Curtain
etymologically comes from the Latin "curtain" and means
veil. The curtains are, therefore, those things that prevent
seeing, feeling or hearing other things or situations, hiding them
totally or partially.
In homes, curtains are used to
cover doors or windows, and thus prevent excessive passage of
sunlight, keeping the environment cool in summer and retaining warmth
in the winter; or by preventing external observation, preserving the
privacy of its occupants, or impeding the entry of insects. They are
of different designs and textures, generally of cloth, being also, an
element of ornamentation, that is combined in its tonalities with the
rest of the furniture, and with the color of the walls.
The
bathroom curtains are used so that when bathing the water is
contained within the bath, or the cubicle intended to contain
it.
There is also talk of smokescreens, which can really
allude to the effect produced by smoke so as not to let see through
it, frequently used in wars to hide from the enemy; or
metaphorically, how this expression was used in the American film
that bears that name, released in 1997, to refer to certain facts
that mask real situations, or the true intentions of someone.
The
musical curtains are those used to establish pauses in
the reading of texts, or in radio or television programs, as a way to
separate actions, or parts and give a break to the listener.
It
also designates the residue that remains in the glasses, after
consuming wine.
For many it is simply a
detail to filter the passage of light, but the truth is that the
curtains are a great decorative element, which also fulfill this
useful function. A component that can not be missing in any house or
apartment.
The treatment given to a window can change and
improve the appearance of any room. The curtains not only provide
privacy, but are also essential when it comes to saving energy by
keeping the environment cool or warm depending on the time. They can
also be a genuine tool in decoration: for example, to generate an
effect of greater width of a window or to hide some type of
imperfection. When the ceiling is too low, it can be disguised by
placing the curtains as close as possible to the ceiling and thus
appear higher.
Making your own curtains is a wise and cheaper way
to get exactly what you want from the design point of view. The
process is quite simple and does not require too much skill to sew
them. Many times the curtains that are already made, do not cover all
the requirements, either for the sizes or the designs, and this
confronts us with many limitations when choosing. Choosing the fabric
for the curtains also allows making cushions or covering a chair with
the same material.
A good idea is to combine the color, design
or texture of the curtains with a piece of furniture or another
object in the decoration so that it does not become overwhelming and
too repetitive. With customized curtains, it can also be ensured that
the covering of all the windows of the house has some continuity, so
that there is a homogeneous look when viewed from the
outside.
Aesthetic and practical criteria
When dressing
windows, aesthetic and practical criteria must be combined, since the
amount of light we wish to maintain and the dimensions of the room
must determine the choice. A recommended option is to superimpose
several curtains and accessories. This traditional formula allows to
adjust the luminous intensities and also guarantees the final result.
The great innovation consists of alternating textures and materials
that were previously unthinkable.
Thus, it is possible to resort
to the classic union of the curtain and the curtain that moves away
from the white and smooth model to be animated with more daring
colors and coordinated prints. The advantage of this combination is
that the curtain does not substantially reduce light, but it
preserves the domestic privacy of the eyes of others.
There
are several ways to dress the windows of a house to give them their
own personality: with coordinated prints, with lined galleries,
combining curtains and blinds.
Depending on the style of the
curtains, different and original environments can be created. The
classic double curtains, are left behind, leaving room for modern or
Chinese style, with one-piece roller blinds (blinds) whose mechanism
is simpler and more hygienic.
Roman shades are similar to
blinds. They are vertical, smooth curtains that fold vertically
forming an accordion by means of horizontal rods, sewn at regular
intervals inside the fabric. The mechanism is operated by a
cord.
The sliding curtains that are hooked by rings and deploy
to the sides, are the classic ones that have been used at all
times.
The choice of the fabric will be based on the type of
curtain that has been chosen. It should be considered that there are
fabrics in various compositions and styles. For curtains to wind, for
example, hard fabrics like canvas, linen, thick cotton. The
curtains of barral, admit any type of
fabric. The variety of fabrics for curtains includes brocades, linen,
voile, organza, velvet. The most important thing to know if a fabric
is suitable for making curtains is its fall, that is, its weight, the
way in which the fabric hangs from the air, the fall must be soft and
natural. Many fabrics made with artificial fibers are very resistant
but tend to be stiff and are not suitable for curtains.
In the
end, what really determines the style of the curtains is the pucker,
the way to hang them and the chosen support. A side finished in waves
and braided cord clamp, reinforce the classic and sober air.
Source: de conceptos, perfil .com