Blinds for the bedroom, photos of which look so good in interior design magazines, are not always suitable for an apartment. You need to be able to choose a variety that will fit well into the overall concept, will last a long time and will not cause inconvenience during cleaning.
Roller blinds day-night in the bedroom
Red roller blinds in the bedroom
What are blinds?
Curtains are light-protective structures consisting of interconnected adjustable slats (slats), the mechanism of action of which varies depending on the type of structure.
Functional purpose of blinds
Curtains are used for:
- adjusting the degree of room illumination by the sun;
- protection from prying eyes;
- limit the entry of dust and moisture into the room;
- soundproofing.
Curtains allow you to adjust the level of natural light at your discretion, which traditional curtains do not have
Therefore, such a replacement of curtains allows you to make the room more comfortable and safe for people.
A Brief History of Window Design
The first use of windows in structures dates back to the 13th century BC. From the very beginning, animal skins were adapted to cover windows. The ancient Egyptians created window frames from papyrus, and the Chinese from bamboo. In the 16th century, wooden shutters became a popular method for Europeans to keep out drafts and provide privacy at night. Since ancient times, it has been recognized that window coverings not only serve to control light and privacy, but can also be styled to add beauty to a home.
Blinds in the interior as an artistic medium
In addition, shutters on the windows make the design of the room more interesting and elegant. Here are some of the most common design techniques based on their application:
- Change the aspect ratio. Vertical or horizontal stripes allow you to visually adjust the proportions of the room. Make it taller or wider.
- Playing with light and shadow. Clearly defined stripes of light and shadow that move along the surfaces of floors, walls and furniture can highlight the features of their shape, the beauty of the materials used, and their texture. It is especially suitable for modern, laconic styles that lack decorative details.
- Introduction of colors and prints. There are curtains with almost any image, pattern, photo printing. With their help, you can greatly enliven the interior of a living room, nursery or bedroom, add brightness and contrasts.
- A bright accent in the interior. In other words, blinds are a powerful artistic medium with enormous potential.
Refreshing blue jacquard curtains
There are a huge number of types of this product on the market. Different designs can vary greatly in price, appearance, functionality, and more. It’s worth figuring out what types of curtains there are. What is unique about the proposed models?
Elegant curtains with an abstract pattern that matches the gray upholstery of the sofa
Children's
In a children's room for window decoration they use:
- roller blinds, Roman, Austrian blinds;
- curtains with drapes;
- vertical blinds made of fabric with special impregnation or horizontal models (wooden, bamboo, metal).
Fabric curtains for children's rooms are available in a wide range; choosing a design that your child will like is easy. The main disadvantage is that the fabric, which does not have special impregnation, quickly accumulates dust. If blinds are used, it is easier to maintain cleanliness, but their design is less varied.
Types of blinds
Let's consider the types of curtains in the interior of the house, because today there are a lot of offers of different models of curtains on the market.
Horizontal
This is the most common version of this curtain alternative. The planks, located one above the other, like the steps of a ladder, are connected to each other with ropes. They can also be turned in a chain on their side. In addition, the elements are collected at the top, thus opening the window.
Horizontal curtains visually expand the room
Horizontal blinds can be combined with any interior
The peculiarity of such curtains is that, unlike ordinary curtains, they do not completely cover the window opening. Attaches directly to the frame.
Vertical
Dimensions of the vertical structure:
- In a window opening: subtract 2 cm from the width of the opening and 1 cm from the length, these will be the dimensions of the curtains to be installed.
- Instead of a cornice, on the wall: the width of the product should exceed the width of the window opening by 10-15 cm, the length should be arbitrary. But a window sill covered with shutters looks more aesthetically pleasing.
- On the ceiling: the length is chosen arbitrarily (to the window sill or almost to the floor), the width of the shutters is 10-15 cm greater than the width of the window opening.
Vertical blinds are rarely used for small windows - wide slats (89-127 mm) are adjacent to the glass, which makes them difficult to turn.
Cassette
They can only be horizontal, and not only in the form of slats, but an option with a solid sheet is also possible. Installed directly on the window frame, covering only the glass. This option is convenient because it takes up little space, while the window sill remains free.
The basis of the design is a lightweight tube. Rigid ropes are attached to it on both sides, which set the canvas in motion. They are stretched in such a way that the canvas does not sag. The upper part of the tube is closed with a box, creating a unique and aesthetic case.
Rolled
Although roller blinds do not consist of slats, they are also considered a type of blinds. They are a durable canvas fixed on top, which is screwed onto the roller using a special guide. Like the horizontal model, this structure is attached directly to the frame.
Particularly interesting is the Zebra variety of roller blinds. It is based on two layers of fabric consisting of alternating transparent and opaque stripes. By moving these levels relative to each other, you can adjust the level of illumination in the room. This original solution allows you to create very interesting visual effects.
When closed, the curtains look like a continuous sheet; when open, they “slide” over each other, creating spaces for sunlight
Therefore, different types of curtains are very different. And how they will be installed depends entirely on the type of structure.
Plisse blinds
This is a very interesting option that can be used in almost any project. They are presented as a one-piece design that folds and stretches like an accordion.
Pleated fabrics are made from dense cellulose fabrics coated with a special impregnation that protects them from external influences such as dust and dirt.
The good thing about such products is that they can be installed on a window of any shape. Often they do not cover the entire opening, but, for example, only half.
Roman
This type of curtain is similar to pleated curtains. Instead of slabs, a continuous mesh is also used here. The only difference is that in a vertical position it forms beautiful folds, but when opened it can be absolutely smooth.
Usually these are fabric curtains. Sometimes bamboo or straw is also used.
Multi-textured
This type of curtains is the most spectacular. Vertical fabric or plastic slats superimposed on each other form original multi-colored patterns.
There are many options for execution. These include bright colors, delicate shades, matte and pearlescent surfaces. You can choose a canvas with a pattern or a multi-layer option that imitates lambrequins. The limitless imagination of designers allows you to choose the right curtains for any interior.
Protective
These tents are designed to be set up outdoors. They protect garages, windows and doors of offices and homes. To create such structures, durable metal is used.
Varieties
Blinds are classified according to the type of construction into the following types:
- Horizontal. The slats are located horizontally relative to the floor. Such blinds are sometimes also called Venetian blinds. This option is ideal for narrow and cramped rooms, as horizontal stripes allow you to visually expand the walls.
- Vertical. This option is suitable for rooms with low ceilings. The slats are placed vertically. At the same time, they come in plain colors and with a pattern.
- Cassette. Very similar to roller blinds. The canvas of cassette curtains fits tightly to the glass. The design on top is equipped with a cassette box. If desired, you can hide the entire canvas completely. This type of blinds is fixed directly to the glass, leaving the plastic window frames free.
- Rolled. This design is called curtains more often than blinds. In fact, it applies to both the first and second, and acts as an intermediate option. A single piece of fabric is wound on a special roller fixed above the window. In open-type designs, the fabric is wrapped at the bottom and sewn with a “pocket” along the entire width in order to secure the weight bar inside. This element provides the required tension of the web. Closed roller blinds are equipped with special guides that prevent the fabric from twisting or skewing. The blinds are raised and lowered using a chain.
- Pleated. They are made from solid fabric, which is folded like an accordion. There are no slats as such in the design, so the windows can be closed either completely or partially.
- Roman. This type of blinds consists of a single piece of fabric. Planks are sewn into it at equal distances from each other. They form neat folds that can be adjusted (compressed and stretched).
- "Day Night". The idea of blinds arose on the basis of pleated curtains with the same name. The package includes two rolls of fabric. One material is dense and weakly transmits light, and the second is translucent. Textile stripes alternate with each other in a zebra pattern. By turning the handle, a person can adjust the intensity of the light, as the stripes gradually move relative to each other.
Based on their purpose, structures are divided into two types:
| Decorative | They are used solely for beauty, so that the window opening does not look “naked”. |
| Protective | They are used for their intended purpose and prevent light from entering the room. |
Depending on their location, blinds are classified into four types:
- Window;
- Bay windows;
- Door;
- Arched.
As for colors, the range of blinds is rich and allows you to choose the right tone to suit the decor of the room. If you need a specific image, then a design can be applied to the surface of the lamellas using photo printing. Multi-textured blinds are considered the most complex to design. Their surface is decorated in different shades with additional effects (metallic, gloss, matte, relief pattern). These lamellas are used to assemble patterns and create unusual combinations.
Material of manufacture
The material from which the slats are made plays an important role. The durability of the product, its compatibility with the microclimate of various rooms, and the range of textures and colors depend on this. Classic options include fabric and wooden curtains.
More modern models already use plastic, bamboo and paper. Let's consider each type separately.
Plastic
Plastic curtains have quite impressive strength, but they lose the strength of aluminum structures earlier. PVC is lightweight, easy to install and inexpensive. The material has great rigidity and is easy to clean.
It can be used in environments with difficult microclimates, as it will successfully withstand tests of humidity, high or low temperatures and heavy contamination. There is a wide range of plastic curtains - manufacturers offer designs in various colors and textures.
PVC is a popular and affordable material that can only be combined with modern styles in interior design.
Fabric
Fabric curtains look incredibly beautiful in the interior of a room. In addition, they are less practical than structures made from more rigid materials. Of course, fabrics are pre-treated with special impregnations that increase their resistance to dust and dirt, but the material will still have to be cleaned more often than aluminum or plastic. There are two types of curtains:
- Made from non-woven materials. They are distinguished by their low cost and short validity period. They quickly lose their shape and presentable appearance.
- Made from woven materials. They are painted with special pigments that do not fade under sunlight. They last much longer than the first type of construction.
Fabric curtains are taboo for kitchens, bathrooms and rooms where a lot of dust or dirt accumulates (laboratories, libraries).
Wooden
The first tents were wooden. This material is still popular today as it can be easily integrated into any environment. Wood brings a warm and cozy atmosphere to the room.
The cost of such blinds is low. Special compounds are applied to the material to prevent moisture from penetrating into the pores of the wood and its subsequent swelling and deformation.
However, even impregnation will not save the material from fire when in contact with an open flame. It is not recommended to hang such structures in the kitchen near the stove or in the living room next to the fireplace. For the production of lamellas, light-weight wood species are used. For this reason, structures do not sag over time.
Wooden shutters are easy to clean and retain their presentable appearance for a long time. Since the material is environmentally friendly, it is recommended to use it for decorating bedrooms and children's rooms.
Metal aluminum
The classic option is aluminum shutters. The width of the slats ranges from 16-25 mm, the type of mechanism is cassette, available in both vertical and horizontal versions.
Aluminum roller shutters are characterized by increased rigidity. For this reason, it is recommended to purchase material for finishing windows of complex configurations.
Aluminum shutters will last a long time and even get boring, although their stylistic versatility allows you to adapt the decorative element to any design solution. The material is easy to clean: just periodically wipe the slats with a damp sponge.
Aluminum does not need to be cleaned only with abrasive compounds, which will inevitably leave scratches on the soft metal. The material is insensitive to extreme temperatures and high humidity, so it can be used to decorate kitchens and bathrooms. Aluminum shutters are also suitable for windows on verandas, loggias and cold attics.
There are products that are fully or partially painted in different colors or with a pattern applied to the surface.
The main advantage of the material is its hygiene and ease of care - just wipe the fabric with a damp cloth. Another advantage is high corrosion resistance. For this reason, metal curtains are often installed in public buildings and on apartment balconies.
For high-tech style, this version of the canvas is more acceptable. The color palette is not very diverse, mainly white, bronze, silver, imitation wood.
An interesting option is with factory-perforated slats, which provides a measured flow of light into the room and a smoother transition when opening or closing the curtains from light to shadow.
Bamboo
Bamboo blinds are made from environmentally friendly materials. Thin slats have a presentable appearance, pleasant natural colors and low weight. The rigid frame prevents deformation of thin curtains. The material is suitable for decorating windows in the bathroom and kitchen, as it is not afraid of contact with water.
This option is ideal for the Japanese ethno-style and its closest and modest “relative” - minimalism. Apartments decorated with mats, shoji instead of doors and lanterns will harmoniously combine with bamboo shutters. The lamellas can be made not only from smooth plates, but also have an original texture and texture.
Bamboo curtains do not cause allergies and are absolutely safe for health. Such curtains are acceptable in any interior, but look great in an eco-style design.
From so many materials, you can easily choose suitable curtains for the living room that will meet all the buyer’s needs.
Shutters can be horizontal or vertical.
Horizontal blinds are raised and adjusted according to the angle of inclination. The advantages include a visual expansion of the space of the room.
This technique will be useful for owners of small living rooms.
Vertical patterns create the impression of a high ceiling. The shutters open to the right or left of the window, and you can also adjust the opening level of the panels.
Types of fasteners
Interframe. Quite rarely, installed between window frames.
Frame. A common type of support installed directly on the window frame.
Frame. The most popular type of fastening is installed instead of the cornice or behind it.
When choosing blinds, you should consult with a specialist about the method of attaching them.
Modern innovations include roller and multi-structure blinds.
Multistructured fabrics consist of different types of fabric and have a rich color palette. The top of the blinds consists of vertical panels, often made of plastic or wood. The lower part of the curtains is made of non-woven fabric or tulle.
Such curtains look very interesting and luxurious in the interior.
Laminated models managed to show their best side. They are usually made from woven and non-woven materials, but there are also bamboo curtains.
Roller shutters require a special frame into which the roller shutters are rolled. Roller blinds are attached to the ceiling or window opening. This design is easy to use and durable.
The convenience of roller shutters is undeniable, and the appearance can decorate any interior of the room.
Tips for choosing blinds for different rooms
To choose blinds, in addition to appearance, you need to pay attention to several important parameters, including:
- Design. The area required for installation will depend on this.
- Type of control. Manual (mechanical) control with a rotating barrel and cable is used in roller shutters installed on small windows. For large structures it is convenient to use automatic control with an electric motor, which is activated by a button on the remote control. The most modern models have remote control and are equipped with light sensors and timers.
- Model weight. The stronger the supporting structure, the heavier the curtains can be.
- The number of positions in which the slats can be fixed.
- Environmentally friendly: noise level, no emissions of harmful additives into the air.
- Aesthetics - resistance to fading, deformation of individual lamellas, long-term preservation of the original shape of the product.
To the bedroom
The bedroom is a place for rest and relaxation, where there should be no harsh tones, loud or unpleasant sounds. Therefore, almost silent fabric blinds (roller, pleated) with horizontal and vertical designs are most appropriate here.
Models made from natural materials (cotton, jacquard) are suitable for the bedroom. Often fabric slats are impregnated with a special solution, which makes the fabric completely lightproof.
Advice from Mr. Design: for a bedroom in the Provencal style, shabby chic, country, eco, we recommend choosing wooden shutters. For a minimalist or Japanese style room made from bamboo.
To the kitchen
Practical horizontal plastic curtains are suitable for the kitchen: they do not absorb odors, are not afraid of humidity and sudden temperature changes, and are easy to clean.
If you want an interesting color and texture, you can choose a fabric option. Thanks to impregnation, such curtains do not absorb odors, grease and moisture. And curtains with photo printing can become the main accent in the kitchen.
Aluminum models are appropriate in a high-tech kitchen. But do not forget that they heat up in the sun and rumble in the air flow.
You can save space on your kitchen window sill by installing cassette blinds, which are completely assembled in the top cassette.
The classic white color of the shutters allows you to notice and remove dirt over time and harmonizes with kitchen appliances and furniture. This design looks clean and fresh, it fits perfectly with modern styles: minimalism, modern, Scandinavian.
For a loggia or balcony
For a loggia, which often serves as a full-fledged and comfortable room for work or relaxation, there are also rules for choosing blinds.
For aluminum and sliding frames, only hinged structures are suitable, preferably with vertical slats. For casement windows, choose horizontal models with casement mounts.
For the south side it is better to choose curtains made of thick fabric; for the north side, light translucent designs are suitable.
On a small balcony, short models with an attic type of fastening look best.
Curtains with wooden slats harmonize with plants and outdoor furniture, withstand gusts of wind, create a comfortable environment, and adapt to any style.
Bamboo blinds are good for a balcony in eco or ethnic style, chalet, oriental style.
Foyer
Modern blinds are used in the lobby and public areas with large windows to provide quality natural light and light protection.
The classic style involves the use of vertical slabs of different textures that imitate decorative elements. The material can be thick fabric of any shade.
Conference hall
Horizontal plastic or aluminum blinds with remote control are suitable for arranging a conference room intended for holding press conferences, round tables and presentations. Light-protective sheets can be marked.
Bedroom
In the bedroom it is important to provide good protection from the sun's rays. Both blinds and curtains are appropriate here - these options can be combined, since even in the closed position the slats partially transmit light. Curtains for the bedroom are selected in accordance with the design style of the room:
- hi-tech and minimalism dictate a strict design with the correct geometry of lines - classic curtains, roller blinds or Roman blinds are suitable;
- Art Nouveau, Baroque, classic and neoclassical bring to the fore decorative elements - lambrequins, tiebacks, tassels;
- if Japanese style is chosen, then sliding panels will create the appropriate atmosphere.
Not all fabrics have a high degree of light transmission. The best performance is achieved by blackout, which creates almost complete isolation from light, has noise and heat insulation properties, and does not accumulate dust. You can also use:
- tapestry (fabric with a jacquard pattern);
- thick silk;
- taffeta.
Blinds for non-standard windows
The finishing of such windows requires a special original approach.
Dormer windows
Curtains with rails are especially suitable for attic window openings. Various modifications, materials and methods of fastening to the window sash make it possible for convenient use.
Arched windows
A special type of curtains was developed for arched windows. Such structures are attached to the wall or ceiling. The variety can be any (horizontal, vertical or rolled). The materials are also varied.
Closed slats will emphasize the original shape of the arched window.
With balcony door
The simplest and most practical design method that perfectly harmonizes with the given shape of the window opening.
Panoramic windows
Most often these are spacious interiors that require, first of all, protection from the sun and proper furniture. For large windows, choose long curtains that match the color scheme of the interior.
Oblique
Pleated blinds with convenient fastening to the sash emphasize the interesting shape of the beveled opening and complement it with an unusual texture.
In the photo, the bathroom interior in white tones with soft green folds gives the room tenderness and freshness.
Triangular
For such non-standard architectural geometry, both plate and corrugated models are suitable.
The photo shows vertical blinds on a triangular window in the attic.
Skylights
These windows are decorated with patterns that are attached directly to the frame itself.
Trapezoidal
Vertical products or pleated blinds with certain installation features would be appropriate here.
Sliding windows
For such window structures, models with the option of mounting to the ceiling are suitable. They will not interfere with the free functioning of the windows.
Corner
Such windows are located in areas exposed to direct sunlight, so they especially need protection.
The photo shows a living room and a corner window opening decorated with shutters.
Round
Horizontal or pleated options will look very advantageous and will emphasize the unusual shape of a round or oval window opening.
Bay windows
The slats fit perfectly into the bay window, closing it, letting the right amount of light into the room.
The photo shows the interior of a living room with a bay window and large windows decorated with horizontal wood-like slats.
Mounting features
The size and price of the structure depend on the location of its installation:
- Wall mounting is the most popular mount. The lowered blinds completely cover the window and sill.
- On the window sash. These products fit tightly to the glass, secured between the frames.
- On the ceiling. Most often, vertical models are attached to the ceiling, but this option is not the most convenient for the kitchen.
The photo shows a structure attached to the wall above the window opening.
Which blinds for kitchen windows are more appropriate? Inter-frame products are labor-intensive to install, but are well suited for tight spaces, as they leave free space on the windowsill. They also do not interfere with the opening and closing of windows or doors.
Advantages and disadvantages
Curtains have undeniable advantages over curtains:
- Able to block the flow of natural light until completely darkened.
- Vertical and horizontal rotating structures better regulate the intensity of daylight.
- Curtains are much more compact than curtains. They save space in the room.
- Does not require painstaking care. It is not necessary to remove the slats from the cornice; it is enough to vacuum them or clean them from dust.
- They do not fade, do not accumulate static electricity and do not repel dust.
- The control mechanism is simple and convenient.
The disadvantages include the following facts:
- Intense light, which penetrates in stripes when the blinds, consisting of single slats, are folded, irritates the eyes.
- Vertical slats sway in the wind and create noise.
- Pleated blinds do not last long because they unravel quickly.
- Models such as folds, rolls and cassettes do not allow air to pass through well.
- Some plastics are susceptible to the elements: long horizontal plates may bend over time, and white plastic may yellow.
- Paper curtains don't last long.
The more complex the control mechanisms, the more attention is required when maintaining them.
Positive reviews posted online and recommendations from designers confirm that curtains are suitable for any room.
Modern ideas
I'll finish and add a few modern ideas for choosing curtains for the kitchen:
- If you have a simple window and a small kitchen, Roman windows are a great choice.
- If your window is large, complex, or you have a balcony door, use regular floor-mounted ones. They can be placed on one side only or combined with tulle and tiers.
- Gray or pastel curtains will suit most kitchens.
- Think about what you are going to hang them on. If your kitchen is after a major renovation, and the ceiling is suspended or made of plasterboard, you can make a niche without bringing the ceiling to the wall with a window (this is the standard option).
- If the fabric is thick, you can pin Roman blinds a little higher and regular ones a little wider than needed. This will create the illusion that they are covering a larger window than they actually are.
- Approximately the same curtains are suitable for both classic and modern styles. Excessive complexity, lambrequins and decoration look ridiculous even in a classic kitchen.
- And linen curtains look like a throwback to the 1990s - not the best idea.
- Curtains with grommets (large round holes mounted on plastic or metal where you hang them from a curtain rod) look bad. The less noticeable the fasteners, the better.
