Today, many fabrics are produced that are suitable for window decoration, while most housewives prefer practical and beautiful tulle curtains. This lightweight and transparent mesh material takes its name from the French city of the same name, where it was invented and first produced in the 15th century. By order of the King of France, weavers created a translucent fabric, standing behind which a person could see everything clearly, remaining incognito for people on the other side.
For several centuries, expensive handmade fabric was used exclusively in palace chambers and to decorate the dresses of noble ladies. And only with the advent of manufactory production did tulle become widespread: since the 19th century, it was often used to decorate rooms, making light curtains. In combination with heavy curtains, they give the window design a rich, beautiful and finished look.
Thanks to its special structure, curtain tulle fabric is easy to use and care for.
In addition, it can radically change the interior of any room:
- visually expand the boundaries of a small room;
- create an interesting play of shadows and light;
- hide defects in windows and walls.
The main advantage of products made from tulle is their versatility. Well chosen, they look great both separately and as part of compositions. The combination with heavy curtains made of different materials provides the drapery with an attractive appearance.
Before choosing the most suitable product for the design of a room to decorate a window opening, we recommend that you find out what types of tulle exist. Properly selected material will allow you to create a spectacular interior composition.
The choice of colors, texture, patterns on the surface of the material and method of fastening also plays an important role.
Types of tulle and their features
Modern tulle fabric is made from natural (cotton, linen and silk) and polymer (polyester, polypropylene and polyamide) fibers or combinations thereof.
Tulle curtain SANPA Tracy veil
The following types of tulle are widely known:
- Organza is a beautiful transparent fabric made from very thin threads that perfectly transmits sunlight and slightly scatters it. It can be white and colored, matte and shiny, with embroidery or photo printing. Synthetic organza made from polyester synthetic fiber - polyester - is durable and practical, it retains color for a long time, does not fade, is easily washed and does not wrinkle. Varieties of this material are also known: semi-organza, crystallon, organza-semolina. v
- The veil is much softer than organza and has a matte surface. The material is surprisingly light, mobile, and can fill any room with light and air. Its exceptional ability to drape, form waves and folds allows you to create stunning design objects from it.
- Chiffon is a soft, flowing translucent fabric with a matte, sandy texture.
- Tulle is a transparent mesh material with large, medium or small cells made of nylon or polyester, often used to create voluminous compositions.
- Batiste is light and pleasant to the touch, drapes perfectly, forming soft folds and flounces, allows air to pass through well and reliably dampens the intensity of bright sunlight.
- Crepe is a translucent, soft and matte material made of threads with coarse (crepe) twist in a certain alternation, forming a rough, fine-grained surface.
In addition, experts identify intermediate options, for example, micro-veil or tulle-moire simultaneously combines the properties of organza and veil, and crepe veil is made from crepe twist threads.
To create a smooth tulle, polyamide fibers are used, due to which the fabric gains strength and elasticity. Polyester threads are used to form patterns.
Tulle fabrics can be attached to a baguette in various ways:
- on the tape - a wide braid is sewn to the upper edge and allows you to achieve uniform deep folds;
- on hinges - this is a classic type of fastener;
- on eyelets - special metal or plastic bushings.
Colors and designs
Patterned curtain fabric is obtained in several ways:
- On multi-shuttle machines of three threads: the warp (located along the fabric), pattern-forming (tying) and forming the background and design. Jacquard devices are used to lay pattern-forming threads. Fabrics produced on a multi-shuttle machine have an open structure and can be made with various weaves.
- On shuttleless machines from two designs of threads: main and pattern-forming. The main thread, using special hook needles, forms loop columns, and the pattern-forming thread unites them with each other. The canvas is strong, but inferior to other types in terms of clarity, relief and complexity of the pattern.
- On looms, Rachel has reed needles in three threads: warp, weft and pattern-forming. The weft threads are laid across the width of the fabric through three loops of the chain, thereby forming square or rectangular cells. To form the pattern, a pattern-forming thread is introduced, which is placed in the warp loops parallel to the weft loops. Drawings obtained on openwork canvas usually consist of ordinary geometric shapes. When using jacquard systems, the pattern of the canvas is clearer and more complex, it can be geometric, abstract, plot, with fringe along the edge.
You may be interested in: What types of ceiling fabrics for cars are there?
How designs and colors are applied to tulle
General recommendations for choosing tulle
When selecting fabric, follow the advice of professional designers:
- if the window is interlocked with a door to a balcony or loggia, it is better to give preference to asymmetrical curtains that have lace patterns;
- Thick curtains are more suitable for a spacious room on the south side - they help cope with excess sunlight;
- for dark rooms, light tulle without unnecessary trimmings is recommended;
- For small windows, only light colors and the use of a light mesh curtain are needed to allow maximum light through.
Tulle curtain SANPA Mary
When choosing the color of tulle, use simple rules:
- the color scheme should be duplicated in the interior details - this gives them expressiveness;
- dark colors visually reduce the space, while light colors increase it and make it more voluminous;
- if the walls have a textured finish, then plain options should be preferred;
- bright curtains with patterns or prints attract attention.
If you hesitate in choosing a color and style, give preference to white canvases - they suit any situation, always look advantageous and serve as an excellent background.
Modern Tulle Design Trends
Fashion trends in home textiles are also fickle, as in clothing: what was relevant yesterday is already a thing of the past tomorrow. To add uniqueness to the interior decoration and visually increase the space, artists advise using modern fabric over tulle. Everyone knows their names:
- lace - fabrics with fancy embroidery, knots;
- prints - light fabric with a “terry” effect;
- mesh veil - elegant fabrics with figured weaving, mesh effect, “falling out” fibers;
- “linen” - with a large damask pattern;
- with weighting - with a patterned, thick printed pattern placed at the bottom of the canvas;
- chameleon - a veil with shining iridescence, intertwined with reflective and mother-of-pearl fibers;
- photo curtains - translucent with a 3D effect, roses, tulips, clouds are in fashion;
- gradient - a bright color gradually flows into a darker or brighter one. Such curtains look extraordinary both in a straight arrangement and assembled in an “hourglass” shape.
You might be interested in Using matting for upholstering sofas: comparing fabric with velor
Modern trends in the manufacture and combination of tulle
Note! Tulle looks good with velvet, curtains made of crystal beads, and thick curtains with a damask pattern. To add luxury, compositions are made from several layers. Tiebacks, ribbons, holders, and clips are used as auxiliary decoration.
Tulle with 3D effect
How to choose tulle for the living room
The whole family gathers in this room, welcomes guests, holds feasts and parties. When choosing tulle for the living room, keep in mind that it must match the overall style of the interior. Curtains can be given the role of the main decoration or background, emphasizing the features of the environment.
The living room, unlike the bedroom and nursery, does not need complete shading, so there is no need to overload the windows with excess fabric - tulle looks great even without curtains. Medium-density material is usually enough to protect the room from views from the street. And in cases where the room is located in a country house or on a high floor, there is no need for such protection at all - you can decorate the windows lightly and airily, in accordance with the requirements of modern design, saving on heavy curtains.
Tulle curtain GARDEN organza
In a small living room with small windows, tulle without lush draperies, only slightly gathered on the cornice, will be the most appropriate option. It doesn’t matter what length it will be - short or floor-length. The presence of a lace pattern will provide privacy. Multilayer combined curtains with large patterns and deep vertical folds, flowing from the ceiling to the floor, are ideal for a spacious hall.
If there is no clear concept to adhere to, decorate the windows with pastel-colored canvases made of soft, smooth or lace fabric.
Care
Window tulle for living rooms is usually large pieces of fabric. Removing and hanging such interior textiles takes a long time and is often not very convenient. However, it is tulle, despite its airy magical appearance, that is unpretentious. When purchasing a piece of fabric or a finished product, pay attention to the label or ask a consultant about the conditions of washing, drying, use and storage - this knowledge will save your time. Tulle is made from a variety of materials, synthetic and natural, so the requirements will vary.
General tips for caring for interior tulle look like this:
- curtains are best washed in a protective cover - the fabric is quite compact, so many products fit into the drum of a regular washing machine, and the cover will protect the fabric from snags;
- fabrics with embroidery and other complex decorations require special attention; it is preferable to wash such material by hand, regardless of the size of the fabric;
- Gentle powders and conditioners without aggressive substances in the composition are best suited for caring for tulle - the fabric is easily damaged by chemical detergents (chlorine must be avoided);
- the tulle is well ventilated, dries quickly, there is no need to twist it, it’s easy enough to squeeze the fabric and hang it - the water will drain off by itself;
- the products are dried in a shaded place (so that the material does not fade or turn yellow), preferably outside - this way the tulle is additionally ventilated and gains natural freshness;
- the curtains do not need to be ironed, but if noticeable wrinkles and creases appear, use a protective fabric layer - direct contact of the iron with the fabric is undesirable;
- then the tulle is hung on the window, under the overall weight the canvas quickly straightens out and drapes beautifully.
Tulle is a delicate, aesthetic, almost always purely decorative element of the interior. This type of fabric will not protect from the bright sun, nor will it create an impenetrable barrier from prying eyes. However, it is the presence of this flowing material that gives the living room a special charm, enchantment, and encourages relaxation and communication.
Choosing the right tulle is easy - just listen to your inner artist, create a harmonious image of the room, and don’t forget about drapery and decorative hairpins. Modern window fabrics are affordable, varied, and can be purchased in almost all textile stores and showrooms that sell curtains. Caring for the products is simple, and the sophisticated appearance of even the simplest tulle can create coziness in the living room.
Which tulle is better to choose for the bedroom
In the room for rest and sleep, it is necessary to provide a high level of privacy and, if necessary, block the entry of daylight, which can interfere with sound sleep in the morning. Therefore, tulle in the bedroom should be used in combination with curtains, choosing them in the same stylistic direction. Usually these are two thick curtains and one wide translucent curtain. Dense fabrics perform a protective function, and transparent materials make the design festive and airy.
Wide white tulle with a cornice covering the entire wall is a win-win option in any setting, and it also visually increases the space of the room.
Tulle curtain Amore Mio veil 600x290cm white
However, windows are often decorated with a large number of curtains - for example, three or four of small width, which simplifies access to the windows for opening. Curtains of different shades will help create an unusual color ensemble. Along with traditional floor-length curtains, a short version is popular today.
Such curtains are more practical if the window sill is filled with home flowers - it becomes much easier to care for them. Quite often, short tulle is used to decorate a bedroom with a balcony, combined with long curtains.
Properties and applications of tulle fabric
Tulle is a lightweight transparent fabric that has a mesh or patterned structure . Thanks to these properties, tulle can be used in the most extraordinary solutions. The main advantage of products made from this fabric is their versatility. After all, lambrequins or curtains will look great in any interior, turning it into an airier and lighter one. Today, even dense fabric is often trimmed with tulle. It is often decorated with embroidery, which looks very beautiful.
Today, fabric manufacturers offer a huge number of options for window decoration, but most housewives prefer practical and beautiful tulle. Which is absolutely justified, since this fabric will help completely change the interior of any room: it will add space to a small room, hide defects in windows or walls, and create an interesting play of shadows and light. Thanks to its structure, tulle fabric is very easy to use and care for.
Tulle happens:
- smooth;
- mesh or patterned.
Patterned fabric has several varieties: mesh, organza, voile and muslin. The use of tulle fabric is quite wide. For example, smooth is actively used in sewing and finishing underwear and corsets, translucent and transparent dresses, capes, veils, and embroidered lace . Patterned tulle, also called curtain tulle, is used for sewing all kinds of curtains, bedspreads, capes, etc.
If you compare decorated fabrics with plain options, you can see that they do not transmit daylight well. Curtain compositions that use tulle of different shades look very beautiful and original. Such modifications look great in the living room, as they will give it style and grace. If the housewife chooses the right tulle color scheme that matches the entire color scheme of the apartment, then this can emphasize and even lighten the space, which will become light and voluminous. If there are bright and colorful curtains hanging in the room, then it is better to choose plain tulle curtains or with a small, muted pattern.
Modern designers have come up with a very original solution, proposing to hang tulle curtains on top of curtains. The effect was unsurpassed: it was an imitation of some kind of transillumination.
The length of the curtain should depend on its purpose. So, for the kitchen it is better to choose one shortened to the window sill, and for a spacious living room, buy a long curtain with embroidery that diffuses light well.
How to choose tulle for a nursery
Parents strive to arrange a space for their baby with maximum attention. Window decor occupies one of the main places among the elements that set the mood in the room in which your baby will spend most of his time.
When choosing tulle for a nursery, keep in mind that:
- the material must be of high quality and ensure environmental cleanliness and safety, and withstand repeated washing;
- short curtains will prevent the child from getting tangled during active games, and they also allow you to use the window sill as the brightest place in the room for drawing or placing toys;
- When choosing a picture, you should focus on the age and gender of the child, as well as his personal interests and preferences.
If it’s hard for you to choose one design, buy several different tulle curtains for your child’s room. This way you can regularly update your interior without much effort.
Tulle in a nursery can also be used to decorate a crib with a canopy or to zone the space, highlighting the sleeping and play areas of the room.
Material and texture
The raw materials for making fabric are:
- cotton;
- silk;
- wool;
- polyester and polyamide threads;
- nylon;
- viscose.
The combined fabric made from these fibers is dense and elastic.
The texture of tulle can be of several varieties:
- Smooth – material without patterns. Curtains are made of organza or cotton. They go well with heavy curtains.
- Mesh - available with different cell sizes. Made from synthetic and cotton threads. Mesh curtains do not protect from sunlight, so they are used only in conjunction with heavy curtains.
- Patterned - with embroidery, applied or embossed decorative elements, including using the devoré technique.
- “Gossamer” is a type of mesh tulle. During production, natural cotton threads are combined with polyester.
- “Noodles” or muslin – made from individual threads.
Curtains can be decorated with beads or lurex.
How to choose tulle for the kitchen
All housewives want their kitchen to be practical and cozy. The final design touch in the interior is the design of the window space. The right tulle for the kitchen creates a cozy and harmonious atmosphere. Overloaded and clumsy decor does not decorate the room, so the best option is material of the same color. To visually expand the space, the canvas can have a horizontal pattern. A non-standard curtain design will help change the usual kitchen and give it new unique features.
Tulle curtain SANPA Crystal
For a kitchen curtain, one of the main selection criteria is practicality; the material should:
- be resistant to increased humidity and temperature;
- do not attract dust and accumulate pollution;
- easy to wash.
Therefore, it is recommended to choose polyester tulle for the kitchen that meets all of the above requirements.
Many housewives prefer shortened models up to the window sill. This option has advantages over long ones:
- allows you to visually increase the space;
- it is more convenient to use a windowsill for home flowers;
- short curtains are less dirty.
The textile design and method of fastening are selected in accordance with the overall concept of the room.
How to choose the right length and width of tulle
In order for the tulle curtain to hang freely from the eaves and completely hide the wall under the window, its lower edge is usually placed a few centimeters above the floor. If short curtains are used, their length can be either flush with the window sill, or below or above it, depending on the design. Attach the tape measure to the top of the cornice and measure the desired length of the finished product in centimeters. If you intend to buy fabric for cutting for subsequent production of curtains, do not forget to add 10-15 cm to the length for the hem of the edge at the top and bottom.
The width of the tulle (Pcs) is chosen as a multiple of the length of the cornice (Dk), based on how you are going to design the window opening:
- a fabric of densely woven material with a print is usually completely stretched so that there is no distortion of the pattern, so it is better to choose the width equal to the length of the cornice Sh=Dk or with a slight margin - up to 1.5Dk;
- so that the tulle on the window opening lays out in beautiful wavy curves of medium depth, take Piece = 2Dk;
- a lush drapery of a window opening with deep volumetric folds is obtained with Sh=3Dk.
Thus, to calculate the required width of the canvas, it is necessary to measure the length of the cornice and multiply the resulting figure by a factor of 1.5, 2 or 3.
To summarize, we note that the design of a window opening is an important process in organizing the interior of a room, and how impressive the result will look depends on the correct choice of tulle.
Properties of tulle
The texture of tulle and the patterns on it can be different.
This type of material looks quite unusual and attracts attention, causing associations with the outfits of fairy princesses. However, in addition to purely external beauty, tulle has a number of practical positive qualities:
- lightness - the fabric does not require complex fastenings, there is no risk of breakage of the textile structure;
- transparent material allows a lot of light to pass through, helping to visually enlarge the room;
- the delicate texture of the tulle allows you to see everything that is happening outside, outside the window, and also hides the interior of the room from prying eyes;
- the fabric is easy to care for, it can be washed in a regular washing machine, although it does not require frequent water treatments;
- almost all types of tulle do not require ironing, the material dries very quickly;
- breathability - does not retain air at all, does not interfere with filling the room with oxygen and fresh air;
- smooth tulle with small cells also traps insects in the summer;
- wide choice of color, type, texture, texture, appearance and density;
- affordable price (there are simple, uncomplicated fabrics, as well as elite silk products, in a word, curtains can be sewn to suit every taste and budget).
The material has practically no disadvantages, however, due to its lightness and delicacy, it is recommended to protect tulle from mechanical damage. Snags and snags can appear if the canvas is constantly pulled, if children play near the window, and also if there are animals in the house.
Classic white tulle requires special attention and care. The slightest dirt is simply visible on this type of material, so the requirements for white products are high - tulle must be strong, wear-resistant in order to withstand frequent washing.