Magnetic curtains on doors are a relatively recent invention and are a kind of hybrid: the operating principle resembles the action of tightly closing refrigerator doors, and in appearance and material they resemble a regular mosquito net.
Characteristics of curtains with magnets for doors
The design of the curtains is simple, and the photo of the product in the magazine will give a comprehensive idea of it.
The curtains consist of 2 sections. They are produced in different versions, but the differences are only in size. Standard parameters suggest a height of up to 2.05 cm (enough for a room with 2.5 m ceilings). The width of the panel reaches 1 m, but models of 46 cm are more often used.
The curtains are also equipped with magnets - mostly 8 pieces on each side, which allows them to be firmly fixed (the curtains will definitely not open from the wind).
Since there are many elements and each is up to 5 cm long, they have a strong effect. These curtains slide apart easily, but then close on their own. To install curtains, Velcro on 2-sided tape is used, which is found on each product, although some manufacturers also produce models with buttons.
Device and principle of operation
A magnetic door curtain is an analogue of a mosquito net. Its main task is to prevent insects from entering the house.
Therefore, curtains are installed on:
- balcony opening (or entrance to the loggia) in the summer;
- entrance door in a country house;
- entrances to small shops and cafes that do not have air conditioning and the doors are always open.
But the products are most suitable for country houses and country cottages, especially for those located near bodies of water. In such an area there are more mosquitoes and other small insects. But the curtains protect both from poplar fluff and from street dust, which penetrates into the room in smaller quantities.
The curtains consist of 2 panels of mesh fabric, the diameter of the cells is 1 mm. They are connected to each other using magnets. When a person passes through them, he separates the doors, after which the elements are attracted and the panels are connected. There is no need to throw them to the side, so pets can also safely pass through such a structure.
The laconic style does not attract attention, but allows the products to be used in any room.
Advantages and disadvantages of magnetic door curtains
Like any product or invention, magnetic door curtains have their pros and cons. Let's try to understand each of them.
Ease of use and installation are the main advantages of magnetic curtains
Advantages
- Convenience and ease of installation. Magnetic curtains are suitable not only for interior doors, but also for balcony doors. Using adhesive tape, installation takes place in a matter of minutes, does not take much effort, and most importantly does not require additional equipment.
- Well blocks the space between the street and living quarters, without depriving you of fresh air. A magnetic curtain is an excellent substitute for doors in the summer, when you want to enjoy the aroma of summer and protect yourself from annoying insects.
- Magnetic fasteners provide tight insulation of the room from insects, dust and poplar fluff. It is more convenient to wash a curtain than to clean the entire room. Also, thanks to magnets, the curtains close automatically, without unnecessary movements.
- The reasonable price makes magnetic curtains affordable for families even on a small budget. A wide range of models, colors and designs will satisfy the most delicate tastes.
- The curtain is compact when folded and does not take up much space.
- Easy to care for - just periodic washing in warm water with a small addition of detergent powder.
Flaws
- Among magnetic door curtains, limited standardized sizes dominate. The width is about 100 cm, and the length varies from 200 to 220 cm. Other variations, as a rule, are not found.
- Most models are made in China, and annoying “surprises” are not uncommon, especially if you order a magnetic curtain online. In particular, the magnets to the curtain can be of the same polarity (there will be no “gluing” effect of the canvases). Also, instead of two canvases, they can put only one in the package.
- It happens that some curtain models are quite heavy for the adhesive tape, and therefore quickly slide down. The additional button latches from the kit may not be enough, and in extreme cases you have to hammer the structure onto nails, and this, in turn, is fraught with “damage” to the door frame.
Types of mosquito nets
Curtains are used as a replacement for mosquito nets.
Their design is simple, there are only 2 main options:
- The curtain is fixed with separate magnets.
- A magnetic tape is sewn into the edging, which runs along the height of the sash.
In appearance, the designs are practically the same. But strip curtains can be produced in pink, gray or blue tones, and gray ones with separate fasteners are more common. Manufacturers began to pay more attention to design - models with a pattern on the canvas appear.
There are many standard mosquito nets. There are, for example, roll models, the installation of which requires a special box and lock. Velcro nets are available for windows and nets in frames mounted on hinges for entrance doors.
Mounting options
There are two tools for installing a mosquito net:
- Double sided tape.
- Buttons.
The first method is considered faster and more reliable. The adhesive tape must be applied directly to the door frame and to the curtain fabric on all three sides: at the top and on the sides. During the gluing process, be sure to press the parts closely together. The magnetic tape locks the elements together after someone enters or leaves the house. It does not at all interfere with comfortable passage through the door. Even any pet will find it convenient to enter the room.
The adhesive tape must be applied directly to the door frame and to the curtain fabric on all three sides: at the top and on the sides.
The fastening can be fixed with ordinary push pins directly to the wooden door frame. But it is worth considering the nuance that after removing the mesh, traces of punctures of this type of installation will necessarily remain on the frame. And this is a rather negative factor for the aesthetic appearance of the room.
With a standard curtain, the kit must include a decorative lambrequin, which can be used to decorate the curtain in the upper part if desired. Mosquito nets are available in both plain and patterned colors. Therefore, it is convenient to choose it for almost any modern interior.
The main advantage of an anti-mosquito curtain is that it perfectly protects any room from various insects, poplar fluff, and street dust. It provides the opportunity to ventilate the room regardless of its main functions. Its universal dimensions are perfect for any door frame. Installation and dismantling occurs without the use of additional tools.
The curtain can be easily washed, since the material from which it is made never loses its original shape. Its price is affordable for any buyer. In addition to this curtain, an aluminum frame can be mounted on the door. Its mesh fabric will be similar to window frame mesh. It is best to hang the frame on pre-prepared hinges so that it can open and close like a standard door.
Installation Features
To install a magnetic curtain consisting of two flaps, you need to act in accordance with the requirements of the instructions. If both panels in the package are connected, then for assembly they are separated by cutting the tape.
Then do the following:
- If weights are not installed, place them in the provided pockets.
- When the magnets are not sewn in, they are installed in specially designed vertical pockets on the sashes. This is done carefully to keep the edging even. The elements are directed so that the curtains can close themselves.
- Secure the canvas in the doorway using 2-sided tape or special buttons.
It is easier to install curtains that are sold on a special frame. All that remains is to insert it into the doorway.
How to quickly and correctly install curtains on magnets with your own hands
You don’t need many tools for this process; the main rule is to follow the clear sequence of these instructions.
- The two halves of the curtains are connected using adhesive tape. It must be cut using a stationery knife.
- Weighting materials are included in the kit, but they come separately from the product. Therefore, they must be inserted into special grooves located at the bottom of the curtains. Modern models are produced with weights already installed.
- You need to remove two magnetic strips from the kit and separate them from each other for subsequent installation in their standard places. Such places are special pockets made vertically on each half of the curtains. The magnets must be correctly and evenly distributed along the entire length of one side. In modern models, in addition to weights, magnets are also installed initially.
- Now comes the time to attach the curtains to the door frame. There are only 2 methods of fastening: using small metal buttons or nails, or, if the frame is initially ready, using adhesive tape. The latest models of magnetic curtains are equipped with special fastenings that do not leave marks on any surface and are reusable.
- Curtains must be hung at some distance from the floor. Only then will they close correctly and quickly with the help of installed magnets. Important to remember! When hanging curtains, you should make sure that both magnets are located inward.
- All that remains is to secure the top panel, which is purely decorative.
With a minimum amount of tools and consumables on hand, curtains with magnets can be hung in no more than 1 hour.
Tips for choosing
When choosing magnetic curtains, there is no particular need to take into account the design of the room, since the products are universal.
However, pay attention to the following points:
- The size of the doorway (you need to look at the curtain parameters).
- Type of magnets used. Both options are reliable, but the tape is considered more convenient than individual elements.
- Complete set. It is advisable that the set includes not only the curtains themselves, but also weights, as well as fastening material. And some manufacturers also provide a decorative trim that will decorate the window.
It is recommended to compare prices from different sellers and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of curtains before making a final decision.
How to choose a curtain for a door
The choice of magnetic curtains, in addition to overall dimensions, should be based on determining the following parameters:
- operating principle of curtains. Curtains can close automatically:
- magnetic tape, which is located along the entire length of the curtain;
Curtain with solid magnetic tape
- separate magnets that are installed at a certain distance from each other.
Closing the curtain with individual magnets
There is no significant difference between the ways the curtain works. Curtains are similar in price, practicality, and ease of use, so the main factor in determining this parameter is the user’s priority.
- method of installing curtains. Curtains can be attached:
- using double-sided tape;
- using special buttons included in the product package.
Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. Double-sided tape is more durable, and the connection is made around the entire perimeter and without gaps. However, the tape wears out quickly, especially when exposed to moisture from precipitation or exposed to high temperatures and direct sunlight.
Installation on buttons takes longer. The curtain is not attached along the entire perimeter, which contributes to the formation of gaps, but the buttons are stronger and more durable.
At the user's request, the curtain can be secured in any other way, for example, with self-tapping screws. The main thing is that there is no distance between the curtain and the door frame.
- curtain color. It is advisable that the curtain does not stand out from the general appearance of the room, that is, it is matched to the tone of the room. However, this factor also does not affect the performance of the device and its durability;
- presence of additional elements. Some curtains are complemented by lambrequins, which gives the product a more aesthetic appearance.
Curtain with additional elements
Advantages and disadvantages
Beautiful and practical mosquito curtains have the following advantages:
- easy to install on any doorway and just as quickly removed;
- fit into the interior of the room thanks to its laconic design;
- provide a flow of fresh air, which is important for hot summer time;
- They are inexpensive, so you can order several sets - for example, in a private house for the front door, balcony, etc.;
- when folded, they take up little space, so there will be no problems with storing them in winter;
- convenient even for those houses in which there are cats or dogs (unlike mosquito frames - they will become an obstacle for pets).
Magnetic curtains have no disadvantages, but their design cannot be called original.
General characteristics of magnetic curtains for doors
This design is very convenient and practical for housing in the summer, as well as in those climatic regions where the hot season dominates, and with it, a variety of annoying insects actively flourish and strive to fly into the house
Thanks to their unique and convenient functionality, magnetic curtains on a doorway can be used as effective protection against insects in a wide variety of rooms:
- In the country
- In a standard high-rise apartment
- In the gazebo
- In the office
- Country houses, cottages
- Public premises (hospitals, kindergartens, sports clubs, etc.)
Design characteristics
The curtain itself, as a rule, is a mesh divided into two equal sheets, which are held tightly together thanks to two parallel lines of magnets. Magnets are placed along the length of the mesh. Passing through such a mesh will not require any significant physical effort (which is also convenient for owners of pets, who can easily pass through it), and as soon as the person has passed, the parallel sides of the curtain are tightly attracted to each other under the influence of magnets.
Despite the ease of passing through a magnetic door curtain, small creatures such as flies, mosquitoes, wasps and others will always remain outside it. Such curtains are not afraid of drafts, and thanks to the attraction of magnets, both curtains will hold quite tightly.
After installation, the magnetic curtain always covers the entire doorway, which eliminates the appearance of gaps through which insects or street dust could penetrate
Magnetic door curtains also do not spoil the interior of the rooms in which they are installed, since they have a light-permeable structure. Most manufacturers of magnetic curtains for doors take into account the standards of interior and balcony doorways, which guarantees the successful installation of these factory products. Manufacturers always offer curtain fabrics in a wide range of colors. The main materials for their manufacture, as a rule, are cotton, fiberglass (carbon fiber) or high-strength nylon.
Although, of course, you can make an exclusive order, indicating the required dimensions to the manufacturer, and even order curtains with a pattern
However, there are enough magnetic door curtains with patterns in the current assortments even without special orders. Visual photos are an example of this.
How to make a magnetic mount with your own hands
Making magnetic curtains is quite difficult, and most importantly - impractical, since the cost of the tape itself, edging and magnets will not pay off. But you can make a pot holder or several similar accessories for fixing curtains with your own hands.
Magnetic pickups are needed not only for practical reasons. With their help you can beautifully assemble curtains. For these purposes, you will need 4 magnets of equal size. They are sold in craft stores as a base for refrigerator elements, but you can use those intended for school boards.
The elements are already equipped with plastic covers, all that remains is to take the fabric for decoration.
Additionally, you will need a glue gun and glue for it, fabric scissors, other decor (optional) and tools for working with it. The magnets are sheathed or covered with textiles so that the halves can be connected to each other using a ribbon of the same fabric or cord.
Instructions for use and care
Magnetic curtains are popular for several reasons, including: thanks to ease of use. Basically, you don't need to do anything to the curtains after installation. But sometimes the design turns out to be light, and if there is a strong draft in the house or wind, it holds up worse. In this case, weighting agents are sewn to the bottom of the fabric. You can use the same magnets for a school board.
In addition, if the area is characterized by strong winds, then it is better to refrain from using 2-sided tape and replace it with more reliable buttons.
If the fabric becomes dirty, you can wash it in a mild soap solution, rinse it in clean water (room temperature) and let it drain.
When the curtain is dry, it can be hung in place. If it is heavily soiled, it can be washed in a machine, but only on a delicate cycle. Moreover, you cannot simultaneously load clothes with hooks, zippers, or decorative trim.
Design advantages
The necessity and usefulness of such an element as a magnetic curtain can hardly be overestimated during the hot season. Especially when living in close proximity to bodies of water or on the lower floors of apartment buildings. One of the main advantages of such designs is the ability to save on consumable protective equipment in the form of repellents, fumigators and ointments.
In addition to saving money, such a protection system has another incomparable advantage over fumigators and sprayers. During its use, allergic reactions to chemical components do not occur. Also, the advantages of curtains include the following factors.
The undeniable simplicity of the installation procedure. Attaching the curtain takes just minutes and does not require special tools.
No need for constant manual closing (unlike conventional doors). Magnetic elements ensure automatic closing of the fabric doors. Such a curtain will in no way interfere with the entrance to your pet’s house or room. The product absolutely does not prevent the penetration of fresh air into the room. This is especially true in the evening, when the air becomes lighter and blood-sucking insects become more active.
The design is designed for frequent use. The attractiveness of the product is reinforced by its relatively low cost. The cleaning process is easy to do using a washing machine or manually. Machine washable on a delicate cycle or using special protective bags.
When folded, the product does not take up much space. Therefore, it is very convenient to transport. Thanks to various colors and patterns, using a magnetic curtain on a door can be an excellent addition to the interior. In addition to protecting against insects, such a device can perfectly cope with the not very pleasant seasonal phenomenon in the form of poplar fluff.
The best curtain manufacturers
Magnetic curtains are produced by many manufacturers. Among the most budget-friendly options, Unibob products are noted. These curtains are made from polyester and include Velcro and magnets, but no weights.
A popular brand - Magic Mesh - also produces mosquito curtains made of synthetic material, but they are more expensive, incl. because, while being durable and reliable, they are lighter in weight. The brand offers different colors and designs of products.
More durable curtains are produced by Rosenberg. They cost twice as much as other products on the market, but such meshes are made not only from synthetic fiber - they are reinforced with aluminum. The curtains last a long time and look attractive.
How to secure a curtain?
There are several ways to attach an anti-mosquito curtain to a door:
- You can secure the mesh over the doorway using the decorative buttons that come with it. There's nothing complicated about it.
- If you don't want to use buttons, use double-sided tape. The mesh will be attached just as firmly as with decorative buttons, and closer to winter you can remove the curtain without any problems. And the tape itself, although not sold with it, is quite inexpensive.
- Using a decorative lambrequin, which comes complete with the anti-mosquito curtain along with decorative buttons.
