Curtains can be almost invisible, or, conversely, very catchy. Sometimes curtains are more of a functional element (they protect from light and prying eyes), and sometimes they are only decorative. The color of the curtains is of great importance - it determines what effect will be achieved.
What to choose curtains for? It depends on what result we want to get. And also on what stage of interior readiness we start choosing textiles. If the interior is already furnished and decorated, curtains can be selected to match any, absolutely any component of it. If the interior is under development, we need to choose one of four schemes and, in accordance with it, carry out further work on the project.
The role of curtains in the interior
The window area involuntarily attracts the views of those entering the room with the views behind the glass, so it needs to be given a decent design. This is done by selecting curtains of an interesting design or color scheme. A correctly selected ensemble of curtains will not only decorate the opening - it can:
- radically change the atmosphere of the room;
- set a new mood for the interior;
- demonstrate the taste of the owners;
- adjust the shape of the window;
- visually raise the ceiling.
Curtains set the mood of the interior
But all this will be relevant only if you really choose the pattern, design and color of the curtains.
Curtains and styles
If the apartment was decorated in accordance with any stylistic direction, then in addition to such decor you will need to look for a specific design for the windows. Agree, translucent curtains are not suitable for classics. Such a selection of curtains in this case will be no less nonsense than the appearance in high-tech of heavy velvet curtains with lambrequins.
Curtains for interiors in a classic style
Minimalism will not accept flowered curtains, and complex curtains with multi-tiered draperies and pompous decor with silk cords and lush tassels will not suit rustic interiors.
It is important not to disturb the harmony in the environment. Are you stuck and don’t know how to choose curtains for a baroque interior? Remember the basic principles of direction. You will immediately understand that window decoration requires pomp and showiness. Any curtains with an abundance of ruffles, flounces, fringed stitching and rich decor will suit you.
Luxurious curtains for Baroque style interiors
In a modern environment, on the contrary, everything is terribly laconic, therefore the selection of the color of the curtains, as well as their style, must be based on these principles. Apart from strict monochromatic panels, nothing can appear here.
Laconic curtains in minimalist style
Experts insist: “flexible” textiles should be introduced into light and airy interiors, ready to create the effect of flowing fabrics, which is easy to achieve by choosing panels with deep tucks. As a result, there should be a feeling that the curtain, like a butterfly, is ready to flutter at the slightest breeze and fly away into the distance.
They also share the secrets of how to choose curtains for a classic-themed interior. In such directions, the task of curtains is to emphasize the solemnity of the atmosphere, so they are sewn from heavy materials that can hold their shape in beautiful colors, with an expensive shiny tint. The curtain panels are generously decorated with:
- sewing;
- fringe;
- braid.
Wide tiebacks are complemented with tassels. The tulle in the design is also rigid, fixing the shape. It can be trimmed with lace.
Tassel tiebacks emphasize the solemnity of the atmosphere
Let's sum it up
Curtains are actually one of the most important and visible elements of the interior. And if they are chosen correctly, they can significantly transform the living room for not very much money.
In this article, I tried to describe the main points that you should pay attention to and I hope that the question of how to choose curtains for the living room will now not be so difficult for you.
By the way, if, in addition to the living room, you are also interested in the question of how to choose modern curtains for the kitchen, then I recommend reading the article “Choosing curtains for the kitchen in a modern style.”
Sincerely, Tkachenko Alexander
Popular types of curtains
Colorblock
A universal option that makes it very easy to select curtains for wallpaper. They consist of horizontally stitched multi-colored blocks and usually contain two shades. The unusual style allows you to show your imagination and experiment with choosing the color of the curtains. Combinations may appear here both in contrasting combinations and with soft transitions.
Bright curtains in colorblock style
But the main beauty of these designs is that they can be made from the remains of any fabric cuts. Even the most unsightly materials can produce curtains that are quite relevant today, which will not be a shame to complement the most modern interior. For a complete idyll, it is worth adding accessories of similar colors to the decor.
Colorblock curtains will refresh any interior
Roman curtains
An equally popular window design option. The curtains hold their shape perfectly. When unfolded, they form a single piece. When assembled, they become a horizontal fold that lies parallel to the cornice. The position is adjusted using a cord. Roman blinds can become both curtains and drapes. They are easy to combine with other curtain styles. Don’t know how to choose curtains for a Japanese or ecological style interior? This model will solve all problems.
Roman blinds can be combined with other curtain styles
Austrian curtains
Another representative of lifting textile structures. Solves the issue of selecting curtains for romantic and classic interiors. Today, models made from natural fabrics, in particular chintz and light linen, are at the peak of popularity. Bows and braid are suitable as decorative additions. Pairs well with lambrequins.
Austrian curtains
Curtain panels
An amazing prefabricated design in which the choice of curtain colors is unlimited. These can be multi-layered and multi-colored compositions, the elements of which can be swapped and moved along the window, overlapping, or lining up one after another. Playing with panel curtains, you can imagine the interior in a new vision every time.
Elements of curtain panels can be swapped
Criteria for choosing curtains for the hall
When choosing curtains for the hall, you need to take into account the general style in which the room is designed. It is not necessary to focus on practicality (especially if the window does not have a balcony block) - in the living room the fabric is not exposed to variable temperatures and moisture, as in the kitchen, and the risk of mechanical damage, as often happens in the nursery, is minimal.
When choosing curtains, take into account the style of the room.
Selecting the color of curtains to correct the space
Colors are omnipotent. They are given the gift of influencing our perception of space. Some of them are capable of literally erasing boundaries, while others, on the contrary, noticeably compress it. So how to choose curtains for the interior to achieve the desired effect?
Curtains in cool colors will visually increase the volume of the room
Here it is important to know the capabilities of the spectra. Warm shades of yellow and red will bring the window closer and make it an accent area. But representatives of the cold palette, on the contrary, will reduce and distance the opening, thereby increasing the volume of the room as a whole.
Tulle does not match with curtains
If tulle and curtains do not match in density, color, or pattern, an imbalance of textures occurs and the harmonious perception of the curtain composition is disrupted.
To avoid this mistake, do not use fabrics that are similar in density for tulle and curtains. The curtain should be heavier, and the curtain should be lighter and thinner.
When using printed fabric, combine the same type of patterns - damask with damask, geometry with geometry, floral pattern with floral pattern. If in doubt, it is better to leave the pattern on the curtains and choose a plain tulle for them.
Not all fabrics are friendly with each other. Thus, tulle with a linen texture cannot be combined with velvet, shiny fabrics cannot be combined with matte ones, cold shades cannot be combined with warm ones.
Examples of the right combination of tulle and curtains
Selection of curtains for wallpaper
This is a whole science. Although wall decoration is considered the basis of interior design, textiles also play an important role in this regard. In the absence of a harmonious design of the window area, the situation will not receive logical completeness, because it is the curtains that are entrusted with the mission of focusing attention on the color scheme specified by the wall decor. The correct selection of curtain colors will be the finishing touch in recreating the desired atmosphere. Bright and colorful curtains will enliven the atmosphere, delicate pastels will ennoble, while dark curtains will add contrast. The importance of making the right choice is obvious. Let’s look at its nuances in more detail.
How to choose curtains for the interior
“When choosing curtains for wallpaper, you need to pay attention to the compatibility of textures”
How often, when adding textiles to the environment, we make catastrophic mistakes. Curtains get lost against the background of the walls or sharply conflict with the color background of the room. The result is a feeling of complete discomfort. If you have no experience at all in selecting curtains, but want to get a positive result, look for curtains based on the following recommendations.
When choosing options that suit your style, pay attention to the compatibility of shades.
When selecting curtains for wallpaper, you need to pay attention to the compatibility of textures. Tulle curtains are suitable for light and airy wall coverings. Vinyl and non-woven fabric will require massive curtains.
Thick curtains are suitable for vinyl wallpaper
When you decide to get patterned curtains, stick to stylistic nuances. However, try not to use fabrics with voluminous prints. This decor on the curtains will absorb space.
Curtains with a pattern will complement accessories with the same print
When getting carried away with choosing the color of curtains, you need to remember that too dark fabrics can make the interior gloomy. You can avoid problems by adding light elements to the composition.
Methods of decorating with textiles
You can refine the room and give it a complete look by creating accents, contrasts or resorting to a monochrome design. In the first case, the window should become the center of attraction. When choosing curtains, options in bright colors become a priority. Curtains with attractive patterns, such as gold embroidered ones, are also suitable. By the way, if it is difficult to select curtains for wallpaper, try combining them with furniture or accessories available in the interior. Such accent points can be a sofa upholstered in sapphire or carpets in ruby brightness. Just repeat the shades in the window trim, and the room will become much more comfortable.
Selection of curtains to match the furniture
Monochrome design is the prerogative of small rooms. The play of contrasts and riot of colors are destructive for their space, as they can literally compress it to a point. When choosing the color of curtains, they are guided by the background of the walls. Textiles should be slightly darker or lighter than them.
Selection of curtains to match the walls for a monochrome space
If we talk about the design of modern interiors, then contrasts rule here. I often use diametrically opposite spectrums when decorating spaces. Selecting curtains to match the wallpaper won't be too difficult. It makes sense to sew curtains in the same two-color colors as the wall decoration.
Contrasting curtains in a modern interior
Adapting curtains to wallpaper
“The easiest way to select curtains for wallpaper is to duplicate one of the shades available in the wall covering palette.”
The color scheme for the design of the window area and walls should not be identical. If the design project requires a unified palette, then choose curtains that are half a tone brighter or paler than the background color. In this case, a smooth color transition will be created, which will have a positive effect on the atmosphere of the room.
A smooth color transition will have a positive effect on the atmosphere of the room
How to choose curtains for an interior created on a play of contrasts? If you need to create accents, also try to select compatible colors. Of course, you can experiment and adding radically contradictory curtains won’t hurt anyone, but won’t they seem superfluous in the overall picture?
When choosing curtains, do not forget to take into account the purpose of the room. Bright decor will not suit relaxation corners and sleeping rooms. It may also contradict the stylistic canons of interior design.
Curtains in neutral colors are suitable for the bedroom
The easiest way to select curtains for wallpaper is to duplicate one of the shades available in the wall covering palette. In this simple way you will not only create a lively environment, but also maintain the integrity of the space.
In the practice of decorating residential areas, it is common to use entire ensembles of curtains and drapes. How to choose curtains for the interior in this case? The correct solution would be to match one layer of decorative window trim to the color spectrum of the wall decoration. Color combinations in the window area give interesting results. For example, a duet of white tulle and blue curtains will look very organic against the background of blue wallpaper.
Duet of white tulle and blue curtains
Color combinations of curtains and wallpaper
Fitting curtains into an existing environment is not easy, but designers still have some standards that may be useful to you.
The easiest way is to match the color of curtains to beige and white wallpaper. This is a universal background that equally adequately perceives bright, dark, and pastel fabrics. What exactly the curtains should be is decided with an eye to the final result. If you need to emphasize the lightness of the atmosphere, hang cream, pale blue, yellow, pinkish curtains. For accentuation, a good choice would be textiles of the crimson, green, and violet spectrum.
Cream curtains will emphasize the lightness of the atmosphere
Selecting curtains for wallpaper in gray tones is more complicated. The background is initially dull, so it will have to be enlivened. Curtains of bright, but not deep blue, pink, purple, and green colors will cope best with the task. Don't choose too dark colors. They will make the room depressing.
Pink curtains will dilute the gray color of the wallpaper
Yellow wallpaper will complement both calm and explosive colors in the window area. How to choose curtains for such an interior? Everything will depend on what you need to get. If the task is to create home comfort, then beige, peach, light pink and other warm-colored curtains are used.
Curtains in warm colors create a homey feel
To activate the space and fill it with vital energy, you will need red, turquoise, blue, and green colors.
Of the darker colors, the following can be introduced: brown, rich gray, purple.
In the case of green battles, when choosing the color of curtains, natural references are used. Textiles can have an olive, brown, cream, yellow, azure tint. Curtains printed with floral elements will help to further reveal the theme of environmental friendliness.
Selection of curtains for green wallpaper
A delicate boudoir pink interior will require curtains that can continue the theme of its ease and dreaminess. This effect is produced by translucent curtains and drapes made of light fabrics. In terms of color scheme – green light to the halftones of red and blue. Lavender, golden and yellow curtains will look nice.
Translucent curtains are suitable for pink wallpaper
It would seem that there should be no problems in selecting curtains for brown wallpaper, but there are problems. Despite the excellent compatibility of the spectrum with other colors in interior design, problems often arise with combinations. A small, uncomfortable room with a brown background will radically change the atmosphere if cream, turquoise, white, rich yellow curtains or curtains in pastel solutions appear on the window.
Cream curtains go perfectly with brown wallpaper
We’ve sorted out the standard background shades, but how to choose curtains for an interior with silver wall decoration or where gilding is present in the decor of the surfaces? The environment needs to be refined and textiles in dark gray, chocolate and white colors can best cope with this.
Chocolate-colored curtains are suitable for silver wallpaper
In modern stylistic solutions, walls are often covered with spectacular new generation wallpaper, with a surface that has a metallic sheen or a glossy sheen. If you are puzzled by choosing curtains for wallpaper in this style, turn to fabrics in calm powdery colors and a matte surface.
Embossed wallpaper is complemented with printed tulle or oganza curtains. Textured wallpaper, the pattern of which imitates other materials, does not always need to be accompanied by curtains. Urban styles categorically do not accept them. Imitation of masonry and exposed plaster requires blinds. Sometimes simple roller blinds without flashy prints can be a worthy alternative to the latter.
Roller blinds for walls with imitation brickwork
Pattern within a pattern?
The love for wallpaper with patterns has not waned over the years. And they really make the room more spectacular and extraordinary. One thing confuses me: how to choose curtains for such an interior, since there can be several shades in a patterned finish?
The easiest way to get out of the situation is to hang plain curtains similar to one of the colors present. But what if you also want to decorate the window with patterned curtains? We'll have to adapt the drawings to each other.
Wallpaper with vertical stripes usually appears in those interiors where there is a need to visually raise the ceiling. The selection of curtains should also be focused on this problem. Their drawing should also contain vertical lines. An alternative to striped textiles can be checkered curtains.
Duplicating the stripe motif on curtains
If the pattern on the wall is large and attracts attention with its whimsical shapes, when selecting curtains for the wallpaper, choose models with a barely noticeable print, ideally embossed. Or even give preference to plain textiles.
Wallpaper with a large pattern will complement plain curtains
It is customary to complement simple plain wallpaper or with classic patterns with massive window trim designs, for example, curtains with vintage-style lambrequins.
Vintage-style curtains with lambrequins
The choice of curtain color to match the floral prints on the wallpaper is also interesting. The principle of opposites applies here. If the wall surface has large and expressive buds, then textiles in the same vein will not produce the best effect. The decor will turn out tacky. If the pattern on the wallpaper is delicate and unobtrusive, its beauty will need to be emphasized with expressive curtains.
Selecting curtains to match the floral print on the wallpaper
Another frequently asked question: how to choose curtains for an interior with abstraction on the walls? They can duplicate the existing style or dilute the abundance of colors. Any non-standard curtain designs are suitable for decoration. Iridescent fabrics embroidered with unusual patterns are good. You can decorate the room with plain curtains in pleasant colors. A wallpaper print duplicated in a smaller or larger size on curtains and accessories looks impressive. It might look like this. Small geometric patterns on curtains, medium ones on the walls, large ones on pillows or carpets. At the same time, textiles can contrast in color with the surrounding background or be a harmonious continuation of it.
Neutral curtains for wallpaper with an abstract pattern
Choosing the color of curtains is, of course, important, but it is equally important to choose the right design. Classic living rooms require heavy floor-length curtains with wide lambrequins. For rooms with rustic interiors, you need to look for shortened curtains made from simple fabrics that can be tied to one side.
Short curtain tied to one side
In oriental and minimalist directions, roller blinds reign supreme. Decorated with hieroglyphs, they will be an excellent reflection of the strange and mysterious philosophy of such interior solutions.
Roller blinds in oriental style
Too frilly textiles
There are many patterns and prints, but before you buy fabric, think about how it will fit with the rest of the furnishings and whether it will draw too much attention to itself. Otherwise, the interior will be overloaded.
So, if the wallpaper and furniture upholstery are plain, you can use fabric with a bright and large pattern for the curtains, and only if the room is spacious enough. In this case, the tulle, like the cornice, is taken simple, without pretentiousness. Remember, in a curtain composition one thing can be active - tulle, curtains, accessories, cornice, and the rest can be subordinate to it.
An example of proper placement of accents
