The living room is the central place in the house where all family members gather to spend time together. Therefore, you cannot neglect even the seemingly small details of the interior. A particularly important element for creating a cozy environment are curtains. Curtains for the living room can be of any color (the photos prove this): both contrasting and complementary. But in order to create a harmonious interior, it is still worth considering several rules for combining shades.
Curtains are a very important element of the interior of any room, especially the living room.
Criteria for choosing curtains for the hall
When choosing curtains for the hall, you need to take into account the general style in which the room is designed. It is not necessary to focus on practicality (especially if the window does not have a balcony block) - in the living room the fabric is not exposed to variable temperatures and moisture, as in the kitchen, and the risk of mechanical damage, as often happens in the nursery, is minimal.
When choosing curtains, take into account the style of the room.
Making your own clothes for windows
Often, a picky housewife cannot choose her ideal option that will harmoniously fit into the interior she has created. Therefore, he prefers to sew curtains with his own hands. This process is simple and requires only a little experience, effort and desire. In the vastness of the global web, you can find models, patterns and detailed descriptions and enjoy, admiring the results of your own labor every day.
DIY curtains are an excellent choice for non-standard rooms, allowing you to bring a suitable idea to life and beautifully decorate a window.
They can be decorated with fringe, tassels, original curly tiebacks, and flowers. Fans of the marine style can use shells as decoration.
Principles for combining shades of curtains in the living room
Unobtrusiveness and expressiveness in the interior can be achieved by combining wallpaper and furniture in warm colors, without accents.
But if the neutral design of the window opening looks too boring, then you should pay attention to contrasting colors.
Soft transitions
A universal approach is to choose a shade of curtains in the same color scheme as the main interior palette. But in order not to visually merge with the walls, the fabric for decorating the window opening should be 1-2 tones lighter or darker than the wallpaper. For example, if the wallpaper is beige or white, and the color scheme of the room is warm, then you can choose thin curtains in coffee shades or ivory-colored curtains. For a cool palette, gray is neutral.
It is recommended to choose curtains in the color scheme of the interior.
Vivid contrasts
Curtains can be an expressive detail in the design of a living room. Using contrasting shades will create a stylish combination. It is easier to work with pure and rich colors (gray and emerald, burgundy and black, deep blue and beige), but the interior may be unfriendly.
Contrasting shades create a stylish combination.
Contrasts in confectionery and pastel shades look softer; for example, a room will become delicate and expressive when combining ivory and chocolate.
Combination with furniture
Furniture changes less often than wallpaper or wall painting. Therefore, in order not to have to buy new curtains after cosmetic repairs, you can match them to the upholstery of upholstered furniture. For example, this combination looks good: olive curtains, burgundy or brown furniture, pistachio wallpaper. When combined with upholstery, curtains can contrast with the decoration of the room: a dark green sofa and curtains from ceiling to floor will stand out against the background of walls painted with light paint.
Curtains are often matched to the upholstery of upholstered furniture.
With decorative and textile elements
Drapery on the windows can be harmoniously combined with interior textiles: bedspreads, decorative pillows, napkins, small decorative elements on open shelves. The shade and pattern on the fabric do not have to be repeated; it is enough to stick to a single palette.
Draped curtains create a cozy atmosphere in the room.
With the style of the room
Curtains that match the style of the interior give the room a finished look. How to choose the color of curtains depending on the design direction:
- modern, high-tech: neutral shades, harmonious combination of colors with the decoration of the room, plain straight curtains without unnecessary details;
- ethnic motifs: bright curtains in one tone or with ornaments;
- Mediterranean style: light “earth” (sand, terracotta, olive) or “sea” (blue, turquoise, lavender) shades, light natural fabrics;
- boho: bright patchwork curtains with lush drapery, inconsistent color and texture of fabric, Moroccan, Indian and African motifs;
- country: a rich palette with a predominance of red, brown, green and yellow shades, with checkered, striped prints, and floral patterns;
- Scandinavian style: white, cream, pearl gray shades;
- loft, minimalism: gray, brown, white, dark blue curtains, geometric pattern, laconic curtains made of cotton, linen, without tulle;
- Provence, shabby chic: pastel shades, small floral patterns, a large number of decorative details (small folds, ruffles and lace, bows);
- baroque, rococo, art deco and classics: any deep colors (wine and burgundy shades, dark emerald, cobalt or black and blue), thick fabrics, multi-layer drapery, an abundance of decorative details (lambrequins, tassels, tiebacks).
Curtains give the room a finished look.
With multi-layer compositions
Fabric colors in multilayer compositions can be combined or contrasted. If one of the layers has a pattern, it is better to choose plain colors so as not to overload the interior. Compositions made from complementary fabrics (for example, curtains with patterned patterns and sheer curtains with the same embroidery) look old-fashioned in modern interiors.
Multilayer compositions are combined with each other.
The relationship between shades and texture of fabric
The fabric can change shade depending on the angle of light. For example, the color of curtains made of thick materials in a room looks richer than it is, and glossy fabrics (for example, satin) reflect the color and become brighter in daylight.
The color of the curtains depends on the angle of incidence of the light.
General mood
The psychology of color must be taken into account. Warm colors should be used in rooms that you want to make cozy, and cold colors should be used in bright rooms with a lot of natural light. Psychologists believe that colors are associated with the following mood:
- red – leadership, passion, aggression;
- blue – pragmatism, rationality;
- turquoise – stability;
- yellow – optimism;
- green – harmony, prosperity;
- purple – nobility, power, sophistication;
- brown – reliability;
- pink – sensuality, tenderness;
- gray – realism.
The color red is associated with leadership.
Black and white have a dual reputation. Light shades help to put thoughts in order and are suitable for almost any interior, but if there is a lot of white, then a feeling of emptiness and alienation may arise. Black is associated with mourning and melancholy, but adds elegance and exclusivity to the interior.
Focus on wallpaper
You can choose curtains for the hall to match the color of the wallpaper based on one of four shade compatibility strategies:
- Identical colors. The same shades of different tones are used - if the walls are covered with soft blue wallpaper, the window is decorated with rich blue fabrics, and vice versa - the curtains are selected several tones lighter than the color of the walls. This is a calm combination, appropriate in any stylistic direction of the interior - from classic to minimalism;
- Neutral combination - a calm, inexpressive shade of window decoration is added to the bright color of the walls. The best options are beige, gray, light blue, pale yellow. This approach is appropriate in interiors rich in multiple decorative elements and accessories - modern, neo-classical, Victorian style;
- Contrasting combination - match the neutral color of the walls with curtains for the hall in a bright, expressive shade. This solution allows you to enliven and diversify a boring interior; most often, contrasting combinations are used when decorating living rooms in a modern style - minimalism, hi-tech, fusion. When playing with contrast, it is important to complement the curtain with accessories of a similar color - lamps, pillows, carpets, which avoids the effect of a “color spot on the wall”.
If you have to choose curtains for a room decorated with patterned wallpaper, give preference to plain panels - combining different patterns is fraught with oversaturation of the interior, in which it will literally dazzle your eyes.
In addition to plain wallpaper, on the contrary, choose curtains with a pattern - they refresh the interior and put emphasis on the window opening, drawing attention to it. Always an appropriate solution - curtains with a floral pattern or a calm geometric pattern.
Color wheel rules
The color wheel allows you to choose a large number of schemes, each of which will look harmonious. The base of the circle is red, yellow, blue. The remaining shades are obtained by combining the main one. Black and white are not included in the color wheel, because... do not contain color.
The basic rule is that colors are combined according to compatibility and saturation, i.e. they must be equidistant from the center of the circle (excluding monochrome designs). It is important that this method of combination only works for solid colors or prints with a clear predominance of one shade.
Adjacent shades
Similar colors are located on the circle side by side and sequentially. For example, you can combine yellow with green (in this case the interior will be in warm shades) or turquoise (cold colors), and with blue - dirty yellow and turquoise. Using adjacent shades, you can create a soft interior.
A soft interior is created using neighboring shades.
Opposite
Opposite colors are complementary, set off and complement each other. For example, yellow is opposite pink on the color wheel. To match light pink wallpaper, you can choose bright yellow curtains and decorative pillows, which will become accent pieces in the interior.
Opposite colors complement each other.
Combine in a triangle
The classic triad is the colors located at the vertices of the triangle, such as green, purple and orange. The composition looks great even when using desaturated colors. To make the interior harmonious, it is better to choose 1 color as the predominant one, and use the other 2 to place accents.
Use the colors located at the vertices of the triangle.
The triangle option is a combination of 3 related colors and 1 contrasting color on the opposite side of the circle. So, muted blue, purple and pink shades in combination with cheerful yellow or red, orange and dirty yellow with turquoise will look good.
This option is softer compared to pure contrasting colors.
By square
This scheme uses 2 pairs of colors, such as green, orange, blue and red. The combination is complex, so you need to maintain a balance of the main and additional shades. It is better not to use such combinations in the interior.
The combination of colors in a square is complex.
Colors of different intensity
In a monochrome interior, one color dominates, but of varying intensity. Most often, discreet shades of blue, brown, and gray are used. To prevent the interior from being boring, you can use the following techniques:
- use an additional color that does not stand out against the background of the main one (for example, mustard or terracotta curtains will look good in a brown living room);
- combine textures (a room in shades of brown and burgundy will be complemented by velvet curtains of the same color as the upholstery);
- complicate the lighting scheme (non-standard light sources will become semantic accents and visually divide the monochrome into several shades);
- add more plants in floor pots, use vertical gardening.
The interior uses shades of blue, brown, and gray.
Outside the circle
White, black and gray can be independent, but can also be combined with each other and with other colors. Black curtains will add an unusual accent to the decor, while white curtains will visually expand the room and increase the amount of light in a shaded room. Light gray curtains are combined with chrome and silver details, while dark gray curtains look good in spacious rooms with windows facing the sunny side.
Black curtains will become a harmonious part of the interior.
We focus on upholstered furniture
The combination of window curtains with the color of upholstery of upholstered furniture allows you to create a calm, but expressive ambiance of the room. This approach is implemented in most modern interiors, where the walls are decorated in light pastel shades - blue, pink or beige, and the decor is complemented by richly colored furniture and curtains.
Curtains with monograms
When combining window decoration and furniture of the same color, show moderation; the interior of the room should not contain more than two basic shades, otherwise you will not get a harmonious design.
Curtains with monograms look advantageous in the interior, used as an addition to upholstered furniture with a similar ornament. However, with this approach, it is important to balance the living room design with calm, plain wallpaper.
Pay attention to the texture of the materials - if the upholstered furniture has smooth upholstery made of leather or glossy textiles, combine it with a curtain made of textured fabrics - jacquard or linen. Such diversity is especially important if an armchair or sofa is placed against the background of a window.
Variations of curtain colors in the interior of a living room in a city apartment
The traditional solution is to choose the color of the curtains to match the overall palette of the room in terms of shade and intensity. But in a modern interior, curtains can be an accent detail and attract no less attention than upholstered furniture with luxurious upholstery, antiques and elaborate decorative elements.
Turquoise
Curtains in turquoise color refresh the interior and do not externally overload the room. Turquoise goes well with warm brown, beige, and white. The shade is suitable for any type of curtains, but Roman and classic straight curtains look best in turquoise.
Turquoise curtains do not overload the room.
Blue and light blue
Despite the fact that blue is a noble color, it can be used not only in a classic interior. “Marine” shades, due to their versatility, fit perfectly into the design of a living room in the Mediterranean style, art deco, modern, country, minimalism, etc.
The blue color will fit perfectly into the living room design.
The entire palette of blue is considered cold, so you should not hang such curtains in dark rooms.
If the windows face south, ultramarine curtains will bring freshness and coolness to the interior, while blue curtains will visually expand the room.
Lilac, violet and lilac
Purple can be an accent color, but it should be used with caution because too much dark color can make a room feel uncomfortable. In the living room, curtains in eggplant shades should be diluted with light companion colors: white, gray, beige.
Purple color must be used carefully.
Burgundy
The burgundy color symbolizes self-confidence, financial stability, and conservatism. The combination with brown looks aristocratic, and burgundy will become an accent color in a room decorated in white, beige, sand and gray tones. Original combinations are obtained by combining burgundy curtains with turquoise or emerald walls.
Burgundy color is conservative.
Such color-saturated curtains are best used in spacious rooms with good natural or artificial lighting. To prevent the interior from becoming too gloomy, aggressive and depressing, the shades of red should be no more than 30%.
Reds
Red is one of the basic colors, but it is better to use it in the interior in limited quantities. In a spacious room decorated in a light palette, bright red curtains will look impressive and stylish. For small living rooms, it is better to choose combinations of red with brown, white or green. Thin organza curtains or veils in a “porcelain rose” shade can add lightness to a room of any size.
Red curtains will look stylish.
If there is no goal to shade the room and hide from prying eyes, then they can be used solo, without an additional layer in the form of a thick curtain.
Mustard
Mustard is an expressive and complex color that requires special attention when combined with other interior elements. The most common combinations are with neutral or warm colors. In combination with a cold palette, the shade will look faded.
Mustard color has many shades.
It is not advisable to hang mustard curtains in small living rooms, because they will visually hide the free space. But this is a good accent if the room is made in light shades.
For greater contrast, you can combine different textures: smooth mustard curtains, white tulle, yellow fur pillows on a sofa with milky or beige upholstery.
Peach
Peach color is appropriate in ascetic minimalism, luxurious baroque and romantic Provence. Such curtains will complement white, gray, green, beige. For the living room, either a thin curtain, with a pattern or a plain one, or a thick curtain made of peach-colored fabric is suitable.
Peach curtains are the key to beauty, comfort and warmth in any interior.
Gold
Golden curtains are an easy way to add luxury and coziness to your interior. Shades of noble metal look good in rooms decorated in a warm color palette, but can also be combined with cool shades - burgundy, black, gray and dark blue.
Golden curtains are the wealth and luxury of your home.
It is better to choose long golden curtains and not combine them with silver elements (furniture handles, cornice). Such curtains are not suitable for small rooms with low ceilings and irregularly shaped windows.
Gray or silver
Gray curtains are universal: they are appropriate in Provence, modern, loft, country, and Mediterranean styles. Light shades can be used in rooms with different lighting, dark shades are well suited to interiors filled with sunlight. Those who love fashionable shades should choose slate, lilac-gray, ash, and black pearl color.
Gray curtains are universal.
Silver curtains are not as gloomy as dark gray ones. Depending on the density of the fabric and the depth of the folds, silver curtains can look rich or light, shining or softly shimmering, neutral or dominant.
Curtains gathered in horizontal folds look most impressive in this color.
Yellow
Yellow color is suitable for decorating rooms that face north. For sunny living rooms, it is better not to use a bright color so that it is comfortable to be in the room during the day. Yellow goes with any interior color. Combinations with matte gray, white, and turquoise look beautiful.
Yellow curtains are a bold choice, but it opens up a lot of room for creativity.
Orange
“Orange” shades will be out of place in classical, baroque, and empire styles, but will decorate progressively designed interiors. It is not advisable to use orange curtains in small rooms with bright natural light. This is always a bright accent that will not serve as a background for expressive decorative elements.
Orange curtains are recommended to be used to enliven light interiors.
Emerald
Emerald as an accent color in the interior highlights interesting details and makes the atmosphere in the room cozy. Curtains of such a rich shade are combined with calm lilac and cherry shades, neutral beige and gray, golden patterns and threads. In the design of a window opening, heavy emerald curtains can become an independent element. If necessary, they can be supplemented with transparent curtains.
Emerald curtains can transform a simple interior into an elegant one.
Pink
In a well-lit room, to refresh the interior, it is better to use cool shades of pink, while warm shades will make the room more comfortable. Bright curtains can be hard on the eyes and look harsh, but can act as an accent element.
Pink curtains refresh the interior.
Black
Black is a universal color that will add elegance and originality to any room. But to prevent the interior from being too gloomy, the walls and ceiling should be in light colors, and the concentration of black should not exceed 10-15%. When choosing dense fabric, you need to consider additional artificial lighting.
Black curtains add elegance.
Terracotta
The brown shade of red absorbs the depth of several colors. The shade is demanding, so it is better to choose simple straight curtains, and for rooms with high ceilings you can consider using lambrequins.
Terracotta color is all brown shades of red.
The combination of terracotta with shades of milk, dark chocolate, cheerful yellow, and ivory looks great.
Design elements
Curtains, like window curtains, became widespread during the heyday of the Baroque - the era of pomp and pretentiousness. Almost all decorative elements that emerged at that time are considered a legitimate part of the curtain. Many of them can still be used today.
Lambrequin is the upper horizontal part of the design. Its primary purpose is to hide the loops and hooks on which the vertical canvas hangs. Lambrequins are made of fabric and wood - today they are made of plastic and plywood, have a variety of shapes, and are decorated with ruffles, braid, fringe, beads and ribbons. There are several types of lambrequin:
- Bandeau is a rigid structure, straight or with a curved bottom edge. It is made of rigid fabric - reinforced with grosgrain ribbon, plywood or plastic.
- Svagi is a soft lambrequin made of fabric. It looks like semicircles with correctly laid folds; they can be symmetrical or asymmetrical - for example, for a living room in the Art Nouveau style, the second option is needed. Swags and bandos are often combined.
- Folds are a sheet of fabric thrown over a cornice so as to form free folds. Lightweight fabrics are used for this model.
- A balloon is a voluminous lambrequin with lush folds, which are obtained by picking up the fabric and tying it with a cord to the cornice.
A drawstring can replace a lambrequin: drapery made of the same fabric as the curtain. The drawstring is integral with it and is secured together. Here you can see more photos of lambrequins for the hall in combination with tulle and veil.
In the photo there are curtains with a lambrequin:
In addition, when decorating the windows of the hall, you can use individual decorative elements in combination with large ones or without them.
- Jabot is a side part of a lambrequin. This is a small canvas with folded folds and a beveled edge.
- The tie is the centerpiece, much like a jabot, but with pleats stacked one on top of the other.
- Kokolye - or skirt, double frill on the long side.
- A bell is a single fold in the shape of a cone.
- Ruffles are gathered strips of fabric used to trim curtains.
- Cascade - folds falling in a zigzag pattern.
- French curtains are horizontal multiple folds made of relatively thin fabric. Their name eloquently indicates their style - curtains in the Baroque and Rococo styles.
The video shows many options for French curtains:
