Like wall treatments, curtains play a major role in creating the right backdrop for French Country décor.
Normandy window: Photo by Jeremy D
Country French curtains will be generous in volume and drop to the floor often ending in a full puddle. If they are tied back, the tie back will be simple in design or perhaps just a strip of plain or patterned fabric.
As the French love to bring the outside in, windows will often be thrown wide open as the view through the window is of prime importance in the French Country home.
Photo: Art & Decoration
Therefore emphasize will not be on the style of the window treatment, but rather on the view through the window to the garden beyond. For this reason, curtains will be simple with little elaboration. However, this does not mean they will not be stylish and elegant.
Simple French Country curtains with subtle embellishments allow the furniture to speak out and not compete, as it would with elaborate layers of designer valances and drapes.
Fabrics used are most likely to be muslin, soft fine cotton, unbleached linen or seed cloth. Colors are predominately white and off white, or pale and muted earthy shades.
Country French curtains will be hung from wooden or metal poles attached above the window, with the ends of the pole fitted with finials. The curtains can then be attached to the pole with plain wooden or metal rings, or with tabs cut from the same fabric and attached to the curtain.
As shutters are used both inside and outside the house, sometimes Country French window treatments will consist only of lace, either a straight panel or gathered. Other times there may be no window treatment at all – depending on the architectural structure and design of the window and the manner in which the room is decorated.
Ideas
Use old or vintage French cotton sheets as curtains. They can be attached by sewing a row of fabric or ribbon ties to the top of the curtain, which will then tie around the pole in a knot with the ends protruding a few centimeters. Or use the method below which is also quite effective.
If using a very lightweight fabric for curtains, the top can be folded over to the outside about a quarter ways down the curtain, creating a natural valance and giving the curtain balance. Also give the curtain a deep hem to give it more weight.
Tip
Cover a pelmet in a patterned print if curtains are a solid color, but use a faded or vintage fabric which won’t compete with, but rather enhance the curtains.
Soft Furnishings
Photo by Squirrel Cottage
Quilts, throws and cushions introduce comfort, giving a homey and relaxed impression.
Cushions and bolsters are used in profusion and bring color into the room, but take note they will be simple in style and shape, of mixed sizes and often made from treasured pieces of old or embroidered fabric. They will also be soft and squishy and scattered in an inviting way, not stiff and standing in a straight line on the back of the sofa looking like a row of soldiers.
Quilts and throws will either be draped over part of, or completely cover upholstered chairs or sofas emanating relaxed warmth to the room.
