Home » Misc » Different types of curtain tops

Different types of curtain tops


15 Popular Types of Curtain Tops

Not sure what style of curtain is right for you? Here are explanations and examples of 15 types of curtain tops. Find the perfect one for your home!

Every so often, I get an email from a reader asking me about my white curtains. They don’t have a typical curtain top on them and readers are not sure what my window treatments are called.

As if deciding on the width, length, color, and fabric weren’t enough, there’s yet another decision to be made! What type of curtain top do you want! It is almost unbelievable how many different types of curtain tops there are.

5 DECORATING TIPS You Should Know!

Get my FREE 5-day email guide and join the 10,000 subscribers who already receive the weekly decorating tips and exclusive art!

To make things easier for you, I’ve broken down 15 popular types of curtain tops with explanations to take the guesswork out of your shopping.

What is a Curtain Top?

I’m using the word “top” because that’s what the majority of people say; however, that’s not the technical term. The correct term is a curtain heading. But regardless of whether you call it the top or the heading, the meaning is the same.

The curtain top is literally the top section of the curtain that attaches to the rod. There are several different ways to attach a curtain to a curtain rod depending on the style of curtain top you choose.

Does the Curtain Top Matter

Yes, the type of curtain top you have affects the overall look of your curtain and your room. Some curtain tops have a formal look while others are relaxed. Some look contemporary and others look traditional.

Oftentimes ready-made curtains don’t have top options available, but some retailers will give you several choices. And of course, if you’re having your curtains custom-made, you can specify exactly which curtain top you want.

Curtain vs Drape

For purposes of this article, I’m using the term “curtain” because that’s become the common word used interchangeably by many. In reality, curtains and drapes do have distinct differences.

Curtains are fabric panels, often sold in sets of two. Curtains come in a wide variety of lengths and widths, as well as colors. But the one thing all curtains have in common is that they are not lined and are made of lightweight fabric, including sheers. They hang from a drapery rod and are the curtain tops are typically either pole pocket, tap top, grommet, or curtain rings. Curtain lengths can vary from floor length curtains to partial length, like cafe curtains and sill-length curtains.

Drapes (or draperies) on the other hand, are made of heavier material and are lined. Drapes tend to have pleated tops more so than curtains and can be sold as single panels. They hang from a rod as well, but are always floor-length. The term blackout curtains, therefore, is actually incorrect since blackout curtains are lined, they are technically draperies and are perfect for theaters and bedrooms.

Functional vs Non-Functional Curtains

All of the types of curtain tops listed below work for both functional and non-functional curtains. A functional curtain is one that can freely slide alone a curtain rod and covers the entire window for privacy and/or light control. A non-functional curtain is purely decorative. It hangs from a rod but doesn’t cover the entire window when closed (because the panels aren’t wide enough). Curtains are expensive and sometimes, if privacy isn’t needed on a large window, homeowners will purchase a standard panel width and opt for a non-functional curtain. Non-functional panels are also sometimes called stationary panels.

15 Popular Types of Curtain Tops

Who knew there were so many types of curtain tops to choose from! While there are combinations of those listed below and different names for these in different countries, these are the most popular styles.

1. Flat Panel

I’m starting with a flat panel curtain because it’s the simplest of those on this list. A flat panel is perfectly flat at the top, with no pocket for a pole, no pleating, or anything else. It will have just a simple hem like the sides and bottom.

To hang a flat panel curtain, you’ll need drapery rings with either clips or pins. The easiest attachment style will be to use the clips.

Flat panels look nice when bunched in the open position. When pulled closed, they lose their folds and the panels look completely flat. You don’t typically see this style (or at least not when it’s closed) in magazines or designer portfolios because the curtain top doesn’t have the same eye-catching look like others on this list.

via Pottery Barn

2. Pole/Rod Pocket Curtains

This is probably the most common style of curtain top, especially for ready-made curtains. The top includes a wide hem, or pocket, that slides over a curtain rod to conceal it. When open, the curtain has a gathered look. When closed, it looks like a flat panel.

Depending on the material and size of the pocket, sometimes the curtain drags on the pole a bit as it’s being closed and opened. Ensure that your rod is anchored securely to the wall if you choose this type of curtain top.

A pole pocket curtain top has a very casual and simple look.

via Linen Duet on Etsy

3. Hook Belt

A hook belt curtain is similar to a flat panel but has a band sewn horizontally across the top on the back. The band allows for curtain pins to be inserted so that the curtain can hang from a rod on rings, but using hidden pins instead of clips.

via Amazon

An alternative to a band is to include hook looks at regular intervals in which to slide curtain pins. It achieves the same look with just a slightly different approach.

via Ballard Designs

From the front, you’ll see the rings on the curtain rod, but no clips or curtain pins for a clean and classic look.

via Ballard Designs

4. Ruched

Technically, ruched curtains aren’t a separate curtain top type, but since their look is unique I wanted to give them their own section. These curtains typically hang via a pole pocket or rings, which is why they aren’t technically a type of curtain top.

Ruched curtains have vertical gathers at the top of the curtain heading to give them an elegant look. The ruching at the top almost creates the look of a valance, drawing your eye upward.

via HalfPriceDrapes.com

5. Grommet

Grommet top curtains (sometimes called eyelet curtains) have large rings embedded into the top of the curtain fabric. These rings slip over the curtain rod for easy hanging. Grommet curtains are often available as ready-made curtains in a wide variety of colors and fabrics, not to mention the finishes of the grommets themselves. The rigidity of the grommets also means that when open, the curtains for nice, uniform pleats from top to bottom.

Grommet curtains are a great choice for anyone looking to create a sleek, contemporary style in their home. They are also a great choice if you plan to draw your curtains often, as the grommets slide easily over the rod.

via Linen Duet on Etsy

6. Tab Top

Tab top curtains are another ready-made type curtain available in a variety of colors and fabrics. These curtains have thick, exposed loops at the top of the panel that slide over a curtain rod. When open, the tabs all touch and the header in between puffs out to create a nice fold. When closed, this looks more like a flat panel but with tabs at the top.

Tab top curtains work well for both a traditional and contemporary look. Because there is less fabric than pleated curtains, they are also less expensive.

via Linen Duet on Etsy

7. Cuffed Tab Top

This is very similar to a regular tab top curtain in its construction and hanging method; however, this includes a “cuff” or band at the base of the tab. The cuff not only adds a decorative element, but also helps to create a stronger ripple fold in the curtain.

via Amazon

8. Back Tabs

The main difference between a back tab curtain and a pole pocket is that instead of a pocket that runs the entire width, there are simple tabs, or bands, that secure to the curtain rod. The result is that when open, back tab curtains don’t have as much gathering at the top as pole pocket, and instead have more defined ripples that run top to bottom.

via Linen Duet on Etsy

9. Tie Top

The curtains in my main living areas are all tie top curtains! Tie top curtains are almost identical to tab tops, except that instead of a loop, there are two ties. You literally tie the curtain onto the rod using either a bow or a simple knot.

10. Pinch Pleat Curtains (also known as French pleat)

Pleated curtains are also sometimes just referred to as a pinch pleat. Pinch pleats are probably the most common type of pleated curtains and come as single, double (or butterfly) and triple. They offer fullness to the curtain, even when closed, and give a nice tailored look.

A pinch pleat curtain is a stylish yet simple design. Fabric is gathered and sewn together at the center of the “pinched” area, creating a fan at the top and bottom of the pleat. These pleats are spaced evenly along the width of the curtain.

A single pinch pleat has just single pleats, whereas a double has two and a triple has three. Double pinch pleats are also sometimes called butterfly pleats because the two folds fan out at the top and bottom, mimicking a butterfly’s wings.

All pleated curtains require more fabric to cover the width of a window because pleats remain even when the curtain is closed. With a single pleat curtain, you’ll need at least 150% width in fabric. A double pinch pleat will require 200% width and triple needs at least 250%.

Triple pinch pleat via Amazon

11. Inverted Box Pleat Curtains

An inverted box pleat curtain basically hides the gathered pleats at the back of the curtain, forming a seamless front with a single pleat opening. This is a less frilly version of a pleated curtain, lending itself to a more contemporary style that still has the fullness of regular pinch pleats.

via Horchow

12. Parisian/Euro Pleat Curtain

Much like a French or pinch pleat, the Euro pleat (also known as the Parisian pleat) can come as double or triple pleats. In fact, a Euro pleat is very similar to a pinch pleat except that instead of being sewn in the middle of the pleat, it is sewn together at the top. This creates a beautiful fan effect that flows down from the pleat.

Euro pleats are a more modern version of a traditional pinch pleat and so are very fashionable right now.

via Pottery Barn

13. Fan Pleat

A fan pleat curtain is just like the Euro pleat in that the pleating is tacked at the top of the header. The difference is that the fan pleat is only tacked the top most portion, allowing the fabric to fan out all the way from the top of the curtain down. The cascading of the fabric looks somewhat more relaxed in a fan pleat vs. a Euro pleat, but they are otherwise similar.

via Calico Corners

14. Pencil Pleat Curtains

Pencil pleat curtains have a very traditional look to them. They are named as such because the gathers at the top resemble a line of pencils. The pleating goes all the way across the top, unlike pinch pleats which have space between each pleat. To me, the pleating gives a similar appearance to a pole pocket, the exception being that the pleating remains even when the curtains are closed.

via Linen Duet on Etsy

15.

Goblet Pleat

A goblet pleat curtain is similar to a triple pinch pleat except that instead of creating a fan of fabric above the sewn pleat, a goblet or wine glass shape is formed. A stiff paper or backing is used to help the goblet keep its shape. Depending on the quality of the construction, though, not all goblet pleat curtains are suitable as functional curtains. Sometimes, the pleating is too delicate to be used and so these become stationary, or non-functional, curtains.

A goblet pleat curtain has a very chic and formal look to it.

via Amazon

Tips for Choosing Types of Curtain Tops

{via HomeGoods}

Let’s keep in touch! Get exclusive artwork plus the latest news delivered directly to your Inbox!

A Guide to Understanding Different Styles

By Rachel Brown | Published on

Curtain tops are a distinguishing characteristic of various curtain styles. From structured pleats to industrial grommets, there are such varied designs that you can choose from. Curtain tops have a significant impact on the style of the room, but you shouldn’t feel confined by this.

It is important to understand what style you like, but curtain tops affect much more than just the look and design of your room. They impact the light in the room and the functionality. So, deciding which curtain top style is right for your room should be determined by careful thought.

Curtain Tops: How Do You Choose?

12 Popular Types of Curtain Tops

Here are some of the most popular types of curtain tops that you can choose from. This is not an exhaustive list, but we will cover curtain tops of every style. This is a great starting point as you build your knowledge and understanding to choose a style that is right for you.

Pinch PleatsLoom Decor

Pinch pleats are a classic curtain header style that works well for classic as well as formal contemporary style.

With pinch pleats, you can choose a double or a triple pleat. This curtain-style header requires more fabric than other headers and will create fuller curtains.

Choose a curtain header with a buckram if you want your pleats to maintain their crisp shape. You can hang pinch pleat curtains with back tabs but they look best when hung below the curtain rod with hooks and rings. This curtain header style works best with medium-weight fabrics.

Pencil PleatsDunelm

Pencil pleats are a pleat style that resembles pencils placed side by side at the top of the curtain. Pencil pleats are a more casual pleat style header than pinch pleats. This style also requires less fabric.

Like pinch pleat headers, you can hang pencil pleat curtains with back tabs on the rod. But, these curtains open and close easier and look more stylish when you hang them with curtain hooks and rings.

Rod PocketSolinen from Etsy

Rod or pole pocket curtains are a popular curtain top style for ready-made curtains. For this curtain header style, there is an opening at the curtain top that you slide your rod through.

These curtains have a casual and unaffected style that is perfect for farmhouse and cottage decor. The downside of these curtains is that they can be more difficult to open and close. They are most problematic to open and close on a large pole rather than a small one.

Tab TopsLeuvia

Tab top curtain headers are another common style header for pre-made curtains. These have flat pieces of fabric that loop over the rod.

Like rod pocket curtains, these have a more casual style. Also, like rod pocket curtain tops, tab top curtains are more difficult to open and close on a regular basis. Therefore, these curtain tops work the best with light and medium-weight fabrics.

GrommetsWorld Market

Grommets, also called eyelets, are metal rings inserted into the top of the curtain. These allow you to thread the curtain rod through the top of the curtain. These have a casual style that produces a wave-like look when the curtains are open and have a flat appearance when the curtains are closed.

Unlike other casual-style curtain headers, the rings provide an easy way to open and close your curtains.

Tie TopThe ArtBoxStoreIN from Etsy

Tie top curtains are one of the most casual curtain header styles. These are similar to tab top curtains, but rather than a flat piece of continuous fabric over the rod, these curtains feature two pieces that tie above the rod.

This style works well for casual home decor styles like cottage and country style. Tie tops are more difficult to close. Therefore, these are best reserved for windows where you don’t need to open and close on a regular basis.

Inverted Box Pleatsartsandcreations from Etsy

Inverted box pleats are a curtain header style that reverses the pleat so that there is a front with just regular vertical panels side by side. This kind of pleat has a formal but a simple style that is perfect for contemporary decor.

Inverted box pleat curtains function best when they are attached to drapery hooks and rings. These are a good choice for heavy fabrics like velvet and lined silk.

Goblet PleatMade Curtains

Goblet pleats have a look that resembles a goblet on the top of the pleat. These are more stylized than other pleat headers. Thus, goblet pleat curtains are more formal in style. This curtain style top will hold its shape best with a buckram attached to the back of the curtain header.

Goblet pleats are a more delicate curtain top shape. Therefore, this pleat style should be reserved for curtains that you don’t have to open and close on a regular basis.

Flat PanelChad Made

Flat panel curtain tops have no distinguishing elements that differentiate them from the bottom of the curtain. The way that you attach flat panel curtains to the rod depends on the design of the back of the header. For most flat panel curtains, you would attach them to a rod with rings with clips or drapery hooks attached to rings. When the curtains are open, they resemble more formal pleated curtains.

These are great DIY curtain headers as they require less expertise to make than pleats. They also require less fabric to cover the window.

Euro PleatMade Curtains

Euro pleats, also called Parisian pleats, are a type of pleated curtain header that are gathered at the top of the pleat rather than the middle. These are a more contemporary style pleat that works well for modern home decor, or for Parisian curtains that blend old and new world styles together.

This curtain top style functions in a smoother way than more casual styles like tab tops. They also allow you to block more sunlight than curtains that hang below the rod.

PelmetHouse and Garden

A pelmet is a wooden frame that is covered with fabric that covers the top of the window and the curtain. Pelmets are a traditional style that is making a comeback in cozy styles like English country house decor.

When used right, pelmets lend a cozy charm to your room and help insulate drafty windows. They also allow you to cover the top of the curtain. Therefore, you can mount your curtain on a track for easier maneuvering.

ValanceFabrics and Paper

A valance, also called a soft pelmet, is a short curtain panel hung at the top of the window. You can use valances alone or use them to create a curtain header.

Valances and pelmets have gotten a dated reputation, but many designers are using them in the current design. They add a touch of whimsy to your room and help to frame the window.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ

What type of rod should I use with my curtains?

The type of rod you use should be determined by a few different factors: home decor style, curtain header type, and curtain function needed. Manufacturers create curtain rods using different materials like metal, wood, and plastic. You should choose a rod material and finish that works with your home decor. Also, different curtain tops require different sizes and types of rods. Make sure that these complement one another before buying them. Some curtain rod materials function better than others. For example unfinished wood curtain rods look charming with country decor, but curtains do not slide well on this material. Metal or glossy wood makes curtain functionality easier.

What is the easiest curtain top style to make?

The easier DIY curtain top is flat front curtains. All that is required for this curtain top is basic seams like the bottom edge. If you attach the curtain to the rod with clip rings, there is no other curtain header element that you need.

How many curtain panels should I buy for my window?

The two most important numbers for determining the number of curtain panels you need for your window are the width of the window and the width of the curtain panels you have chosen.

Measure the width of the window and divide the number in two if you want curtains on either side. Then, measure the width of your curtain panel (if your panel is pleated, measure the panel across the pleats rather than laying them flat). Buy the number of panels you need to cover the window. If you want a fuller look, round this number up by one panel per side.

What is the difference between a euro pleat vs pinch pleat?

A euro pleat and pinch pleat are similar, but a euro pleat is gathered at the top and a pinch pleat in the middle. Euro pleats and pinch pleats both have double and triple varieties. Euro pleats have a more modern look than pinch pleats, but both create a full and luxurious look.

Conclusion

Curtain tops are a vital part of curtain design and help set the tone and functionality in your home. As important as curtain headers are, there is so much room for variety.

Designers are offering new ways to reinvent historic styles with fresh and modern appeal.

Therefore, while this is a style decision you will need to make, there are such gorgeous options available, any curtain top you choose can look beautiful.

What types of curtains are. Photo of types of curtains. Description of types of curtains. The main elements in curtains

Before answering the question of what kind of curtains are, we first consider the main elements that make up window curtains. The curtain can be either simple, consisting of one canvas, or containing a set of decorative elements. It is these elements that set the style of the curtain, which in turn sets the style of the window design and affects the design of the room as a whole.

The names of the component parts - elements of curtains will be found later in the description of the types of curtains. Therefore, you need to have an idea about them. So look at the picture:

Basic elements in curtains

Lambrequin - is placed in the upper part of the window decoration composition and is located parallel to the floor or ceiling. According to the texture, lambrequins can be either straight or with folds. There can be many folds or one in the center of the lambrequin. Single folds can be rectangular, triangular and conical. You can hang a lambrequin either by the eaves or directly on the curtains. Also, a lambrequin can be stretched over a frame made of metal, wood or plastic. Such a frame is fixed to the eaves. The main function of lambrequins is decorative, they complete the composition and make the curtains look more balanced and complete.

Curtains - the main element in curtains. Curtains are made of dense, usually opaque fabrics. Curtains can have a double-sided decorative design both on the front and on the back of the canvas. The back part can be contrasting in color with respect to the face of the curtain, or contain a pattern different from the front. The main function of the curtains is to protect the room - during the day from bright light from the windows, and in the evening from prying eyes from the street.

Tiebacks - usually paired elements located along the side edges of the curtains. Are intended for fixing of a curtain in an open state. They can also be used for drapery - assembling curtains and curtains into folds. There are also single pickups. They fix the curtain to one edge.

Curtains - can be used as an additional element in the composition of the window or independently. Curtains are made of light transparent or translucent fabric. Since the curtains allow daylight to pass through well, there is no need to push them apart during the daytime. Curtains closed during the day will well protect the room from onlookers outside the window. And in the evening, curtains will take on this role.

Perhaps everything with the basic elements.

And one more important point. When choosing the type of curtains, do not forget that for different curtains you will also need curtain rods that match the curtains. What kind of cornices are I described in detail in this article. Now let's figure out what curtains are.

Curtains, according to the type of their opening, can be divided into three main types:

Types of sliding curtains

A sliding type of curtains involves opening the curtains to the sides of the window. As a rule, the upper part of such curtains is fixed vertically on the eaves. Sliding curtains can be adjusted in width and height.

Classic straight curtains

This type of curtain is the most widely used. Classic straight curtains consist of thick curtains and light curtains, fixed vertically on the eaves. Lined curtains may be used.

Crossed curtains

These curtains are fixed on opposite sides of the curtain rod. The fabric of the curtains goes criss-cross. Such curtains can consist of two halves, or of one canvas, which is thrown over the eaves.

Cafe Curtains

This type of curtain belongs to short curtains, the length of which does not fall below the upper edge of the window sill. Cafe curtains are attached to a cornice or plank located in the middle of the window. The fabric can be both dense and transparent. In addition, various decorative elements can be used - buttons, loops, eyelets, etc. The height of the cafe curtains allows light to enter the window even when closed.

Curtains with lambrequins

It is clear from the name that this type of curtains is supplemented with decorative elements - lambrequins. Lambrequins can be attached directly to the curtains and have independent fasteners. Lambrequins can have both rigid and soft construction. As a basis for a rigid structure, you can use wooden slats, and for a soft braid. For curtains with lambrequins, it is optimal to use a rail cornice, consisting of several rows for attaching canvases. This type of curtains is used in classical interiors.

Japanese curtains

This type of curtain has a rigid construction. Cloths of curtains are fixed on a framework. Usually the width of one canvas does not exceed 1 meter. Japanese curtains are not adjustable in height, but move along the width of the window. Such curtains are very similar to screens, which are used as light partitions in a room. The use of Japanese curtains is appropriate in the interiors in the Japanese style and in the style of minimalism

Thread curtains (kisei)

This type of curtain is made of heavy silky threads. Due to the weight, the threads do not get tangled. Filament curtains can also be used for decorating doors or zoning space in the interior

Photocurtains

This is a rather new type of curtain for the Russian market. For their manufacture, dense opaque fabrics are used, for example, blackout or satin. For those who like to sleep in the morning, these curtains will be a good surprise. The pattern is applied to the fabric using digital printing. Therefore, under the order, you can make almost any pattern you like on your curtains. In addition, manufacturers make bed linen and tablecloths with photo-printed patterns, which makes it possible to tie together the composition in the interior. Curtains move apart, like ordinary straight curtains to the sides.

Types of lifting curtains

The following type of curtains combines the way they open. Lifting curtains open up with the help of special mechanisms. Roller blinds are not adjustable in width, they have a fixed size, usually it is equal to the width of the window opening. Lifting curtains are also called flat curtains, apparently because when opening the curtain canvas moves along the plane of the window.

Austrian curtains

This type belongs to flat curtains. When lifted, Austrian curtains form elegant undulating folds. When lowered, the curtains hang straight, and are slightly gathered at the bottom.

French curtains

This type is very similar to Austrian curtains. The main difference between French curtains is that they have small horizontal folds both in the raised and lowered state. Such curtains are usually made of lightweight fabric. French blinds are adjustable only in height

Roman blinds

This type of curtain is also referred to as a flat curtain. They are made from thick fabric. Horizontally at equal distances, the fabric is stitched to the full width and forms narrow horizontal pockets into which special strips are inserted.

The upper part of the Roman shade is firmly fixed on a special cornice, which is equipped with a lifting mechanism.

Roman blinds are raised using cords that are threaded into rings on the back of the blind. When lifted, the curtain forms horizontal folds.

Roman blinds are usually used in simple interiors or in the kitchen.

Some types of Roman blinds

English blinds

This type of curtain is a type of Roman blind. The main difference between English and Roman curtains is their splendor. Splendor is created due to the additional width of the fabric. When assembling the curtains, bow lush folds are formed.

Roller blinds

This type of curtain is a flat sheet that is assembled upwards using a special mechanism. The curtain with the help of this mechanism is folded into a roll, which is hidden under the box at the top of the eaves. For lifting, a thread or chain is used, which can be either on the left or on the right side of the roller blind. The mechanism for lifting the curtain provides for fixing the canvas at different heights. The fabric for the manufacture of roller blinds is usually quite dense. It can be either plain or patterned.

The advantage of a roller blind is its compactness. She does not protrude far from the window, and often is completely in the frame. Such curtains will fit well into a minimalist interior.

Pleated curtains

This type of curtain comes from Germany. They are often referred to as pleated blinds. Indeed, pleated blinds look like horizontal blinds. But instead of the slats used in the blinds, the curtains use a dense fabric with folds. Pleated blinds can be used on windows with both simple and complex shapes. Fabrics for pleated curtains are treated with a protective compound that helps the fabric keep its shape and protects it from fading and dust. You can find pleated curtains made of paper.

Types of stationary curtains

This type of curtains is united by the impossibility of their movement. The curtain fabric is fixed on the cornice and does not involve moving the curtain along it. Usually stationary curtains have a decorative function and serve to decorate the interior. For example, you can use them to create the illusion of having a window in a room without windows.

Italian curtains

This type of curtain is a bit like crossed curtains. A feature of Italian curtains is that the curtains are fixed to the eaves without the possibility of their movement from above. To open the curtains, they are simply bred to the sides and tied with tiebacks. In this case, the ties or cord for tying are located closer to the top of the curtain. This technique gives the window an interesting framing line and is a "trick" of Italian curtains. Italian curtains are well suited for non-standard windows. For example, arched. Sometimes, to pick up curtains, they use a simple mechanism consisting of rings and braid. The mechanism is attached to the back of the curtain.

Imperial curtains

Designers consider this type of curtain the most difficult to implement. Imperial curtains are pompous and ceremonial. They will look good in a large room with high ceilings.

Bishop's Sleeve Curtains

Used to give the room a splendor. They are made from both light and dense fabrics. To give the curtains a more expressive volume, inserts from tissue paper or synthetic winterizer are sometimes used.

Stained glass curtains

Due to the similarity, this type of curtain is also called an hourglass. The upper and lower parts of the curtains are fixed on the eaves. In the center, the fabric of the curtain is collected by selection. The requisition may be in the form of a bow. This type of curtain is good to use on small windows in galleries or a summer garden. An hourglass is also used to decorate doors with glass

Curtains for decoration

I singled out these curtains as a separate type because they serve not to decorate windows, but to decorate other elements of the interior.

Curtains for doors and doorways

Curtains for doors can perform several functions

Door curtains can be attached to the cornice above the doorway and directly to the door. Mounting curtains on the door is usually used on doors with glass. Above was an example of such an attachment when describing stained glass curtains.

Canopy curtains

The word canopy comes from the Italian baldacchino, which means "silk fabric from Baghdad. A canopy appeared in the ancient East. Then an umbrella made of fabric was worn over the king, which protected him from the sun and prying eyes. Later, the umbrella turned into a portable throne or bed, protected by a cloth around the perimeter. In the premises, the canopy was used as a curtain over the throne or front seat. Later, the canopy found itself in the bedroom. In Rus', our ancestors used a canopy to protect the baby's bed from drafts and insects - hanging the fabric over the baby's cradle.

Nowadays, the canopy is mainly used in bedrooms. The fabric is hung on special structures - or columns around the bed, as well as on a cornice fixed to the ceiling above the bed. Canopy curtains will give the sleeping nest comfort, and, if necessary, protection from prying eyes.

How to hang curtains

All possible options for attaching curtains to cornices are described in the article Attaching curtains to cornices. Visual overview of possible options

Video types of curtains, what are the curtains

In order to consolidate what you read, I recommend watching the video on my channel. It just sanctifies the topic of the article, only visually. As they say, it's better to see once.

By the way, leave your comments under the video and subscribe to the channel, I will be grateful to you and I will understand that my work is not in vain.

Good viewing.

Video how to choose curtains

Finally, I suggest watching a short video in which the designer will talk about how to choose curtains and what to look for when buying them.

Let me finish this. I hope the review helped you understand a little about the types of curtains.

Types of curtains | Logos

It is difficult to imagine a modern house or apartment without curtains, no matter how modest they are. They create a feeling of warmth and comfort, give completeness to any room, regardless of its purpose and size. In addition, the curtains also perform a practical purpose: they protect from light, wind, and noise. They can emphasize style or hide individual flaws. When entering a room, people first of all pay attention to the windows, and often the overall perception of the space depends on the design of the window.

Refresh the interior, create accents, sometimes even change the style of the interior - this can be done quickly and relatively inexpensively by replacing home textiles.

However, before finally dwelling on the window design option, first of all, decide on the functionality of the curtain set: what functions your curtains should perform in addition to decorating the room. Also, it should be borne in mind that curtains are an important independent element, but they are closely related to all the details of the interior - be it the color and decoration of the walls, the style of the furniture or the flooring. Therefore, we want to draw your attention to the types of curtain products and their application.

The classic set of curtains consists of curtains and curtains, which can be complemented with a lambrequin.

Curtain is a thin, transparent curtain made of nylon, organza, mesh, lace, which is attached closer to the window behind heavier, thicker curtains. The main purpose of curtains is the design of a window opening. Sometimes, if you choose a fabric with a relatively dense texture, the curtain will be able to scatter and dim the sunlight during the day.

Draperies - these are blackout curtains (from the French Porte - door). Curtains can be decorative, that is, they can not perform any functions other than framing the window opening and "working". "Workers" are made in such a way that, if necessary, it is possible to distribute them along the entire length of the eaves, closing the room from light and prying eyes from the street or from a neighboring house.

Curtains and drapes have many options for attaching to the cornice (grommets, straps, backstage, bows, draping ribbons of various patterns), which makes them self-sufficient elements of window design.


Lambrequin - trim in the form of a frill (from the French Lambreguil - decoration), located horizontally above the window, covering the upper part of the curtains. Lambrequin can be attached to a rigid base - "gang" to create a flat plane. Soft lambrequin - drapery made of fabric of different shapes and saturation. It can be either simple (a strip of fabric assembled on a draping tape of a certain pattern with a different assembly factor), or complex, consisting of different elements. Rigid lambrequins are often complemented by soft, draped details (swings, drops, trains, ties).


In addition to the classic ones, there are many options for curtains, different in styles, functions, models. But all of them can be combined with classic curtains, curtains or lambrequins, creating new, often unexpected compositions, decorating the house and performing many functions.

French curtains. They are formed from even, dense, stable folds of fabric. These curtains are distinguished by pomposity, underlined decorativeness. French curtains look most advantageous on the high and wide windows of the main hall, living room, office. Perfectly combined with lambrequins, curtains, they can be both floor-length and shortened.


Roman blinds are flat panels of fabric that are assembled into straight folds under the ceiling using a special mechanism. Due to the use of special inserts at the base of each fold, they form a clear geometric shape. Roman blinds are good in rooms where it is not possible to hang long curtains (kitchen windows, a window near which there is a desk).


Austrian blind is similar to the Roman one. Its mechanism does not have rigid inserts to form straight lines, so when it rises it folds into a loose, soft fold along the bottom cut. It is Austrian curtains that are able to maximize the beauty and texture of the fabric, their soft lines set off classic interiors very favorably.


London (stage) curtains is a design in which the lower part of the curtain, when assembled, is fixed at a certain height with tapes, forming elegant folds. The model is more decorative than functional, laconic, but it is precisely due to this that the pattern and texture of the fabric comes to the fore in it.


Japanese curtains (panels) - a composition of several absolutely even, flat canvases moving along the window. There are rigid inserts at the bottom and top of each piece to keep the fabric in shape. The panels can become a kind of fabric panel decorating the window, but sewn from dense fabric, they take on the functions of curtains.


The Italian curtain is characterized by the fact that it does not close the window, but simply decorates it with its drapery. Its feature is the assembly diagonally upwards, to the edges of the eaves, this can be done with the help of draping tape, decorative ties, cords. Can be used as a decorative curtain in a classic curtain set. Two Italian curtains are very beautiful, hung overlapping and forming two directions of drapery on the window.


"Bishop's Sleeve" - decorative curtain, with a high gathering factor on the top, with voluminous bands forming a rounded, voluminous shape.

Cafe curtains , on the contrary, are purely functional. This is a fabric fixed at about the middle of the window.

Learn more