Once upon a time, narrow platforms, no more than half a meter wide, fenced with wrought iron, were called French balconies. Today, speaking of a French balcony, we mean a loggia with panoramic (from floor to ceiling) glazing the size of a small room. As in any room, the windows in it need to be framed. In this material, we will try to figure out what kind of curtains you can decorate a French balcony and look at photos with good examples.

How to choose curtains for panoramic windows

Panoramic glazing implies a beautiful view from the window, a lot of light, a feeling of boundless space. Therefore, at first glance it may seem that the ideal option for decorating a French balcony is the complete absence of curtains. But with “naked” windows, you will feel like a fish in an aquarium, and if the balcony is also located on the hot sunny side, then most of the day it will be especially uncomfortable to be on it.

• be functional (easy to move apart or lift up);
• good light transmission;
• easy to wash and dry quickly;
• emphasize the unique airy atmosphere of the balcony.

To open autonomous access to each window section, they should not be made of one continuous wide canvas.

The fabric for curtains on French windows is chosen to be loose, silk or cotton, preferably light - white or in pastel colors.

All kinds of curtains, Austrian, roller and Roman blinds made of light translucent fabric, as well as Japanese panels (if the balcony is spacious enough) and horizontal blinds made of plastic or wooden slats, best meet these requirements.

On panoramic (French) windows, ordinary thin cotton curtains look very good, which, if necessary, can be moved in one corner. The fabric for them is better to choose a solid color or with a light, unobtrusive floral print. They can also be complemented with applique or embroidery, which will embellish their uncomplicated appearance.

Also well suited for large windows such as French balconies. They simultaneously transmit light and hide from prying eyes what is happening inside. In addition, they are easy to drape and you can periodically completely change the look of your balcony as you like.

― one of the most convenient types of curtains for panoramic windows on the functionality. When raised, they gather into elegant horizontal folds, and when extended, they reach to the floor.

They are hung autonomously for each window sector, so they can be washed separately without exposing all the glazing.

They look very harmonious on French balconies. Thanks to their laconic form, they do not overload the space with textiles. Most often, they close the upper third of the window, leaving the view from it at eye level and below open.

A very practical and functional solution is to combine curtains made of light transparent silk, chiffon or organza on one window. You can hang only one curtain, closer to that part of the balcony where there is an armchair or a dining table.

To save space on a narrow balcony, you can hang static (not moving apart to the sides) plain screen curtains on the panoramic windows. In order not to block the view from the window, their upper part is shaped like an hourglass with the help of tiebacks or braid.

A French balcony is a great opportunity to equip an additional cozy and unusual corner for relaxation in a city apartment. How comfortable it will be depends largely on the curtains. Incorrectly selected, they can negate the expediency of panoramic glazing, and they need to be chosen carefully.