Scandinavian style curtain design: features, types, materials, colors

Features of the choice of curtains

For Scandinavian interior it is necessary to choose curtains:

• simple and laconic forms;
• calm colors;
• sewn from natural fabrics.

Pictured is a Scandinavian-style dining room located by a window with linen curtains.

Pictured is a Scandinavian-style living room with milky curtains.

What types of curtains are best used in the interior?

In Scandinavian interiors, you can use both long flowing curtains and tulle, as well as short louvered curtains. The main requirement for the textile design of window openings is restraint, simplicity and ease of use.

Curtains

Long draped curtains are usually translucent and do not block direct sunlight from entering the living space. Often they are used without tulle, which creates a feeling of unity with nature outside the window.

Curtains (tulle)

Curtains, or sheer tulle, are also found in Scandinavian interiors. They transmit light well and decorate the window.

Roman curtains

Roman blinds are used as an independent element for window decoration, and as an addition to long curtains.

Pictured is a Scandinavian living room with cotton roman blinds.

Jalousie

Blinds in Swedish design are quite common, as they have a laconic look and support the aesthetics of minimalism in the interior.

Roller blinds

Roller blinds also support the Scandinavian direction and are quite practical to use.

What material to choose for curtains?

Natural fabrics are used as material for curtains. It is practical, aesthetically pleasing and laconic, which is most consistent with the Swedish approach to interior design. The following materials are used in sewing curtains:

• Linen - natural fabric, woven from plant fibers and having a characteristic structure. Linen curtains are light permeable, hygroscopic and durable. The fabric is easily wrinkled, it is not always draped perfectly, and this just characterizes the Scandinavian style, far from pretentiousness and pomp. When determining the length of the curtains, it should be borne in mind that pure linen is prone to shrinkage, but if there is a small amount of viscose in the composition, then the fabric becomes more static. Linen has natural colors, or is dyed in light shades.
• Cotton - natural fabric of plant origin, quite dense and elastic. Its structure depends on the method of production, the thickness and configuration of the threads. The material dyes well, which means it is ideal for colored curtains. They wrinkle slightly, easily drape, and do not interfere with the penetration of sunlight into the room.
• Chintz - thin cotton fabric, obtained by tightly weaving threads, due to which it becomes elastic and static. This allows you to use chintz for sewing roller blinds and roman blinds. Thin, translucent chintz curtains also fit perfectly into the Scandinavian style, they create a cozy atmosphere and are unpretentious to use. They can be either plain or colored.
• Muslin - natural fabric, woven on the basis of cotton, silk or wool. The properties of the material depend on the composition. So, the cotton component gives strength and uniformity of the structure, silk makes the fabric smooth, thin and elastic, and wool gives structure and friability. Muslin curtains have a soft texture, excellent drape and unique tactile properties.

In the photo there is a cozy living room in a Scandinavian style with beige curtains with hooks.

Types of cut of Scandinavian curtains

Window textiles provide a simple cut and restrained design, but accents are allowed. For example, you can sew on hinged curtains with piping sewn on top or bottom, or add vertical strips of fabric. Various frills and lambrequins are not welcome, but laconic hooks can be used.

The photo shows a stylish Scandinavian-style bedroom with laconic curtains on the hinges.

Photo ideas in the interior of rooms

There are many options for window decoration, depending on the purpose of the room.

Kitchen

Scandinavian-style kitchen curtains maximize the view outside the window and let light into the room. This creates the necessary comfort for cooking and eating. Curtains can be long if space permits. In small kitchens, practical short, roller or roman blinds are used.

In the photo there is a kitchen with an accent wall and dark curtains made of natural fabric.

Living room or hall

The curtains for the living room in Swedish style bring home coziness and set you up for relaxation with a family.

Bedroom

Curtains for a Scandinavian bedroom create a feeling of protection from the outside world, but do not overload the room.

Children's room

The world of a child's room should be individual and special. In Swedish design, not only children's toys, books, decor, but also curtains are bright details.

Loggia or balcony

According to the Scandinavians, curtains on a loggia or balcony should not block the view of the beautiful scenery outside the window.

In the photo there is a loggia with a seating area and stained glass windows framed by curtains.

Color spectrum

Scandinavian-style curtains should either dissolve in the overall color scheme, or create an accent in the interior. If it is a soft, muted color palette, pastel colors, then curtains of the most delicate, light shades are suitable. If the interior is made up of contrasts, then you can use curtains with geometric patterns inherent in this particular style, for example, a zigzag, a strip or a repeating pattern.

The most acceptable colors for curtains:

• White - will make the interior light and airy.
• Grey - will combine white walls and black decor into a single ensemble.
• Turquoise - will set off the cold colors of the Scandinavian interior.
• Yellow - will revive the interior and add sunshine.
• Beige - will create an atmosphere of warmth and comfort.
• Pink - will give the room softness.
• Blue - will add elegance to the interior.

Pictured is a cozy Scandinavian-style bedroom with pink curtains.

Recommendations for choosing a Scandinavian style cornice

In Scandinavian interiors, the simplest and most laconic cornices are used, as a rule, single ones.

The type of attachment is different:

• Round cornices with wall mounting. Curtains are strung on them, equipped with loops, rings or eyelets. Such curtain holders are convenient in everyday life and act as a decorative element when decorating Scandinavian-style windows.
• Flat ceiling cornices, which are as invisible as possible in the interior. At the same time, special braids and hooks are used to hang the curtains.Such cornices can be hidden in a specially arranged niche under the ceiling, which allows you to achieve the effect of "floating" curtains.

Pictured is a Scandinavian bedroom with linen curtains.

Photo gallery

When choosing curtains in the Scandinavian style, it must be remembered that aesthetics is simplicity and naturalness.