Each historical era and any geographical region has unique features of the decoration of the premises. The interiors of living rooms and offices of cold Scandinavian countries are immediately recognizable. Transparency and lightness, simplicity and comfort characterize the Scandinavian style.
Scandinavian-style curtains retain all the features of this style.
Now everything is on the shelves.
Characteristic Style Features
The first thing that attracts attention is a restrained style of execution without unnecessary frills and decor. The Scandinavians are people of calm, balanced disposition. And this is reflected in everything that surrounds them.
The most characteristic features inherent in curtains made in the Scandinavian style:
- long, almost to the floor, panels used for curtains,
- simple cornices
- the almost complete absence of additional decor,
- calm, eye-pleasing colors.
Windows designed in this way are not a catchy accent in the interior, but emphasize the coziness created in the room.
Scandinavian style curtain fabrics
Residents of the northern countries are especially inclined to appreciate the heat retained by the natural materials that they use in everyday life. In the Scandinavian style, the curtains are made from natural fabrics.
Cotton and linen are preferred. which are pleasant to the touch and create a sense of comfort better than their synthetic competitors.
In the photo, curtains made of cotton
In the photo, curtains from linen
To allow maximum sunlight into the room, curtains are selected light, almost transparent fabrics:
Modern manufactories offer an extensive selection of mixed fabrics. Along with the cotton or linen component, a small proportion of polymer fibers is present in them. Due to this composition, the fabrics differ little from natural materials, but become more practical and durable.
All these fabrics are characterized by a simple plain weave, freely transmitting air and scattering light streams. Lightweight air sheets form soft folds and do not load the window opening.
In the photo, the muslin fabric
For curtains in the Scandinavian style, the use of light, soft patterns along the edge, more often floral or geometric patterns, is permissible.
They are able to hide the atmosphere of the room from the eyes of an external observer, but at the same time they do not interfere with the penetration of the light flux through the window.
If circumstances allow, and there is no need to completely block the window opening, design professionals recommend leaving part of the window uncovered, shifting the curtain to one side of the cornice. In this way, you can visually free up space and fill the room with airiness.
There are design options and no curtains at all. In my opinion it is not very comfortable.
The photo shows an example of a Scandinavian interior without curtains
If you need to better maintain confidentiality or create a blackout in the room, at the same time as the Scandinavian-style curtains, you can use blinds, Roman or roller blinds made of denser materials.
The photo shows an example of a combination of light curtains and a dense roller blind
Scandinavian-style curtain color palette
The colors of the Norwegian fjords firmly fit into the aesthetics of the life of the northern peoples. But unlike the gloomy colors of harsh rocks and the cold sea, northerners try to use much lighter shades in their homes.
Pictured are Norwegian fjords for your inspiration.
- Pearl gray - emphasizes a balanced and calm atmosphere, while at the same time giving it business restraint.
- Tender greens pastel tones - a reminder of a short summer helps to give the room freshness and peace, brightening the gloom of cloudy winter days.
- Blue shades - Blurred paintings of the sea will give a romantic mood and add volume to the room.
- Cream tones - allow you to give softness to the lighting, add visual heat and smooth out the sharpness of the shadows.
- White color in all shades - The most popular choice for Scandinavian style curtains. Like snow, which can be anything but pure white, such curtains made of thin fabric will store a wide variety of partial shades and half tones in their folds, giving the room constant novelty and originality at different hours of the day.
TIP: In the interior of the room, you can advantageously use the original effect that occurs when external light penetrates through a translucent fabric. The illuminated folds of subtle matter seem to emit their own radiance. This gives the window a unique look, attracting attention and creating a special atmosphere in the room. Harmoniously selected furniture and color matching wallpapers will help to create the perfect interior, in which there is no need to change anything.
Scandinavian style curtain decor
To maintain restraint in style, windows use a minimum of decorative elements, and accessories are selected to be extremely simple in appearance and not burdened with excess finishes:
- no frills, creases, lambrequins,
- as pickups - strips from the same fabric as the curtains,
- the window opening is not loaded with additional tulles or heavy curtains,
- To enhance the impermeability effect, the simplest visual blinds or lifting curtains are used.
Scandinavian-style curtain rod selected single, simplest design, with wall mount. Massive, detail-rich options that degrade the ease of visual perception of a window opening should be avoided. As suspensions rings or loops are traditionally used, freely moving along the cornice in the form of a tube.
A variant is possible when the kvrniz is not at all visible. It is located behind a false ceiling. For this, string eaves or tire eaves are suitable.
The photo shows an example of a hidden cornice
If you want to get acquainted with the types of cornices in detail, read this article.
Scandinavian curtains in the interior
Designers recommend safely choose the Scandinavian style for curtains in any room. Such curtains can equally well be used in the decoration of windows, both living rooms and offices.
To pretty strict and somewhat modest curtains harmoniously fit into the atmosphere, you need to choose the right color for each room:
- for the living room cream, white, blue tones are more suitable, to give a romantic mood to the fabric, there may be drawings made in tones close to the base,
- in the bedroom it’s more appropriate to use calm colors - green, turquoise, cream, and soft loops, for which curtains are hung by a curtain rod, will help to avoid unnecessary noise
- on the kitchen the colors are soft and warm - different shades of cream or green, you can give the mood a contrasting color of the cornice and pickup,
- children's room, designed both for active pastime and for relaxation, will look good with Scandinavian-style curtains of plant colors or aquamarine color, a fun pick-up in the form of a cartoon character or an easy print on the canvas can be a great decorative solution,
- in the office It is recommended to give preference to curtains of more strict and restrained tones - shades of gray or blue, classic white color, a stylish addition will be a metallized cornice and furniture accessories selected to match it.
Advantages and disadvantages of Scandinavian style curtains
Such curtains today are of great interest among design professionals and consumers. Designers are willing to choose this type of window decoration due to its versatility and the advantages include:
- long straight curtains can add charm and become the perfect complement to almost any room,
- they harmoniously combine with most modern and classic interior styles,
- have an extremely simple cut and are not burdened with details,
- do not require an abundance of decorative elements,
- The mounting design is as simple and easy to install.
Choosing a Scandinavian style curtains, need to remember some disadvantages of this option:
- they do not give dense shading,
- do not allow you to create a bright colorful interior,
- They look quite modest compared to chiffon or velvet curtains,
- not suitable for lovers of palace styles,
- not intended for rooms with a mass of small elements.
How to not use Scandinavian curtains
Such curtains with strict silhouettes and a minimum of decorative details require special attention when filling the room with decoration elements. Unforgivable design errors can completely destroy the harmony of perception of the room’s atmosphere:
- combining the pretentiousness and pomposity inherent in some styles with the severity of the lines of Scandinavian curtains,
- color incompatibility of decor elements, as well as disharmony of color saturation in different elements of room decoration,
- the wrong choice of flooring - the Scandinavian style is characterized by the use of wood and the use of carpets of arbitrary shape,
- an abundance of small items, wall decorations, the presence of stucco moldings or bulky antique lamps.
Features
Each apartment owner, not even being a professional designer, chooses curtains, taking into account the characteristics of the room, taste preferences and style. Consider some guidelines when choosing a Scandinavian-style curtain.
- Artificial light and natural light. As you know, on the northern side of the planet there are few sunny days. The creators of the Swedish curtains took this fact into account, and gave the world light curtains. With their help, the room is illuminated in the best way. Soft color and unobtrusive ornament give a harmonious and emotional atmosphere.
- Lack of massive accessories. Scandinavian-style curtains do not need heavy decorating details, which will only upset the appearance and general style.
- Natural textile. Proximity to nature in the color scheme is a priority.
- Only light colors and shades. Small drawings may be dark.
Characteristic features of the style
Northern residents, not accustomed to a sparing climate, are more careful about their natural resources, and therefore in their homes natural materials often prevail both in decoration and decor. In the Scandinavian interior you will find a wooden floor, solid wood furniture, the walls are either papered or trimmed with decorative plaster. Animal skins are often used as carpets. Textiles are chosen exclusively from natural fabrics, this applies not only to curtains, but also to furniture upholstery, rugs and other decorative elements.
Due to the lack of sunlight in Sweden, the Scandinavian style carries the main task: to fill the room with light and heat as much as possible. To do this, you need to use fabrics that transmit light well, and warm warming shades in curtains and other decor.
Scandinavia is not the sunniest country, and warm bright days for locals are a rarity and joy. To prevent their living quarters from melancholy and despondent, the designers, developing this style, decided to use light as the main, leading color of the interior, and let dark colors occasionally remind of themselves in small details. And with the addition of yellow, orange and red, the interior will become even warmer and more comfortable. Strict and concise - does not mean plain. Small floral prints, geometric patterns on furniture and curtains are quite acceptable in style, they will add even more variety and taste to it.
Colors and fabrics for curtains
It is customary to sew curtains in the Scandinavian style from natural fabrics: cotton, linen, muslin, cambric, and chintz. Through material, the Scandinavians express all their love for nature and naturalness. Synthetic fibers will interfere with the creation of a unique and ideal interior that conveys all the features of northern life. In addition, only natural materials can create a truly warm and homely atmosphere that is not characteristic of artificial fibers.
Heavy fabrics for curtains such as velvet, satin and velveteen are not suitable for the Swedish style, they will load the interior filling a lot of space. But a dense cambric of light tones may well decorate a window in a cozy Scandinavian bedroom.
The basic colors for the northern interior are:
White - a unique color that is suitable for any design ideas. He gave a feeling of lightness and freedom, expands the walls with a visual perception of the room.
Beige - A warm shade formed from the basic brown tone. The whole interior can be built on this scale, and the bright details in the form of curtains will be accents that attract attention.
Grey - a classic color for Scandinavian curtains. It carries with it rigor, conciseness and creates clear style boundaries.
Shades of blue - Despite the fact that this is a rather cold range, in the Scandinavian style its use is quite popular. For night curtains in combination with white transparent curtains, you can use turquoise blackout curtains.
Menthol - a color that converts daylight into soft shades that warm a cold northern house. Such curtains will serve as a beautiful decor of windows in the living room, combined with bright little things.
Grassy green - a truly natural color. On a cold winter day, such curtains will remind you of a rare spring sun and fresh grass.
As for the patterns on the Scandinavian curtains, there is no place for bright, sticky patterns here. Mostly they use a small pattern in the form of flowers, abstractions, geometric and floral ornaments.
Accessories for North Curtains
As such, there are no accessories for Scandinavian curtains. There are several taboos that need to be eliminated when creating a strict and indifferent style.
- The complete absence of ruffles, shuttlecocks, lush pickups and lace fabrics.
- If you really like lambrequins, then you have to limit yourself to only tough models. Fanciful decorations are not welcome and simply inappropriate in the interior with a sleek design.
- Garters and cords imitating expensive products made of precious metals, complemented by glass beads do not match this style and will look completely ridiculous in the curtains.
It is better to make curtains simple in every sense: a simple fabric with an original color, a simple straight cut, the absence of elaborate nakapisty decorations - and the Scandinavian curtains will turn out to correspond to the set style. It is better to pay more attention to artificial lighting if your bedroom or living room does not face the sunny side. The decor typical of the north in the form of wooden furniture, stairs, animal skins is also emphasized.
Types of cut
For the Nordic style, various types of curtains are suitable that meet the main requirements of the style: conciseness, rigor, simplicity and functionality. By these parameters, everyone’s favorite Roman and roller blinds are suitable. They are convenient to operate and easy to care for, easily fit into any interior and area. Especially Roman curtains and blinds are good in the kitchen, where practicality comes first. It is better to choose a not too easily soiled color - gray, purple. But if the window is far from the cooking zone, then you can pay attention to yellow, cream and even white products.
The classic straight cut of Scandinavian style curtains is traditionally used in cozy bedrooms. Floor length, the absence of excessive decorations, eye-pleasing colors can create a unique design that will delight again and again, and give only positive feelings. For a living room of such a cut, curtains are an excellent option in combination with lifting curtains. The colors for the guest room are neutral: gray, white in combination with black, it is possible to create a bright accent in a lightly decorated living room.
Despite all its rigor, the Scandinavian style has become popularly used to design children's rooms. By the way, this is a great option: choosing natural fabrics, reasonable colors, wooden furniture and storage systems, we create the ideal environment for the harmonious growth and development of the child. In cut absolutely any curtains will fit here. Roman curtains are leaders for children's bedrooms in their practicality and safety. Classic on the floor are more suitable for adult children who know how to control their movements and show their creativity on paper or easel.
The photos selected by us will allow us to more clearly present what the severe Scandinavian style in the interior looks like.
Using Scandinavian curtains in different rooms
The use of curtains in the Scandinavian style is possible in rooms for various purposes.
A great option for the kitchen is a light curtain made of translucent cotton fabric in white or beige. You can even sew an openwork curtain. By the way, in Scandinavia they prefer to install a rolled or Roman curtain of light shades on the kitchen window.
In the living room it is so important to create coziness, since here the family gathers for spending time together. Many Scandinavian-style designers advise leaving the living room window open for sun exposure, i.e. Do not curtain it with a canvas. But in Russia it is not customary to do without curtains. The windows of the Scandinavian-style living room can be decorated with light, light curtains in a simple cut. Creases and complex draperies, any decorations and decorative elements are not permissible. Curtains sewn in the form of ribbons from the same fabric as the main fabric can decorate the curtains.
In the sleeping room I want to protect myself from the sun's rays penetrating early in the morning, or from the eyes of strangers, especially if this is the 1st floor. It would seem that the bedroom needs more dense curtains. But the Swedish style does not allow the use of something heavy. Choosing the curtains for the Scandinavian bedroom, you should act in accordance with the same rules as for the living room. And blinds will help protect against prying eyes: they are installed in addition to curtains.
In the room for the child, direct curtains of cream or any other light shade will be quite appropriate. They can be translucent, so that the sun's rays easily penetrate into the room, creating an atmosphere of warmth and comfort.
What materials are suitable for Scandinavian curtains?
In the classic version, the Scandinavian style involves the use of natural materials - cotton, linen, muslin (cotton, wool or silk), chintz. They are hypoallergenic, pleasant to the touch, create a cozy atmosphere. However, such fabrics must be carefully taken care of: washed by hand in slightly warm water using gentle detergents, dried straightened, gently ironed at a minimum temperature. Otherwise, the canvas will shrink and lose shape.
A modern alternative is mixed fabrics made from combinations of natural and synthetic fibers. Such materials combine the aesthetics of canvases made from natural threads and the practicality of synthetics. For curtains, translucent fabrics are usually chosen. If you want to periodically create a complete or almost complete blackout, light curtains combine with blinds.
Scandinavian style curtain colors
The basic color of the curtains and blinds chosen to design the room in the northern style is white, but more often not strict, “official” white, and its shades are ivory (“ivory”), baked milk, mother of pearl, cotton. There is another warm shade - stockhgolmsvit ("Stockholm white"). It is obtained by adding a little gray and yellow to white.
What problems do window-shielding systems of white color and its shades solve:
- visually increase the volume of the room and its height, for this the curtains are attached to the very top of the wall,
- create a relaxed atmosphere and make even a small dark room cozy,
- inform the interior elegant and solemn appearance.
White fabrics made from blended fibers are easy to care for since more aggressive detergents can be used for them compared to non-ferrous materials.
For the design of windows in the Scandinavian-style interiors, curtains of such colors and shades are suitable:
- Cream ("creamy"). This soft and delicate shade, suitable for balanced northerners, visually expands the boundaries of the room and creates a cozy atmosphere. It can be used without other colors or in various color combinations. Cream goes well with many colors. Options for cream - a darker tone “old lace” and lighter - “space cream”.
- Grey. This color has a huge amount of warm and cold shades. The classic version is neutral gray, which is obtained by mixing 50% white and 50% gray. Gray-beige gamut refers to warm tones, light silver and bluish to cold. The combination of light and dark shades creates exquisite calm solutions. To gray it is easy to select decorative elements of the interior. It is undesirable to use this color in a room with gray walls, so as not to get an expressionless faceless space.
- Blue. Curtains and blinds of shades of a clear sky and a sea wave will revive a calm and reserved Scandinavian room.
Do you like the curtains? You can order the same in the Living Room section
Models of lighting systems for the "northern" interiors
Window curtains in Scandinavian style rooms can be long and short (to the windowsill), plain or with a floral or geometric ornament. However, all of them should have a simple cut and restrained design, without frills and soft lambrequins. Single accent elements and laconic pickups are allowed.
Long curtains
Usually they stop at single-layer options - translucent curtains or transparent curtains that do not interfere with the penetration of light into the room. Cloths can be mounted on hinges made of the same material as the curtain, or another, differing by 1-2 tones.
A convenient option is the curtains on the grommets (bushings) that serve to surround the holes. Through these holes pull the cord, braid, cable. The color and material of the eyelets are selected, depending on the material from which the window block is made, the colors of the curtains or the general design of the interior. Eyelets are made of plastic, wood and metal. They can have not only a round, but also another shape (square, polygonal, fantasy), which can be matched to the figures of a geometric ornament. The surface can imitate wood cut, glass, natural stone, be plain or multi-colored.
Curtains to the windowsill or slightly lower are suitable for small rooms, children's rooms, kitchens.
Rolled curtains (blinds) in the interior of the Scandinavian style
This modern version of window decoration is a lifting system consisting of a shaft, a web with a weighting bar and a control element. For control are: chain cord, spring mechanism or electric drive. The spring mechanism allows you to close the window not only from top to bottom, but also from bottom to top or from the middle up and down. Such models are suitable for windows on the ground floor, as they protect the room from prying eyes and leave a gap for the penetration of sunlight.
Roller blinds are of the following types:
- Open systems. The fabric is wound on an open shaft. Models vary in width of the blade, shaft diameter, type of attachment to the ceiling, wall, window unit.
- Closed systems. Additionally, they contain a box (cassette) protecting the shaft with fabric wound around it, and two guides on the sides along which the web moves.
- Models designed to be mounted directly to the sash. Products are convenient for plastic window blocks. They can be fastened with L-shaped brackets or double-sided tape to the PVC profile without drilling it. Such compact systems, almost invisible on the window frame, are often hung complete with traditional curtains. Blinds and curtains can be in the same color scheme, vary slightly in tone or contrast in color. Curtains can be with a pattern, and roll systems - monophonic or vice versa. You can combine photo-blinds - blinds with plain-colored curtains with images printed on them using photo printing.
Roman curtains in the Scandinavian style interior
Roman models, thanks to the laconic design, are perfect for the northern style. These systems consist of a panel mounted on a special cornice and a control element. On the wrong side of the panel at equal distance from each other are pockets in which there are solid inserts. A weighting material is provided below. Such a cloth in the opened form has a regular rectangular shape, and when picked up it folds into even folds. Roman light protection systems are a good option for small windows. On large window openings, several products are usually placed in a row.
Lifting canvases are used both independently and in combination with classic curtains.
Curtains in the kitchen with a Scandinavian-style interior
Do you like the curtains? You can order the same in the Kitchen section
When choosing a model for this room, first of all, pay attention to the practicality of the light protection system. The best options are role-curtains or Roman blinds up to the windowsill. Sash-mounted models leave the windowsill free, which is important for amateur gardeners. For windows located near the working area, mixed fabrics of non-fading colors, treated with antistatic and fire-resistant compounds, are chosen. One of the options is bright horizontal blinds with plastic slats.
Mistakes in choosing light protection systems in scandi interiors
When choosing the design of window openings, you must avoid:
- too bright color combinations
- design elements such as brushes, fringe, soft lambrequins,
- the use of ceiling cornices.
This article describes the features of window decoration in the Scandinavian-style interiors. However, first of all, you need to decide whether you want to make the curtains an element of the overall color scheme or accent spot. In the second case, fabrics with a geometric or floral pattern, photo images corresponding to Scandi-style are appropriate.
