Curtains
Underestimated all-rounders in the interior
More than just a canopy - curtains as masters of the indoor space
We sit eagerly in the theatre and wait for the curtain to rise. I wonder what is hidden behind it? We don't know, because the curtain has a simple function - it hides something.
Basically, such a curtain is nothing more than a long, wide strip of fabric that is mainly used in private living spaces. protects against light and uninvited glances from outside. Curtains in front of a window are typically referred to as drapes. However, if the curtains are translucent, net-like and usually light-coloured, they are also called blinds in Austria and Germany. In Switzerland, store is more a term for roll-up awnings or roller shutters.
However, curtains can do much more than just conceal something. They also influence the room acoustics and aesthetics. Choosing the right curtains should therefore be just as careful and considered as choosing a floor. A wide variety of fabrics can be viewed, compared and felt in our showrooms. We offer free, comprehensive advice that takes a holistic view of the living situation and together we will find the ideal solution for all requirements.
Good preparation is half the battle, which is why we would like to give all those interested a more detailed insight into the functions, types and correct care of curtains in the following section.
Functions of curtains
In principle, the main purpose of a curtain is to cover something. Most of the time, we want to protect our privacy from prying eyes or block out light from outside. However, we often overlook the fact that curtains also have a number of other practical functions and properties:
Light regulation and privacy protection
Both the privacy and the light transmission of a curtain are determined by the thickness and type of fabric. Semi-transparent fabrics in white or light colours offer sufficient privacy protection and daylight can continue to flood the room unhindered. When the sun is low in the sky, as is often the case in the morning or afternoon, semi-transparent curtains help to diffuse the concentrated light and brighten the room evenly. If you want an uncompromisingly opaque and light-proof curtain, you need a thicker and generally darker fabric. These curtains darken the room very well, especially at night, and do not allow light to penetrate from inside or outside.
Curtains as thermal insulation and soundproofing
So-called thermal curtains, e.g. made of felt or velvet, not only block out light, they also act as thermal insulation. A protective layer of air forms between the window and the curtain, providing additional insulation. If the curtain is floor-length, this works particularly well and, depending on the fabric quality, heat loss can be reduced by up to 40 %. Acoustic curtains can also absorb and dampen room noise. As with thermal curtains, thicker fabrics are the first choice.
Decorative function
In addition to all their practical functions, curtains also have the task of visually enhancing the room. That's why there is just as varied a selection of patterns, colours and fabric types as with our Floors. In order to make a decision, both personal preferences and room aesthetics must be taken into account. In some cases, curtains fulfil a purely decorative purpose, in which case functional aspects can be treated as secondary.
Types of curtains
There are many different types of curtains, which differ in their fabric type, style and fastening.
Fabric types
There are curtains made from synthetic and natural fibres. The types of fabric can also be divided into "light" and "heavy" fabrics. Lightweight fabrics include cotton, linen, silk or artificial textiles such as polyester. As a collective term, they are also often referred to as voile or, if they are net-like, as tulle. Heavy curtain fabrics are typically made of felt, wool, velvet, chenille or synthetic imitations. Many of these curtain fabrics can be Showroom be examined and felt.
Fastening types of curtains
Loop curtains are curtains that have loops at the top through which a curtain pole is pulled. They are also uncomplicated and easy to put up and take down. For ease of use, it is advisable to use light, flowing fabrics that allow plenty of light to penetrate. This creates a relaxed and cosy atmosphere.
Eyelet curtains behave like loop curtains, except that they have metal or plastic rings at the top that are pulled through the curtain pole. These rings not only ensure smooth opening and closing, but are an additional decorative element that gives the curtain an elegant and modern look. The eyelets also make it easy to pull heavier fabrics over the curtain poles.
Track curtains are attached to a rail that is usually mounted on the ceiling. It takes some practice and patience to fit the curtains, but it is possible to use both light and heavy fabrics. The curtains can also be drawn round a corner with a radius in the track.
Selection criteria for curtains
Choosing the right curtains depends on various factors, such as the purpose of the room, the size and shape of the windows, the available light, the desired style and the budget.
Function
The most important decision factor is the function that the curtains must fulfil. In some situations, curtains only serve as a decorative element, but most of the time they are used to darken the room, dampen noise or create privacy. The fabric, colours, pattern and fixing method are then selected accordingly. They can influence the amount and quality of light entering the room.
Fabric
Fabrics made of light natural fibres with bright, friendly colours reflect the light and brighten up the room. If there is little light shining through the window, warm colours in particular help to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere. You should also make sure that the colour of the curtains does not clash with the colour of the walls and furniture.
Sample
Interesting patterns provide variety. There is a selection ranging from floral motifs to graphic and geometric shapes or classic ornaments.
Window size
Finally, the window size must also be taken into account. The size and shape of the windows influence the length, width and arrangement of the curtains. As a rule of thumb, the curtains should start at least 15 cm above the window frame and end at least 15 cm below the window sill. For floor-length curtains, a gap of approx. 2 cm should be left between the floor and the fabric. This prevents the hem from being worn unnecessarily quickly by movement and also makes it easier to clean the floor.
Care and cleaning of curtains
Over time, dust and dirt accumulate in the curtains. Even though most fabrics are very durable, sunlight can also affect the colours over time. Even the best curtains will eventually show the effects of years of use, so proper care is essential.
Dusting: Not only furniture, but also curtains need to be regularly cleaned of dust. You can remove fluff and dirt with a hand hoover or a feather duster. You should work from top to bottom and make sure you get all the creases and corners.
Washing: Curtains should be washed every few months or after six months at the latest. First and foremost, you should follow the manufacturer's care instructions. Sensitive fabrics may need to be washed by hand or taken to a dry cleaner. If the textiles can be washed in the washing machine, you should reduce the spin speed and use a laundry bag to protect them from damage.
Drying: The same procedure applies for drying as for washing. Firstly, you should follow the care instructions. If you wash the curtains at home by hand and in the washing machine, you should allow the fabric to air dry. To avoid creases, you can hang the curtains by the window when they are still damp and pull them into shape or iron them smooth and steam them after drying.
Conclusion
You should take your time to choose the right curtains and seek advice if necessary, as they are an essential part of interior design. They not only fulfil practical purposes, such as protecting against light and prying eyes, but also enhance the room aesthetically. There is an extensive selection of different fabrics with various colours and patterns. These include fabrics that are ideal for regulating the room climate or acoustics.
If you follow the simple tricks and tips, you will quickly make a good choice and, with the right care, your curtains will give you pleasure for a long time to come.
Finally, a fun fact: Where does the saying "sitting behind Swedish curtains" come from? These are not really curtains made of fabric, but of course steel bars for prison cells. But why "Swedish"? Swedish steel is said to be particularly robust and indestructible. Anyone sitting behind Swedish curtains therefore has little chance of filing a hole through the bars. We therefore prefer the fabric version.
Find the perfect curtains for your home in our showroom!
A fascinating variety of curtain fabrics and patterns awaits you at Bodenstudio. We'll help you find the ideal curtains for your rooms. Let us inspire you in our showroom in Salzburg!
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about curtains
How do you wash curtains properly?
You should wash your curtains every few months. Hanging them just before washing prevents the fabric from creasing too much. To remove the coarsest dirt and dust before washing, the curtain can be shaken out first.
Curtains are easy to wash in the washing machine. Caution - curtains should never be tumble dried! Not only can this damage the fabric, it can also lead to unsightly creases. It is better to hang the curtains up damp and allow them to air dry.
Which programme should I use to wash curtains?
As the fabrics are usually more delicate, they should be washed at a maximum of 30 degrees if there are no washing instructions. A delicate wash programme with a low spin speed is ideal. To be on the safe side, it is advisable to use a mild detergent.
How do I make the curtains fall beautifully?
A pleated tape is best suited. This creates even folds at the top when the fabric is pulled together. If this is not available, you can also use pins to help. Place the pins in a pleat at the top and bottom of the fabric and pin in place. You can remove the pins as soon as the fabric has unhooked.
How far should the distance to the floor be?
There is no such thing as the right curtain length! But we do have tips on how to optimise the effect of curtains. Just a few centimetres difference can make all the difference.
In the past, curtains were almost always sewn at floor length. This allowed the fabric to fall straight and elegantly. The fabric almost lies on the floor and only has a gap of one to two centimetres to the floor. The floating curtain is ideal for frequently used rooms as they are practical and easy to maintain.
The curtains can also rest on the floor, but they should be cleaned thoroughly so that they do not inadvertently become a dust mop. Curtains that are only one to two centimetres too long are referred to as broken curtains.
The fabric stands up slightly at the bottom, causing the curtain to fan out and appear wider. Significantly longer curtains gather at the bottom and create an opulent look.
For window sills, it is practical to keep the curtains short and cut them so that there is some air between the window sill and the curtain.
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