What are eyelet curtains? Options for the living room in a modern style

What are curtain eyelets?

Grommets are a type of fastening for curtains. They are rings that serve to design holes through which a cornice or rod is threaded.

Metal eyelets for curtains

Originally, grommets were the name given to the holes for rigging in sails. Holes in the canvas, simply stitched with thread, could quickly tear during a storm, so sailors began to strengthen them with metal rings.

The same method is used for tensioning automobile and tourist awnings, banners and banners, and parachute parts. Rings for threading cords are used in the shoe and leather goods industries. There are also stationery eyelets: they are used for stitching and sealing documents.

Curtains with eyelets

What are eyelets and why are they needed?

Eyelets are one of those things that you can make at home with your own hands, so as not to overpay in the store for fabric with fastenings already attached. What are eyelets themselves? These are accessories, whose main manufacturer is Taiwan, which is used for products made of various fabrics - from thin to dense, even for things made of leather, you can use eyelets.

Fabric is not the only material in which you can make some kind of holes.

This fastening option was invented specifically for threading laces, ropes, or even pipes through it (if we are talking about curtains with grommets hanging on a cornice). Eyelets are sometimes confused with a block - also ring-shaped fittings. The grommet consists of two parts - a sleeve and a washer, which instead form a metal ring that fits over a hole in the fabric.

Often eyelets are used solely as decoration.

It is believed that the grommet is the most convenient type of fastening - it is often used on shoes and curtains, since from the latter it creates a smooth canvas that hangs beautifully on the window. Well, almost everyone knows and loves lace-up shoes, in the design of which these same eyelets occupy a significant place.

General recommendations before purchasing

A few tips will help you choose the right eyelet curtains. Don't focus only on cost.

Fabric selection

The material is chosen depending on the purpose. If the product is needed for decorative purposes, you should pay attention to synthetic fabrics. They retain color longer and do not fade.

To protect the room from light, sound or insects, thick, heavy curtains made of linen, velvet curtains, satin, and thick polyester are recommended. If you want the room to be filled with light, curtains made of organza, cotton or silk are suitable.

You can't leave a room without a curtain. Regular tulle is suitable if you want maximum natural light and a romantic atmosphere.

Thick, heavy curtains are suitable for the living room. For a restful sleep, you should also hang thick, long dark-colored curtains in the bedroom. Light short curtains are suitable for a kitchen or office to let in light.

Selection of cornice

Depending on the weight of the fabric, choose a plastic or metal curtain rod. A large dark rod will visually make the room smaller. A long one will make the windows wider, and a short one will make them narrower. The color and material should be combined with the furniture and decoration of the room.

Read about: curtain fabrics: which ones to choose.

The cornice can be single, double or triple. The first option is suitable for a minimalist style. The second is for those who cannot live without tulle. Third - if a lambrequin is additionally needed.

Examples

Several options for curtains for the living room with grommets:

• Curtain curtain “Dream” from the Russian manufacturer Arttex. Khaki color, no pattern or decorative elements. Size 150x270 cm, 1 piece. Made from curtain fabric, 100% polyester. Darkness is average. Suitable for a small narrow window. Cost 1076 rubles.

• Curtains with grommets "Floriada" from a Russian manufacturer, 2 pieces. Made entirely from polyester. Size 150x280 cm, medium density fabric. If desired, you can reduce the height by paying an additional 500 rubles. Large drawing - orange and yellow flowers on a white background. The price of two curtains is 7320 rubles.

• Curtain for the living room with eyelets from a Polish manufacturer. Consists entirely of 100% polyester. 1 piece, size 150x250 cm. The edging and geometric pattern are bright pink, in the middle the curtain is white, translucent. Cost 2349 rubles.

• Curtain “Amur-3” from the Belarusian manufacturer Nivasan. The material is half cotton, half polyester. White color with creative green ornament. Size 150x260 cm, 1 curtain. Light protection – average. Suitable for a small window. Price 1719 rubles.

• Curtains "Honta" from a Russian manufacturer. The material is completely polyester. Size 200x280, 2 pieces included. Shiny gold color, sheer white ruffle trim. Average light protection. Cost 6030 rubles.

Types of eyelets

Eyelets come in quite a variety: the most important difference, of course, is in the shape of the fasteners. Round and oval eyelets are undoubtedly considered classics, but now, succumbing to fashion, manufacturers are beginning to experiment with shapes - square, rectangular, triangular, even in the shape of flowers - today you can find absolutely any options that will be functional, but at the same time look very original .

A grommet is most often a plastic or metal rim that is attached to a hole in a particular material.

It was also previously believed that eyelets could only be metallic in color; a little later black, white and gold shades were added. Now you can find everything your heart desires - pastel, bright, with various decorations such as patterns and rhinestones (the latter is most popular in children's shoe stores; not a single princess shoe is complete without pink eyelets in the shape of flowers, decorated with rhinestones).

Eyelets can extend the life of the material, hide imperfections and facilitate its connection to another surface.

By fastening

Grommets also differ in their fastening: some are designed to be fastened with rope, tape or cords and can be soft, while others are only used with hard objects, such as a curtain rod, and must be hard.

Eyelets can be either metal or plastic.

It's also important to clarify that there are differences in how metal rings are attached to fabric: there are options that require the use of a hammer, others can be glued, and others can be sewn to the fabric if they are soft enough. All these options provide a fairly reliable connection between the grommet and the fabric, and therefore it is not particularly possible to single out the most popular option among them.

The main material from which this fittings are made is steel.

By materials (plastic, metal)

Basically, eyelets are made from two materials - plastic and metal; usually the products consist entirely of one material, but sometimes manufacturers mix them. The most reliable, of course, is the metal option: stronger and more durable, this material beats plastic in all respects.

The most practical option is parts coated with zinc, copper or nickel plating.

If we talk about curtains, then it is better to choose metal eyelets, since they will definitely be able to hold any, even the heaviest fabric, will not break under its weight and will create a beautiful, even curtain from the curtain, which will be a good addition to any room. For shoes, on the other hand, plastic eyelets are mainly used because they are lighter and there is no need to keep the fabric suspended on the shoe so that it does not fall, stretch, or lose its shape.

The eyelets have a beautiful color, do not deform during use and do not spoil the surface into which they are inserted.

When choosing eyelets, you need to clearly understand for what purpose they are needed: for canvas fabric, from which a camping tent will later be made, it is better to take the strongest metal fasteners that are available in the store; for curtains - thinner, but still made of metal so that the curtains stay on the ledge and don’t fall, and for thin fabric, if you suddenly have to sew some clothes or something like that, you can get by with plastic eyelets, their strength will be sufficient in this case.

Awnings and tents are equipped with eyelets for more convenient and long-term use.

Interior Design

The right fabric transforms a room beyond recognition. This takes into account the color of the ceiling and floor wallpaper, as well as furniture textiles. Decorative fittings can highlight the overall design and create original accents.

Check out several unusual and designer uses for it:

• Metallic rings look great on dark curtains, giving classic curtains a modern look;
• the material is selected in the same tone as the wallpaper, and the color of the cornice and eyelets matches the color of the floor.

In the living room and bedroom, eyelets are used for both heavy and light fabrics. Transparent material is reinforced with transparent tape or the organza at the top is combined with a denser fabric glued with non-woven fabric.

• Dense fabrics require the use of strong metal rings.
• Small plastic parts can be attached to lightweight fabrics.

Plastic for curtains is best suited for the kitchen, as it can be easily removed before washing, because such curtains most often require maintenance.

Window cornice

Choose a strip wider than the window opening; there should be at least 20 cm of margin on each side. Why do you need this length, you ask? Thanks to this distance, the window opening increases, visually expanding the space, and the curtains beautifully form even, smooth folds.

In order to hang a composition of curtains of different types, a double cornice is used. The second plank should be higher than the first or closer to the wall. Thanks to the different tiers, you can create interesting window decoration options.

Eyelet sizes

The size of the eyelets is another criterion when choosing fasteners in the store. What does it depend on? The most important point that influences what size eyelet is ultimately worth buying is, without a doubt, the density and thickness of the fabric, since the heavier the future curtain, the larger the diameter of the eyelets should be (it ranges from 15 to 50 millimeters).

The minimum thickness of the material for each fitting is determined experimentally - from 10 to 80% of the length of the leg.

The second important point is the thickness of the rope or pipe that is threaded through the eyelet rings. The fasteners should slide easily along the cord or rod of the curtain rod, and therefore it is worth choosing a larger diameter.

The grommet is easy to use, so any type of work can be done quickly and without complications.

It is also believed that the larger the diameter of the eyelets, the more beautiful the curtains on the cornice look - large rings look more aesthetically pleasing than small ones, and therefore it is better to give preference to them. True, installing large eyelets is a little more difficult than small ones - it is impossible to cover the entire ring with a hammer and you have to carefully make the connection in parts.

What types are there?

Curtains with eyelets were invented by Europeans.

With this fastening, perfectly symmetrical folds are created. Eyelets serve as fastenings for window curtains and are also a stylish decorative element. They are made in the form of rings, mostly round in shape.

Such fastenings ensure smooth and silent movement of curtains. Rings are made of plastic or metal, the decor is made to look like wood or leather. The shape of the rings can be: square, triangular, rectangular.

Eyelets come in different shapes and diameters.

Even ordinary rings can be given a rich and original look if the decor is made with suitable material. Plastic ones are easy to install, fastened with latches. Plastic does not rust and does not leave stains.

Choose matte or shiny, but keep in mind that shiny ones will fade over time. Choose the color and design of the curtains on the eyelets taking into account the interior of the room. To focus attention on your rings, choose unusual colors and original shapes.

The main characteristic when choosing is the diameter.

The optimal ring diameter is from 25 to 45 mm. The diameter depends mainly on the diameter of the cornice. It takes a lot of fabric to get a nice, even wave of drapery. Typically, a magnification factor of 2, 2.5, 3 is used to determine the amount of tissue.

The window width is multiplied by the selected factor. Don’t skimp, don’t use a value less than 2, as the wave effect is lost and the fabric will look like a simple piece of fabric. An indicator greater than 4 affects the quality and beauty of the folds.

The eyelets are attached directly to the curtains.

The color of the grommet must be combined with the color and texture of the cornice.

Ideal if the cornice and rings are the same texture. Mounts with wood decor look great on a wooden cornice. Accordingly, for plastic ones, a plastic cornice is selected.

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Options for attaching curtains to curtain rods.

Curtains with eyelets are best suited for a minimalist, high-tech style. This mounting option ensures easy movement and creates an original sound when sliding along the cornice.

After washing, such curtains are easy to install and can be quickly restored to their original shape. The fabric is less deformed during use compared to other types of fastenings. A professional decorator will tell you how to choose curtains of a suitable design.

To choose the right curtain eyelets, you should take into account the material of the rings and the type of fabric. Eyelets are installed both on thick curtain fabrics and on light ones: tulle, organza, veil.

On thin fabrics, fastenings are placed as close to the edge of the product as possible. The upper edge of the product can be decorated with a cuff made of denser fabric, such as satin. The reinforced edge allows you to create perfect folds.

Eyelet installation diagram

Plastic ones are easy to install yourself, but to attach iron ones you need a special device - a flaring machine. The snap-on eyelets can be easily removed before washing. Typically, curtains are washed without removing them, by hand or in washing machines.

The number of rings should be even, which will ensure a symmetrical position of the edge on both sides in relation to the window. The distance between the centers of the holes is on average 18 cm. The width of the folds depends on this distance.

For the product to move freely along the cornice, the diameter of the cornice must be 1.5 cm less than the internal diameter of the rings. The rings are installed on the finished curtain.

It is recommended to wash and iron items made from natural linen before sewing so that the necessary shrinkage of the fabric occurs. The hole is made with a special punch or cut with scissors. In this case, the diameter of the hole should be 1.5 mm less than the internal diameter of the ring.

The size and width of the rings are selected taking into account the density of the fabric. Smooth, vertical folds along the entire length will emphasize the texture of the fabric.

Simple and convenient fastening will provide a beautiful interior design. Folds highlight the texture and color scheme of the fabric. A variety of mounting options are suitable for decorating living rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms.

By purchasing curtains with eyelets, we get a functional and aesthetic “outfit” for our windows. But how to hang curtains so that they show all their advantages?

Curtains will not look beautiful if you do not choose the appropriate curtain rod for them. It will add charm to the curtains, making them appear completely different, defining the atmosphere of the room.

Features of a rectangular eyelet with a fastening belt

A separate name is “rectangular eyelet with a fastening belt” - what is it and how to use it? Basically, this is the grommet that attaches the curtain to the frame. To do this, you need to put the grommet on a special bracket and secure this entire structure with a PVC strap. What is a staple? In itself, the bracket is a piece of fittings that helps secure the curtains to the frame, since an oval-shaped grommet is put on this very bracket.

The strap with a buckle is installed at the edge of the curtain and serves to hold the curtain folded.

The bracket can be rotary, which means that the “ear” of the bracket can change its position. There are also stationary brackets, whose position in space cannot be changed in any way. In general, swivel brackets with a fastening belt are much more popular. Why is it worth buying such a strap for eyelets? The reason is quite simple - the belt provides a more reliable connection between the curtain and the frame, as it firmly fastens the bracket and the grommet on which the curtain hangs.

It is used for attaching the awning to various surfaces by “self-fastening”.

Eyelets in the interior of different rooms

When choosing fabric for a curtain, it is important to take into account the specifics of the room, its size and design.

Living room

For the living room, you can sew almost any curtains with eyelets. They are combined with transparent lightweight materials on the internal ceiling strip. Thick options made from expensive fabrics are also good. Important:

• dark solutions for spacious rooms;
• plain curtains in light colors visually increase the area;
• a transverse pattern expands the room, and a vertical pattern stretches it out.

Bedroom

Thick fabrics with eyelets are suitable for decoration: velvet, blackout, matting. Bright colors that give the room shades of red, purple, or orange are not recommended. This interferes with normal sleep. Pastel shades, peach, beige, and milky colors look good. Curtains to match the furniture allow you to create a complete interior.

Kitchen

Shortened sheets made of heat-resistant material are suitable for the kitchen. Curtains with imitation eyelets or made of transparent fabrics look interesting. A material that can withstand numerous washes and does not require complex care is suitable.

Children's

Children's preferences often change, so when choosing curtains with character images, you should be prepared to change the window decoration. It’s better to stick to laconic solutions with eyelets that instill taste from childhood.

Bathroom

Moisture-resistant, quick-drying fabrics with eyelets and a stainless steel strip are optimal. Suitable artificial materials: vinyl, plastic, dense polyethylene. There are curtains made of matting, coated with a moisture-repellent composition.

How to choose the right diameter

To select the correct eyelet diameter, you need to refer to the base, which will be threaded through the fastening rings. The thicker the lace or pipe (for example, a curtain rod) on which the fabric will be attached, the larger the diameter of the eyelet should be in order to easily slide along the base, not get stuck anywhere along the way and create a beautiful, even curtain fabric that will look great and refresh any room, giving it a special charm and cozy atmosphere.

The same distance is left between each eyelet - for curtains it can be 17 cm.

The diameter of the eyelets varies in the range from one and a half to fifty millimeters and it is often quite difficult to choose the most suitable option, because, although everyone understands that larger rings look more beautiful than small ones, too large eyelets on a thin cornice will create an unpleasant effect of “a lonely pencil in glass” - as if fasteners of this size are out of place here and it would be worth replacing them with a smaller option.

The minimum acceptable distance to the edge of the curtain is between 5 and 7 centimeters.

Advantages and disadvantages

Curtains with eyelets look great in the interior. However, the solution has pros and cons. Advantages:

1. It's easy to update your room design. Choosing ready-made curtains allows you to quickly add an elegant accent. Curtains with eyelets can be sewn: just minimal skills and a simple sewing machine are enough. How much fabric is needed depends on the size of the window and the height of the ceilings.
2. Variety of solutions. Curtain rods with eyelets can be designed to suit your taste. The selection of matching fabrics is also impressive.
3. Smooth opening and closing. Thanks to the curtain rings, the curtain silently glides along the curtain rod. Beautiful folds remain on the curtains when opened or closed.
4. Price. The absence of a complex cut and accessories allows you to save on window decoration.
5. Versatility. The laconic design of curtains will highlight the interior in any style.
6. Basic care. The curtains are easy to put on and take off, and many models are machine washable. Ironing also does not take much time.
7. Durability. The canvas does not stretch, and the edges of the fabric practically do not wear out.

Barbell models have disadvantages:

• cannot replace complex multi-layer design, justified for a number of styles;
• The use of some fabrics is impossible or undesirable.

A few disadvantages allow us to call curtains with grommets an interesting, practical interior solution.

How to Apply Grommet Tape

First you need to figure out what this grommet tape is. Eyelet tape is a special adhesive strip made of dense material, which is used to strengthen the upper edge of the curtain before installing eyelets on it. Eyelet tape is an alternative way to increase the density of fabric.

Reinforcing tapes come in one- and two-layer types. They differ in the number of pasted sides.

The eyelet tape should be quite wide: the diameter of the rings + 2-3 centimeters. The hot-melt material from which the tape is made can be quite dense for heavy curtains, or very thin and transparent for light curtains. Often, grommet tape is used as a backing for decorative elements that should be placed on the curtain.

To find the ideal width, add at least 2 cm to the outer diameter.

To glue the grommet tape, you first need to determine how many layers there are in it:

• For a single layer, you can simply use an iron - such a tape will quickly connect to the fabric.
• Double-layer tape is distinguished by the fact that glue is applied to both sides of the material and protected by a special heat-resistant mesh.

To attach grommet tape to curtains, follow these steps:

1. Mark two widths of tape on the top of the curtain
2. Fold the curtains inside out to each other and iron
3. Take the tape and apply it, sticky side down, to the edge of the fold.
4. Wait for the tape to cool down
5. Remove excess material
6. Sew the tape and curtain approximately in the middle of the width of the tape, this is necessary for a more durable fixation.

For thin curtains, choose transparent tapes.

Execution Sequence

1. Using the selected material, the curtain is cut to size, taking into account allowances.
2. At the top of the curtain, attach grommet tape or interlining, fold the fabric to the width of the grommets and iron.
3. Hem the side seams.
4. Then you need to mark the location of the eyelets.
5. Cut the hole with scissors or a special tool.
6. Insert the grommet and secure with the washer, pressing from above until it clicks.
7. Hem the bottom of the curtain to the selected height.
8. Iron the finished product.
9. All that remains is to put the curtain on the cornice strip.

How to install eyelets on fabric

To install eyelets on fabric you need to do the following:

1. Strengthen the attachment point
2. Attach the grommet ring and press it onto the fabric
3. Cut holes according to the resulting stencil
4. Place the layers of fabric together, pin them together and insert a ring from the outside
5. Install the second half of the grommet from the wrong side
6. Tap the grommet with a hammer

For installation, you may also need pliers with a punch or a press in order to simultaneously make a hole in the material and insert the grommet.

To do your own fastening, it is enough to have a ruler, a hammer and some kind of stabbing device, for example, a hole punch, on hand.

Installing a grommet yourself at home is a completely solvable task if you have not only all the necessary tools at hand, but also instructions that must be strictly followed.

Everyone can independently calculate and make grommet tape for curtains right at home.

Installation on paper products

The easiest way to install eyelets yourself is on paper or cardboard. Those who have never installed such accessories are recommended to practice on paper before attaching the ring to fabric or leather.

Algorithm of actions:

1. Use a ruler to measure the distance between the staples that will pass through the holes. According to the result, mark the location of the rings on paper.
2. Use a hole punch to punch holes in the sheet. If the hole punch blade is too narrow. You can widen the hole by twisting the tip of a stationery knife in it. Excess paper needs to be cut off.
3. Insert the fittings with the foot on the wrong side. Cover the top with a washer.
4. Secure the eyelet with pliers or a press.

Since the small paper rings are made of thin metal, they can be secured by hand. To do this you will need some kind of cone-shaped object, such as a nail. It should fit in diameter. Using a small hammer you can secure the grommet. However, you will have to get used to it. The first attempts may be unsuccessful.

Self-installation: step-by-step instructions

At home, there is a need to install reinforcing rivets yourself. For example, you want to give life to an old T-shirt by transforming it by decorating it with multi-colored holes, or you are going to sew your own curtain for the kitchen. In all cases, you will benefit from learning how to install the rivets yourself.

To strengthen the attachment point of the grommet, special plastic rings are used; at home, thick fabric can become their analogue

Let's look at step-by-step instructions using the example of installing rivets on a curtain. To carry out this work, you will need material and some tools.

Here's what you need:

• Fabric for sewing curtains. Choose it based on the element being created, that is, if it is a curtain - then tulle, a curtain - thick satin, silk.
• Multi-colored threads.
• Overlock.
• Strip for strengthening the installation sites of bushings.
• A set of needles, a thimble.
• Marker, chalk.
• Sewing machine (if available).
• Large and small scissors.
• Directly, the bushings themselves with caps.

The first step is to make a curtain. To correctly calculate its size, you need to take into account all the necessary reserves. On the curtain rod, the curtain hangs freely, with evenly distributed folds, without any tension. This determines the length margin. It should be 50% of the length between the walls of the window opening. That is, the length of the curtain must be increased by one and a half times.

The width of the curtain fabric depends on the desired depth of the folds

The curtain height also needs to be increased. This is needed to provide extra space for folds at the bottom and top. In the places where the bushings are installed, the fold is made based on the diameter of the fittings, plus the required margin of 1 cm from the edge of the curtain.

Scheme for marking fabric for eyelets

Once you have finished sewing the curtains, you can proceed to installing the rivet fittings.

First you need to cut a special tape, which is needed to eliminate possible pinches, unnecessary folds, distortions, and also to visually improve the appearance of the curtain. You need to cut the curtains to size, multiplying by 2 (since the tape is sewn on each side). Do not forget to leave allowances for high-quality framing of the edges. One centimeter will be enough.

Marking is the main stage on the way to effectively performing work. As described above, you need to retreat 1 centimeter between the edges of the curtain. There should be 15-20 centimeters between each future hole. This size is measured from the centers. To achieve symmetry, make an even number of holes.

The depth of the curtain folds will depend on the distance between the rings

Use a marker or chalk to mark the centers of the holes. Do not smear the fabric too greasy to avoid residue on the surface.

Ordinary nail scissors are used to make holes. A mandatory requirement for scissors is that they must be sharp enough. Make the hole carefully, excluding the possibility of damaging the surface of the fabric in the adjacent place.

When cutting a hole, you need to take into account the possible movement of the fabric

The diameter of the hole is an important parameter that determines the efficiency of work. The aesthetic appearance of the curtains, as well as the duration of their operation, depends on the correct choice of the size of the hole. There is one rule here: if the fabric is elastic, then the diameter of the hole should be 1-2 mm smaller than the internal size of the sleeve. But for dense material, the hole must be made the same size as the sleeve.

Next they move on to installation. Before installing the eyelets, experts advise treating the edges of the hole with special tape or glue. This procedure can also be used as resuscitation if the hole is larger than the diameter of the fittings.

After cutting the holes, the grommet is assembled

Installing fittings is a simple matter, but not entirely easy. To do this you will need:

• comfortable large table;
• backing sheet of solid material (wood, sheet of metal);
• hammer;
• Phillips screwdriver;
• metal bolt.

The diameter of the working edge of the Phillips screwdriver is selected 2-3 mm larger than the internal size of the sleeve. Be sure to take a screwdriver under the cross. You want to achieve the effect of breaking the edges of the metal rivet.

The size of the “cross” on the screwdriver must exceed the inner diameter of the grommet

The fittings are inserted from the front of the curtain. After the first piece is in place, the curtain needs to be turned over, placing the front side on a hard backing sheet.

The main thing is not to confuse the front side with the back side

Place a washer on the protruding metal part. Taking a screwdriver and hammer and placing it in the hole, use a few blows of the hammer to break the metal edges.

After each blow, turn the screwdriver a little to create a “flower”

Use the bolt until the fasteners are completely aligned. Place its wide edge on the washer and use a hammer to give the mount a finished look. This process is called flaring.

Bend the edges evenly until they stop so that the grommet does not dangle

The entire process of working on each fastener takes no more than 5 minutes. So don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t work out right away. Having installed 3-4 pieces, you will fill your hand, and the work will go like clockwork.

This is what the eyelet looks like from the front side - quite decent and reliable

The same method is used to make eyelets on clothes.

Shops and factories use special tools. These are perforator-tongs for making holes, as well as core installers. There are also universal tools that include two purposes at once. But buying such devices for home use is not advisable. It’s easier to use the advice in our article and do the installation yourself.