What is the main difference between short curtains and long drapes?
First of all, practicality. In addition, shortened curtains can be made in the form of a pair of curtains that conveniently open the window to let more daylight into the room. Moreover, the main curtains can be on the floor.
In most cases, the choice of housewives falls on short curtains for the kitchen if the space below the window sill is occupied by a set or household appliances. Short curtains fit very harmoniously into any interior.
In living rooms they are used as an addition to multilayer structures for window decoration.
Types of short curtains for housing
To create a cozy interior composition, it is not enough to simply cut the existing curtains in the house and pass them off as stylish decor.
There are many interesting and original solutions for decorating window openings with shortened versions of textiles or structures made of non-woven materials.
Country style
Short curtains for the kitchen in eco-style can be replaced with curtains in a rustic style, consisting of three panels.
Such a replacement is especially relevant for restrained interior design, but for those homeowners who want variety, such options will be a real way out of a difficult situation.
Rolled
Most often, roller blinds are used in offices, but for a home office, loggia or balcony they will be an interesting window design option.
Modern manufacturers offer a huge selection of materials, colors and prints for the fabrics of such short curtains, the design of which is complemented by convenient opening functionality.
French curtains
Short curtains for a French-style bedroom look quite elegant, embodying all the advantages of the discreet luxury of traditional classics. If such a design seems too pretentious and confuses the owners of the room, you can use Japanese curtains that are more restrained in design and color scheme.
The advantages of short curtains
They give free access to the window. In addition, short curtains do not block the heating system, which allows you to maintain the optimal temperature in the room. It is much easier to care for short curtains and drapes because they are less susceptible to contamination.
If the housewife decides to sew such curtains to order, less fabric will be suitable for their production. Due to this, the products will cost less.
Curtains to the window sill in the sleeping room
Short curtains for the bedroom are an excellent solution when decorating non-standard window openings. Often in private households they are made in the shape of an arch, a triangle, or too narrow, wide, or round.
In this option, you should choose a curtain made of thick fabric and sew neat short curtains, adjusting them to the size and other parameters of the window.
Lots of style options
Roman blinds are easy to care for and offer excellent sun protection.
English curtains have a control mechanism, like Roman ones. The difference is 3 vertical sections, they are often sewn from thick fabrics, but you can choose lightweight fabrics.
Austrian curtains differ from previous ones in their fastening. Short curtains are very lush and look impressive. Girls like them more because they look like a “princess’s chambers.”
French curtains differ from Austrian curtains in small folds that are located throughout the panel. The long curtain is beautiful, but when assembled it has a dramatic drapery that came from royal palaces. In a classic style, it is ideal for white (cream or beige) furniture.
Swedish curtains are similar to roller blinds; too simple forms are more used for kitchens, balconies or verandas. For beauty, you can sew on a contrasting lining. The curtain, neatly rolled into a roll, is unusual in multi-colored colors.
Stagecoach curtains are similar to Swedish curtains; their simple style will fit perfectly into any romantic interior.
Cafe curtains are distinguished by their fastening in the middle of the window. This curtain can be a single piece or made of 2 panels. Interestingly, the name came from restaurants (cafes, bistros) of the 19th century, where decorating a cozy, cute corner was in fashion.
Modern “Cafe” curtains are found in retro houses (apartments) or among lovers of provincial simplicity.
What else can you think of for the bedroom?
Short, lightweight curtains or tulle will perfectly complement roller blinds that are attached directly to the frame on the glass. The canvas is quite dense, so if necessary, it can be used to reliably drape the window from the penetration of excess light. An excellent solution for a night's rest.
The design of short curtains can also be reminiscent of Austrian curtains. They combine French and Roman variants, presented in one form. For spacious rooms, the idea of arranging a long curtain with shortened drapes is perfect.
Bedroom
There are situations when using curtains up to the window sill is simply necessary. Curtains of non-standard length will help keep the room clean and protect from bright light.
Short curtains for the bedroom will save money and space in a small room. They are complemented with lambrequins, lace, tassels and other decor. They are suitable for non-standard window openings.
Canvases with patterns and shiny threads look amazing in interiors. You can purchase products for the bedroom made from fabric that changes its color when exposed to sunlight.
In a spacious room, it is possible to use short models together with long curtains.
Short curtains for the kitchen
From the photo of short curtains you can evaluate interesting ideas for using this option in the kitchen in modern interior solutions. Moreover, designers advise moving away from the classics, using the styles “minimalism,” “romantic,” “high-tech,” “modern,” and “loft.”
Short curtains fully comply with the safety precautions that must be observed in the kitchen. In addition, short fabrics are easier to wash and iron; they do not require the purchase of bulky fastening systems.
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Short curtains for the kitchen are made from mesh materials; blinds with vertical slats are also acceptable. Housewives often choose horizontal aluminum blinds for kitchen windows, which are attached directly to the window frame.
The preferred fabrics are cotton, linen, chiffon, and other natural materials, which are supplemented in production with synthetic threads for greater strength, practicality and wear resistance.
Types of curtains
Short curtains should be selected based on the style of the kitchen and its size. To create a classic style, straight curtains with a lambrequin or French ones are suitable, and for a modern interior, models with lifting mechanisms will be appropriate.
We advise you to first look at the features of decorating a kitchen window with curtains.
Pleated blinds
Suitable for non-standard window shapes, they consist of an upper and lower cornice, between which there is a fabric accordion. They can be one-sided, or consist of materials of different densities.
Classic short curtains
They can be translucent or dense. There is no standard length; curtains can be up to the window sill or slightly lower. Transparent curtains are suitable for a small kitchen; they are best combined with blinds, and thick curtains will cool a hot sunny room.
Tulle (curtain)
A light translucent curtain composition looks very neat and gives the room an airy feel. This option is ideal for rooms with windows facing north.
Curtains-cafe
They differ in shape and method of attachment to the middle of the window frame. Suitable for kitchens in country style, Provence. The most commonly used fastenings are ties and loops. They can be with two halves or whole. To make the window look tall, it is decorated with a lambrequin on top.
Blinds
Suitable for a modern kitchen, the slats can be made of plastic, aluminum, fabric, bamboo, horizontal or vertical.
curtain
Thick curtains up to the radiator allow you to decorate the window opening in an original way and complete the design of the room. Using tiebacks or clips, curtains will not block light from entering the room.
With lambrequin or tiebacks
Short kitchen curtains with a lambrequin are suitable for any style, given the accent of shades and the size of the kitchen. Neutral colors and simple fabric tie-backs would be appropriate in a modern interior. Small lambrequins of a hard or soft design are suitable for the kitchen.
The photo shows short curtains with tiebacks made of the same material in a rustic style. In a neutral interior, textiles (tablecloth, towels) are a key accent.
Roman
They look stylish and simple, do not clutter up the space. Can be made from fabric of any density. Just like rolled ones, they are economical in the use of material and do not wrinkle.
French
They act as an aristocratic piece of kitchen decor and can be an addition to a lambrequin or short curtains. There are lifting and stationary ones.
The photo shows transparent French curtains, which are the best option for functional decoration of a window above a sink combined with a window sill.
Curtains
When choosing curtains for a farmhouse with small windows, traditional curtains are a great option.
However, they are still popular in city apartments.
They look like two pieces of fabric that open in the middle. Most often they are complemented with tulle.
There is an urban variation that has a more elegant look.
Any material can be used for sewing: colored, with patterns, plain.
They are attached to the cornice using loops, clothespins, and eyelets.
Austrian
They combine the originality of Roman and French curtains. They provide enormous scope for imagination in window design.
Double
The combination of different fabrics and colors looks bright and original, fits perfectly with other interior details and is certainly the highlight of the entire room.
Bamboo
The name speaks for itself. These curtains are made from natural material - bamboo stems.
They are usually assembled using thread from thin horizontal strips. Outwardly, they resemble blinds. The lifting mechanism is used as in Roman blinds or roller blinds.
There are not only horizontal, but also vertical.
Vertical ones resemble wooden curtains. Where pieces of bamboo are strung on wire and mounted on top of a wooden cornice. They perform a purely decorative function. They are static and cannot be moved apart. Often used in doorways as curtains.
Bamboo curtains are most suitable for interiors in minimalist or ethnic styles. One of their main drawbacks is the limited color range.
Thread (muslin)
Kisey is not subject to deformation, does not need ironing after washing and allows you to create its design to suit every taste.
Japanese
Japanese curtains will ideally fit into the decoration of your home, created in the latest fashionable styles. They are very simple and, at the same time, laconic, noticeable and stylish.
Outwardly they resemble hanging plates, painted in various colors or transparent. They slide apart like doors in a wardrobe.
Window decoration in children's rooms
Short curtains for a child's room are no less practical than for the kitchen or bedroom. Children often tug on curtains or accidentally step on long curtains. Shortened versions of window draperies will not allow them to be damaged, wrinkled or pulled down.
The most popular curtain models
If until recently short curtains for the kitchen up to the window sill were the most current trend, today such models can be found everywhere. They are used to decorate a living room with a carefully thought-out interior, for a cozy bedroom and even in children's rooms.
The most popular style remains eco-style, which involves the use of natural materials and simple designs.
Such curtains are characterized by a natural range of colors and simple patterns, large animalistic or geometric prints, light and cold shades.
Types of mini curtains
Manufacturers offer a huge number of options for shortened curtains not only for kitchen windows, but also for bedrooms and even living rooms. They are always popular, but this year they are especially relevant. Short curtains look stylish and fit perfectly into all types of interiors.
French
Soft folds look airy. French curtains are suitable for classic interiors. The design of short curtains will make the room luxurious. Modern interiors with such decor look elegant.
Previously, such models were used to decorate bedrooms and living rooms, and today they are also used for other rooms. They are ordered for children's kitchens.
"Stagecoach"
A type of Swedish roller blind. Why are these draperies called "Stagecoach"? Reminiscent of the edging of carriage windows. A strong rail is attached to the bottom of the structure, and ribbons are sewn to the top. The curtain must be rolled into a roll by hand, then secured with tapes.
Why Swedish? The back and front sides of these products are of different but similar colors, like classic Swedish curtains. Curtains in the Stagecoach style are used to decorate non-standard windows and doorways.
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Short curtains "Cafe"
This is an example of country and retro styles. The cord on which the short panel of the “Cafe” curtain is attached is located exactly in the middle of the window. This budget option was adopted by the owners of eateries and other catering establishments back in the century before last.
In a modern design, “Cafe” curtains are complemented with floor-length curtains or lambrequins.
Roman curtains
These are simple designs that create beautiful folds of fabric when opened. Roman blinds are often short, so as not to create the impression of bulkiness with a large number of falling folds.
If these curtains are made from lightweight fabrics - chiffon, guipure, fine mesh - they look great on the windows of kitchens and bedrooms. Roman draperies are used in “minimalism” and “classic” styles.
Less often, designers advise using them to drape the windows of rooms in the “Provence” and “eclectic” styles. “Provence” is too simple for such curtains, but in “eclecticism”, on the contrary, more complex structures are used.
Ways to lengthen short curtains
If the curtain turns out to be shorter than necessary, this is easy to fix.
You can use the following ideas to lengthen curtains:
- Sew a strip of thick fabric with eyelets on top. This option is suitable for thin curtains.
- Sew fabric with loops on top, which can be decorated with a decorative loop.
- Sew on the lambrequin. The cornice can be hung lower so that the curtains have the required length, and the lambrequin can be hung higher, and then it will cover the resulting gap, and the entire structure will lengthen the window composition.
- Add ruffles. A spectacular frill will look great in a Provence or shabby chic style room.
- Add decor. Make fringe, ribbon, and pendants that suit your style.
English curtains
They are similar to Roman curtains, but with the only difference that the English versions do not use lifting mechanisms. They are replaced by long cords or ribbons, which are used to tie the curtains in order to conveniently fix them at the desired height.
In a shortened version, English curtains perfectly drape the windows of living rooms and bedrooms.
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Interesting design of short curtains
Fashion does not stand still and simple kitchen curtains are being replaced by interesting solutions with original designs.
Now you can choose unusual short curtains for a child’s room, for a one-room studio where the kitchen is connected to the living room, or for all rooms of a country house and seasonal dacha.
Color block
These short curtains are distinguished by their unusual and thoughtful combination of colors, which helps in decorating the premises.
Such curtains look especially good in rooms with a modern interior, the style of which leans towards minimalism, modernism or eclecticism, and when choosing restrained colors they are also used in classic interiors.
Pleated
The appearance of such short curtains can mislead even an experienced designer, because they are very similar to blinds that are familiar to the eye.
In fact, these are curtains with a lifting mechanism and sheets with small folds that straighten out when one of the parts of such models is unfolded.
Cafe
Short curtains look interesting in a living room or for a cafe-style kitchen, but such options are most often used for country houses.
In an ordinary apartment, the cafeteria style is not found so often, although shortened curtain models add elegance to the interior and emphasize the special charm of the room’s design.
Curtains can highlight the unique design of any room, but they should be selected thoughtfully so as not to disturb the harmony of the interior design.
Short models can be bright and non-woven materials are most often chosen for them, but if you particularly desire, you can choose exactly those materials that will ideally highlight the design.
Short curtains are not curtains chosen due to lack of time, and for those who truly love their home and want to make it cozy, such a choice will not be difficult.
French shortened curtain designs
When you open such curtains, you get a lot of small folds. They are visible even when closed. When gathered in height, these curtains look very impressive.
To create beautiful scallops, when sewing French curtains you need a lot of fabric. Due to this, they can cost a little more than standard curtains and curtains.
However, if you choose lightweight materials: chiffon, organza, mesh, you can reduce the cost, and such designs do not look so bulky.
