What is it?
Austrian curtains are a type of curtains, the main distinguishing feature of which is a unique way of assembling the fabric with a lifting mechanism. In appearance, they combine Roman and French curtains. But unlike French curtains, the folds are located only up to half of the canvas.
Assembly mechanism: when raised, they are pulled together with cords, due to which voluminous waves and lush folds, called festoons, appear on the canvas.
There are some features of use in the interior:
- Austrian curtains will reveal themselves in all their glory in more spacious rooms with large windows and high ceilings.
- They are especially suitable for decorating arched window openings. Such an abundant number of folds looks harmonious under a single arc.
- For a greater decorative effect, the length of the canvas should be almost to the floor, so that when it is raised, the window sill does not open.
- In order to decorate a window of any shape, it is better to use profile cornices for lifting curtains, with manual or automatic control. The Austrian curtain is attached to the cornice itself using Velcro tape.
Which material to choose?
The fabrics used to sew Austrians also have their own characteristics.
Tulle
It drapes well, lets in a lot of light. Curtains made of such translucent fabrics are complemented by a lambrequin or thick classic drapes.
Organza
Forms spectacular, voluminous, fragile folds. Thanks to organza fabrics, a room can be given a special charm and a unique look.
Linen
An environmentally friendly and luxurious material is used to decorate rooms in a variety of interior styles. Stylish linen curtains look elegant and most importantly are very practical.
The photo shows linen Austrian curtains in the bathroom interior.
Veil
Translucent material with a matte surface. Easy to drape. Creates exquisite, airy, beautifully flowing waves. Due to these advantages, this fabric is ideal for sewing Austrian curtains.
Velour
A pleasant to the touch, wear-resistant material that retains heat and does not lose shape. When light reflects off the surface of the fabric, mysterious halftones and highlights are formed.
Guipure
Bright, elegant lace fabric. It is made of thin cotton, silk threads or polyester.
Sizes
The length and width of the Austrian curtain can be very different.
Long
In order for the curtain to cover the window and retain lush festoons, choose curtains that are below the window sill and the width of the entire wall.
Short
These curtains are practical. They look stylish and charming, adding a certain zest to the interior of the room. This length is ideal for both modern and classic styles.
Photos in the interior of rooms
If the interior lacks a bright accent, then the Austrian variety of curtains can give a luxurious look to any living room.
Kitchen
A profitable option for the kitchen. If the window is located near the stove or sink, such curtains allow you to save space, since the fabric can be raised as high as possible.
The photo shows a kitchen with Austrian short curtains on the windows.
Children’s room
The curtains will look more attractive if they are decorated with various accessories. Bows, ribbons and frills will do. In terms of color, bright and rich shades or various patterned canvases are often chosen for children’s rooms.
Living room
When decorating a living room with Austrian curtains, do not forget about lighting. Correctly falling light will give the curtain composition even more charm, emphasize the amazing patterns and fill the room with comfort.
Bedroom
They will create an atmosphere of romance and add mystery to the room. Beige or white colors are used for decoration, so that the room looks even more elegant and delicate.
The photo shows a bedroom interior in beige tones and a window decorated with Austrian short curtains.
On the loggia (balcony)
They look good on long loggias. Austrians are suitable for an elongated space and do not seem boring and monotonous.
Office
They will add a certain solemnity to the entire work area. Such curtains are sometimes combined with long drapes to create a complete window decor.
Color solutions
The chosen color of the curtains allows you to create volumes, play with other shades and place accents.
Purple
Romantic and sophisticated, luxurious and refined. Austrian purple curtains speak of the extraordinary personality of the apartment owner.
White
Will make the room brighter. White curtains visually increase the width of the window and harmonize well with pastel-colored walls.
Yellow
A suitable option for creative individuals who like to experiment and want to radically change the interior. After all, with the right combination, yellow Austrian curtains can transform any style.
Orange
Curtains of this color play an important role in the interior. They serve as a bright accent, visually enlarge objects and improve the shade of the furniture that is in the room.
Beige
They do not draw attention to themselves, but at the same time they look very gentle and stylish, softening the pretentious interior. Sunlight passing through beige fabric brings warmth and coziness to the room.
Brown
These chocolate curtains make the room feel fresher, add elements of novelty and allow you to experiment with color.
Turquoise
They resemble a summer breeze. Turquoise Austrian long curtains are associated with depth and purity, they exude coolness and freshness.
Blue
They create a balanced and harmonious interior. Their shades have many variations and are perfectly combined with almost the entire palette, causing a feeling of genuine admiration.
Red
They bring ceremony and theatricality to the interior. Curtains of this color can warm up the room and make it more cozy and welcoming.
Ideas in different styles
Austrian models that match the style of the rest of the room’s decor give it a complete and thoughtful look.
Provence
This style is characterized by curtains made of natural fabrics with a slight rustic carelessness. Canvases with a floral ornament, striped or checkered pattern noticeably refresh the atmosphere of the room.
Classic
In this style, Austrian models are sometimes complemented by a set with a classic lambrequin. Austrian curtains with freely hanging edges will look refined and elegant.
Modern
Such curtains add special notes of chic to a modern interior, emphasize good taste and indicate prestige and solidity.
The photo shows a living room interior in a modern style with Austrian air curtains on the windows.
American
For this style, curtains are chosen from natural fabrics, simple cut with a small pattern or strict geometry.
Vintage
For vintage style curtains, soft, flowing materials are used in the spirit of old times. Also used are imitations of such fabrics as brocade, velvet, taffeta, heavy silk or gabardine with a worn effect.
The photo shows Austrian thick curtains on the windows in the bedroom in vintage style.
Design and drawings
Decorated curtains with a pattern look original and quite expressive.
With flowers
Floral curtains make the interior soft and gentle. Such patterns, associated with summer and holidays, will bring joy and a sense of warmth to the room.
Floral patterns
These fashionable patterns are at the peak of popularity. Austrian canvases feature various leaves, curls, flowers, vines and other natural elements.
The photo shows a dining room and a window decorated with Austrian curtains with a plant pattern.
Ornaments
A print transforms any room, fills it with brightness, creativity and dynamics. A well-chosen pattern can add elegance, authenticity and incredible charm to curtains.
Multilayer
A product created from several harmoniously combined canvases. A combination of thick and light fabric, complemented by drapery and a lambrequin, is also used.
The photo shows a children’s room with Austrian double curtains on the window.
On bows
In this interpretation, the fabric hangs freely on the sides, due to which the festoons shimmer with light. Thanks to the bows, folds are created that give the window opening a prestigious and glamorous look.
Lace
Gives the room warmth and airiness. Sometimes openwork curtains are combined with thicker types of curtains. This combination will always look great on a window.
Geometry (stripes, checkered)
Geometric prints look great in any room, regardless of the style of decoration. The checks and stripes on the Austrian curtains attract attention and become a unique feature of the entire room.
With glass beads
Glass decorations are often used to decorate curtains, because they allow you to give the curtains lightness and airiness. This type of fittings harmonizes perfectly with crystal decorative elements.
The photo shows white Austrian curtains with glass beads in the bathroom interior.
Made of threads
These are truly airy curtains. They look beautiful and romantic. They allow you to create interesting decorative solutions, are appropriate in any room and in any style.
Combination
Austrian curtains are universal, so they have many combination options.
With ribbons
Choose a light fabric that resembles a weightless cloud. In combination with ribbons, it emphasizes the tenderness of the entire interior.
With other types of curtains (blinds, tulle, roller blinds)
Austrian curtains also harmonize well with other curtains. A well-chosen fabric and elaborate decor will allow such a combination to fit perfectly into the interior of any room.
The photo shows a children’s room and a combination of Austrian curtains with blinds on the windows.
For non-standard shaped windows
Such non-standard windows are an unusual element of the house exterior, so they require a special approach to decoration.
Bay window
It is quite difficult to decorate. It is better to choose curtains made of weightless fabric. An excellent solution for a bay window would be multi-layered options with a combination of light and dense fabrics.
The photo shows a living room with a bay window decorated with Austrian curtains.
Window with a balcony door
In this case, different fabrics are used for the window and door. The design itself is made in accordance with the dimensions of the balcony opening.
For an arched window
Austrian curtains are also suitable for decorating an arched window. The main thing is to install them correctly and not to disturb the harmony with other elements of the interior design.
On the windows along the stairs
Windows located along the stairs can be highlighted with the help of asymmetrical compositions. Austrian curtains made of light, flowing fabric will look truly elegant. Such curtains have a rather elegant and pompous look.
Options for fastening to the curtain rod
There are several options for fastening to the curtain rod.
Velcro
With the help of Velcro fastening, it is possible to darken the room as much as possible, since there is no gap between the curtain and the wall. This type of fastening is often used in the bedroom or children’s room.
With ties
The ties are both a functional and decorative element. They are tied in an original knot, a bow, or intertwined. Such curtains create an atmosphere of softness, warmth and comfort in the room.
Care and washing rules
Proper care allows curtains not only to serve for a long time, but also to please with their appearance.
- Products made of lightweight fabrics are washed in a washing machine, using delicate temperature settings.
- When caring for dense fabrics, you definitely cannot do without the services of specialists. It is recommended to dry clean such fabrics.
- After washing, it is better to use a steam generator instead of an iron. It gently smoothes the curtains even when they are already tied up.
How to sew with your own hands?
See detailed instructions from curtain sewing master Roza Artemicheva:
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