Suitable and beautiful curtains for the balcony can add coziness to any interior. Original textiles make window decoration stylish and fashionable. Once upon a time there was not such a wide choice in curtain models and materials. Fortunately, the decoration market has developed greatly in recent years, giving you a huge range of classic curtains and blinds. But how to choose?
Balcony curtains for plastic windows
For many decades, curtains have been the most common way of decorating windows, present in almost every home. Windows today are much more attractive than they were many years ago, so they can be decorated with curtains of different cuts. Many people have completely abandoned traditional curtains that flow to the floor, choosing compact blinds.
Nowadays, the vast majority of people prefer blinds instead of curtains. Classic curtains are no longer in fashion, so they can be seen less and less on plastic balcony windows in modern homes, however, new stores are still being created that have them. Curtains are often chosen by conservative people who want to see cascading waves of curtains on the loggia that gently flutter in the wind. Curtains are also chosen for interiors where modernist forms of blinds are not suitable.
Curtains on the balcony: determining functionality
Curtains have both a practical and decorative function. By following a few simple rules, you can easily achieve a harmonious and well-presented window treatment effect. Before you start choosing the color and finish of your balcony curtains, first consider the purpose for which you want to buy them. Should they serve only a decorative function, or perhaps they should be used to regulate the light in the room, as well as protect from prying eyes of neighbors? If the latter option, then decide to buy curtains made of thick fabric or blinds. If they should serve only a decorative function, it is best to combine thick curtains with mesh curtains, which brighten the room and close the balcony from prying eyes from the street.
Decorating a balcony with curtains: aesthetic function
Currently, curtains and curtains are slightly functionally devalued by the increasingly popular blinds. Traditional curtains no longer serve as much as they once did to provide privacy at home, protection from prying eyes or from the sun's rays that interfere with watching TV. Instead, curtains and curtains mainly serve an aesthetic function on the balcony. Therefore, when choosing the right curtains, everything should be positioned so that the design fits perfectly with the rest of the room. Thanks to this, you will ensure a warm and cozy interior atmosphere, cohesion and a feeling of relaxation. Also pay attention to the optical capabilities of curtains and curtains. Thanks to their correct location, a balcony and a window that is decorated can appear taller and wider.
Curtains and heat loss protection
In winter, significant amounts of money are spent on heating the house. To maintain comfort on the balcony and the adjacent room, you often have to turn on the radiators to a high level. What happens to the high temperature, why is its level not maintained? The reason is all the places in apartments and houses through which heat escapes. One of these areas is the windows on the balcony, which can cause significant heat loss, even if you have already managed to replace them with new ones. A good idea to limit heat loss through windows is to install window shades. Thanks to this solution, it will be much more difficult for the heat to escape from your apartment, and your heating bills may be slightly lower. Obviously, curtains will not stop the temperature drop by one hundred percent, which is probably unattainable, but can have a significant impact on limiting this unfavorable process.
Features of balcony drapery
The decor of windows on the balcony simply must meet a number of parameters. Among the main ones:
- Moisture resistance.
- Resistance to burnout.
- Impossibility of deformation due to changes in temperature and humidity. This is especially true for regions with a humid climate and cold winters.
- Fabric strength.
- The presence of special impregnation against the adhesion of dirt and dust.
- Non-marking, easy to wash and clean such surfaces.
- Ability to pass air well.
- Aesthetics.
In addition, balcony curtains should absolutely not interfere with the process of opening and closing window sashes.
What curtains for the balcony? Fashionable colors and lengths 2022
The textile market offers countless palettes of patterns and colors for curtains for balconies and other rooms. Don't be afraid to experiment with them. A strong contrast in the color of the curtains with the walls will make the window dominate the interior. The combination of matte materials with shiny, heavy, light, lace and openwork can give a fantastic decorative result. However, if you want a toned and elegant effect, it is best to choose shades that are close to the color of the balcony walls.
Curtains and blinds are very important in decorating a room. Often all you need to do is buy new curtains to significantly freshen up a room that has been feeling drab and dull. There are hundreds of designs, shapes and colors of curtains available on the market. If the interior is decorated colorfully and cheerfully, you should be interested in curtains in warm colors that will best match each other, for example, on the balcony there are several narrow curtains of different colors. Curtains don't have to be white; experimentation can often be very beneficial.
The design and shape of the interior, as well as the color of the curtains, should complement each other, creating a stylish and attractive whole. If each of these elements functions separately, the whole thing will create an impression of inconsistency and lack of integrity. If the room is small, you should be interested in the possibility of optically enlarging it. Curtains of light colors can diffuse the sun's rays much better, which can lead to the optical effect of expanding the room.
Curtain length
To choose the right curtain options, you must take accurate measurements of the length and width of the windows and curtain rods. If you don't want to sew to size, there are three standard lengths of traditional curtains on the market: for the window sill (short), below the sill (medium) and to the floor (long). If you choose the latter option, you should subtract approximately 1 cm from the length if there is a rug on the floor that could touch the fabric. Remember that the length of curtains is always measured from where the hooks or clips are attached to the curtain rod, not from the point where the curtain rod is attached. Also, always pay attention to the composition of the curtains, because the width measurement always depends on the method of fastening. If you want a loose wave effect, then buy curtains that are twice the width of the window.
Dimensions
There are two main lengths of curtain structures.
Short
Shortened options are the most convenient and practical. They are especially relevant in small balcony spaces where you need to save space.
Long
Such floor-length canvases create a more complete design and unique comfort, and are suitable for a loggia combined with a room.
The photo shows long pink curtains in the interior of the balcony.
How to hang curtains on the balcony? Choosing the right curtain rods and fastening types
Increasingly, modern balconies are decorated with traditional curtains, as they represent a full-fledged room for relaxation. Curtain rods have a very big impact on the interior and the climate in it. A wide variety of traditional curtain rods are available in the market not only in length but also in shape, color or style. As for blinds, the choice there is less rich, but rather typical for all types of roller blinds.
Curtain rods should also be as practical as possible, especially for balconies, so that they are easy to clean and attaching curtains to them does not take all day and does not require the efforts of several people. Many people choose universal curtain rods, that is, those that do not attract attention with their shape and decorations and are not a flashy spot inside, but only gently complement the interior, creating a single whole. Although choosing curtain rods is not always easy, it is worth spending some time to ensure that the effect achieved in this way pleases everyone who sees it - guests and, above all, yourself. Not all curtain rods are suitable for hanging certain types of curtains on them. A simple and minimalist curtain rod works best with heavy and ornate curtains. However, for a plain and simple-shaped fabric, it is worth choosing a model with an interesting design.
Mounting type:
- Metal rings. They fit directly onto the cornice. The curtains are easy to use and look extremely elegant. Don't forget to match the color of the rings to the color of the cornice, otherwise you can create the impression of decorative chaos.
- Braid. Curtains with ribbon are assembled after pulling the thread. This will ensure a pleasant and even laying of the fabric. This version of the curtain on the balcony can be hung using hooks or frogs.
- Magnets. This type of fastening has a modern character, ideal for minimalist interiors. The curtains are placed freely on the curtain rod and are very easy to move.
- Rail. Curtains with a groove are placed directly on the cornice. This finish fits perfectly with the interiors of balconies decorated in a romantic and classic style.
Austrian and French
It is recommended to choose curtains for a loggia of 6 meters or less that are compact and laconic, such as roller blinds, Roman ones, or hang blinds with small horizontal slats. But for the lucky owners of a spacious loggia, the list is replenished with Austrian, French or English curtains. They are united by their European origin and solemn pompous appearance. Obviously, this is inappropriate on a small balcony.
French and Austrian curtains form many folds where a large amount of dust will accumulate. Caring for them will require a lot of time and effort. This will not scare away a true connoisseur of luxury, especially since the efforts will be rewarded with an aesthetic and unique design of the balcony window.
French curtains have arched folds and scallops along their entire length. They give it a solemn look. This design is suitable if the loggia and the adjacent room are made in a classic style. As a rule, they are made from translucent fabrics. The design is laconic with a small number of components.
Curtain design for a balcony: interior style
The main criterion for choosing a curtain design is the stylistic design of the balcony in which they are located. Size, windows and degree of insolation are the elements that will determine your choice. Correctly selected window fabrics allow you to display the decorative qualities of the room, as well as overcome some of its shortcomings (shape, size). Style is also very important, for example, a balcony furnished in a classic design will favor curtains made of taffeta or jacquard, minimalistic Roman curtains will be suitable for Scandinavian design, and colorful motifs will be presented in oriental or vintage decorations. Smooth fabrics and geometric patterns are ideal for interiors decorated in a modern style.
Heavy and too long curtains are not suitable for a small balcony, because they will optically reduce it even more. In rooms with dark wall colors, light and airy materials are more appropriate. Window curtains should not only be beautiful, but also practical. Decorative curtains with rich draperies can be difficult to use on a balcony if you plan to close or open the shutters frequently.
Although the fashion for curtains has lost its hype, giving way to new types of roller curtains, in many houses they still decorate balconies, as well as rooms facing the loggia. Increasingly, in many stores that offer curtains, you can also find curtains in styles that are known from stories or old films from the 1950s or 1960s. Retro curtains usually appear in traditionally styled homes without incorporating modern trends. Such curtains are often very ornate and attractive window decorations, which, unfortunately, are underestimated by the majority of modern society. Retro curtains are usually sold in online stores, as in traditional retail outlets curtains are increasingly being replaced by modern models or fabric blinds, which are much more practical than curtains.
Curtains for a window with a balcony in different rooms
Blinds and drapes are a popular material for those who don't have modern fabric window blinds and want to let in as much light as possible with an open balcony, while still maintaining privacy. However, many people do not like the standard solution - translucent curtains and thick, almost opaque curtains. Therefore, some curtain manufacturers have introduced a new product into their offer, which is gaining increasing popularity. We are talking about curtains that are slightly thicker than standard ones, but thinner than traditional linen. Such curtains for a window with a balcony let a little less light inside, but they always look attractive. After decorating the windows in this way, many additional window design options are at your disposal. It is also worth taking an interest in jacquard curtains, which do not let too much light into the room, but their use helps illuminate the entire room with pleasant tints.
Curtains for the living room with a balcony
Before choosing a suitable fabric for curtains in a room with a balcony, you should consider what function they will need to perform. Does the fabric need to let a lot of light into the room, or rather limit its access? Curtains in the living room should be light and transparent. Considering the color, texture and thickness of the weave, you can choose from a range of fabrics. Organza, rigid tulle and chiffon will add lightness and clarity. To make curtains look more natural, you should use fabrics such as cambric. If there is an ecological style in the living room, you can choose curtains made from natural linen, which have natural colors. Curtains made of dense and thick velvet and damask fabric will fit into a more elegant living room interior design.
The placement of curtains in the living room has a very important aesthetic significance. Curtains take up most of the room; if they are chosen incorrectly, they can cause dissatisfaction with guests, who will probably notice it. Living room curtains do more than just act as a sun regulator, so it's worth spending some time choosing the right material, color and shape. Curtains will also have a significant impact on your well-being, as a dark curtain that looks like a heavy screen can be depressing. Correctly selected curtains can make a window optically smaller or larger. Their correct placement can ensure that you close off the room. By hanging curtains on the floor just below the ceiling, you can provide an optical increase in the height of the room. Curtains play a key role in interior design, so they should not be underestimated.
Curtains for a bedroom with a balcony
The bedroom is a very important place in every apartment. It is there that a person gains strength before a new day, resting in deep sleep. Curtains and drapes have a key impact on mood and also determine whether a room will have a pleasant, intimate and private atmosphere. Curtains in the bedroom should not be too thick and dark. Combine delicate curtains that let in plenty of sunlight during the day with thick, durable fabrics that provide plenty of privacy. Thanks to the latter, you will sleep while limiting the morning sun rays from the east-facing balcony.
Matching curtains and curtains should also match the colors of the entire room. If you organize your bedroom decor correctly, you will create a warm and cozy atmosphere conducive to relaxation, which will be indispensable for everyone. The bedroom is a very important place, so it is worth spending as much time as possible on the details when organizing it.
Although curtains and drapes have long since fallen out of favor, becoming a niche product, the long-standing tradition continues in many places. It's hard to imagine a modern office with hanging curtains, but they are widely used in bedrooms with balconies. Hanging curtains on the windows make the climate of the place more comfortable and intimate, and ordinary blinds do not always fit into large windows. Curtains and curtains are often found in bedrooms and children's rooms, which are extended with a balcony. This is also an excellent solution for traditional style interiors. Long curtains look perfect, and the rest of the interior creates a cohesive whole.
Curtains for the kitchen with a balcony: photo examples
Most home rooms have different requirements and needs regarding window shading. For example, in a bathroom you would want a window that doesn't show what's going on inside, but a kitchen is great for lots of natural light. A short curtain will work here. This is a very useful solution that allows you to avoid using a rather bulky curtain in the kitchen. The window is shaded, but to such an extent that it does not interfere with the use of the kitchen. Such a curtain can be easily removed, washed and ironed due to its small size, and the blinds are easy to clean.
Curtains for children in a room with a balcony
The children's room is a very important place in the house. It is here that the child develops his imagination and spends a lot of time playing and learning about the world. This room should be properly decorated so that the baby or teenager feels happy in it and is not afraid of anything. Curtains are an important element of children's room decor. A regular, boring curtain won't be particularly suitable. Although the child most likely won't mind its existence, it would be worth decorating the curtain with, for example, a few butterflies or ladybugs, or figurines of favorite characters from fairy tales.
Many curtain stores provide a special range of products exclusively for children. These curtains are usually attractively designed in pleasant colors and shapes. This can have a great impact on the development of the child's imagination, who, observing the world through such a curtain, can see many things that interest him. When choosing a curtain that is suitable for your child, it is worth considering looking at the options together.
Color palette
It is the main basis in creating a certain mood in a room.
- White. White curtains look aristocratic. This versatile option goes well with any palette and all shades.
- Beige. This pastel color creates a soft and calm environment.
- Green. Products in pistachio shades bring liveliness and vigor to the loggia room, but at the same time create a warm and soothing atmosphere.
Curtains and blinds for the balcony: popular types
There are many types of blinds on offer. However, over the past few years the most popular are:
Cassette blinds
Cassette blinds are one of the most functional products. They work great on balconies. The screen curtain consists of a wound strip of material (usually polyester, PVC or fiberglass). Good quality material becomes resistant to mechanical damage and does not discolor when exposed to sunlight. Such blinds can hang freely or be placed in a special cassette (mini-type). Free-hanging products usually do not completely darken a room. Their material allows diffused sunlight to pass through and protects interiors from excessive heat. The cheapest models of screen curtains with standard formats can be purchased at an affordable price. Custom made products will be slightly more expensive. You'll pay even more for blinds made from rubberized material.
Austrian blinds
Austrian blinds are often chosen for their decorative qualities. A typical Austrian blind resembles a curtain, using an integrated string system. Interestingly, these types of products can be made from almost any material used to produce roller blinds. The most popular are models made from veils. However, manufacturers' offerings also include roller blinds with decorative frills. Their price will certainly be higher.
Roman blinds for the balcony
Roman blinds are reminiscent of the Austrian model, but they work better with modern arrangements. The material of the blinds is rolled in waves, creating an interesting decorative effect. Good quality models have additional reinforcement that is built vertically. This reinforcement allows the material to fold very evenly, twisting it without problems. The cheapest ones to buy will be models made from thin fabrics. However, higher-quality blinds made from high-quality material or reflective foil will already cost more.
Pleated blinds
Pleated blinds are a fairly versatile model that can be used on both wall and roof windows. The roller blind takes the shape of a harmonica. It is available in free-hanging and cassette versions. In commercial offers you will find both single-function and double-function blinds. Double-sided roller blinds are very popular due to their functionality. They allow you to close a selected window fragment and look very impressive. Another interesting fact is that pleated blinds can be easily adapted to any window shape. Manufacturers make them from various types of materials (from textiles to bamboo fiber).
Roller blinds Day-night
Day/night roller blinds are a very interesting solution that offers a wide range of design options. Roller shutters consist of horizontal strips of material that allow sunlight to pass through or provide complete shade. The above type of blinds is especially recommended for a very sunny balcony. Roller shutters made of thick material or reflective film reduce the degree of heating of the room. In turn, setting the stripes to the “day” position allows a lot of sunlight to enter inside, effectively illuminating the room. Modern design and rich colors make this type of product in no way similar to the antique blinds installed on windows. The price depends on the quality of the material.
What to do to avoid overpaying for blinds?
The price discrepancy between individual blinds models is very large. Therefore, first of all, you should think about your real needs. The cheapest ones to buy will be aluminum curtains, which can be adapted to any interior. You just have to pay attention to the color of the material and the level of protection from sunlight. Good quality curtains can be a combination of durability, impressive appearance and affordable cost.
With a modern choice of curtains for the balcony, you can significantly improve a small loggia in your apartment for relaxing and enjoying the street panorama. View fashionable examples in the photo gallery to decorate your home.
