The interior design of an apartment or cottage is unthinkable without the design of window openings. Therefore, the choice of curtains is of great importance. The arsenal of these accessories is limitless, it can be very difficult to stop at one thing. However, among them there is a model - the so-called Greek curtains, which is difficult to miss. Their basic difference is a distinctive antique pattern, which most often represents a geometric and natural ornament. Everything else is already secondary, although it is also the hallmark of Greek-style curtains: strict forms, a wealth of accessories, natural fabrics. All these features make them attractive for use in homes and apartments.
Features of the
Greek style curtains stand out from the crowd of window accessories. They are distinguished by strict and regular lines, ideal for hot summer weather. These models have distinctive features:
- simplicity and elegance;
- environmental friendliness - natural fabrics, lightweight, freely letting in fresh air, at the same time dense and opaque, reliably protecting from ultraviolet radiation;
- characteristic ornament - the obligatory use of an antique pattern;
- symmetry - symmetrical arrangement and placement of parts;
- versatility - such models adapt to any interior, fit any room;
- simplicity of sewing - no patterns, you just need to measure the fabric, cut and process the seams. The ability to sew at home without special skills;
- easy maintenance - the curtain can be quickly removed and washed, does not require special care.
Fabrics, color palette, ornament
Almost all curtain models are distinguished by natural tones of Greek curtains. Only natural colors are used in the production - the color of the sky, sea, sand, ocher or light green olives. Warm natural tones are very common, all shades of beige and sand.
Some Greek interiors are dominated by black and white options. As a rule, Greek curtains are made in two colors, for which contrasting combinations are chosen. Canvases of white and black colors can alternate, which creates the impression of columns, pulling the space of the room upwards. Classic Greek curtains are white canvases with a contrasting black ornament on the edges.
For the manufacture of Greek curtains, only natural fabrics are used, such as linen, sometimes it is dense cotton, jute or other dense materials. The exception is velvet and leather fabrics - in this case, they are contraindicated.
The fabrics from which Greek curtains are made must contain a specific antique ornament that has come down to our time from Ancient Greece:
- Cretan wave - a wavy rhythmic ornament with smooth transitions;
- palmetta - an ornament stylized as a palm leaf;
- floral ornament;
- images of mythical gods, antique vases, columns;
- meander (Greek key) - a kind of Cretan wave, looks like an endless broken line that bends at right angles. This pattern borders the edge of the canvas.
Types of Greek curtains
For the manufacture of Greek curtains, there is no prohibition on the most varied types of curtains. These can be various options:
Classic - curtain canvases framed with the obligatory antique ornament, for example, a meander, floor-length, with deep folds, which must be evenly distributed on the canvases, in the form of rhythmic vertical waves. Windows can be fixed from different sides with a special decorative tape. Such curtains are sliding and one-sided, they can be one canvas, where the use of a lambrequin is possible. When draping, you need to take care of the image so that the waves do not violate the integrity of the picture. Greek curtains do not always have transparent curtains, as they originated from the Mediterranean countries, where their role is not so important
If desired, you can use transparent curtains, which does not contradict the Greek style. Cornice, eyelets and tie-backs may also contain antique motifs. Instead of fringes on the curtains, an ornament of a contrasting color is used along the edges of the canvas.
- Roll or roller shutters - made of dense natural fabric, which is very typical for the Greek style. When lifting, the curtain is screwed onto the upper shaft using a special mechanism, for this it is enough to activate the chain. These models are produced with different light transmittance, they are also available in rich colors. There are options with electrical control, this is convenient if access to the window opening is closed for some reason. You can control such a mechanism by means of a remote control or a button on the wall. In exceptional cases, Greek roller shutters are included in the “smart home” system;
- Roman - a rectangular canvas, which, when rolled up, forms horizontal folds overlapping each other;
- Greco-Roman - a variation of the Roman ones, but unlike them, they do not rise up, but are removed to the side. The canvas is attached to the cornice or to the window frame. A special cord located on the side serves to unfold the curtain. When folded, the curtains are tied in the middle with a decorative tape.
- Curtains-curtains - are obtained from heavy and very dense fabrics, which are rolled up from the center to the edges of the window opening and fixed with special grabs.
- Jalousie - should be made only of natural materials: wood, bamboo, matting. They are hypoallergenic, do not fade in the sun, lightweight, durable and moisture resistant. Easy to care for.
Greek curtains in the interior
Let's consider the most relevant options:
Living room. In the interior of the spacious living room, Greek-style products made of cloth and wool are used, in some cases, when the design requires it, burlap canvases are used. Symmetrically positioned curtains decorate the window with correctly laid folds. To keep the rhythm, sometimes plastic clips or strips of fabric are inserted. The classic version of Greek curtains is complemented by fixed lambrequins. This adds luxury to the room. Lambrequins can be made of lightweight fabrics that will not burden the structure, but, on the contrary, will give the interior of the room airiness. The classic option is not the only one for decorating a Greek-style living room. In this room, Roman and roll options will be appropriate, bamboo blinds and matting products are suitable
When decorating a window with Greek curtains, it is important to ensure the symmetry of all details. To attach the canvases to the cornice, curtain hairpins or brushes are used.
Kitchen. In the kitchen space, window openings are usually decorated with Greco-Roman or roller blinds, which is also very characteristic of the Greek style. Often it is a light palette: pastel colors, creams, shades of sand. The kitchen is the exception to the Greek interior, where you can deviate from the correct geometry. There are soft stains, floral motifs in the ornament
If you have chosen a classic Greek curtain for the kitchen, a lambrequin or cords can complement it.
Bedroom. The main task of the curtains in the bedroom is to cover the face of a sleeping person from bright sunlight, while fresh air must enter the room through them. Therefore, Greek curtains are made of dense materials of natural origin, for example, bleached linen, cotton. Here in the interior, the best option would be classic sliding curtains, not weighted with a lambrequin
Double-sided curtains will perfectly fit into the interior, in which one color is placed on one side, and a contrasting one on the other. In this case, the most effective option for the bedroom will be a tandem of black, which traditionally protects well from the sun's rays, and elite gold, which will give a special style. Bedroom windows are also well protected by Greco-Roman models
You can see even more options for Greek curtains in the interior in the video below.