Rules and recommendations for selection

Classic curtains will be appropriate in a modern interior no less than in a classic style, but there are other features that need to be taken into account when choosing them.

  1. The width of the curtains should be selected to match the size of a specific window, otherwise it may look disproportionate.
  2. Abundant folds and tassels will look good on wide and high windows of the hall.
  3. Dark and deep shades of burgundy, green, blue will be appropriate only in spacious rooms, for small living rooms and bedrooms, classic style curtains with tulle and a small lambrequin are suitable.
  4. Sophistication lies in the correct choice of material. The classic style does not accept synthetics, noble fabrics are acceptable: velvet, silk, satin.

classic curtains in the bedroom sliding curtains thick curtains in the nursery

Signs of classic curtains are the presence of tulle, sliding curtains with or without a grab, dense fabric material, long panels, graceful folds.

long curtain panels

In modern classics, a combination of textures and types of curtains is acceptable, which does not harm the overall appearance of the interior. For example, classic curtains can be combined with Roman or roller blinds, and airy tulle – with blinds.

classic curtains combined with Roman

Types of curtains

Today, the curtain market offers a wide range of window decoration options, which are successfully used by modern designers to create a unique interior.

  • Classic Roman blinds are a fabric that forms parallel folds with the help of an opening system. They can be attached to both the window and the window opening. They look aesthetically pleasing, are suitable for a small room, and are easy to care for.

Roman blinds Roman blinds and classic curtains

  • Classic long curtains can fall to the floor or slightly reach it. The curtains are gathered on the sides with decorative ties and complemented by a light curtain that is slightly gathered into waves. Such curtains look luxurious due to the material, but also require special care.

long curtains

The photo shows an example of a bedroom in a classic style, where the curtains fall from a niche, which makes the window visually larger.

long curtains and tulle

  • French curtains create an atmosphere of theater and celebration due to the translucent waves on high and wide windows. Stationary French curtains can be used as tulle in addition to curtains, and a curtain with a lifting mechanism can be gathered into a lambrequin.

French curtains French curtains

  • A lambrequin can be used to decorate the space above the window, thereby making it visually higher. The lambrequin is not height-adjustable, it can be hard or soft, be the same color as the curtains, or become a contrasting accent.

hard lambrequin

The photo shows an example of a living room with a hard lambrequin, inside which a cornice is hidden, which gives an aesthetically complete look.

lambrequin in the kitchen

Choosing the design and color of curtains

It is important to choose not only the material and type of curtains, but also the color, which can visually expand the space, find a response in the decor elements and simply change the perception of the room.

You can choose curtains that will become a bright accent, but will have a similar pattern to the wallpaper or the same ornament as on the upholstered furniture. Also, curtains can match the color of the upholstered furniture or the walls. A win-win option is to choose curtains in a classic style to match the color of the kitchen facade, a large living room carpet or a bedspread in the bedroom.

curtains in the living room in a classic style

Light shades increase the space, deep warm shades reduce it, this should be taken into account when choosing curtains for a small room.

tulle and curtains in the kitchen

White and cream, beige colors will always be appropriate in the classic style, which can be diversify with a brown garter or bright edging, fringe, tassels.

beige curtains

In order to focus attention on the window, you can choose curtains with a wide strip, where 2 or 3 colors are smoothly combined.

Plain curtains will suit wallpaper with a pattern or design, in this case the interior will not be overloaded. If the wallpaper is plain or has a light texture, then you can choose curtains with patterns or an ornament to match the color of the wallpaper. Classic curtains with a pattern will be appropriate in a child’s room.

curtains with a pattern checkered curtains checkered roman blinds in a child's room

Choice of material, characteristics of fabrics

Classic style curtains are distinguished by the nobility of the fabric, which is widely represented and has a time-tested reputation.

  • Silk is highly durable, stretches well, does not let in sunlight, shimmers beautifully in the light, and drapes well.

Silk curtains yellow silk curtains in the bedroom

  • Dense taffeta on touch, drapes in wide folds, repels moisture, lasts a long time with proper care.

taffeta fabric on curtains

  • Satin is a durable silk material with a characteristic shine. Dries quickly, does not accumulate static electricity. It is important not to overdry the fabric and wash it at a low temperature.

satin gold curtains

The photo shows an example of window decoration in a classic style, where the curtains and lambrequin are made of the same material, and the inserts with a floral pattern act as a bright decor.

  • Brocade is a fabric on a silk base with a pattern embroidered with lurex. It is distinguished by its weight and density. Hard material, hard to wrinkle.

brocade curtains

  • Velvet is a dense material with a fine pile of silk fiber. Absorbs moisture, has a long service life, does not attract dust, drapes well, retains heat, and is breathable.

velvet curtains

The photo shows an example of how velvet curtains can look light due to their color and protect from the sun at the same time.

  • Jacquard fabric has a large pattern, is dense, resistant to abrasion, retains color well, and does not stretch. Machine washable at low temperature, do not wring.

Jacquard curtains

  • Chenille fabric is highly wear-resistant, pleasant to the touch, retains color well, is easy to drape, and is available in a wide range of compositions, colors, and patterns.

Chenille curtains

Types of classic cornices and fasteners for them

Not only the material, but also the appearance of the cornice and the strength of the fastening of the curtains to it play an important role.

  • Baguette cornices are most suitable for the classic style. The fasteners are not visible behind the bar, which makes the window look complete. The baguette can be plastic with imitation forging or wood, smooth or with carving.

Baguette cornice blue baguette cornice

  • Tubular cornices can be single-level and two-level, decorated with tips along the edges and made to a specific size.

Tubular cornice Tubular curtain rod interior with wooden tubular curtain rod

The photo shows an interior with a wooden tubular curtain rod, on which are located translucent curtains with a floral print and garters. Here the classics are in simplicity and elegance.

  • Profile cornices are convenient for decorating a bay window or corners. They are attached to both the wall and the ceiling. They are made of profile aluminum.

Profile cornice

  • A forged cornice will attract attention, so the curtains should be simple. Such a cornice is suitable for heavy fabrics. The best way to attach them is with eyelets and rings.

Wrought iron curtain rod

  • Wooden curtain rods can be ceiling, wall, tubular and baguette. The natural shade of wood will fit into the classic interior of any room.

wooden baguette in a classic style design

The photo shows a wooden baguette in a classic style design, from which weightless tulle and smooth curtains of a pastel shade fall.

Curtains can be attached to the cornice in different ways, based on the weight of the fabric and the style of the room.

  • Fastening with eyelets is suitable for a modern classic style. This is a method of fastening, in which rings are sewn into the curtain fabric, more suitable for curtains.

Fastening with eyelets Fastening with eyelets

  • When fastening with rings, the fabric is fixed on hooks, and the rings are strung on a tubular cornice.

fastening with rings

  • Classic curtains with ties look original and varied due to the different ways of tying (bows and different types of knots). In addition, the color of the ties may differ from the color of the curtains.

curtains with ties

  • Fabric loops, like eyelets, are strung on the cornice. The width of the loops and their number depend on the weight of the curtains. The loops can be on clips, in the form of braids or sewn to the fabric.

Fabric loops on curtains

  • The drawstring hides the top of the curtain rod due to the high frill. This type of fastening is suitable for niche windows, tubular curtain rods, and cafe curtains. When moving, you will hear a light rustling of the fabric, and not the knock of the rings on the curtain rod.

curtains with a drawstring

  • Curtains on a tape look simple and elegant due to the frequent small folds that are formed due to the tightening of the cords to the desired limit. For lush drapery, the fabric should be taken twice as large as the window size.

Curtains on tape

Decorative accessories

The beauty of the classic style lies in the luxury and abundance of wealth that the details bring. Curtains are decorated with functional accessories such as:

  • Holders made of wood or metal, which are attached to the wall, hold the shape of the drapery and decorate the curtains. The holders can also be magnetic, made of fabric or ribbons.

an example of curtain draping and fixing with holders

The photo shows an example of curtain draping and fixing with holders. The classic height of fastening is the window sill.

  • Grabs control the level of lighting, are easy to use, and can be changed frequently. They come in the form of hairpins, beads, fabric, ropes. They differ from holders in that they are not attached to the wall.

Curtain grabs

  • Tassels help to give the curtains the desired shape and hold it. Small tassels can also be used to decorate a lambrequin or the edge of the fabric.

Tassels on curtains

Tassels on curtains Tassels on curtains

  • A lambrequin with numerous drapes is suitable for decorating a window in the living room. It can be made of a different material and a contrasting color, in which case it is important not to overload the room with other decorative elements.

Lambrequin

The photo shows an example of how a lambrequin can become a decoration not only for a living room, but also for a kitchen.

  • In the classic style, fringe decorates the border of curtains. It can be of different lengths, with beads, bugles and beads, with tassels and weaving.

fringe on curtains

Room overview

Bedroom and children’s room

Delicate shades of light green, blue, and cream are suitable for bedrooms in a classic style. Here it is recommended to combine curtains with tulle or Roman blinds.

curtains in the bedroom in the classic style beige and white curtains the color and pattern of the curtains matches the wallpaper

In the photo, the color and pattern of the curtains match the wallpaper on the accent wall in the bedroom.

curtains in a children's room in a classic style yellow curtains in a children's room light curtains in a children's room

Living room

In the living room, you can experiment with the color of the curtains and their shape. A soft lambrequin will decorate a spacious room in the Baroque style. French curtains can serve as transparent tulle together with thick curtains.

classic and roller blind classic style curtains in the living room light curtains

The photo shows the interior of the living room in a house with a second light, where light curtains do not draw attention to themselves.

thick curtains and tulle

Curtains for the kitchen in a classic style

For the kitchen, you can use light curtains in a classic style that will let in sunlight and harmonize with the color of the furniture.

curtains in the kitchen Roman blind in a modern classic style long curtains with grabs classic kitchen

A luxurious dining room will be decorated with beige or olive curtains together with translucent tulle.

beige curtains in the kitchen in a modern classic style

Bathroom

Roman, roller or French curtains in a classic style in light blue or white with a pattern are suitable for the bathroom.

blue curtains in the bathroom curtains in the bathroom French curtains in the bathroom

When choosing the type and color of curtains in a classic style, it is important to consider the size of the room, the level of natural light, decorative elements, and proper care for the fabric guarantees a long service life.