Provence style curtains
Home textiles are warmth, coziness and beauty, and especially in styles focused on a large number of them. For example, in Provence, which at the same time embodies the sophistication and simplicity of the French province. An abundance of fabric is a mandatory attribute of such an interior, and gradually we will figure out how to choose it. Let's start right now with Provence-style curtains!
The main features of the style
The style of Provence began to take shape in the 17th century, when everyone was bored with the heavy and cumbersome urban classicism. People began to look for peace, tranquility and peace, and found it far from the city in the countryside. How could you resist the azure sky, fragrant lavender fields and warm, playful sunshine?
Provence can be very diverse, but it always has some common features. The finished interiors are so expressive that even people who are far from the world of design will unmistakably recognize them. You will need delicate pastel colors, natural fabrics, natural textures, small floral and plant motifs, as well as all kinds of decor.
Handicraft and exclusive are valued in Provence, so embroidered curtains, self-made tie-backs, carved cornices, forged jewelry, aged fittings and other attributes will come in handy here. And necessarily - soft and calm forms, without sharp or deliberately rough details.
Types of curtains for Provence
Now there are a lot of different types of curtains, besides the usual hanging canvases. Almost any of them can be entered into Provence, because here in the foreground is the textiles itself, colors and decorations. We offer you some interesting options!
Roman curtains
If you have little space in your room, and you do not want to clutter it up with voluminous canvases of fabric, compact rolls are your choice. Roman blinds fit tightly to the window, protect well from the sun and take up almost no space. And on the reverse side, you can make a blackout lining for a bedroom, a nursery or a too sunny kitchen.
Cafe curtains
Fans of non-trivial solutions will be pleased with the curtains-cafe, in which the cornice is attached right in the middle of the window. This is not the most common option, so you will certainly surprise your household and friends. Such curtains by themselves create an atmosphere of coziness, give uniform diffused light, and also look light and airy.
French curtains
What can be more organic and relaxed to complement the original French Provence, if not the same French curtains? The canvases go down along the window and are gathered along the entire length into light decorative folds. Graceful rounded waves will elegantly complement the interior, and at the same time bring a festive atmosphere into it.
Curtains-priscilla
In addition to the usual curtains, you can make graceful priscilla curtains from two canvases. To do this, they are connected from above and spread with their ends to the sides - a kind of crossed curtains are obtained. But do not take too heavy and dense fabric for them - it will turn out to be too bulky and dark.
Italian curtains
Another way to use banal curtains is to make them non-extendable. Italian curtains do not blend along the cornice, and the window opens due to grabs and side holders. In provence, they are good because they go well with lambrequins, tassels, hinges and other decorative elements.
Mounting methods
First, let's deal with roller blinds - they are attached according to the same principle - close to the window. Guides or cords are passed through the canvas in order to unfold, fold or fold it. In addition, a weighting material is sewn into the smooth Roman blinds from the bottom, and some models can be controlled using a remote control.
Standard techniques for vertical, free-hanging curtains are clips, rings, or eyelets. The former are more convenient because they are easier to take off and put on for washing. But the latter are evenly sewn into the curtain itself and form neat uniform folds even on heavy fabrics.
Provence gravitates towards decorative solutions: braid, bows, all kinds of strings. Therefore, you can attach the curtains using strings or ready-made stitched loops. For thin tulle and decorative lace curtains, the usual drawstring method is suitable - and by the way, it is the quietest.
Which fabric to choose?
Natural textiles with expressive textures "suit" Provence, but there are some nuances. When choosing curtains, take into account exactly where they will be used, because the conditions in the bedroom, children's room and living room are fundamentally different. Let's analyze the main features of each type!
Natural fabrics
Cotton, linen, wool and even silk are something that you can't miscalculate in Provence. They are absolutely environmentally friendly, beautiful and breathable, and a healthy microclimate reigns in such a room. But it is always more difficult to care for natural textiles: it tolerates constant washing worse, wrinkles, wears out faster. Although now there are special impregnations that compensate for at least some of the problems.
Synthetic fabrics
Synthetics are always of artificial origin, so it is more difficult to talk about naturalness and ecology here. Basically, these are different types of polyester in different processing. It is stronger, much more unpretentious, easy to clean, does not wrinkle, does not absorb odors, is better painted in any colors and endures intensive use. But synthetics are less breathable, electrified and can easily catch fire from fire.
Blended fabrics
Manufacturers have managed to combine the advantages of natural fabrics with the strength of synthetic fibers. Almost all popular types of interior textiles are blended - modern velvet, artificial silk, organza, jacquard. The characteristics of a particular canvas are determined by its composition and weaving, so be sure to study the label.
Drawings and colors
Provence is always restrained, light and delicate colors. All shades are bleached and muted, as if burnt out in the sun. But this has a big plus - they are easily combined with each other, with white, black and wood trim.
Floral print curtains
Monochromatic filling in Provence is not a frequent visitor, because the whole style is based on deliberate decorativeness and even "puppetry". It will be ideally complemented by floral motifs - both large buds and small, barely noticeable patterns. Let them be combined with wall fragments, decorative pillows, bedspreads or panels.
Curtains with birds and animals
If floral and plant motifs are bored, turn to the wild fauna. Only instead of photo printing and deliberate realism, choose stylized images. Use pastel or oil drawings for inspiration, as well as Impressionist work.
Geometric curtains
Although strict expressive geometry is not characteristic of elegant Provence, some of its elements will look very useful here. Pay particular attention to the curtains in a cage or in peas. Vertical stripes visually raise the ceilings, and horizontal stripes visually enlarge the window opening.
How to combine correctly?
Textiles are one of the most important components of all rustic interiors. This is not a separate decoration, but a complete functional element. Therefore, it is logical that curtains, which inevitably attract attention, must be correctly combined with other details of the situation.
Curtains with furniture
Provence-style curtains can be interestingly combined with upholstered furniture using similar colors or motifs. The individual elements match well with decorative pillows, bedspreads or kitchen textiles. And don't forget to pay attention to the cornice to match the cabinets, shelving, and overall furnishings.
Curtains with wallpaper
The main rule is not to take curtains to match the wall covering, otherwise the room will be too monotonous. Even modest minimalism requires accents, what can we say about Provence! But if you want to use similar colors, then leave a difference of at least a few tones - and it is better that the curtains are darker.
The combination of different types of curtains
Whole decorative compositions can be created from different types of curtains. This is a classic combination of light tulle with thick curtains, and several different types of curtains from the same fabric in different areas of the room. There are also functional duets: for example, a Roman blackout for the night with light French organza curtains during the day.
Curtain decor
Provence allows you to decorate your favorite curtains with absolutely everything your heart desires. So if you are tired of monotonous minimalism for a long time, it's time to think about folds, draperies and flounces. Use a fringe on the bottom, brushes on the undersides, and on top - a neat lambrequin or wide braid. Even functional accessories in Provence are a real decoration if ordinary rings or clips are replaced with aged bronze.
Provence style curtains in the interior - photo
Provence is a very versatile style that is equally good in the bedroom, in the hall, and in the bathroom. Therefore, the curtains will have to be selected for different tasks. Watch and be inspired!
Read also:
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Provence style curtains for the kitchen
Safety and functionality are paramount here, so avoid too bulky or bulky structures in the work area. Roman curtains or curtains-cafe will perfectly fit here, but not airy tulle scattering at the slightest gust of wind. Choose synthetic or blended fabrics - they are more resistant to odors, grease and stains.
Provence style curtains for the living room
There are few places where you can let your imagination unfold as much as in the living room. The most complex compositions with classic curtains, priscillas and French curtains will be appropriate here. Feel free to hang pelmets, tassels, bows, hooks and other decorations.
Provence style curtains for the bedroom
Ideal conditions for a healthy sleep are the main task when decorating a bedroom with a modern rhythm of life. Opt for sustainable natural materials and thick lining or even blackout. Roman and Italian curtains are appropriate here, as well as any other models that allow you to completely isolate yourself from the outside world.
Provence style curtains for a children's room
Do not overuse decor and potentially hazardous elements on the window in the nursery. Make sure that the child does not manage to climb up the curtains or accidentally fill up the cornice. Pay attention to all the roller models, French or Austrian curtains and others that can be completely rolled up.
Provence style curtains for the bathroom
If you are lucky enough to have a window in the bathroom, choose curtains to match the rest of the textiles. Maintain a uniform color scheme, repetition of patterns and other motifs. Do not use fabrics that are too bulky or dense, as they will be permanently damp and attract dust.
Provence-style curtains for a balcony or loggia
On the one hand, you can create any interesting compositions on wide windows. On the other hand, it is important to strike a balance so that the curtains are not too bulky simply because of the amount of fabric. Choose materials that breathe and do not fade in the sun - and you can calmly air even on a hot summer day.
