Beautifully decorated window openings can give even the most trivial interior charm and sophisticated appearance, not to mention a serious design approach to planning the decoration of the room.
Exquisite curtains are not only a decoration for a room, they help create a cozy atmosphere that allows you to relax and unwind after an active day. Curtains can look like a real work of art if swag are used to create them. Perhaps not everyone is familiar with a similar name. But if you imagine exquisite expensive curtains, then most likely they will be decorated with a lambrequin with swagas.
Let's take a closer look at this element, which is used as a decorative component when sewing elegant and luxurious curtains.
What it is?
Swag is used to decorate a window opening. It is part of a horizontal soft lambrequin, which is designed to give curtains a sophisticated and sophisticated appearance. Despite the fact that swagas are considered an integral element of the classic style, this does not mean that they are not used in other stylistic directions. On the contrary, the correct selection of colors and textures will help revitalize a room decorated in the Modern and even Hi-tech style, bringing in its share of the avant-garde.
"Swag" in translation from English means "garland" or "ornament in the form of leaves." It is made in the form of a semicircle, hanging freely, and consists of beautiful draped folds.
In one lambrequin, several swags can be used simultaneously, which are located, as it were, overlapping each other. If such attributes are placed side by side so that they do not overlap each other, then an additional decorative element must be sewn between them, which will fill the resulting space. A tie or chill mold can act as such an additional part.
A standard swag should be cut at a 45 degree angle. Such a condition must be observed so that such an accessory turns out to be a semicircular shape. Before sewing it on, the master assembles the swag on a special stand, carefully laying each fold, forming a beautiful lambrequin.
Views
Swags do not always have the same width, for example, the center piece may be smaller than the side pieces. Being at different heights from the cornice, they form a two-level composition.
Creating a swag is a rather troublesome and painstaking task, but there are easier and simpler options, for example, "shell". Even a novice craftswoman can drape such an option. It got a similar name due to its similarity to a sea shell.
There are several varieties of such an element for decorating window openings, each of which has its own flavor and is characterized by distinctive features.
Swags come in a variety of designs, including two-tier, the most popular of which are:
Symmetric - has equilateral "wings" that differ in the same size. A similar view is located in a horizontal plane relative to the entire curtain fabric at the same height
Asymmetric is an asymmetric composition, that is, individual elements can be at different levels or have sides that have different sizes. In such a model, there can also be asymmetrically laid shoulders. On the one hand, the shoulder gathers in one fold, on the other there may be a certain distance between them. Asymmetric models also include one-sided swags, which have one wide and the second narrow wing
Vertical shoulder - one of the wings of this option is located in the vertical plane relative to the set of curtains. The folds of such a swag are also laid vertically in relation to the cornice, as if they were lowered down
Rolling into de jabot (second name - one-piece) - part of the lambrequin, shaped like a semicircle, it is laid with smooth folds. The one-piece fabric passes into the side of the de jabot
With sag or crossover - a similar lambrequin element is distinguished by an upper gap or, as it is also called, an upper sag. The first and all subsequent folds are attached along the upper border of the cornice on the wing, and the middle one is started up, forming a kind of hole (arc)
Thanks to the presence of such an element, you can create decorative patterns from curtains, giving the room sophistication and elegance.
Materials (edit)
It is necessary to choose the material for such an element with special care, since the entire appearance of the resulting composition depends on it.
If you want the swag folds to be soft, then opt for a fabric that drapes easily. If the curtains are made of tulle, this will create a romantic atmosphere in the room.
The designers also did not pass by hard fabrics that are difficult to drape. Using this material, you will get broken lines that will give the impression of chaos, but will perfectly fit into the interior, made in a modern style.
Swagi made of silk fabric will add luxury to the room and create the impression of a rich decoration. Light fabrics, for example, curtains made of voile, organza or satin, will look perfect in a classic style, giving the room aristocracy and grace.
You can sew a similar lambrequin element on the lining, giving restraint to the appearance of the curtains. In this case, a thin layer of padding polyester or flannel should be placed between the base material and the lining. This trick will help the folds look more voluminous.
Colors
Swag, and in general, curtains can have different colors, you can use a combination of two colors or use a variety of patterns. The main thing in this business is not to overdo it and adhere to the design rule - in one composition there should not be more than three tones or three prints. The optimal and most popular option is two-tone models. A harmonious combination of shades will add expressiveness to the window opening. It is not necessary that these are pastel colors, a contrasting combination of two colors will also look great.
Do not limit the flight of your imagination, and choose a different color palette for decorating windows, the main rule is a harmonious combination with the general color scheme of the room.
When choosing the optimal shade for a swag, you can be guided by:
- the color scheme in which the adjacent walls are made;
- used textiles (pillows, bedspreads);
- shade of carpet on the floor;
- the color of curtains or curtains.
It is very important that the swag do not merge with the walls, so choose shades that are several tones lighter or darker than the wall decoration. Keep in mind that curtains that are too dark can seem cumbersome.
Length
When creating sophisticated curtains, you need to decide on the length of the swags. Please note that models with falling elements can visually reduce the height of the window opening, while short ones, on the contrary, will give it length.
Please note that a long lambrequin will block out a fairly large part of the sunlight, therefore, it is better to choose this option for a bedroom, where the natural twilight will contribute to rest and relaxation. Short options are preferred by those who cannot imagine their life without sunlight and space.
The optimal length of the swag is considered to be a classic value, which is 1/6 of the distance from the eaves to the floor.
How to assemble?
Sewing a swag on your own is quite difficult, since you will have to observe the proportions very precisely. It is very painstaking to build and lay folds.
To do everything right and simplify the task at hand, you can lay out this element on the curtain tape, and not do it manually.
The process of building an asymmetric swag step by step is as follows:
- Create a pattern for this product.
- Next, unfold all the necessary elements.
- Place the workpiece on the assembly rail, mark the specific dimensions of the product on it, securing the two ends of the fabric with pins.
- You need to lay the folds, starting from the first, from the middle, secure each element with pins. Try to get the same parts. If necessary, you can always correct the result obtained.
- When you get the look you like, you can trim off the unwanted fabric from the bottom edge.
- Next, bast with threads from the wide part of the folds, and then from the narrow one.
- After that, remove the swag from the stick and cut off the unnecessary fabric from the upper part, leaving a gap of 2-3 centimeters for processing the seam.
- The middle and bottom of the product must be treated with an oblique inlay.
- As a final step, you need to process all the seams on a sewing machine.
Having formed semicircles that resemble shells, you can place them next to each other, and decorate the resulting space with a tie or chill mold.
When creating swag with jabots, make the bottom edge beveled so that it has teeth during assembly.
To form a swag with a flip, you do not need complex cutting and sewing, it is enough to beautifully throw the fabric over the bar on the cornice, creating folds that will hang in random order.
Interior options
Swag is a spectacular addition to the curtains, giving them an elegant appearance. Therefore, it must be in harmony with the chosen style of the room. Due to its versatility, such a detail in the design of a window opening will look great in a room made in a classic style, in Modernism, and in Provence.
A bedroom dominated by the classics will look more luxurious and sophisticated if you use not only swag but also ties. The interweaving of fabrics of a varied color palette will also give the room a spectacular look.
For a romantic and at the same time cozy room, decorated in the Provence style, use airy fabrics and light draperies, swag wrinkles should be as soft and delicate as possible.
For a living room made in the Baroque style or theatrical Art Deco, it is also better to use graceful soft lines, for example, using lined swagi. In the design of the living room, try to combine fabric, decoration and decor as much as possible. The best option would be deep shades of purple, brown, gold, green tones, they will give the room a shine of precious stones.
Curtains with swagas have an elegant and sophisticated appearance, with their mere presence they transform the room. With a wide variety of models and design options, they will look great in any type of room: be it a living room, bedroom or kitchen. The most important thing is to choose the right color and texture. Do not be afraid to experiment, and then your window opening will become a real work of art that will hide or decorate the view from the window.
For information on how to lay and assemble an asymmetrical swag without patterns and patterns, see the next video.
