Choosing window curtains: current models, the best fabrics and design options (64 photos)

Textiles add a sense of completeness to the space and make it cozy. And the design of the windows also provides comfort, protecting from the sun and adjusting the level of illumination of the room at different times of the day. In this article, we will show beautiful photos of window curtains, tell you what models and fabrics to choose, as well as how to hang curtains so as not to spoil the interior.

All about choosing window textiles

current models
— Curtains
– Roman
— Rolled
– Tulle
Fabric choice
— Material
— Color and pattern
How to hang

Suitable Models

It doesn’t matter if you follow interior fashion or don’t chase trends, there are models that will not become outdated and will definitely not spoil the interior.

curtains

The classic is always relevant. Simple floor curtains are suitable for any room and will fit into both modern and traditional styles. They can look completely different. It all depends on the type of fabric, its density and texture, as well as on the color scheme and the presence of patterns. So, in a minimalist interior, monophonic matte curtains will organically look, and for the classics, curtains made of patterned fabric with a slight sheen are suitable. Or, on the contrary, from heavy brocade or dense wool. Scandinavian or eco-style is characterized by light translucent curtains that allow natural light into the room.

Roman

Short curtains on the windows are ideal for areas with high pollution and rooms where restless children live.

Roman blinds are especially popular now. They are attached to the top of the opening and, when opened, reach the window sill. The material gathers up, forming beautiful folds. In some models, they are smooth and almost invisible, while others even have drapery when open.

Previously, Roman blinds were used in addition to curtains or tulle, but now they are increasingly found on their own. Thanks to the variety of materials, you can choose the right design: make textiles barely noticeable or accent, take a bright or calm color, a plain canvas or with an active pattern. Especially well this type of curtains is suitable for the kitchen. Due to the smaller amount of fabric, they will not collect dirt and absorb odors as much as ordinary curtains. In addition, canvases are made from various modern materials: washable, with a dirt and dust-repellent top layer or special impregnations. And in an apartment where there are children, especially in their private room, such window textiles are safer, since there is less risk of getting tangled in the canvas, pulling the curtain and accidentally tearing it or dropping the cornice on itself. Plus, it’s simply more economical because a Roman blind requires less supplies than a floor-length model.

Rolled

Another option for laconic window framing is roller blinds. Like the Roman ones, they are short, up to the windowsill, and their principle of operation is similar.

The difference is in the lifting mechanism. For roller shutters, this is a shaft-cornice, on which, rising up, a fabric or other material is wound. Previously, roll models were used in commercial interiors, but gradually they took root in residential spaces. And the simplest design turned from a disadvantage into an advantage. Such curtains look organically in minimalist interiors without any other textiles. If you want to add coziness to the room, they can be supplemented with light tulle or classic floor-length curtains. Like Roman, this is a good option for the kitchen if you need to protect the window from the sun, while keeping the amount of textiles to a minimum.

Tulle

Now the trend is minimalism, visual simplicity and spacious air spaces.

Even if the apartment is not open-plan, this feeling can be created due to the large amount of natural light. Therefore, windows are now often left as open as possible. Hence, the popularity of tulle grows not only in the traditional role of a companion to curtains or blinds, but also as an independent textile on the window.

To make it look relevant:

• Choose from natural or blended fabrics.
• Avoid Lurex and any pronounced synthetic sheen.
• The canvas should be translucent, soft, create natural folds.
• Refuse draperies, ruffles, contrasting patterns and colorful patterns on the canvas.

If you want to hang only tulle on the window, but you do not have enough protection from the sun, you can complement it with light blackouts. They are almost invisible when assembled, and when opened they block up to 100% of the incoming light.

Fabric choice

In addition to the model, the curtain fabric is also important: both in terms of practicality (for example, you should choose different materials for the kitchen and bedroom), and in terms of design.

Material

Theoretically, curtains can be sewn from any fabric. But in order for the kit to look beautiful and last for a long time, it is better to choose materials specially designed for this.

Of course, everything natural is in trend now. But there are mixed and even fully synthetic materials with excellent characteristics and appearance. Here are the most current options:

• Linen and cotton. Among natural fabrics, you can choose them. They are durable, environmentally friendly, do not cause allergies, look natural and comfortable. There are also small disadvantages: flax, if there are no impurities in it, shrinks heavily when washed, and cotton fades quickly enough in the sun.
• Polyester — one of the most popular artificial materials now. It can be 100%, but most often it is added to other fabrics to make them more durable and elastic: for example, to the same linen, which immediately solves the shrinkage problem.
• Viscose — Another synthetic fabric from which curtains are often sewn. Its main advantage is the variety of colors and patterns, but the strength leaves much to be desired, since the material itself is quite thin. Therefore, it is better to choose viscose with impurities: for example, it can be cotton.
• Jacquard — dense, shape-holding, elegant-looking material. Perfect for curtains in the living room or office. Jacquard does not fade, so these curtains can be hung in a room facing the sunny side. The only negative is that puffs can remain on the canvas, so the curtains must be handled carefully and protected from animals.
• Atlas — if, nevertheless, matte fabrics are not for you, then you should choose satin. You will get a canvas with a very discreet, noble, soft sheen, similar to colored glass. Such curtains will look good both in the front living room and in the boudoir bedroom. The only negative is the high price of the material.
• Taffeta — mixed fabric, which includes cotton, polyester, viscose, silk, acetate. Such a mixture of materials gives it excellent characteristics: matter does not deform, does not transmit light, drapes easily and lasts a long time. Suitable for both living rooms and kitchens. Of the minuses — it shrinks when washed and wrinkles quite easily.

Color and Pattern

The design of the fabric is no less important than its composition, because the design of the windows creates a complete image of the interior.

How to choose color and pattern:

• The most important general rule is that light colors visually increase the space, while dark ones give the opposite effect. If the room is small, it is better to choose textiles in cream, sand, gray, cream or pastel colors.
• If the windows face the sunny side and you want to “cool down” the space, take neutral or cold shades: blue, lavender, steel gray, etc. If, on the contrary, the room lacks natural light, compensate for it with warm colors: yellow, terracotta, coral, brown, beige tones.
• The smaller the openings, the more they need to be opened so that the interior is not dark and gloomy. Choose single-layer straight drapes, sheer tulle or short curtains for small windows.
• Any drawing attracts the eye. If you want to make window textiles accent, choose actual patterns: geometry, stylized botany, laconic abstraction. If you do not want to draw attention to the windows, either abandon the ornament altogether, or choose canvases with a low-contrast pattern, ideally in the color of the fabric itself.
• Remember that the size of the ornament should be proportional to the dimensions of the room. A large drawing will look good in a spacious room, a small one in a small one. So that patterned curtains do not look lonely and foreign, repeat their pattern or at least the colors from it in other interior elements. It can be the same textiles: carpet, upholstery, decorative pillows or bedding.

Choosing the color of curtains without the participation of a professional is quite difficult. If you don’t have a finished picture in your head, there is a simple life hack: choose the shade of the canvas for something. So, for example, they can repeat the shade of walls or large furniture, duplicate one bright color from accent wallpaper, be combined with an apron in the kitchen, moldings, other textiles or decor.

How to hang curtains on windows

So that the window decor does not spoil the entire interior, it is important to hang the curtains correctly.

Here are some helpful tips:

• If the room does not initially have high ceilings (from 3 meters), then your task is to visually raise them. To do this, it is better to choose a simple cornice, which, by the way, can be hung not directly along the border of the opening, but a little higher. Also avoid wide and contrasting horizontal stripes on the canvas. Floor-length curtains will also visually stretch the walls up.
• Hidden eaves are very popular now. It hides in a tension structure, often in the same place they make an inconspicuous LED backlight. The result is a feeling of a floating ceiling, and the curtains seem to come straight out of it. It looks stylish and also helps to visually make the space more spacious and taller.
• Pay attention to the details and quality of tailoring: even the most expensive fabrics will lose all their effectiveness if they hang ugly on the ledge and puff up. If possible, order individual tailoring exactly to the size of your window openings.
• If the room is decorated neutrally, window textiles can be made an accent element: through rich color, ornament or decorative elements. In this case, beautiful garters, tassels, light drapery, and a multi-layer composition will be appropriate.
• Remember that the cornice and fittings are also a design element. If you have a classic-style interior, choose a noble wooden fixture, and rings or hooks should not be made of cheap plastic. For more modern trends, choose concise, preferably inconspicuous details.