Greek curtains in the interior - description and selection
Greek curtains are unique in their simplicity and elegance. The interior immediately takes on a zest, becomes surprisingly comfortable and practical. How do Greek curtains differ from the rest of their "brethren"? how to use them to decorate the interiors of different rooms?
Features of the Greek style
Many people like the versatility and simplicity of the Mediterranean style. Moreover, most of the curtains can be made by yourself.
The main distinguishing characteristics of Greek curtains:
- The curtains are arranged symmetrically.
- There is a characteristic Greek ornament.
- The folds are evenly spaced.
- The presence of clear geometric shapes.
- Natural materials.
- The drapery is not spontaneous, it is carefully shaped and positioned exactly according to the sketches. Often, curtain tape is used to keep the folds securely in place.
- There are no smooth transitions from color to color.
- Eaves fasteners can be varied.
- The use of lightweight, but at the same time dense material for reliable protection from the sun.
- The canvas is breathable.
Why are Greek curtains so popular? I am attracted by the simplicity of the models, the possibility, if desired, to use decorative elements, for example, cords with tassels. In addition, such curtains are appreciated for their ease of maintenance and the ability to effectively complement almost any interior design. The rich color palette is another argument in favor of Mediterranean curtains. Finally, the use of natural fabrics allows you to fill the room with lightness and freshness.
Material
One of the main features of the Greek style is the eye-pleasing palette. In general, the Mediterranean interior is harmony in everything. Each element complements the others. And curtains are no exception. The combination of color and texture is important. The ideal option for curtains is a two-tone or plain fabric.
The color palette can be as follows: blue in all its shades, beige, clay, olive, white and black. Multicolor is not about Greek curtains. If two colors are used, the contrast should be evident.
In addition to a certain color scheme, the Mediterranean style is distinguished by its characteristic ornaments. Most often used:
- Cretan wave. These are smooth lines with a repeating rapport.
- Palmettes are stylized images of palms in all their forms.
- Floral ornaments;
- Not without Greek mythology, images of the gods of Olympus are also in trend.
- Antique columns and Greek vases of all sizes and shapes.
- Meander is a characteristic broken line, which is used both as the main ornament and for finishing along the perimeter of the canvases.
Important: for each room, you should choose its own color and ornament, which will complement the overall design concept.
Varieties of models
Greek curtains are the name of a whole trend, within which there is a clear gradation.
Classic
In its classical manifestation, a Greek curtain is a canvas with a characteristic Greek ornament, located vertically or horizontally. The best mounting option is eyelets. These curtains look great both alone and in combination with light tulle.
If there is a pattern on the curtain, then it is better to choose tulle without any images and ornaments.
Such curtains are effectively complemented by contrasting hooks or cords with tassels and even lambrequins. They can be sliding or one-sided.
An important feature: if the canvas is a pattern, you need to make sure that the waves do not violate the integrity of the pattern.
Cornices, eyelets and hooks can also be decorated with a characteristic print.
Roman
This is the "progenitor" of modern roller blinds. Roman blinds are rectangular canvases that, when raised, form soft volume folds that slightly overlap each other.
Greco-Roman
The canvases are attached to the eaves, and the adjustment is carried out using a cord placed on the side. Unlike the Roman ones, they do not rise up, but move to the sides.
Roll
A modern and highly demanded model. It is appreciated for its practicality and functionality. It is a rectangular sheet that is wound on a shaft located in the upper part of the window. For the decoration of windows in the Mediterranean style, plain pastel canvases or curtains with a characteristic Greek ornament are used.
Blinds
Blinds for Greek interiors are made only from natural materials. In particular, it is bamboo, wood or matting. Such curtains are distinguished by their spectacular appearance, ease of maintenance, durability and resistance to sunlight.
Curtains
Thick curtains for Greek interiors are sewn from heavy fabrics, decorated with intricate draperies and complemented with spectacular hooks. Such curtains can have different fastenings, the main thing is that it is convenient for you. The curtains roll up from the center to the sides and are fixed there.
Greek curtains for different interiors
Depending on the purpose of the room, Mediterranean-style window decoration options may vary.
Living room
To create curtains, cloth and wool are most often used, and in some cases - burlap. Traditionally, large window openings in the hall are decorated with symmetrical canvases with neatly laid folds. For fixation, use plastic elements or strips of fabric.
The "cherry on the cake" is a lambrequin, which gives a finished look to the entire structure. The lambrequin itself is often created from perekidov lightweight canvas. Thanks to this, even a multi-layer structure does not look too bulky and heavy, on the contrary, the room is filled with lightness. Also, for living rooms, roller blinds or bamboo blinds are often used.
Kitchen
This is a multifunctional space, so it is not surprising that they prefer to use Greco-Roman curtains here, sometimes they resort to using roller blinds. The priority is the light palette: pastel, beige, sand shades. The kitchen is perhaps the only room that will "put up" with the lack of geometry in the Greek curtains; floral ornaments are also allowed.
If desired, lambrequins and cords or hooks can be used on kitchen curtains.In some cases, classic Greek curtains also look appropriate. Especially in a situation where the dining group is located near the window.
Bedroom
The main task of the curtains in the bedroom is to provide complete rest, reliably protecting from excessive sunlight and other lighting, as well as from prying eyes. On the other hand, there should be good air circulation in the break room. Dense natural fabrics (for example, linen or cotton) are relevant. A lightweight design is more suitable here, without unnecessary decor and layering.
It is better to be from a lambrequin. But the classic curtains, sliding to the sides, will come in handy. A worthy option for a bedroom will be double-sided curtains in contrasting colors. For example, one color is black, the second is gold, and when choosing a construction, take a closer look at the Greco-Roman curtains. The main advantage of double-sided curtains is 100% protection from light.
Children
Since safety is the main focus of attention when decorating a child's room, Greek curtains are considered ideal as they are made from natural materials. Most often, preference is given to roll designs with floral patterns. Such models reliably protect from light, and also look spectacular and harmoniously complement the overall design of the room.
Other premises
Greek curtains are used for decoration not only in residential buildings. They are in demand in restaurants, cafes, shops and hotels (especially seaside ones).
Recommendations
In most cases, Greek curtains are made of cotton. If you have a desire to make such curtains yourself, refer to this fabric. Only if the colors are absolutely not suitable, look for other options.
Remember, the Greek design of the window opening is, after all, a summer option. It will be better if you choose other curtains for winter. At the same time, it may be necessary to change the fastenings on the cornice, since the Mediterranean style is distinguished by light canvases, and a more textured fabric is required for the winter.
Pay attention to the impregnation of the fabric. Ideally, it should repel water and dirt. If there is no such impregnation, then the curtains will have to be washed often.
The width of the canvas should exceed the width of the window opening by 20-40 cm. Despite the apparent simplicity, it is recommended to start making curtains with a layout. And in any case, do not use synthetics, it will show too clearly that your curtains and Mediterranean style have nothing in common.
Rings, eyelets and large loops are used as fasteners. The use of fabric that is too light is unacceptable. Of course, the curtain should look light, but only outwardly. Reliable sun protection remains a priority.
An important nuance: Greek curtains are not dominant in the interior, they are assigned a secondary, but very practical role.
DIY Greek curtains
As already mentioned, making Greek curtains with your own hands is not at all as difficult as it might seem at first glance. Here is an example of making roller blinds.
- We start with measurements. Roller blinds should be 3-4 cm wider than the window opening, and 9-10 cm longer than it. Don't forget to add seam allowances.
- According to the obtained measurements, we cut out two canvases.
- We sew both parts on three sides, we leave one side in order to turn out the curtain. After that, we sew the entire canvas and leave a small pocket in the upper part on the seamy side - this is required for fastening.
- Screw rings of screws into the upper pocket.
- For roller blinds we make (purchase) cords: one - 3 times longer in length, the second - 3.5 times.
- The cords are attached to the threaded rings. The one that is longer is passed to the first ring. Further, the cords are passed along the seamy side of the canvas. To fix the structure, another ring is screwed in at the bottom.
If you cannot sew the curtains yourself, and the ready-made options in stores do not suit you, contact the studio.
Although curtains with Greek patterns are considered an integral part of the Mediterranean style, this does not mean that they cannot be used to decorate rooms in other regions. Ease of use, long service life, spectacular appearance and functionality are just a few of the arguments in favor of purchasing or ordering Greek curtains for different rooms.
Video: curtains in the Greek style