English curtains for the living room. English curtains (London) for the kitchen and other rooms. Curtains for the living room

When there is a desire not only to darken the windows from daylight, but also to add the spirit of aristocratic romanticism to the atmosphere of the room, the option with London curtains is perfect.

Coming from Foggy Albion, these elegant products are made of fabric, which, when lifted in the center, forms a free fold-wave, with deep bow folds on the sides.

In the interior, fabric products are self-sufficient, but they will also look advantageous with classic curtains or lambrequins.

Choosing English curtains is the right decision when decorating large spacious rooms. Massive linen curtains or short organza garlands are equally stunning in almost any style.

A special highlight in the interior will be the addition of openwork lace, fringe, beads, fabric buttons, ruffles, and tassels.

What do they look like?

Externally, the design of English curtains is determined by certain criteria:

  • The number of folds is more than two.
  • Characteristic wave depth.
  • The freely hanging vertical edges form fans and are fixed along the side cut.

The curtain is a fabric rectangle with even parameters. From the wrong side, rings are sewn vertically and cords are threaded, attached to the cornice using a lifting mechanism. When the cords are tightened, the fabric rises, forming folds on the front of the product. The folds in the center are gathered into lush waves, and on the sides - into voluminous bows or puffs. When opened, the length of the product reaches the window sill.

London curtains have a number of advantages:

  • They help protect the room from drafts due to the density of the fabric.
  • Perfectly protects from bright sunlight.
  • Due to the flexibility of the material from which the canvas is made, they do not interfere with the opening of window sashes.
  • Easy to care for and clean.
  • There is a possibility of remote control.

Installation and control

Installation of elegant English curtains can be carried out on a window sash or on an entire window opening. Also, fabric products can be hung in a niche or in front of a window. There are designs that fit either wide window openings or narrow windows.

For heavy structures, ceiling or wall profile cornices with an open or closed lifting mechanism are used. Thanks to the self-braking lifting mechanism, the curtains can be easily adjusted at any window level.

Products are often secured using adhesive tape, where one part of it is built into the profile and the other is sewn to the fabric. The practical installation method allows you to easily remove the curtains for washing.

English curtains are installed not only on ordinary windows, they can also be selected for arched window openings. For such a non-standard fastening, an appropriate cornice is simply necessary. On such windows, the role of fabric products is more decorative than practical.

When decorating rooms, curtains with a constant length of material are often chosen, which are initially fixed at a given level.

The canvas is lifted manually using a side cord or using an electric drive remotely.

Textile

The products were called London-made not because they were used to decorate rich halls in London. These luxurious curtains were predominantly made from impeccable English-made fabrics.

In the 18th century in England, when the concept of traditional London curtains arose, textiles were predominantly used in the manufacture of furniture and accessories. Literally everything was decorated with fabric: from windows to walls.

Modern products are made from natural fabrics of medium softness. Excellent draping materials include satin, linen, satin, silk, wool, and jacquard.

The volume of folds will depend on the texture of the fabric. It is important that the texture is dense and capable of holding a given shape. Otherwise, there is a risk of seeing not London curtains, but banal curtains on your windows.

In kitchens and living rooms designed in a classic style, curtains made of thick fabrics - jacquard or wool - will look impressive. Cotton and chintz curtains are the choice for interiors in retro and country styles.

Window products made of linen, thick cotton, as well as curtains framed with these fabrics look advantageous.

A veil or tulle will create shimmer in daylight.

Color

When choosing the color of curtains, you should remember that the color scheme is common. A huge selection of color palettes allows you to feel free to imagine how the curtains will harmoniously blend into the overall interior of the room. Colors have different properties to influence the overall perception of a room:

  • Warm tones in shades of red will create a cozy and relaxing environment.
  • Brown and cream shades will bring a feeling of comfort and security.
  • White, blue, green - severity, coolness, unobtrusiveness.

  • Classic vertical stripes, plaid and checkered prints are universal color options. The fashion for English classics never wane.
  • Geometric patterns, floral prints and animal motifs are combined with contrasting panels in the fold-out areas.

Floral and monogram patterns are popular in textile design today; they look elegant and fresh in the interior.

Care

The ease of use of the designs allows the use of London curtains not only in the classic design of home interiors, but also in the interior design of restaurants and office rooms.

Structures attached to the cornice using adhesive tape can be easily removed and cleaned. After wet cleaning, the product is ironed and the previous drapery is restored using lifting cords.

It is practical that dust does not linger on the folds of curtains cascading downwards.

When choosing English curtains, it is preferable to pay attention to textiles. Considering window decoration as a priority in the English style, the choice concentrates on high-quality and, accordingly, expensive fabrics.

In order to save money, you can use a budget option for fabrics in beige and gray shades with the inclusion of floral patterns.

Calm fabric tones are also chosen for a room with many windows. A catchy accent in such rooms will look intrusive.

Curtains decorated with lambrequins and cords with tassels look advantageous. The color scheme should be complemented, for example, by a lampshade, decorative pillows, or pouf.

As an option, this type of curtain can be shaded with a curtain made of light fabrics or you can choose wooden blinds to match the furniture. Short products cannot protect the room from the sun, so horizontal blinds will help solve this problem.

London curtains are an unfortunate option for grunge and hi-tech styles.

In rooms with high ceilings and large windows they will look harmonious in tandem with roller and Roman blinds, drapes and tulle. To add additional volume, a lining is used, sewn from the reverse side of the fabric. The right decision is to use the services of a designer who will produce a structure according to an individual sketch.

Place in the interior

The strict, but at the same time warm and cozy English style has always been considered an example of quality and taste. Unique products are chosen by connoisseurs of elegant decor and high-quality textiles. It is known that most of the atmosphere in a room is determined by window decorations, which is why famous designers invariably bring London curtains back into fashion.

Window masterpieces add a special chic to the interior. The variety of fabric and model options for products does not prevent you from including British curtains in almost any interior:

  • Style Provence recreates the spirit of the outback English countryside. One imagines a country house, the interior of which includes decorative pillows and a bed, harmoniously combined with wallpaper. Elegant curtains made of linen and cotton with small prints will emphasize the lightness of the atmosphere.

  • In the interior in style fusion It is possible to mix fabrics and textures. More precisely, it allows you to combine, at first glance, incompatible colors and styles. In the kitchen, curtains are more decorative in nature, which often does not require complete darkening of the room. In areas for cooking and drinking tea, it is better to install designs with short curtains in light colors or classic colors, which include tartan or small flowers. Wavy deep folds on curtains made of organza, tulle and veil will add nobility and airiness to this living area.

Creating a harmonious interior consists of many details, one of which is textile design. And here the key role belongs to the curtains. This fabric decor not only serves as a decoration for the window opening, but also gives the room softness and comfort.

English curtains will add romantic aristocracy to the interior of the room. This window drapery first appeared in the 18th century, when it was customary to decorate most interior items - furniture and even walls - with fabric.

English (London) curtains are rectangular fabric sheets with smooth edges, forming folds at the bottom. This drapery is formed thanks to rings sewn on the wrong side of the fabric. Vertical cords are threaded through them, when tightened, folds or puffs are formed on the product. These volumetric elements can be placed at the edges, or in the middle of the lower part of the curtain. The average fold depth is 30-40 cm.

Different models of London curtains may differ:

  • The number of folds (but there must be at least two);
  • The depth of the waves;
  • Decorating the side edges. They can either fall like a fan, making the window structure delicate and soft, or they can be fixed with a cord and rings, which makes them more strict.

On a note: London curtains can be decorated with fringe, tassels, cords, beads, ruffles, and decorative buttons.

The difference between British curtains and other types of window frames

British curtains are a mixture of Austrian and Roman curtains. They differ from the former by the uneven arrangement and size of the folds, from the latter by the absence of a rigid bar that serves as a weighting agent.

In Austrian curtains, the bottom of the fabric is gathered into folds, while in English curtains, the scallops are located vertically to each other across the width of the product. This type of drapery requires more material, but when raised, the curtain opens beautifully, showing the pattern of the fabric, and gathers beautifully at the top of the window.

Product fastening technology

There are several ways to fix English curtains.

They can be attached to various surfaces:

  • Ceiling;
  • Wall;
  • Window frame;
  • Upper slope.

On a note: It looks best when English-style curtains are fixed above the window opening. These panels are mounted directly into the opening if there is an urgent need to save space.

British curtains are fixed to an open or closed lifting mechanism of a profile cornice. They are fastened using a special tape, which is glued on one side to the upper edge of the canvas, and the other is inserted into the profile.

Profile cornices with a lifting mechanism of closed and open types

London curtains look good both on a standard rectangular window and on an arched or bay window. In order for the product to beautifully frame openings of different configurations, it is necessary to choose the right cornice to fix it.

Manually- using a chain located on one side of the structure;

The position of the panel of English curtains can be adjusted:

  • Remotely- using a combination of electric drive, which is controlled by a remote control.

Please note: There are designs of London curtains, the length of which cannot be adjusted.

Design of English curtains, their role in the interior

Window decor in the spirit of England can have different designs. It depends on the type of fabric used, the geometry of the window, and the style of the room. Traditional in the UK are curtains of pastel colors with a strict pattern - checkered, striped, abundant floral prints, as well as images of animals. They look luxurious, elegant and graceful in combination with wooden walls and floors, massive furniture made of precious dark wood.

Advice: to make window decor more modern and stylish, they use combinations of two types of materials - for example, floral patterns and plaid, plain fabric and fabric with monograms.

It looks original if you sew a material of a contrasting color or a distinctive texture into the folds of the curtain. Also, from a material of a different shade, a border is sewn along the upper edge of the product, which will give the window frame a finished look. Bow folds can be made from companion fabric - this gives the fabric additional volume.

The fabric for English curtains should be chosen carefully, since the formation of beautiful and uniform folds depends on its density. Smooth, identical waves are formed from a soft material, but to create lush puffs you will need a more rigid textile that can hold its shape for a long time.

It can be velvet, jacquard, rep, damask, chenille. Translucent fabric with draperies of this kind can be used as curtains.

Secret: to add volume to London curtains, a lining is used, sewn on the wrong side of the panel. In this case, the cords and rings are hidden inside between the fabrics - this makes the product more neat.

When purchasing fabric for sewing British curtains, you should remember that it should be significantly wider than the cornice. This is necessary so that it can be used to form a drapery in width. The required supply depends on the number of waves and their splendor.

With the help of English curtains you can adjust the perception of the room. Hanging a curtain higher than a window opening will give the room height. To sew these fabrics, it is better to use fabric with vertical stripes, and decorate the product itself with a large number of small, neat bow folds.

British curtains in the living room interior

English curtains, which belong to the classic interior elements, look most impressive in large rooms. But they can also be used in smaller living rooms. They give the interior of the room respectability, sophistication and aristocracy.

London curtains in the bedroom interior

A bedroom is an intimate room, and these curtains will give it unique elegance and charm. Dense materials (jacquard, taffeta, rep) are used to sew them, protecting the room from excess sunlight. And if London canvases act as curtains, they are sewn from light tulle or organza.

English curtains in the kitchen

Their short length and compactness make London curtains an ideal option for decorating a kitchen window. There is practically no dust settling on the falling folds, and the curtains themselves are easy to clean. If necessary, the fabric can be easily removed from the adhesive tape and washed.

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.

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

Product care

Since London curtains have pleats that cascade, dust practically does not linger on them. The panel is attached to the cornice (using adhesive tape), so it is easy to remove and wash. After cleaning, simply iron the fabric and create a beautiful drapery using lifting cords.

English curtains are an ideal window decoration for rooms decorated in the spirit of classics. They favorably emphasize its aristocracy and give the room respectability and sophistication. And the extensive selection of fabrics and the possibility of their different layouts and combinations make them suitable window decoration for residential premises for various purposes - kitchen, living room, bedroom, dining room, hallway, bath. London curtains are also suitable for decorating public buildings - restaurants, cafes, office rooms.

Video: English curtains

For a long time, the English style has occupied a place of honor in the interior, as with its help the room becomes rich. The article talks about what English-style curtains should be like.

Recently, many housewives continue to choose the English style in the interior, because it gives the entire room a certain chic and elegance. It is interesting that it combines both classic furniture elements and details of simple everyday life.

Characteristic features of the English style:

  • high quality;
  • equilibrium;
  • functionality;
  • traditionality;
  • comfort and kindness

Most often, rooms that are made in the English style have massive oak furniture, strict stucco on the ceiling, fabric wallpaper with interesting wallpaper on the walls, and chic curtains with lambrequins on the windows, which add harmony and chic.

For example, a regular sofa can be upholstered in luxurious upholstery. In a room with this style, objects, texture, shape and color are carefully selected. Much attention is paid to curtains, since during the reign of Queen Victoria, they were divided into several levels. The first was made of precious wood, the second included heavy wallpaper, and the ceiling had elegant stucco.

What is their characteristic feature?

Curtains in the English style are a wide sheet of fabric, which is attached at the top and folded on the sides. At first glance, they are associated with restraint and elegance.

Often these curtains contain tartan or stripes, as well as rather small patterns with flowers.

Advantages of English curtains:

  1. This type of curtain is sewn using special materials that have a particularly hard, rigid texture. It can be a veil, jacquard and other options.
  2. They have their own unique depth and character of folds. For example, if you lower them, the curtains acquire elegance and severity, but if you raise them, they become interesting, bright and weightless, making the window opening neat.
  3. This type of curtains is universal because it fits perfectly into other styles of the room - if you choose them wisely, you can use them both in a children’s room and in the kitchen.
  4. English curtains have a wide palette of shades, so every housewife will be able to choose a suitable option that will highlight the interior of a particular room.

  • It is worth noting that window decoration is a hallmark of the English style. Since nowadays a lot of attention is paid to textiles, you need to choose only high-quality and expensive fabrics for your premises.
  • They can be velvet, leather, tapestry and damask. In addition, it is worth paying attention to the patterns. They must be interesting and original - strict checkered, striped.
  • If your financial situation does not allow you to purchase expensive fabrics, you can use natural fabrics in beige, white and gray shades, with the presence of small floral patterns. This unusual combination will give the interior simplicity and freshness.
  • It is advisable to decorate curtains for an English interior using large draperies with lambrequins, folds, or cords with tassels that are popular today. At this time, you need to think about the fact that fabric lampshades on table lamps, tablecloths and pillows must be in the same tone as the curtains.
  • If desired, this type of curtain can be shaded with a curtain made of light fabrics, or you can use wooden blinds, correctly matched to the tone of the furniture.

As we see, this type of curtains cannot always protect your room from the sun, so in addition to them, we recommend using horizontal wooden blinds, they will fit perfectly into the interior and will protect your room from the sun's rays.

Or if there is such a possibility, then roller blinds, the color of which can be chosen identical to the English curtain, and read more about roller blinds.

Curtains for a kitchen made in English style. What should they be?

First of all, it is worth noting that the kitchen is not only an area with a work surface for preparing dishes. It should be a kind of “face” of the house, since it is in it that friends can gather over a cup of tea, so when decorating it you should pay attention to many points:

  1. Windows need to be decorated not in the usual way, but in an original way, since it is to them that the attention of others will be primarily attracted.
  2. It is desirable that curtains in an English interior be voluminous and have cords and tassels in addition.
  3. As practice shows, lambrequins look good in the kitchen, so you should choose intricate options or curly lambrequins, which have recently become especially popular.
  4. They harmonize perfectly with English curtains, photos of which can be viewed in the gallery below, and large paintings that have antique frames. It is worth noting that the English interior is often deliberately given antiquity in order to make it look more elegant.

In order for the interior of the apartment to look organic and attract attention, it is necessary to correctly combine every little detail. The main part of the decor are curtains. Today we will talk about English. This look will be an excellent decoration and will add coziness and tranquility to the room.

Curtains in the English style came to us from the distant past. These are smooth rectangles of fabric with folds at the bottom. They are formed by rings that are stitched on the wrong side of the fabric. A thread is inserted through these rings. If you pull, the fabric will rise up, forming chic folds.

What should be the fabric for curtains?

The main criterion of fabric is density. When tightened, it should gather into folds and keep its shape. Soft fabric will hang and will not create the desired effect.

The design of curtains is not in last place. The appearance should correspond to ancient England. Several types that are ideal:

  • taffeta;
  • reps;
  • thick silk;
  • jacquard.


Color and patterns, preferably in bed colors. But, recently, it has become very fashionable to combine several styles:

  • plain color with stripes;
  • checkered fabric and smooth;
  • check and pattern.

This style is popular. Very often, curtains are matched to furniture upholstery. It looks quite harmonious and without going overboard. Don't forget to decorate with ribbons, laces or tassels, but don't forget about the combination.

Self-production

Every housewife sees the future design of her apartment in her own way. This also applies to curtains. Often manufacturers do not understand this and offer a similar, but not ideal, option.

How to behave in this case? You will be surprised, but making curtains with your own hands is not as difficult as it might seem. Follow the basic rules and you will succeed:

  • Accurately calculate the dimensions and the floor is done. If you want to buy one type of fabric, then measure the length of the cornice and decide on the number of folds;
  • For one fold you will need approximately 60 centimeters;
  • The total length should be ten to twenty centimeters longer than the length from the eaves to the window sill;
  • To make vertical folds, you need to divide the width intended for one fold into four equal parts. Similar markings are made on the other side;
  • The bottom and side edges are processed in the usual way. A fold is made (two centimeters) and stitched. An adhesive tape is attached to it on the reverse side;
  • Don't forget about the rings with the rising band. Its length should correspond to the line to which you want to raise the curtain;
  • Attach the curtain to the curtain rod.


It is very easy to make your own model with different types of fabric. It is enough to cut each fold and insert strips of 60 centimeters.

If you prefer a stationary option, that is, you are not going to raise and lower the structure, then there is no need to sew on rings and tape.

There are more complex mechanisms:

  • visual sections are used. A softer fabric is sewn inside each cut, which will peek out and create a fan effect;
  • semicircular folds;
  • a curtain made of four folds, which are secured on the side.

If you prefer a more complex option, do not sew. It's better to buy them in the store. This way you will be confident in the quality of the curtains.

Remember, the more magnificent you want the curtains, the wider the fabric should be from the eaves. If you do everything according to the rules, then sewing English curtains will not take much time.


English curtains in the interior

As you have already noticed from the photo of English curtains, they can be very diverse. Anyone, even the most fastidious designer gourmet, will be able to find something suitable for themselves.

Thanks to this type of curtains you can visually change the room. Need to increase the height of the walls? Hang the curtain above the window opening. Their big advantage is that, due to their dense fabric, they do not allow the sun's rays to pass through, so you can sleep peacefully without fear that the annoying sun will wake you up ahead of time.

Curtains for the living room

The classic type of curtains looks most advantageous in large rooms. The living room is exactly that large room that will become more hospitable and cozy.

Do not choose colors with small details, they will make the room much smaller. Choose curtains that will blend harmoniously with furniture and other decorative elements.

English curtains for the bedroom

This room is a very important place for the owners. They should completely relax and feel comfortable in it.

Dense materials are used for curtains in the bedroom to protect it from excess light. Even the lightest colors can do this. So feel free to brighten up the room with beige, soft pink and other colors.


English curtains for the kitchen

The kitchen window will look beautiful with English curtains of short length. There is no need for a mechanism, leave these difficulties for the hall or bedroom. Such curtains hang high enough, so they are not afraid of getting grease and dust. They do not cause any difficulties in removal. Just peel off the tape and it's washable.

In this room you can hang absolutely any colors and patterns. Starting from delicate flowers, ending with a rough cage. Don't forget, everything must fit together.

What is better to combine with?

Basically, English curtains do not require additional decor, except perhaps ribbons or tassels. But if you want something unusual, then combine several types of fabrics, or sew a lambrequin, it will make the curtain and the room as a whole richer and more saturated.


How to properly care for the product?

Thanks to the folds, dust practically does not get on the curtain. The canvas is attached to the cornice using adhesive tape. It is very easy to remove for washing. Just iron it and hang it back.

English curtains are an ideal option for a classic style. They make the room more aristocratic and add high cost. A large selection of colors, patterns, and different mechanisms makes it possible to choose the ideal option. This type will decorate residential premises, but also public spaces, restaurants, hotels, offices.

Photos of English curtains