Choosing a curtain for a balcony is not as simple a task as it might seem at first glance. The fact is that you not only need to choose the right color or print option, but also find the ideal curtain model, suitable cornice and fittings. If your balcony is well renovated and used as an office, living room or lounge area, a harmonious combination of all these components will help give the room the right atmosphere.
The most successful curtain option for a balcony is tulle. This is a light, almost weightless fabric that can hide an unpleasant view from a window or your privacy from the prying eyes of passers-by. We’ll talk about how to choose the right tulle option for a balcony in this article.
Features of curtains for balconies
The design of curtains can be very different, but some rules for decorating windows on a balcony will help create a cozy balcony or spacious loggia.
The balcony was and remains a room in which there is a lot of street dust, so when choosing a material, preference is given to smooth fabrics that do not attract large amounts of tiny debris.
For the same purpose, they choose laconic ideas for curtains for balcony doors, without complex folds and lush decor.
Curtains on the balcony are almost always exposed to sunlight (and on non-glazed areas they are also forced to endure natural precipitation), so they should not quickly lose their colors when there is an abundance of natural light. This is especially true for rooms facing south.
For northern territories or balconies protected from the sun by trees, this point is not so important. The density and durability of the material will help you not to worry too much about the condition of your balcony curtains.
Typically, balconies cannot boast of large sizes, which means that the curtains should be fairly small structures that do not interfere with the passage of people or the opening and closing of windows. At the same time, curtains for a kitchen with a balcony should not block the front door, providing open access to the loggia.
Sewing tulle with your own hands
It is absolutely not necessary to buy ready-made decor in specialized salons - you can easily make it yourself. Next, we’ll look at how to sew tulle on a balcony in two versions: classic and arched.
Classic curtains
To sew neat classic tulle for your balcony with your own hands, follow these simple instructions:
- Do the calculations. The width of the canvas depends on the chosen style of curtains - it can be a continuous canvas for the entire block or two separate curtains for the window and door. In both cases, calculations should be performed in this way: measure the width of the structure being designed and multiply by two to get the maneuver for spectacular folds, and then add 3 cm for allowances on each side. Next, you need to decide on the length: measure the part of the block that you plan to cover with textiles, add 3 cm to the allowances at the top and bottom and add the distance from the top of the block to the cornice or alternative fasteners.
- Carry out the cutting. According to the calculations, mark and cut the fabric, and then cut off the excess sections of fabric.
- Hem the edges. Alternately fold the edges of the fabric in a double bend and machine them with a fine stitch.
Be sure to hem the edges of the fabric, otherwise they will begin to fray.
- Strengthen the top. Sew a thick braid along the top edge.
To strengthen the top of the canvas, do not forget to sew on braid or curtain tape
- Decorate the canvas. If desired, decorate the finished curtain with beads, bows, rhinestones and other accessories.
Arched tulle
A more original, but equally simple to implement option is tulle in the shape of an arch. It is sewn according to the following pattern:
- By analogy with the previous case, take measurements taking into account the features of the decor.
- Fold the canvas in half and cut it: stepping back from the edge by 50-60 cm, draw lines on both sides that resemble semi-arches - they should meet at the bend. Straighten the material and draw a semicircle along the marked lines.
note
The distance from the top edge of the canvas to the beginning of the arch should be at least 30 cm - this will ensure the convenience of attaching the curtain.
- Cut out the arched blank.
- Hem the sides, folding them in a double bend and finishing them with a fine machine stitch.
- Sew a braid along the upper edge of the workpiece and begin decorating the textiles.
One of the options for arched textiles for the kitchen
Video master class: how to sew tulle with folds
Patterns on balcony curtains
Since the balcony is a rather small room, you should not buy fabric with large and flashy patterns to make curtains.
Usually they use plain material, and if they choose patterns, then preference is given to muted prints. These can be small floral ornaments, light monograms, geometric patterns.
Such options will definitely relieve the room from boredom and monotony, and will make the balcony more refined and spacious.
Curtain material
In order to choose the right curtains for the living room, you should pay attention to the material they are made of. Among the most popular are natural and synthetic fabrics, which have their own advantages.
Linen
During operation it will require careful care and its main advantage is resistance to fading and visual appeal. But during the washing process, the material often shrinks and becomes very wrinkled.
Cotton
More affordable than the previous option and less resistant to fading. It is lightweight and easy to care for, so the curtains will not lose their attractiveness during long-term use.
Viscose
Its composition resembles silk, but is more affordable. It is resistant to long-term use and tolerates contact with ultraviolet radiation well.
Polyester
This type of curtains is inexpensive, does not fade in the sun and has a long service life.
Silk
One of the expensive materials with high attractiveness and minimal thickness of the finished product. However, the material requires careful and careful care.
Blackout
It has increased strength, resistance to fading and the ability to completely block light from entering the room. Curtains consist of several layers.
Satin
Its characteristics resemble silk. This type of curtain has an attractive appearance and retains its shape for a long time.
Photo of curtains for the balcony
Choosing the color scheme of curtains for the living room
When choosing tulle, be sure to adhere to the color scheme of the room itself. Curtains should match, for example, the upholstery of the sofa or the color of the walls. If the owner of the apartment is a fairly active person, then the color scheme of the room should be in bright colors, but if it belongs to the calm category, then you should opt for light and calm colors.
When choosing the color of curtains, it is also worth considering that dark colors will make the room visually smaller, so such curtains are used in large rooms, but light shades, on the contrary, visually increase the area.
How to hang, types of curtain rods
Particular attention is paid to how to hang curtains for the hall. The cornice can be hidden under a suspended ceiling, or you can make it part of the decor by choosing a beautiful model. The reliability of the design is important - not all curtain rods can withstand heavy curtains. Sometimes eyelets are required - this way the curtains will quickly move along the cornice.
A round single strip is suitable for simple products, and curtains, blinds and lambrequins are hung on curtain rods with 2-3 levels. We select the material depending on the weight of the products. For light curtains, an inexpensive plastic curtain rod is recommended. Heavy canvases should be hung on a metal bar. It is decorated with plugs, which are purchased separately.
Modern design
Ordinary curtains of the same color often look boring and banal. Still, the purpose of curtains is not just to hide the opening with the door, but to decorate the room. Don't be afraid to experiment with ruffles, bows, lace or ribbons in rich colors.
You can beautifully secure the canvas with clamps or a loop, moving the canvas to the side. It is necessary to use moderation - a lot of decor will make the interior tasteless.
Expert advice
In order for the design of a balcony door in the hall to become a stylish addition to the overall interior, you need to listen to the following recommendations of experts:
- If the room is small, it is not recommended to cover the door with heavy dark curtains. It is worth purchasing lighter colors and light fabric, but for a large area any color of fabric will do;
- If the window with a balcony door is small, then the curtains should have a large number of folds, thanks to which it will be possible to achieve a beautiful external design;
- The tulle must fully match the style of the room;
- The curtain should be practical, easy to care for and UV resistant;
- The door opening should not be blocked by a curtain - this is one of the main selection criteria.
To choose the right tulle for a room with a balcony door to match the design of the room, you can look at the photo in our article for a visual example. We are sure you will find an option to your liking.
Interesting decor
Do not neglect the decor when decorating curtains; it gives the interior zest and individuality. These can be bows, ribbons, ruffles in contrasting colors, tie-backs and even special butterflies that can be beautifully placed on the curtains. But it is important not to overdo it with these elements; excess will look tasteless.
There are a large number of curtain models that are suitable for a balcony door. Using your imagination, you can not only decorate it beautifully, but also emphasize the style of the room and fill it with comfort.
Style solutions
With all the importance of color and patterns, it is necessary to pay attention to the stylistic variety of curtains. It depends on it whether it fits into the interior or not. Recently, designers are increasingly turning to ideas for decorating rooms in a rustic spirit.
That’s why Provence and country style balcony curtains are becoming more popular. They are characterized not only by soft pastel colors, but also by the use of strictly natural fabrics
Recently, designers are increasingly turning to ideas for decorating rooms in a rustic spirit. That’s why Provence and country style balcony curtains are becoming more popular. They are characterized not only by soft pastel colors, but also by the use of strictly natural fabrics.
Another important feature is the presence of curls and lace details. It’s very good if the country curtain is sewn from natural linen
The Provencal direction can be considered a branch of country music, but it is distinguished by greater sophistication.
Fans of classic design solutions should pay attention to curtains in the spirit of Baroque and Rococo. They are made from heavy fabrics and have lambrequins
Often the canvas is complemented with gold and silver threads. This solution is suitable for those who want to turn their room into a genuine “palace”. An additional emphasis on luxury can be made by choosing hand-sewn fabric.
Rococo differs from baroque in that in such curtains the fabric should look distinctly heavy. It must be covered with golden ornaments. If you like this design solution, but it seems too old-fashioned, you can use a compromise solution - choose the art deco style. More modern stylistic approaches are also popular. Curtains of this type cannot have colorful patterns or frivolous floral designs, fringes and lambrequins.
High-tech style is a logical continuation of modern style trends. It is also minimalist, but at the same time implies clear “chopped” shapes and angular features.
You can complete your review of fashion trends with oriental style curtains. Its most popular branch is Japanese design. It is characterized by:
- airy matter;
- the most delicate shades;
- floral designs with openwork petals.
