English curtains, also known as London, give the interior luxury, sophistication and aristocracy. London curtains have little resemblance to the Austrian and French curtains, but at the same time they differ from them. These curtains are a one-piece fabric fabric, which, when lifted up, forms a deep, luxurious fold in the center, which goes on the sides into folds in the form of bows. As a decor, vertical ribbons of the same or different shade can be sewn onto the curtains. In the opened state, the English curtains look like a plain canvas, the length of which should not be lower than the window sill.
English curtains in home interior design
English curtains are of the “lifting” type – they are mounted on a profile curtain rod with special lifting chain mechanisms with self-braking, thanks to which the curtain can be stopped at any window level. This type of curtains resembles French, Roman and Austrian curtains, but with one difference – folds are collected only on the sides due to special rings sewn on the wrong side, which makes it possible to lift them.
The mechanism and installation of English curtains
The method of mounting the London curtain can be carried out both on the sash of the window, and on the whole opening, both for suspension in a niche and in front of the window. They look good on wide window openings and on small windows. English curtains look great as the only window decoration, but also harmoniously fit into the composition with classic curtains and lambrequins. English curtains allow a few frills in the design, namely: lace, beads or fringe for decoration.
The history of the emergence of English curtains
Modern London curtains are no different from those that hung in secular London living rooms several centuries ago. The fabric, patterns and control system have remained virtually unchanged. Noble English decorated their windows with precisely such curtains that covered them from prying eyes.
interior style for english curtains
In the raised state, the London curtains form a kind of garland intercepted on the sides by folds in the form of bows. The smooth curvature of the line in the inner crease, unlike ordinary rectangular curtains, gives the room a little romanticism, frivolity, aristocracy and grace. So that guests, visiting your living room, bedroom or kitchen, feel like in the best London salons.
English curtains will perfectly decorate the windows of the kitchen or living room – those rooms in which the presence of daylight is always welcome, and you can always keep the curtains in an elevated state, and this is how English curtains are most good. Moreover, they can emphasize the severity of the interior, so they can be found in classrooms and home libraries, where an elegant and austere style is preferable. Due to the soft colors, the curtains are closed from direct sunlight, but leave the room very bright.
The most suitable style for this type of curtains is classic. They are able to emphasize dark carved furniture, a fireplace and a rocking chair in the English interior. In more modern styles, it is better to give preference to a similar, but simpler type of curtains – Roman curtains.
As for the varieties of English curtains, their shape can vary significantly depending on how far from the edge the vertical ribbons are placed, with the help of which the curtain rises. If the indentation is large enough, then the curtains form large luxurious side “bows”, the ends of which are on the same line as the lower edge of the central fold or even below it:
If the tapes are located at a small distance from the edges of the curtain, then the lateral ends are almost invisible, and the central fold opposite occupies most of the curtain, giving it a semicircular bend:
How to choose a fabric for English curtains
London curtains are preferably made from lightweight fabric with a dense texture. Dense cotton, linen, chenille, wool, veil, soft fabrics that hold their shape well: rep, taffeta, jacquard, linen, wool and others can serve as an excellent material for them. These curtains look especially impressive from striped fabric, when when they are lifted, the folds open and another color or pattern becomes visible from the inside, which can make a vivid impression on the observer.
Classical English curtains are distinguished by a bright calm range. On the fabrics there are also traditional English patterns, such as: a longitudinal strip, a Scottish cage, a guinea or floral pattern. Examples of such patterns:
To enhance this effect, two fabrics are sometimes combined in London curtains: a Scottish cage with floral ornaments, a longitudinal strip with flowers, printed chintz with smooth fabric. When the folds are opened, the “internal” pattern becomes visible.
One of the most popular tricks that often occurs with the participation of English curtains is the use of one (or very similar) wallpaper pattern on the wall near the window and on the curtains, which allows you to create the feeling of a seamlessly flowing pattern from wall to curtain and then onto the wall:
Photo of interior design with English curtains
English curtains – a characteristic manifestation of the English style of textile design with its fragility, carelessness, inconstancy of folds. It is worth noting that, like Austrian curtains, English curtains are more decorative than practical, character and are a worthy decoration of the interior.
More feature articles:
All about curtains: basic terms in the examples
Ways of fastening curtains: eyelets, drawstring, loops, ties, braid, rings
Curtains: grip for curtains, straight curtains or puffs?
Roman curtains: types and features
Roman curtain in various rooms
Do it yourself: Roman curtains. Step by step instructions
Roller blinds
Cafe style curtains
French curtains
Austrian curtains in the interior
