How to use French curtains in the interior of the kitchen. How to sew french curtains? (7 photos) Curtains for French windows

French curtains are very beautiful, but at the same time very expensive. In curtain stores you can see a wide variety of models from various fabrics and materials with sagging folds or with more lush assembly options. However, it is much cheaper to make such a curtain yourself. However, this is a very painstaking and reverent business that does not tolerate mistakes.

In order to sew correctly, you first need to make the right calculations, pick up the fabric, cut it, and only then proceed to processing the selected fabric. The tailoring of the French curtain begins with the calculation of the required cut of the material.

When you see the curtains of this model, it immediately becomes clear that a lot of material is needed to make it. Pleats, which greatly shorten the length, look more beautiful if the material was purchased at the rate of reducing the finished curtain in width. This means that knowing the width of the window opening or the length of the cornice, this figure cannot be taken as the width of the canvas. In order for the waves to turn out beautiful, and the distance between the scallops to be sufficient, it is necessary to multiply the figure indicating the width of the desired curtain by a factor of 1.8. It is this coefficient that will allow the folds of the material to lie down beautifully, without giving the impression of sagging fabric.

When calculating the length of the fabric for the manufacture of curtains, you need to multiply the number indicating the length of the desired finished curtain by at least two. In addition, you need to add a few centimeters of material for processing the edges. This means that it is necessary to add another 5-8 cm to the obtained values ​​\u200b\u200bof the length and width of the canvas for processing sections.

Which material to choose

Having calculated the length and width of the material, you need to choose the one suitable for drapery. It should be elastic, and the folds on it should be smooth, even and soft. When choosing a cut in the store, you can try to collect a little canvas in your hand and see if the fold lays down beautifully, whether it forms even waves. If it bends, looks wrinkled or crooked, it is better not to choose this one.

The color of the curtains can be any, the main thing is that it is combined with the color scheme of the room as a whole. The denser the fabric, the more magnificent the folds will turn out, but they will have more irregularities. At the same time, the thinner the fabric, the more evenly waves will form on it.

What to buy besides fabric

In addition to materials, for sewing a French curtain you also need:

• sewing machine;
• pins;
• scissors;
• as well as soap or chalk (for cutting).

How to prepare fabric for cutting

Before cutting and sewing the curtain, it is necessary to process its edges, using a special braid for attaching the curtain. The side and bottom edges just need to be doubled and stitched, and then smooth the seams. The edges must be processed before sewing the curtains, since then they will be uneven and it will not be possible to process them beautifully.

It is also necessary to iron all the material before starting sewing, and if it is difficult to iron, then this should be done two or three times. After sewing the curtain, it will not be possible to iron it, therefore this stage cannot be neglected, but it must be done with high quality. When the edges of the canvas are processed and it is completely ironed, you can start cutting.

How to cut material

To properly cut the canvas, you need to know exactly the width and length of the finished curtain. When determining the width, you can focus on the length of the cornice, you can measure the length by measuring the distance from the cornice to the floor, or to the level where the curtain should end.

Next, you need to calculate the number of scallops and determine the distance between them. The number of scallops for the same width of the curtain may be different, and the finished curtain will also differ in appearance. The fewer scallops, the longer the folds will be, the more there are, the more magnificent the finished curtain will appear.

Below in the table, using the example of several options for the width of the finished curtain (in the absence of the necessary option, you can do the calculations yourself) and the number of desired scallops, the calculation of the distances between them is given.

Having decided on the distance between the scallops, you should make marks on the stretched canvas after a certain number of centimeters. The numbers indicating the distance between the scallops are those centimeters, through the number of which it is necessary to make marks on the panel.

If the required web width is not among those indicated in the table, then it is necessary to determine the number of scallops, and divide the web width by this number. The resulting figure will be the distance between the scallops.

For example: the width of the cloth is exactly 500 cm.

Number of scallops desired = 8.

500/8=62.5 centimeters distance between the marks on the canvas.

When making marks on the canvas, it is necessary to place the fabric on a flat, smooth surface, make markings on the reverse side of the fabric at the top and bottom. A line should be drawn through both of these marks.

Carrying out tailoring

Having processed the edges, ironed the panel, marking the lines along which the braid will be attached, you can start sewing.

Step by step instructions for sewing a French curtain:

1. It is necessary to take a braid that is intended for drapery and cut it into pieces equal to the length of the canvas. Using sewing pins, this braid should be attached to each upper and lower mark (to the lines along which the folds will form). All these manipulations should be done exclusively on the reverse side of the material. 2 braids, which will be located at the edges, are placed as close as possible to the side seam. The edges of the braid from below must be ironed and stitched to the canvas;
2. Next, you need to attach the drapery braid to the panel. A special cord is attached to this braid, which later form the treasured folds;
3. Next, you need to prepare the drapery cord. The length of one cord should be equal to the length of the finished curtain, and the number of cords should match the number of lines on which the braid is sewn;
4. Next, thread the drapery cord through the holes in the braid. Tightening the cord tightly, a drapery is formed. The cord must be fastened to the drapery braid so that it does not unravel and uniform folds form.

Then the curtain can be hung. The fact that the width of the curtain exceeds the dimensions of the window opening will allow the folds to sag more freely and, accordingly, evenly.

In the above master class, all stages of sewing curtains in the French style were affected. These steps include the calculation of the required amount of material, the correct choice of fabric and a list of necessary materials that will be useful in the sewing process. In addition, the article covers in detail the issue of cutting the purchased fabric and directly sewing the curtain itself. It also explains in detail how to properly prepare the panel for processing.

Based on the information in this article, you can sew a French-style curtain yourself. These curtains are suitable for guest rooms and bedrooms. They give the room a special solemnity and comfort, look very rich and stylish. Also, French-style curtains never go out of date and always remain in fashion.

If you want to decorate the interior of the kitchen with luxurious, but at the same time light and practical curtains, pay attention to the models of French curtains. They are a single piece of fabric, the length of which can be adjusted at your discretion, turning the fabric with lush scalloped folds using a vertical braid. Having chosen French curtains for the kitchen, they can be used both independently and in an ensemble with other curtains. But in any case, they look elegant, stylish and give the atmosphere of the room a truly Parisian charm and a bit of palatial pomposity.

Curtains with lush scallops were invented to decorate the interiors of banquet halls and bedrooms of the French nobility (which is why their second name is “marquise”), then spectacular textiles began to be used to decorate theater scenes. And today, almost three centuries later, French curtains are still associated with wealth and success, and can decorate the windows of any room in our house - from the interior of a romantic bedroom to a cozy kitchen.

Light and airy French-style draperies

5 reasons to hang French curtains in the kitchen:

1. Short draperies do not block access to the window and window sill, but thanks to spectacular scallops, they look much more respectable than Roman or roll designs.
2. They go well with other types of window textiles - curtains, lambrequins.

A short curtain in a duet with a luxurious lambrequin fits perfectly into the interior of the kitchen

1. The number and splendor of the folds can be varied at will, so the "French" looks great both on a small narrow window and on a wide opening.
2. Thanks to the lush folds, the French curtain closes the room well from prying eyes, so it can be used even in the kitchen on the ground floor without blinds or thick curtains.
3. Such a curtain will be an ideal addition for both expensive historical interiors (classic, baroque, renaissance, empire), and for kitchens decorated in the spirit of a cozy country, romantic Provence or elegant English style.

Lush scallops in a classic kitchen interior

On a note! Many people confuse Austrian and French curtains, because the models are really similar in the form of folds, the lifting principle and a solid canvas. The difference is that French curtains have scallops all the way down and do not fully unfurl even when the curtain is down. And the Austrian ones form folds only in the lower part of the canvas.

Varieties of lifting curtains

Choosing fabric for curtains

French curtains for the kitchen can be of any length - both practical short curtains to the windowsill, and lush drapery "to the floor". There are no special restrictions in the choice of textiles. The material can be airy or quite dense, the difference is in the form of folds (the heavier the canvas, the more clearly the arcs will be expressed). Dense soft tissues will fall in smooth "waves", and the lungs will help form lush "clouds".

Colored transparent textures perfectly scatter light

The most popular types of fabrics:

• Translucent - veil, organza, muslin, silk, cambric, chiffon, tulle, polyester with various additives.
• Opaque - satin, cotton, linen, jacquard.

Plain textile with multi-coloured braid

As for colors, curtains can be any color of the rainbow, although white and other neutral tones are usually preferred. But textiles with a pattern are used infrequently, because when the curtain is raised, the beauty of the pattern can be lost in the folds. But if you really want to revive the interior of the kitchen with a colorful print, use light-colored fabric with a repeating colorful ornament (peas, cage, flowers).

Floral motifs in the interior of the kitchen

For sewing, you can use plain fabrics of different colors.

On a note! To finish the lower edge of the curtains, you can use lush ruffles, a fringe of gilded threads or glass beads, a spectacular border of bright color. The choice of decor depends on the density of the material and the style in which the interior of the kitchen is decorated.

Systems for scalloping

A distinctive feature of French curtains is a cascade of even arched scallops. In the classic version, curtains are mounted on profile cornices, which allows you to form more lush and expressive folds. In the modern interpretation, the canvas is attached only to the upper holder with special Velcro, like other lifting models.

Types of lifting mechanisms for French curtains:

1. Manual - curtains are raised using a system of several cords and rings.

1. Automatic - just flip a switch or press a button on the remote control to activate the roller, which will rotate and adjust the curtain to the desired height on its own.

The working principle of the automatic lift

On a note! The simplest design of "French women" can also be static - that is, the folds will be fixed in one position without a lifting mechanism. For short curtains for the kitchen, this can be a good and very economical solution. .

We sew French curtains with our own hands

Ready-made models with lush scallops are quite expensive, but if you have a sewing machine and a desire to create a unique window decor in the kitchen, you can sew French curtains yourself. Despite the apparent complexity of the design, such work is quite feasible even for a novice seamstress. Therefore, we will consider in detail all the nuances of the upcoming work - from window measurements to the manufacture of the product itself.

Material calculation

The key to success in tailoring any curtains is the correct measurements. Therefore, we arm ourselves with a tape measure and go to the kitchen window.

We are interested in four main parameters:

1. The length of the cornice, to which a margin of 1.3-1.5 should be added, in order to beautifully drape the opening with fabric and leave an allowance for the seams.
2. The height of the future curtain, which is measured from the cornice to the window sill or the middle of the window (however, if we are talking about a kitchen-dining room with a large opening, you can sew a curtain up to the floor).
3. Assembly coefficient - depends on the type of textile, splendor and bending of the folds. For dense material, you need to multiply the length of the curtain by 1.8-2, for light tulle, chiffon or veil - at least 2.5.
4. The number of stripes with scallops - the length of the cornice should be divided into 4-5 equal segments (or more - depending on the size of the window).

An example of calculating the fabric for a French curtain in the kitchen:

Given: a standard window with a two-meter cornice, the length of the curtain is up to the window sill (175 cm).

Determine the width: multiply the length of the cornice by 1.5. Total: 2 m * 1.5 = 3 meters.

We determine the height: we multiply the length to the window sill by 2.5 (assembly factor for lush scallops). Total: 1.75 m * 2.5 = 4.375 m (including allowances - 4.4 m).

To form 8 rows of scallops on the curtain, the fabric will have to be cut into canvases. But if you manage to find the right material in a narrow roll, 80 cm wide, it will be ideal for a beginner seamstress. According to our calculations, such matter will need 17.6 meters (4.4 m * 4 canvases) with a width of each row of folds of 35-40 cm.

Material calculation scheme depending on the number of scallops

In addition to the fabric, you will need a curtain rod for attaching curtains, rings and a skein of nylon cord - all this can be bought at a sewing accessories store. And, of course, you can’t do without a set of home craftswomen - a sewing machine, scissors, thread, needles / pins and a measuring ruler with chalk for marking.

Tailoring technology

To get a spectacular curtain with lush folds, it is important not only to correctly calculate the amount of material, but also to provide tucks in the right places of the drapery, and even correctly fix the rings for the lifting mechanism. In order not to miss any of the upcoming stages of work, we suggest using our hint.

Step-by-step instructions for sewing French curtains with your own hands:

1. Sew the pieces of fabric together to obtain the desired width of the curtain.
2. Lay the resulting whole canvas on a table or other flat surface.
3. Make a markup, indicating with chalk the location of the center lines of the scallops, taking into account the allowances for the seams (at the bottom and on the side - 5 cm each, and on top - along the width of the curtain tape or Velcro).
4. Finish the bottom and sides by folding the fabric twice and secure the fold with a straight stitch.

Advice! For convenience, you can first baste the seams by hand or pin them with pins, and then iron them with an iron.

1. Now it remains to form the scallops. To do this, from the sides, along the seams that fastened the strips and along the markings of the center of the scallops, it is necessary to lay a French (or linen) seam, with large stitches through which you can pass the gathering cord. "marquise" tape) and attach to the wrong side of the product with a regular stitch.

On a note! For a curtain under a two-meter cornice from our example, consisting of four sheets of fabric, you will need 9 seams and 9 cord cuts of 175 cm each.

1. Then we take a pin, pass the cords through the seam loops and collect the curtain with beautiful folds. After that, you need to tighten each end and sew to the bottom of the curtain. To get beautiful folds, you can make small tucks in the center of each row of scallops or limit yourself to only the first row from the top, allowing the rest to form arbitrary “waves”.

Pattern for sewing French curtains with your own hands

1. On the upper edge we make a bend, then we attach a mount to it - a curtain tape or one of the sides of the pile. After that, we adjust the width of the product according to the size of the eaves.

At this stage, you can finish the assembly - the curtain is ready. It remains to smooth the fabric, attach it to the hooks of the eaves or combine the sides of the fluff tape on the mounting plate. But if you want a movable rather than a static curtain, you will have to work a little more.

Installation of the lifting mechanism

In order for the curtain to be adjustable in height, you will need small rings that are sewn at the bottom of the curtain along each edge of the French seam. So that the fasteners are not visible from the front side, it is necessary to make indents - at least 5 cm from the bottom, and 12-15 cm from the top. Also, the rings must be attached on the sides and the seam of the towel in steps of 15-30 cm.

Important! The step depends on the size of the scallops. For small and narrow “waves”, smaller indents are needed, for deep or wide ones, larger ones.

At the bottom of each gathering tape, it is recommended to hang small weights that will evenly hold the fabric in a vertical position (for light curtains, you can use heavy brushes, a fringe of beads, decorative stones or glass beads). After that, it remains to thread the cuts of the nylon cord through all the rings.

It is done like this:

• The first segment is wound into a ring located in the lower left edge of the curtain, passed through all the rings sewn along the side seam, passes through the cornice and is displayed on the right side.

On a note! The length of the cord will consist of the sum of the two lengths of the curtain and the length of the cornice (in our example (175 * 2) + 200 = 550 cm).

• The second cord is tied to the next lower ring, also runs vertically, then along the cornice and leads out to the right.

• All other cords are drawn in the same way, after which their free ends on the right side of the curtain are woven into a beautiful pigtail and fixed on a hook. This will be the control system that will allow you to raise and lower the curtain to the desired height.

Advice! The lengthy process of sewing on rings can be simplified and accelerated if you buy a ready-made "marquise" tape with rings already sewn on.

Ready-made braid for lifting French curtains

Video: step by step master class

Methods for fastening French curtains

Like any lifting curtains, French models can be mounted directly on the window frame with adhesive tape, hung on the eaves by hooks and even directly on the rod (if the curtain tape loops are wide enough). But, unlike roll and Roman designs, lush scallops require free space. Therefore, it is not necessary to fasten French curtains immediately to plastic windows, but, as shown in the photo, to a bar along the edge of a window opening or to a cornice.

Types of holders for French curtains:

1. A strip equipped with adhesive tape is an excellent budget option for static curtains. Models may differ in the type of fasteners for wall and ceiling mounting.

Ready-made cornice with Velcro and wall fixing system

1. Special cornice for lifting curtains - has small loops, hooks, a recess or a cavity for lacing, which adjusts the height of the curtain. Such a holder is very convenient for DIY models - you don’t have to invent a way to mask and evenly place the cords on top of the curtain.
2. A lift-up curtain rod is a ready-made solution for French blinds, already equipped with a system of cords that you just need to pass through the rings and an adjustment chain.

Fastening for French curtains on the eaves with a chain system:

Fastening for French curtains on the eaves

On a note! You can replace the finished cornice with a cut of a metal profile or a wooden beam, on which one of the strips of the fleece tape should be glued or nailed with small nails (the second part is sewn to the curtain). Additionally, such a home-made holder is wrapped in a cloth or painted in the color of the walls or curtains.

French curtains in the interior of the kitchen are a great alternative to the usual tulle and a real decoration for the kitchen window. And what is important - despite all the sophistication and visual complexity of the design, they are quite easy to sew with your own hands from any suitable material. But if you are not fond of needlework or simply did not have time to get a sewing machine, it does not matter. Such a model can be sewn in any studio, providing professional seamstresses with measurements of your window and the fabric you like.

Photo selection of kitchen interiors with French curtains

These curtains, also called awnings, are distinguished by beautiful uniform folds (scallops) along the entire length of the canvas. Their homeland is France, where they appeared in the XVIII century. Awnings were sewn exclusively from expensive fabrics and were used to decorate windows in the houses of nobles.

The principle of operation of French curtains is a special cord lifting mechanism that holds the canvas in a certain shape.

Many people confuse awnings with Austrian curtains. A distinctive feature of the former is that they have folds (scallops) along the entire length of the panel, and Austrian curtains - only along the bottom edge.

Marquis classification

There are French curtains:

• workers- they are used in new types of cornices and are regulated by means of a lifting mechanism controlled by a remote control;
• Decorative- canvases, which are controlled exclusively by hand.

Applications

Initially, awnings were used to curtain windows in rooms for celebrations - banquet halls, palaces, theaters, restaurants. But you can use them in the conditions of an ordinary apartment, at home. These curtains, due to their splendor, are perfect for decorating windows in the living room, bedroom. In the hall, the French curtain will become the main accent of the interior; against its background, ordinary furniture will seem expensive and refined.

French curtains will add romanticism and elegance to the interior of the bedroom. All this thanks to the soft folds that carry the charm of France. Even in the children's room, awnings will be appropriate. Made of thin material, they will give the room lightness. You can decorate them with bows, butterflies, decorative elements that will be of interest to the child.

Advice: for a nursery, it is better to choose French curtains up to the windowsill, so the child will not touch them during the game.

The classic design of the kitchen is complemented by elegant awnings. They will turn any meal into an important feast. The length of the curtain should also be small so that the product does not interfere with cooking and cleaning.

French curtains in the office will be appropriate. They emphasize the formality of the situation and the importance of the conversation.

The effect produced by French curtains will depend on the type and texture of the material used for their tailoring, as well as the conformity of the design of the product with the dimensions and style of the room. Considering that the awnings were originally intended to give the room a solemn look, they will look good in rooms with large windows and high ceilings.

This window drapery will give the interior sophistication, nobility, solemnity, and even some pomposity. It will adequately frame the awnings and give the interior a finished look with a lambrequin, or classic curtains.

Production of French curtains, materials

Awnings are sewn from light fabrics - silk, cambric, organza, veils. Classic French curtains are made of dense silk, pleasant to the touch. It can be smooth, or have a damask pattern. This texture of the canvas allows you to form beautiful, smooth folds from it.

From synthetic materials for sewing awnings, polyester is used. In terms of performance, it is superior to silk, but is more practical and cheaper.

Design features

The width of the finished curtain panel corresponds to the length of the cornice, or slightly exceeds it (for the formation of assemblies). When sewing a product with your own hands, it is necessary to make allowances for the formation of scallops along the height of the fabric (this indicator exceeds the size of the finished product by 1.5-2.5 times).

Material calculation

To form the drapery, special rings and gathering braid are used. Its length is calculated by the formula: l=h*f+h. Where h is the height of the cut of the canvas, f is the number of scallops.

Features of cutting fabric

Before starting to draw up a sketch, it is necessary to take measurements of the window opening. Next, you need to determine the width of the product. To do this, the length of the cornice board (width of the window opening + 5 cm) is multiplied by 2 and 10 cm is added to the resulting figure (allowances for two hem seams. This calculation formula allows you to make small assemblies along the width of the fabric. If you do not need them, then the width of the panel must correspond to the length of the cornice + 4 cm is added to the processing of the curtains from the sides.

To calculate the length of the curtain, the formula is used: h (desired product height) * 2 + 2 cm (for the design of the top seam) + 5 cm (for the bottom hem).

In order for the curtain to look beautiful, not sag and not be too tight, it is necessary to determine the optimal number of scallops. A table will help in this, in which the number of warehouses is calculated depending on the width of the curtain panel.

The optimal distance between the scallops is 50-60 cm. But narrower folds can be formed - about 30 cm wide. The vertical distance between them should be in the range of 12-24 cm.

Advice: so that the French curtain does not rise when there is a draft, or when a window is opened, special weights are sewn to its lower edge.

After cutting, you will get a rectangular piece of fabric. On the back side of the panel, the location of the scallops is marked. To do this, outline the vertical and horizontal lines along which the gathering braid will be sewn. After that, the curtain is turned inside out. The braid is preliminarily fixed on the cloth with pins so that its lower end coincides with the edge of the awning. On the sides of the product, the braid is placed close to the side edge.

The lower edge of the braid is tucked 2.5 cm, having previously ironed and pulled out the cords from it to tighten the folds. When processing the sides, the edge is cut off and processed with a seam "in the hem".

Next, proceed to the formation of the top of the curtain. The curtain tape is applied to the fabric 4 cm from the front side and stitched together. The product is turned inside out, and stitched again along this first line, and then pass along the bottom edge of the tape. This stage of sewing curtains can be final. After this, the cords of the tape are pulled together, forming folds.

On a note: on the upper edge, you can make a small scallop (0.5-1 cm), which will cover the hooks. But for this, at the cutting stage, double the height of the scallop should be laid.

If the awning is lifting, the locations of the rings are marked on the cloth. Their bottom row should be located at a height of 5 cm from the lower edge of the awning, and the top row - 12 cm. Sew the rings in 4 stitches with a double thread, securing the part with a double knot. The formation of folds begins only after sewing on all the rings. The braid threads are pulled together neatly, making uniform folds. The width of the upper border is adjusted in size to the cornice board. The ends of the threads are tied as close as possible to the cloth and cut off.

Next, proceed to fitting the cornice board with a finishing cloth. To do this, the tape is cut to the width of the finished curtain. That part of it, where the hooks are located, is nailed to the front edge of the eaves board with small carnations. The second side is sewn to the braid located along the upper edge of the awning. The curtain is attached to hooks driven into the board, carefully aligning the panel.

The cords are threaded into the rings, starting from the bottom edge of the product. Each ring is secured with a knot at the bottom. At the top, all ends of the cords are passed through the hooks of the cornice board and the curtains are brought out to one side. Then they are pulled together, evenly placing the folds over the entire panel of the awning. Fasten the scallops with ribbons.

After installing the cornice board with the awning over the window, the ribbons are removed and the curtain is lowered. The connected ends of the cords are tied in a knot so that it is located behind the last hook. Then they are threaded through the handle to raise the awning and another knot is tied at a distance of 46 cm from the first. Next, the ends of the cords are cut off, fasteners are installed, around which the cord is wrapped to fix the curtain in the desired position.

Ways to combine awnings with other types of window framing

French curtains go well with:

• curtains;
• Lambrequins;
• Fringed;
• Golden threads (muslin);
• glass beads;
• Kantami.

A win-win option is a combination of awnings with classic curtains. Scallops framed by a lambrequin also look beautiful.

Advice: various decorations, accessories - decorative cords, fringe, beads will complement the folded canvas. They will give the product individuality and originality.

Awning Care

French curtains are unpretentious in care - it is enough to periodically clean them with a vacuum cleaner. Awnings made of synthetic fabric can be washed. Ironing of the product is done in a wet state. But if these curtains are made of natural material, it is not recommended to wash them yourself - the folds may lose their shape.

Proper care will keep your French blinds in top condition and extend their lifespan by several years.

Video: Luxurious French curtains

The owners of French balconies are definitely lucky - the panoramic glazing of the loggia creates a delightful feeling of spaciousness and freedom. But it is impossible to admire the views endlessly, so you need to choose curtains for such a balcony so as not to feel in front of everyone. After all, the French loggia will be a great place to relax, and maybe even for an office. What frame to choose for a balcony with panoramic windows? Let's look for inspiration in photos showing good design ideas!

Principles for choosing curtains for a French balcony

Perhaps you should immediately understand the terminology. It so happened that a French balcony means two architectural solutions at once: a small single-leaf balcony (traditionally with a wrought-iron fence) and a spacious loggia with floor-to-ceiling glazing. In this case, we mean the second option.

Features of the glazing of the French balcony to a certain extent dictate the principles for choosing a frame:

Design ideas for a French loggia

The variety of interior solutions invented by designers for balconies with panoramic glazing can give rise to a well-known psychological phenomenon - “stupor” with an excess of choice. This phenomenon is often observed in supermarkets: there are so many products that the buyer does not know what to choose! And in the end takes the usual brand. To solve this problem, you should first decide how exactly you will use the panoramic balcony, and then carefully study the advantages of various design ideas.

If the French loggia becomes a relaxation area for you - say, with a deck chair or a coffee table - light curtains are best suited. An excellent choice is thin silk or cotton fabrics in light, pastel colors, flowing in straight canvases. You can intercept the curtains with tiebacks: in this case, the balcony will provide an excellent view, but the feeling of the "aquarium" will disappear.

If you are going to equip an office on a French balcony, choose concise solutions that do not distract from work. For example, a light tulle that allows access to light, but hides you from the views from the street. However, it must be remembered that when the light is on, the entire loggia will be in full view. A combination of tulle with thicker curtains for the evening will help solve this problem. Another interesting proposal is the combination of cozy wooden blinds with light chiffon or organza curtains.

A very convenient option for a French balcony is roller, Austrian and Roman curtains. At any time, you can raise them and enjoy the panorama that opens up.

Finally, if the loggia is spacious enough, panel Japanese curtains will look great in it. Evaluate this option - you might like it.

French curtains appeared during the reign of King Louis XIV, but their popularity has not fallen so far. A possible explanation for this is the unique solemnity of curtains, which is so necessary in respectable restaurants, famous theaters, famous concert halls and other institutions. Sometimes they decorate home windows. Sometimes they are called French blinds, as well as "marquise". Consider the history of French curtains and answer the question, how to make a French curtain with your own hands? A step-by-step master class on sewing "marquises" will be given below.

Who exactly created these curtains is unknown. But very quickly the curtains became represent wealth and luxury. Their second name - "marquise" - means the noble title of Europe.

To sew such a curtain, you need to take a fabric cloth, sew a braid on it vertically, insert cords and make scallops. The design is simple, but the finished product is a real masterpiece. The resulting waves look very luxurious and resemble the decoration of royal palaces.

Do not confuse French curtains with Austrian ones. They differ in the number of waves: the French ones all consist of waves, while the Austrian waves frame only the bottom of the canvas.

Varieties

french blinds may vary in length. They are long, short or medium length. Curtains are also divided into:

• stationary;
• lifting.

Stationary closes the window completely and does not rise up. Such products made from lightweight materials They do a great job of blocking the sun's rays.

Roller curtains have a latch that regulates their length and number of waves. They can be turned into a lambrequin.

Any type of French curtains do not expand in width.

To create beautiful folds, light fabrics are taken that respond well to the creation of draperies. In the old days, batiste and silk fabrics were used to sew such curtains. Later they began to sew from tulle fabrics. Nowadays, organza is used.

Polyester is also used. It contributes to the creation of a beautiful structure, and it is easy to care for it. Polyester curtains are hung in public places, where they perform not only a decorative function, but also protect against ultraviolet rays.

For interiors in which it is necessary to emphasize respectability, velvet is used. This fabric forms attractive folds and creates the atmosphere of an ancient castle.

In general, stretchy fabrics are suitable for sewing French blinds, which easily form soft waves. Their main purpose is to form original festoons.

When choosing a fabric for sewing French curtains with your own hands, you should consider:

• soft French fabric for curtains forms attractive waves;
• hard material forms folds;
• transparent fabrics are taken to the kitchen, organza would be an ideal option;
• plain fabric looks good, but do not be afraid of a modest floral pattern;
• colored materials will give the space a romantic touch.

Application

French curtains create an atmosphere of celebration and special solemnity. Therefore, they are most often used in living rooms. But curtains can also add charm to other rooms in the house, whether it be a kitchen or a bedroom. The main thing is that this detail is combined with the overall style of the room.

For use in the kitchen, curtains are sewn from synthetic fabrics with a pattern; these can be small or large flowers. As a material for curtains on a drawstring with your own hands, you can also take cotton, linen, cambric.

If the canvases are complemented with ruffles and frills, they will perfectly fit into country style. Curtains can be decorated with fringe, tassels, shiny threads.

Picking up material for curtains, you should proceed from the style of the room. In any case, French blinds can add luxury to any room. They are hung in rooms decorated in baroque, empire, classic styles.

Self-tailoring

It is not necessary to buy French curtains in the store. You can sew them yourself with your own hands. It will take only a few hours to sew the "marquise".

How to sew French curtains with your own hands? We offer a step-by-step master class on sewing French curtains:

• measure the dimensions of the window;
• we multiply the resulting width value by one and a half, and the number indicating the length must be multiplied by two. The result obtained will indicate how much fabric we need. Don't forget to make seam allowances.
• we carry out decatization, for this we expose the fabric to a damp-thermal effect. A similar procedure is required to prevent shrinkage of the fabric in the future. To do this, the fabric is soaked in warm water, squeezed out, allowed to dry and ironed;
• we hem the edges of the product;
• we outline the drawstrings at regular intervals and sew on the reverse side of the braid for French curtains 3 cm wide. It can also be strips of fabric;
• we thread cords into the side seams and strips of braid. We form drawstrings. We fasten the cords on top. Leave the bottom ends free. The height of the curtain is adjustable with a cord threaded into the drawstring;
• weights are hung on the lower edge of the product so that the curtain maintains strict verticality.

So, the do-it-yourself "marquise" curtain is ready!

We looked at how to sew a French curtain with our own hands, step-by-step instructions are given above.

How to care for curtains?

Main disadvantage French curtains are accumulation of dust in their folds. A vacuum cleaner will help to deal with it. Spots that appear can be removed with a damp cloth.

Curtains made of organza or tulle are machine washed on a delicate cycle. Velvet products are dry-cleaned.