How often we don’t even want to think about gray curtains in the interior. They seem persona non grata to us and are associated with melancholy, facelessness, and hopelessness. Yes, indeed, gray can be very inexpressive, but it will remain that way only until we play with it and present it in all its glory. Do you think a lot of effort will have to be made to turn unprepossessing into elegance, and universal melancholy into a calming atmosphere? This is what we will try to understand further.
Features of choice
There are a number of factors that influence the selection of curtain colors and designs.
- Room interior style. The material, decor and methods of attaching curtains will vary depending on the stylistic direction.
- Room area. In spacious rooms it is permissible to use massive, multi-layer curtains. In the interior of a small room, gray curtains of a simple cut will look more harmonious.
- Lighting. The depth of color depends on the lighting of the room; in a dark apartment, combining curtains with other shades will come to the rescue.
The photo shows a bedroom with thick curtains, fixed with hooks on the wall, which creates an unusual shape.
How to choose the right gray curtain design
This depends on a number of factors. The main ones are the preferences of the owners and the overall interior design of the room. The type of room for which gray curtains are purchased is also important. For example, this option fits perfectly into the balcony space.
However, care should be taken to ensure that the curtains do not take up much space and do not interfere with the opening of the doors. Loggia windows should be framed with short curtains, or shortened vertical or horizontal blinds.
Types of curtains
Rolled
Roller blinds are a product based on a cylindrical roller with fabric wound around it. The material is raised and lowered using a chain or cord. Roller blinds are compact and versatile.
The photo shows gray roller blinds, the mechanism of which includes weighting agents. They are sewn to the bottom edge along the entire length.
Roman
A Roman blind visually resembles a roller blind, but with a more complex mechanism. It represents fabric divided into segments and sewn together. Along the entire length, with equal frequency, horizontal rods are inserted, thanks to which the canvas remains flat and folds into a neat composition. The lifting mechanism can be chain or cord.
Classic long
Classic long curtains can be of different densities and colors. Suitable for bedrooms, living rooms and spacious dining rooms, and will also look appropriate in any interior.
Short
Short gray curtains are most often used in kitchens and baths where there are windows.
Thread
Thread curtains look very interesting in the interior; they let in the maximum amount of light and play a more decorative role. They are also used for zoning space. The material can be any, fabric threads, beads, chains.
Gray curtains with lambrequin
Classic curtains, complemented by horizontal drapery along the top. They look quite massive in the interior.
Curtains with eyelets
Eyelets are a type of fastening. Rings are inserted into the upper part of the curtains at equal distances along the entire length and placed on a cylindrical cornice. Thanks to this fastening method, the folds will always be smooth.
Tulle curtains
Tulle is a light, transparent material, in combination with neutral wallpaper it will look harmonious in any interior.
French
French curtains represent a lifting cascade composition. Corresponds to the classic style, Provence and shabby chic.
Children's room and gray color
Light, easy-to-read shades of curtains can also be used in decorating a child’s room. A cool undertone will have a calming effect on overly active children. For a child's room, gray can be combined with blue, pink, beige and white.
Diluted with bright accents (books, toys, pillows, etc.), the color of the curtains does not have a depressing effect. It allows you to highlight a place for games, a sleeping place, a table for studying, creating a background for a light atmosphere in the children's room.
Fabric selection
Linen and cotton
All-natural fabrics obtained from plants. They look harmonious not only in eco-style, but also in other directions. Their cotton or linen products do not require complex cutting or additional decorative embellishments.
The photo shows a combination of straight and Roman linen gray curtains.
Velor and velvet
Velor and velvet differ in composition and tactile sensations. Velor consists of cotton and wool, while velvet is made from cotton, wool and silk.
Veil
Voile is a matte, delicate and light fabric that does not weigh down the interior at all. Pale gray color is suitable for any interior style.
Organza
Organza is a hard, transparent material that shimmers in the light. In the interior, the color of organza curtains is more like silver or metallic.
Gozhka
A fabric with a special weave of threads, made from linen or cotton fabric. Often used in eco-style.
Curtain fabrics
Curtains include a wide group of fabrics differing in composition and density. Basically, it is a dense material that protects from sunlight and prying eyes. Gray curtains can be plain or with printed patterns of varying complexity.
For example, blackout is a dense, monochromatic material most often used in home interiors. Jacquard is distinguished by its durability and unusual patterns. Satin is a delicate, shimmering material often used in bedrooms.
Bright colors
As it turns out, bright, saturated colors are rarely used for bedroom design. Pronounced shades also appear heavy and accentuating. But the right accents in the appearance of the curtains will help convey the original atmosphere.
Bright colors include:
- red;
- orange;
- light green.
Curtains of bright, rich color are no less distinguished by their dense texture than others. Satin or satin is chosen as the material for sewing them. It should be noted that curtains of a single color or models with images are perfect for gray wallpaper.
Combinations with other colors
Gray and blue
A delicate combination that will suit the interior of any room.
Gray blue
A darker option. The interior of the room will be more serious and courageous.
Gray pink
Curtains in a gray-pink combination will make the interior playful. This combination can be present in any room of the house.
See examples of curtains in pink tones.
Gray-green
Gray and green curtains are associated with nature. The colors are soothing and pleasing to the eye.
Taupe
This combination is suitable for a classic bedroom and an apartment with country motifs.
Gray beige
Beige and gray are close in tone; this combination is suitable for an interior in soothing colors.
Gray-red
The bright contrast of red and gray will fit into the modern style of the home. The interior will be complemented by red decorative elements.
Gray-lilac
Gray color in combination with lilac or lavender is suitable for a Provence style interior.
Grey-violet
Rich combination of shades. The result is a classic interior with oriental motifs.
Gray-white
When using gray and white colors on curtains, the atmosphere of the room will be filled with comfort and warmth.
Black-gray
The color combination creates a masculine atmosphere. The gray color will have a metallic cast on a black background.
Gray-turquoise
Curtains in a combination of gray and turquoise will create a light, modern interior.
Gray-yellow
If you combine gray and yellow curtains, the room will be filled with summer warmth and rays of sun.
See how to use a yellow sofa in your design.
Gray-orange
The combination of calm gray and orange colors will give a summer atmosphere to the house.
Fashionable gray
The design of curtains in this shade is in trend today, but experts advise complementing them, as if “diluted” by a boring palette, in order to make the interior more rich and noble.
Experts recommend choosing gray-blue curtains with lilac tulle for different rooms, regardless of their purpose, and also complementing gray undertones with red, bright yellow, lush green, combining gray with turquoise, gold - in an oriental style.
If you like exclusively gray colors, it is advisable to decorate the windows with light gray curtains. It will highlight the main colors of the room’s design, making the room lighter and more spacious.
Design and decor
Design
Plain gray curtains are suitable for the interior of any room. Straight dark gray curtains will visually elongate the room, and a light light gray veil will give the room more space.
The photo shows a living room made in a single color palette with a bright purple accent.
Double curtains will be an excellent solution for the kitchen-living room, creating a cozy atmosphere. Also, if desired, they will get rid of excess light.
Gray striped or checkered curtains will look harmonious in any stylistic direction.
Curtains with a graphic pattern are suitable for a room in a modern style; they can decorate children's rooms, living rooms, and kitchens.
The photo shows a children's room in a modern style. Bright yellow accents break up the restrained gray color.
The drawing must match the chosen style. There are different application methods, in addition to classic printed patterns, curtains with prints are now popular. The application technique allows you to create absolutely any image.
Decor
The holders are attached to the wall and hold the falling fabric. The shape and material can be very different. A copper or gold holder is suitable for a soft interior; metal ones are combined with cooler colors.
The clamps are two magnets held together with tape. Magnets can be of different sizes and shapes, decorated with stones or other accessories.
The tiebacks can be made of the same material as the curtains, or they can be in harmony with decorative elements of a different color.
The photo shows a bedroom in a modern style. Gray curtains are decorated with twine garters.
Tassels and fringe, as a rule, decorate voluminous curtains made of thick fabric.
Basic, leading or secondary
From the photo of gray curtains it is worth assessing how practical, sophisticated and noble they are. Rich and light gray color looks very aesthetically pleasing.
If you have a choice about which curtains will go with gray wallpaper, you can choose from a light gray range without hesitation. Of course, it is better to prefer decor, upholstery or bedding in contrasting gray tones.
Designers say that even in a neutral room design, gray curtains are very beautiful and noble. However, in this option, you should not overdo it with such decoration, so as not to create the impression of boredom and gloomy design in the room.
Gray curtains in interior styles
Classic
For a classic-style interior, products made of thick gray fabric are suitable. An addition can be tulle, which harmonizes in color with the overall interior.
Modern
Minimalism and hi-tech are united by a common concept of space arrangement. No unnecessary details, only the most necessary and functional. The high-tech style is distinguished by its abundance of modern technologies.
Provence
A room in Provence style is distinguished by its lightness and unique decorative elements, mainly made of bleached wood. Pastel colors, most often used in the Provence style, look harmonious with any shades of gray.
Loft
Loft is a modern trend, characterized by minimal or complete absence of decoration.
Country
Country style envelops you in the warmth of a country house; it uses mainly natural materials. Wooden furniture and interior decoration goes well with gray colors.
Scandinavian
Scandinavian style is done in light colors. Spacious, bright rooms will be decorated with beautiful gray straight-cut curtains.
The photo shows a living room combined with a dining room in different shades of gray.
Rules for using monochrome gray finishes
In a bedroom interior with an ash finish and gray curtains, you should use at least three dark and light shades to zone the space. It is also important to create contrast - the sleeping place can stand out from the general background.
To decorate bedroom furniture, you can use various variations: milky, white, light green or turquoise. In order to define accents, contrasting elements can be added to the neutral finish: pillows, blankets, vases, lamps.
However, there should not be too many bright elements. Sometimes a bright bedspread and ottoman will be enough to diversify the design.
Curtains in the interior of rooms
Living room
The choice of style and material of curtains depends on the style of the living room. Gray curtains can set off bright decorative elements or, on the contrary, emphasize a single color scheme.
In the photo, neutral gray contrasts with a bright accent wall.
Bedroom
The bedroom is the main room in the house; it should be comfortable and calm. Tulle will complement thick curtains that protect from the rays of the sun on a weekend morning.
The photo shows a compact bedroom in a marine style. Roman blinds are decorated with lace ribbons.
Kitchen
In a spacious kitchen, you can use long transparent curtains; for compact rooms, the optimal design option would be Roman or gray roller blinds.
Children's
The children's room should be filled with bright colors and positive energy. Gray curtains in combination with another color will make the room stylish.
Bedroom
The abundance of warm and cold shades of gray curtains allows you to create a calm and peaceful design in the bedroom interior. As a result, the most popular place to use ash curtains is the bedroom.
To slightly soften the severity of the color, you can include “metallic” elements, for example, watches in chrome finish or blankets embroidered with shiny threads.
Sometimes designers experiment with monochrome solutions in wall decoration and bedroom textiles. In this case, you should adhere to the basic rules.
Advantages and disadvantages
Curtains have undeniable advantages over curtains:
- Able to block the flow of natural light until completely darkened.
- Vertical and horizontal rotating structures better regulate the intensity of daylight.
- Curtains are much more compact than curtains. They save space in the room.
- Does not require painstaking care. It is not necessary to remove the slats from the cornice; it is enough to vacuum them or clean them from dust.
- They do not fade, do not accumulate static electricity and do not repel dust.
- The control mechanism is simple and convenient.
The disadvantages include the following facts:
- Intense light, which penetrates in stripes when the blinds, consisting of single slats, are folded, irritates the eyes.
- Vertical slats sway in the wind and create noise.
- Pleated blinds do not last long because they unravel quickly.
- Models such as folds, rolls and cassettes do not allow air to pass through well.
- Some plastics are susceptible to the elements: long horizontal plates may bend over time, and white plastic may yellow.
- Paper curtains don't last long.
The more complex the control mechanisms, the more attention is required when maintaining them.
Positive reviews posted online and recommendations from designers confirm that curtains are suitable for any room.
Material of manufacture
The material from which the slats are made plays an important role. The durability of the product, its compatibility with the microclimate of various rooms, and the range of textures and colors depend on this. Classic options include fabric and wooden curtains.
More modern models already use plastic, bamboo and paper. Let's consider each type separately.
Plastic
Plastic curtains have quite impressive strength, but they lose the strength of aluminum structures earlier. PVC is lightweight, easy to install and inexpensive. The material has great rigidity and is easy to clean.
It can be used in environments with difficult microclimates, as it will successfully withstand tests of humidity, high or low temperatures and heavy contamination. There is a wide range of plastic curtains - manufacturers offer designs in various colors and textures.
PVC is a popular and affordable material that can only be combined with modern styles in interior design.
Fabric
Fabric curtains look incredibly beautiful in the interior of a room. In addition, they are less practical than structures made from more rigid materials. Of course, fabrics are pre-treated with special impregnations that increase their resistance to dust and dirt, but the material will still have to be cleaned more often than aluminum or plastic. There are two types of curtains:
- Made from non-woven materials. They are distinguished by their low cost and short validity period. They quickly lose their shape and presentable appearance.
- Made from woven materials. They are painted with special pigments that do not fade under sunlight. They last much longer than the first type of construction.
Fabric curtains are taboo for kitchens, bathrooms and rooms where a lot of dust or dirt accumulates (laboratories, libraries).
Wooden
The first tents were wooden. This material is still popular today as it can be easily integrated into any environment. Wood brings a warm and cozy atmosphere to the room.
The cost of such blinds is low. Special compounds are applied to the material to prevent moisture from penetrating into the pores of the wood and its subsequent swelling and deformation.
However, even impregnation will not save the material from fire when in contact with an open flame. It is not recommended to hang such structures in the kitchen near the stove or in the living room next to the fireplace. For the production of lamellas, light-weight wood species are used. For this reason, structures do not sag over time.
Wooden shutters are easy to clean and retain their presentable appearance for a long time. Since the material is environmentally friendly, it is recommended to use it for decorating bedrooms and children's rooms.
Metal aluminum
The classic option is aluminum shutters. The width of the slats ranges from 16-25 mm, the type of mechanism is cassette, available in both vertical and horizontal versions.
Aluminum roller shutters are characterized by increased rigidity. For this reason, it is recommended to purchase material for finishing windows of complex configurations.
Aluminum shutters will last a long time and even get boring, although their stylistic versatility allows you to adapt the decorative element to any design solution. The material is easy to clean: just periodically wipe the slats with a damp sponge.
Aluminum does not need to be cleaned only with abrasive compounds, which will inevitably leave scratches on the soft metal. The material is insensitive to extreme temperatures and high humidity, so it can be used to decorate kitchens and bathrooms. Aluminum shutters are also suitable for windows on verandas, loggias and cold attics.
There are products that are fully or partially painted in different colors or with a pattern applied to the surface.
The main advantage of the material is its hygiene and ease of care - just wipe the fabric with a damp cloth. Another advantage is high corrosion resistance. For this reason, metal curtains are often installed in public buildings and on apartment balconies.
For high-tech style, this version of the canvas is more acceptable. The color palette is not very diverse, mainly white, bronze, silver, imitation wood.
An interesting option is with factory-perforated slats, which provides a measured flow of light into the room and a smoother transition when opening or closing the curtains from light to shadow.
Bamboo
Bamboo blinds are made from environmentally friendly materials. Thin slats have a presentable appearance, pleasant natural colors and low weight. The rigid frame prevents deformation of thin curtains. The material is suitable for decorating windows in the bathroom and kitchen, as it is not afraid of contact with water.
This option is ideal for the Japanese ethno-style and its closest and modest “relative” - minimalism. Apartments decorated with mats, shoji instead of doors and lanterns will harmoniously combine with bamboo shutters. The lamellas can be made not only from smooth plates, but also have an original texture and texture.
Bamboo curtains do not cause allergies and are absolutely safe for health. Such curtains are acceptable in any interior, but look great in an eco-style design.
From so many materials, you can easily choose suitable curtains for the living room that will meet all the buyer’s needs.
Shutters can be horizontal or vertical.
Horizontal blinds are raised and adjusted according to the angle of inclination. The advantages include a visual expansion of the space of the room.
This technique will be useful for owners of small living rooms.
Vertical patterns create the impression of a high ceiling. The shutters open to the right or left of the window, and you can also adjust the opening level of the panels.
Types of fasteners
Interframe. Quite rarely, installed between window frames.
Frame. A common type of support installed directly on the window frame.
Frame. The most popular type of fastening is installed instead of the cornice or behind it.
When choosing blinds, you should consult with a specialist about the method of attaching them.
Modern innovations include roller and multi-structure blinds.
Multistructured fabrics consist of different types of fabric and have a rich color palette. The top of the blinds consists of vertical panels, often made of plastic or wood. The lower part of the curtains is made of non-woven fabric or tulle.
Such curtains look very interesting and luxurious in the interior.
Laminated models managed to show their best side. They are usually made from woven and non-woven materials, but there are also bamboo curtains.
Roller shutters require a special frame into which the roller shutters are rolled. Roller blinds are attached to the ceiling or window opening. This design is easy to use and durable.
The convenience of roller shutters is undeniable, and the appearance can decorate any interior of the room.
