Hourglass curtains. Hourglass curtains: features of selection and design Fasteners for hourglass curtains

Any, even the most sophisticated and thoughtful interior will look unfinished if the curtains, drapes or drapes do not harmonize with it. general style. Thanks to the modern range of these products, choosing curtains usually does not cause problems. However, if the window openings have non-standard sizes, then they require special design. For example, the ideal design for windows whose width differs from the standard would be hourglass curtains. “Dream House” will talk about this type of curtains in this publication.

Hourglass curtain design

The name itself perfectly conveys the peculiarity of the appearance of curtains of this type. An hourglass curtain is a piece of fabric that is stretched around the perimeter of the window opening, secured at the bottom and top, and then pulled in the middle using tape or other devices. Thus, the curtain is very reminiscent of an hourglass silhouette. Also, this curtain can be attached only from the top, so that the bottom remains free.

Curtains in this form have a lot of design variations. Most often, light translucent fabrics are used to create them, for example, tulle or organza, which, after pulling, acquire a voluminous drapery that complements the interior with an aura of lightness and weightlessness. However, depending on the interior style, thick, impermeable fabrics can also be used as materials for creating hourglass curtains. Instead of drapery, such curtains can be decorated with ruffles, frills, lace and other decorative elements.

But the main “highlight” of these curtains is the tape that creates the desired shape. To give the interior rigor and conciseness, as a rule, ribbons are chosen from the same material as the curtains themselves. However, if desired, the curtain can be decorated with a bow, various ribbons, laces or decorative fasteners. Moreover, if the interior style allows, the fastening elements do not necessarily have to match the color of the curtains. For example, ribbons of contrasting colors look beautiful on plain curtains. The tapes themselves can also be supplemented various decorations– flowers, braid, pearls, stones, etc.

Despite the fact that the shape of the curtains implies only one tie, many designers like to create several vertical pulls, due to which the curtains acquire additional volume. Also, hourglass curtains can be created using a combination of different fabrics that are connected to each other either vertically or horizontally.

Many people believe that hourglass-shaped curtains serve only a decorative purpose, and in terms of functionality they are not very convenient. However, this is not quite true. Since they are attached to the window using special cornices or “drawstrings”, when unraveling the tapes completely obscure the opening without letting sun rays. In addition, hourglass curtains can be designed over or over blinds.

Hourglass curtains in the interior

Hourglass-shaped curtains look most harmonious and appropriate when decorating narrow window openings - on loggias, cabinets, doors, etc. Also, these curtains are ideal for modern double-glazed windows divided into several openings. However, if desired, they can be decorated on regular-sized windows. In this case, most often three pieces of fabric are used for decoration - one wide and two narrow. A wide canvas is hung in the middle of the window, and narrow ones on the sides.

Various design variations of such curtains make it possible to match them to almost any room and any interior. For example, in rooms with high windows, such curtains, especially if they are made of light fabrics, will visually give it lightness and festiveness. Hourglass curtains look harmonious in both classic and modern interiors. For a classic design it is better to use more thick fabrics with bright decorative elements in the form of drapery, wide ribbons, ruffles, etc. Knitwear and other lightweight materials would look appropriate in modern interiors. Curtains with prints in the form of flowers, checkered patterns, various patterns, and ornaments can complement the atmosphere or style.

Very often these curtains are used as a detail in a composition with tulle, curtains or. This design looks especially harmonious in luxurious bedrooms or living rooms, as well as in various formal halls.

An attractive feature of such curtains is that if necessary, for example, when decorating a room for a holiday, you can replace the ribbons with them in accordance with the overall design.

It’s not for nothing that hourglass-shaped curtains are called that way. The thing is that they have a shape similar in appearance to an hourglass, hence the name. And this effect is achieved quite simply: the upper and lower parts of the curtain are attached to the frame, stretching the canvas itself, and in the center, on the contrary, it is pulled together and held in place by a ribbon, braid or bandage.

Where are they appropriate?

Such curtains look very original, neat and cozy. They are appropriate on windows, doors with glass inserts, panoramic windows and even the doors of kitchen cabinets, if they have glass elements. In general, wherever you may need to hide certain contents from prying eyes, for example, jam on the shelves, but at the same time not burden the interior.

By the way, it is the lightness, almost weightlessness of these curtains that is their main feature, the purpose for which they are brought into the interior. Their additional function– make the apartment more elegant. And the advantage is that they leave room for imagination. And indeed, despite their deliberate simplicity, hourglass-shaped curtains can be very different, and this is very, very easy to achieve. It is enough to change the tightening element or move it higher or lower, and you get a completely different effect. Moreover, you can tighten the curtain with several tapes at different distances, which will completely change appearance curtains.

It is important that such curtains not only prevent strangers from peeking behind the light curtain, but they also let in enough light so as not to darken the room or hide the space. Moreover, if you remove the tape holding the curtain together, the freed curtain will easily close the opening completely. Sometimes this is necessary to block access to light or to exclude the possibility of peeking into the room behind a door or window.

In addition, the use of other decorative elements is allowed: bows, ribbons, artificial flowers, etc., depending on the characteristics of the interior and.

Moreover, unlike conventional curtains, this model will be more durable. After all, no one will pull the curtain fixed to the frame back and forth. This simply won't be necessary. Once secured, it will hang in its place until they decide to replace it.

Fabric selection

The material is very important point, one might say, decisive. Thanks to the right choice fabric and achieves that same lightness and airiness, without which it is impossible to imagine an hourglass curtain.

This means that you immediately need to abandon heavy, dense fabrics. With their help you will never be able to achieve desired effect. Tulle, tulle, organza, satin, silk, linen, cambric, veil, lace and similar fabrics would be much more appropriate. Typically transparent or translucent. However, in exceptional cases, completely opaque fabrics can be used.

No less attention should be paid to the choice of color. Pastel colors are best: blue, muted pink, beige, peach, light green and similar shades. This is also necessary to create a feeling of airiness.

How to choose a ready-made curtain

Choosing the right product in a store today is sometimes a truly difficult task. After all, the selection of ready-made “Hourglass” curtains in theme stores is very large, and you can’t do it without much thought. What to focus on?

As a rule, it is best to choose ready-made curtains that resemble an hourglass to match the color of the furniture upholstery. You can also take into account other textiles: bedspreads, napkins and tablecloths. The main thing is that the textiles as a whole should be combined with each other, creating a single picture.

Another point that is important to consider is the size. The curtain must perfectly fit the required dimensions, otherwise it will not be possible to properly stretch it on the rods over the entire window opening. If the dimensions of the opening are non-standard, the product may require individual tailoring, since it will not be possible to select a finished product.

How to sew “Hourglass” curtains with your own hands

However, this type of curtain is so easy to make that there is no need to turn to professionals. even the most inexperienced, novice needlewoman can create an hourglass shape. This can be seen even in the patterns. You need to cut a rectangular piece of fabric to your size and stitch it correctly in a couple of places.

The first step is to calculate the size of the future curtain. To do this, measure, firstly, the width of the opening, and secondly, its height. The required width is calculated by multiplying the opening width by 1.5 and 2, depending on how fluffy you want to make the curtain. Plus, it is necessary to make allowances for processing the cuts on the sides, unless, of course, it is possible to select a fabric of such a width that it exactly matches the required one. In this case, processing of the cut edges will not be required, which will only simplify the matter.

The length of the curtain is the height of the opening, plus allowances for the hem, lower and upper drawstrings and scallops - decorative elements, if you want to further decorate the finished curtain. In general, it turns out somewhere around 7-10 centimeters.

Another nuance that needs to be taken into account is the stretchability of the fabric. The better the fabric stretches, the easier it will be to straighten it. If the fabric stretches well, then the allowances can be left smaller, but if it does not stretch at all, then the allowances should be made to the maximum.

And then everything is simple: first you need to tuck and sew the top edge, leaving a drawstring, then also process the bottom. If you are not sure that the length calculation was made correctly, and there is a fear of choosing the wrong place to make the bottom drawstring, you can fix top part curtains and mark with a pencil or soap the level at which you need to make the desired place.

The finished curtain can be attached to a window or door. To do this, two rods are installed on the window or door frame: one along the upper edge, the other along the lower edge. The rods are threaded through. All that remains is to tighten the curtain in the middle with tape or braid.

In which interiors is the “Hourglass” curtain appropriate?

The “Hourglass” curtain is a fairly universal thing. It may well be appropriate in the most different interiors and styles. However, in some specific styles it looks especially appropriate.

First of all, these are, of course, various rural styles, such as Provence, chalet or country. Moreover, now all these styles are especially popular. For Provence, any classic colors of such curtains, floral motifs or vertical stripes are suitable. For country or chalets, plain curtains in natural colors are more suitable.

For classic interior It is also better to choose plain fabrics, but deeper colors are allowed here than in any other design. Contrasting ribbons, bows, voluminous ruffles and the like are also appropriate here. They will greatly decorate the curtain, make it richer, and classic style Such decorations fit in more easily.

An Art Nouveau style interior can be decorated with curtains with large geometric patterns. More neutral options will be appropriate in literally any style and interior and will make it stylish and cozy, the main thing is to fit them organically into the overall picture. Another thing is that doing this is not so difficult.

IN modern design In apartments and houses, you can increasingly find extraordinary solutions regarding window decoration. Hourglass curtains appeared on the market relatively recently and managed to gain their popularity. They got their name thanks to unusual shape, reminiscent of that same hourglass.

How to hang hourglass curtains on plastic windows, when and where it is convenient to use this type curtains, what fabric is best to sew them from, we will tell you all this in our article.

“Hourglass”: what they are and where to use them

As mentioned above, curtains of this type look like traditional device to measure time - an hourglass. Hourglass curtains are a piece of fabric sized according to the window or doorway. It is fixed in the upper and lower parts of the frame, and in the center is tied with a beautiful ribbon, which actually forms a wonderful shape.

Hourglass curtains for doors and windows were invented by our grandmothers, trying to decorate their home in a special way. Later they moved from interior doors to the doors of glazed kitchen cabinets and balcony windows. They simultaneously perform both protective and decorative functions. After all, who will remain indifferent to such cute curtains?

Fabric selection

For different types rooms, you can choose different fabric densities, it will still depend on how much protection the room needs from the sun and prying eyes.

Thick fabrics such as satin, cotton, linen are suitable for hourglass on interior doors. This way, residents don’t have to worry about the security of their personal space. We recommend using the same material for windows with sunny side: if you are afraid that the merciless sun will spoil your favorite indoor flowers on the windowsill, then this option is very acceptable for you.

But for such windows and doors in the kitchen or a not very lit loggia or veranda, you can use light fabrics such as transparent voile, mesh, translucent linen and cotton. You shouldn’t be afraid that curtains made from such a boring fabric will turn out to be unpresentable, because the fabric gathered in the center forms beautiful, delicate folds that add lightness and charm not only to the “hourglass” itself, but also to the room where it hangs.

As for the choice of color and pattern for such unusual curtains, it all depends on the style of the interior and color range. For the kitchen, floral motifs and light fabrics are often chosen, as well as floral patterns, checks and stripes always remain relevant, you just have to choose the right color. For a children's bedroom, delicate pastel colors remain a priority; hourglass curtains made of a soft pink veil, decorated with a satin ribbon with beads, look especially beautiful. For boys, strict models made of cotton or linen with stripes and checks are more suitable.

Jewelry and decor

The main accent on the hourglass curtains is the ribbon that forms the image. It can be sewn from the same fabric as the curtains themselves, or maybe from a different one that matches the color. Bright contrasting trim will look beautiful on light fabrics.

Depending on the style of the room, the fixing tape can be decorated different ways: on veils and natural light fabrics, lace bows, homemade fabric flowers, beads and rhinestones always look beautiful. You can purchase ready-made decorated hourglass curtains, or you can sew such beautiful curtains yourself, and then your decor will be unique.

Mounting methods

There are several ways to attach hourglass curtains.

How to sew hourglass curtains with your own hands

Skilled craftswomen prefer to decorate their home with their own hands, and curtains are no exception. Sewing hourglass curtains with your own hands is not difficult; you just need to be patient and have the necessary materials.

How to take measurements

Finding out how much fabric will be needed to sew curtains is very simple: measure the width and height of the window or doorway, add 5 cm to the width on the sides for finishing the edges, add 10-15 cm at the top and bottom to create curtains and ruffles.

If your fabric does not stretch well, then you need to make a slight expansion on the sides of the pattern, this will make it easier to form an hourglass shape.

Another point that is important to consider: if you plan to gather tightly throughout the curtain, you will need twice as much fabric in width.

What you will need

• Textile.
• Centimeter or tape measure.
• Scissors, thread, sewing machine.
• Gathering tape in the center.
• Decorating elements.
• Cornice for fastening curtains.

Step-by-step instructions for sewing hourglass curtains

• Take measurements and paper pattern as needed.
• Cut out on fabric required amount curtain fabrics, taking into account side, bottom and top allowances.
• Cut out the pieces along the allowance lines.
• Finish the side edges with a double fold.
• Fold the top and bottom by 5 cm and stitch.
• From the inside out at the top and bottom, sew strips of fabric that form drawstrings for the cornice.
• Prepare decorative ribbons to assemble the curtains in the center. They can be decorated with decorative flowers, beads, rhinestones, in general, whatever you like and the style you have in mind.

The hand-made hourglass curtains are ready, all that remains is to secure the curtain rod and hang them.

To do this, we first attach one side of the upper cornice of the rod to the frame, put a curtain on it and form a dense assembly, fixing the entire cornice. Then we thread the second rod through the bottom of the curtain, stretch the fabric well and screw the curtain rod to the frame.

Use ribbons to create a waist on the curtains and admire your work of art.

In the world modern design It is customary to use a variety of techniques to create unique designs interiors. Experts use all kinds of decoration options. One of the popular methods of creating original interior, is the use unusual models curtains, curtains, drapes. Curtains, presented in the form of a piece of fabric, which is tied in the middle with a wide ribbon, are called hourglasses. This type of curtains can be used to decorate windows, doorways, doors kitchen sets. These products are appropriate for use in kitchens, bedrooms, terraces, and winter gardens.

Choosing fabric

For the hourglass curtain model, it is not customary to use heavy curtain fabric. Best choice, is a light, transparent material of blue, pink, beige, caramel, milky. Products with floral ornament and striped. The finished product includes a ribbon, which is recommended to be supplemented with braid, bow, or colored ribbon that contrasts with the main fabric. If the curtains are an hourglass model white, finishing, maybe blue, red, rich green. For fabrics with floral motifs, you can use additional decoration in the form of flowers made from fabric with your own hands.

Remember, when sewing this model of curtains, it is not recommended to choose thick, dark fabrics. The point of the hourglass model is the lightness achieved using tulle fabrics.

We sew with our own hands

Sewing hourglass curtains is not difficult. The main thing is not to make a mistake in taking measurements from the opening that is supposed to be decorated with the product. Important indicator– the distance between the upper points of the opening. It should be measured as accurately as possible, and then the finished curtains will have the necessary tension. And this is only possible with the correct cutting of the fabric pattern.

To calculate the width of the fabric, you need to multiply the width of the opening by a factor of 1.5 or 2. This indicator depends on how fluffy the curtain should be, plus a few centimeters of fabric for the hem. It is convenient to use material whose width matches the required width finished product. In this case, you don’t have to process the side cuts and leave them in their original form.

The correct calculation of the length of the canvas occurs as follows: to the number indicating the distance between the cornice and the lower point of the window opening, you should add 20 cm for processing the lower and upper cuts, as well as for forming the middle part of the product. To ensure that the middle part of the pattern turns out beautiful and the fabric does not look stretched, it is necessary to take into account the degree of stretching of the material. If the fabric stretches well, add a smaller number of centimeters along the length; otherwise, add a maximum margin. For those materials that are not subject to stretching, the length is determined experimentally.

The working process

After choosing the fabric, we begin sewing the product. A pattern is created on which the obtained measurements are marked. For beginner seamstresses, the hourglass curtain pattern is shown in the photo. According to the pattern, markings are made on the fabric, and the workpiece is cut out.

On the canvas, if necessary, the side sections are folded and ironed and stitched. Next, the upper and lower sections of the pattern are processed so as to create a drawstring. It is necessary for attaching the rods on which the finished product will hang.

Do-it-yourself sewn hourglass curtains, you need to fix them on window opening. At the top and bottom of the frame you need to fix special holders for the finished curtain. The distance between the fasteners must be sufficient and uniform to securely fix the product.

How to attach hourglass curtains

After installing the fasteners, you need to thread the rods into the drawstrings and secure the upper part in the holder. Having straightened the fabric evenly, twist the curtain 360 0 and secure the lower rod in this position. In the central part there should be a narrow part, similar to an hourglass. It is very important that after attaching the product, the fabric lays evenly and does not puff up. If the fabric does not create uniform folds, the curtain is not sewn correctly.

The video shows detailed instructions tailoring

Thus, hourglass curtains are the most common model that is used in interiors decorated in different styles. This model is not difficult to implement and therefore can be created by any housewife with her own hands at home. To secure the product, no special skills are required. The whole design is simple and unpretentious in execution. Feel free to use this model for interior decoration. Despite their apparent simplicity, such curtains will decorate any room in an original way.

An unsuccessfully designed window can ruin the entire impression of an almost ideal interior that has been carefully assembled piece by piece. This kind of trouble can be easily avoided if you are not afraid to experiment, because each room, like each person, has its own image that requires an individual approach. For example, once popular, but today undeservedly forgotten hourglass curtains will become exactly the acquisition that you have been hopelessly looking for for a long time, trying to make the new look of your apartment complete and unique.

What are they?

Curtains of this shape look best on narrow and high glazing.
With their shape, these graceful curtains resemble the contours of an hourglass or a beautiful female figure.

Hourglass curtains are called so for their unusual appearance: their outlines resemble a classic device for counting periods of time or a lady’s figure with thin waist. But much more often, due to the fact that they only cover glass, they are called “stained glass curtains.”

Such curtains will become ideal option for vintage and romantic interiors.
They are often used to decorate the doors of kitchen and bookcases.

The design of “curly” curtains is much simpler than the name might suggest. They are canvases fixed at the bottom and top of the window opening on the frame, and in the middle intercepted by a “belt” made of the same or contrasting fabric, lace, braid, or something similar.

Hourglass curtains decorate both windows and doors with glass inserts, as well as the glass of kitchen and bookcases, and the peak of their popularity was in the 30s of the last century.

Such curtains look most harmonious on attic windows, balconies, and on cabinet doors. Also given option will do for window openings consisting of several parts.

Advantages

Today, when everything vintage is in fashion, hourglass curtains have returned to our interiors. They add a touch of antiquity to the decor, the aristocracy characteristic of old apartments. stone houses with thick walls, where the entrance for residents and guests was called the “front”, and on the kitchen side there was another “back” for the milkman and baker. But in addition to aesthetic characteristics, stained glass curtains also have a number of practical advantages:

• practically do not wear out, since they do not need to be constantly pulled and adjusted;
• let in a lot of light and at the same time protect the space well from outside views;
• to completely close the glass you just need to untie the ribbon;
• to give the curtain a festive look, just tie it with a beautiful bow;
• easy to sew yourself, with your own hands.

“Hourglass”, if desired, is suitable for different rooms. They will find a worthy place in the interior of the kitchen, office, bedroom, living room, and nursery. They will fit panoramic glazing on a balcony, terrace, decorate a bay window, attic, and will not sag on glass located at an angle.

Unlike modern roller shutters and pleated blinds, the hourglass design is closer to the classics, which makes it possible to use them in country style interiors, vintage - wherever minimalism is not appropriate.

Hourglasses often decorate the interiors of cozy roadside cafes.
Such curtains, even made of light, non-accent fabric, set the tone for the entire setting.
Curtains with constrictions in the center often decorate terraces in street restaurants.

What to sew from

Most often, hourglass curtains are made from light, light, translucent fabric. After being pulled, it acquires a voluminous drapery, filling the atmosphere with an aura of weightlessness. It is desirable that their shade echoes the colors of the rest of the textiles - tablecloths, napkins, pillows, furniture upholstery.
Most often, everyone chooses transparent curtain fabrics for sewing stained glass curtains:

• muslin;
• organza;
• veil;
• damask;
• Madras cotton.

But this is optional. Depending on the desired effect, thick, light-blocking fabrics can be used for thin-waisted curtains. The choice of texture and color of fabric depends on the characteristics of the interior, the role they should play in it - to be the main accent or, on the contrary, to balance the brightness of other participants in the decor.

Instead of lush drapery or in addition to it, the “watch” can be decorated with:

• ruffles;
• frills;
• embroidery;
• lace;
• flowers;
• bows;
• hairpins;
• grabs;
• other similar decor.

The design of the strip that pulls the curtain in the center can be anything you want.
Even a burlap bow will look elegant if used in an appropriate style, for example, country, as in the photo.
Drag the curtain with a neat belt, decorate it with a fabric flower, and it will look like a bridesmaid dress.
A twisted cord with tassels will successfully highlight the classic decor.
If the curtain is not covered with decor, but gathered in the center with a drawstring, it will look strict and laconic.

The stripe that runs across the curtain in the middle is its main highlight. For strict interiors, as a rule, simple ribbons are chosen from the same fabric as the curtains themselves. However, if desired, the curtain is decorated with bows, laces, braid, and hairpins. They may not match the color of the curtains. For example, with plain curtains, contrasting interceptions look beautiful, complemented by various decorations - sequins, beads, rhinestones.

Despite the fact that the shape of the curtains implies only one tie, many designers like to create several vertical pulls, due to which the curtains acquire additional volume.

Thus, well-chosen stained glass curtains will fit perfectly into the interior and emphasize its advantages. At the same time, it is not forbidden to change the accessories to suit your mood, and if you remove them completely, you will get a solid canvas that completely covers the glass.

In Provence, curtains with a soft floral pattern are always in place.

The colors of stained glass curtains have many variations, so they can please even the most picky esthete. “Watches” are not only monochromatic, but also with patterns, conservative, chic, aristocratic, thanks to which they are able to fit into different designs. For example, vertical stripes are suitable for a classic setting, checks for Provence and country, polka dots for rustic, and abstract patterns for modern.

How to hang?

The color of the stained glass cornice can be matched to any frame.

Curtain rods for stained glass curtains are sold in specialized and large construction stores. They are small sliding plastic, metal, and sometimes wooden rods that are inserted into special holders (mounts). The holders are fixed with self-tapping screws.

First you need to install the fasteners, and then thread the rods into the drawstrings, secure the curtain to the frame and gather it. It is important to ensure that the folds lie evenly and do not puff up anywhere. And then decorative elements come into play.

If desired, such curtains can be secured with Velcro tape without damaging the frame.

If you don’t want to drill and injure the plastic windows, fix the folds on the curtains themselves at the top and bottom, sew the soft part of the Velcro adhesive tape to them, and glue the hard part to the frame. It is recommended to use transparent and waterproof glue, for example “Moment”. It does not turn yellow over time. Such fastening will not damage or stain the plastic, and if necessary, it can be easily dismantled.

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