photo
In general, gray is considered a neutral color, so it can be combined with many colors.
Meanwhile, gray color can be either neutral or warm, as well as cold shades. Based on this, you should select curtains to match the wallpaper.
It should be said that gray color is more suitable for neoclassicism, minimalism, and hi-tech. But if used correctly, it can be successfully used in many other interior styles.
If your gray wallpaper has a warm tone, then curtains of brown, yellow, pink or orange will suit it. You can also use red, brick and soft green.
Curtains in blue tones and the color of wet sand are suitable for cold shades of gray.
If you are not bothered by more saturated tones, then you can use curtains in the color of wet asphalt or graphite.
The use of white in combination with gray also adds subtlety to the interior.
Combined curtains for the living room
An interesting option for the living room is combined wallpaper. They add originality to the interior and make it more attractive. There are quite a lot of possibilities for imagination in this case, since wallpaper can be combined in different ways.
How to choose curtains for the living room: advice from designers
I'll give you some simple tips to use when choosing curtains for your living room. This will allow you to create a more thoughtful and attractive interior.
- You should not hang massive curtains in a small living room, as this will visually reduce the space even more. In this case, light straight curtains without all kinds of accessories are more suitable.
- It is better to choose light colors for both wallpaper and curtains. This will make the room more spacious and the atmosphere lighter and more comfortable.
- Spacious living rooms provide the opportunity for a flight of designer imagination. Therefore, in this case, you can use more saturated colors for curtains in any style.
- You just need to consider which side your windows face. If this is the south side, then the fabric for the curtains should be thicker.
- The color scheme of curtains should take into account the interior style of your living room.
- In addition, you need to ensure that the style of the wallpaper pattern is combined with the style of the curtain pattern. That is, if the wallpaper has an ornate pattern, then there is no need to choose curtains with a geometric pattern. They won't fit well.
- Interiors in the style of classicism and neoclassicism involve the use of soft, light, pastel colors for both walls and curtains.
- In Empire and Art Nouveau styles, contrasts between the colors of walls and curtains are acceptable.
- The color scheme of high-tech interiors is mainly limited to a combination of various shades of gray and white.
- Modern interior styles do not welcome clutter. This also applies to curtains. Therefore, you should not use a large number of accessories for curtains.
- Cushions covered with the same fabric from which the curtains are made add zest to the living room interior. This gives the interior a harmonious and more finished look.
Attaching curtains: photos and main types of curtain rods
Light and translucent curtains can serve both as an element of window decoration and as one of the components of the doorway decor. Before purchasing curtains, take measurements of the window and ceiling. Even the most beautiful curtains will not save the situation if the cornice is chosen incorrectly, which many mistakenly call a curtain, although the latter is a type of curtain.
In essence, a cornice is a product that has several functions. It supports the curtains, affects the visual perception of the room and hides some defects in the walls and windows. That is, with the help of curtain mounts you can narrow or expand the space in the room, visually enlarge the window opening and remove minor imperfections in the finishing from prying eyes.
Stylish and modern ceiling cornices are described in detail in the following article:
There are a great variety of curtain fasteners.
They are distinguished:
- by material;
- method of connection to the plane;
- appearance.
The classic option is wooden cornices. In their production, tree species such as oak or cherry are used, which have a dense structure and clearly defined longitudinal fibers. Coniferous species are also suitable.
Plastic models attract with their availability and variety of colors. It has been noticed that light shades fade faster, but those imitating dark wood species can last quite a long time.
I like metal curtain rods for their durability. They are able to withstand both curtain fabric and heavy curtains. There are simple models suitable for the minimalist style, and elegant forged ones for a classic interior.
String cornices are universal. They will fit into almost any interior, but they will not withstand the weight of heavy curtains; they are suitable for light, airy fabrics.
The variety of finished products is truly impressive, but if it is impossible to find something that suits your idea, you can order fastenings from craftsmen of the required size and texture.
When choosing a cornice, you should also take into account the possibilities of the ceiling. Made from plasterboard, it may not support the weight of the fasteners and curtains. All this must be taken into account in advance.
Curtains for the living room: photos of the best options
As mentioned above, curtains should match the style of the living room interior and its color scheme. Only then will they look organic.
I suggest you look at the most interesting examples of the use of curtains in living room interiors, decorated in different styles.
Curtains in the living room in Provence style
This style came to us from the southern coast of France, retaining its warmth and homeliness. This interior may seem not quite modern to some. But, nevertheless, it has quite a lot of fans precisely because of the very warm and comfortable atmosphere of such a living room. Nowadays this is very important.
Curtains in the living room in a classic style
The classic style is not ultra-modern, but this does not prevent it from being still very popular, if the living room area allows, of course. The fact is that for the full implementation of the classic style, the living room must be quite spacious. If this is the case for you, then you can take a closer look at the classic style.
Curtains with lambrequins in the living room
Lambrequins are an attribute of massive curtains, which, as a rule, are used in classic interior styles. For more modern design styles they are not often used. Although they can still be found in many living rooms.
Curtains in the living room in high-tech style
The high-tech style is more stingy in accessories for curtains and laconic, which is quite natural for a modern interior style. Therefore, we will not see lambrequins and all kinds of grabs here. Curtains are used straight, lighter and without unnecessary patterns.
Types of textile window decoration
Modern curtains differ from each other in many ways. The main difference is their cut. There are several types of decoration.
Multilayer products. They are a set of several fabrics. One of them can be transparent, and the other can be non-transparent, made of dense material. The front side is decorated with a pattern, spraying, or can be plain.
The rich appearance of the product emphasizes the richness and decoration of the owners’ premises. Such materials are hung in living rooms or bedrooms.
Lambrequins. They are usually draped in a special way and placed in the upper part of the window, immediately under the cornice. To make lambrequins, several fabrics of different types and colors are used. Fringe, tassels, and eyelets are used for decoration. The fabric can be hung or tied.
With different side sizes (lack of symmetry). This curtain design gives the room an unusual and original look.
Roll models. Designed for high-tech style. Such curtains are also called “blackout”. They do not allow light to pass through and prevent extraneous noise and dirt from entering the house.
By height (short and long). Among small curtains, there are products that cover the upper part of the window opening and the lower part of the window (cafe curtains). They are used in catering establishments and in the kitchens of ordinary apartments and houses.
Every day new items are added to each group of curtains, which can be seen in the photo. There are various models here, differing in style and shape.
What curtains for the hall are in fashion now: photo
The main trends in the fashion of curtains for the living room are as follows:
- Simplicity, functionality, elegance, lightness without the use of a large number of accessories, including in classic interiors.
- Combining fabrics of different colors and patterns, which gives the curtains an unusual, original look.
