Decorating
15 Gorgeous Ways to Dress Up Your Windows
Learn how to use window treatments to put the finishing touch on rooms of all shapes and styles
Whether formal and traditional, or playful and pretty, the best window treatments play to a room’s strengths. Finesse your house to the next level with these ideas for inspiration.
Layer sheers with opaques
A look like this is easy to create with a curtain rod bracket that can accommodate two curtains – easy to find at any hardware store or large fabric shop. The sheer layer lets in the light while guaranteeing privacy; the dusty silver-blue curtains give the room a cosy ambience at night when soft lighting can be used to set the mood. Position curtains wide enough apart so they don’t obscure any of the window to maximise the daylight coming in. Also key is using enough fabric so the curtains hang voluptuously with plenty of folds whether open or closed.
A look like this is easy to create with a curtain rod bracket that can accommodate two curtains – easy to find at any hardware store or large fabric shop. The sheer layer lets in the light while guaranteeing privacy; the dusty silver-blue curtains give the room a cosy ambience at night when soft lighting can be used to set the mood. Position curtains wide enough apart so they don’t obscure any of the window to maximise the daylight coming in. Also key is using enough fabric so the curtains hang voluptuously with plenty of folds whether open or closed.
Consider a cafe curtain
Combining a mix of fabrics in a room can add a playful touch. The fabric of the cafe curtain in this adorable room is also used on the Roman blind by the bed, and the polka dot fabric on the tasselled pelmet above creates contrast and interest.
Combining a mix of fabrics in a room can add a playful touch. The fabric of the cafe curtain in this adorable room is also used on the Roman blind by the bed, and the polka dot fabric on the tasselled pelmet above creates contrast and interest.
Let the light shine in
Going for sheer curtains throughout a room means the furnishings become the focus rather than the curtains themselves. If you have a spectacular view, sheer curtains can also be the way to go.
Going for sheer curtains throughout a room means the furnishings become the focus rather than the curtains themselves. If you have a spectacular view, sheer curtains can also be the way to go.
Tinker with two tones
This unusual colour combination adds appeal to this already interesting room. Lining up the second tone with the window sill is easy on the eye, and note how much higher than the top of the window the curtain rail has been mounted – a long drop not only looks beautiful, but the curtains also serve to keep out any drafts. Curtains should be long enough that they hit the floor exactly.
This unusual colour combination adds appeal to this already interesting room. Lining up the second tone with the window sill is easy on the eye, and note how much higher than the top of the window the curtain rail has been mounted – a long drop not only looks beautiful, but the curtains also serve to keep out any drafts. Curtains should be long enough that they hit the floor exactly.
Go for bold
Stripes are suddenly popular again, and when they’re as gorgeous as these black and white numbers, why wouldn’t they be? Navy and white would work just as well in a traditional-style living area as these do in this elegant living/dining room. Roman blinds are installed behind the curtains on this window for extra insulation during the colder months.
Stripes are suddenly popular again, and when they’re as gorgeous as these black and white numbers, why wouldn’t they be? Navy and white would work just as well in a traditional-style living area as these do in this elegant living/dining room. Roman blinds are installed behind the curtains on this window for extra insulation during the colder months.
Work within the time period
If an elegant old-world look is what you’re going for in your bathroom, don’t neglect the curtains. This sheer cafe curtain complements the other features of this bathroom perfectly.
If an elegant old-world look is what you’re going for in your bathroom, don’t neglect the curtains. This sheer cafe curtain complements the other features of this bathroom perfectly.
Dress up just for the sake of it
When privacy isn’t a concern, it can be tempting to leave the windows undressed. But as this room reveals, embellishing the windows with decorative curtains can add that finishing touch.
When privacy isn’t a concern, it can be tempting to leave the windows undressed. But as this room reveals, embellishing the windows with decorative curtains can add that finishing touch.
BLINDS
Coordinate your bedhead with the blinds
This gorgeous blind ties in beautifully with that upholstered bedhead, and makes the space fresh and inviting. Keep in mind that using colour in the blinds may limit your options when it comes to the colours you can use in your bedding. White is the obvious choice but branching out into other colours when you feel like a change may prove tricky.
Coordinate your bedhead with the blinds
This gorgeous blind ties in beautifully with that upholstered bedhead, and makes the space fresh and inviting. Keep in mind that using colour in the blinds may limit your options when it comes to the colours you can use in your bedding. White is the obvious choice but branching out into other colours when you feel like a change may prove tricky.
Gain flexibility with neutrals
The decorative detail in these windows are enough of an attraction not to need anything fancy to shade them. At night when the blinds are lowered, they blend into the background rather than making a statement, and sometimes that’s exactly what you want them to do.
The decorative detail in these windows are enough of an attraction not to need anything fancy to shade them. At night when the blinds are lowered, they blend into the background rather than making a statement, and sometimes that’s exactly what you want them to do.
Create atmosphere with colour
The warmth in this fabric works well with the tones in the floor and furnishings to create a comfortable, attractive room. It would still be delightful without them, but not quite as inviting.
The warmth in this fabric works well with the tones in the floor and furnishings to create a comfortable, attractive room. It would still be delightful without them, but not quite as inviting.
Repeat a pattern for maximum effect
These delicate Roman blinds are both elegant and practical in this kitchen. Don’t discount using fabric in the kitchen – if the blinds are far enough away to avoid splatters from the sink and stove, it’s all good.
These delicate Roman blinds are both elegant and practical in this kitchen. Don’t discount using fabric in the kitchen – if the blinds are far enough away to avoid splatters from the sink and stove, it’s all good.
Splurge on plantation shutters
Whether solid timber or aluminium, plantation shutters are worth paying for. Control the light and airflow as you like through the day by adjusting the louvres; shut them up tight at night for maximum privacy. Plantation shutters can also be opened using the side hinges for yet another effect. This window treatment is best suited for warmer climes – it doesn’t do much in terms of insulation – or layer heavy curtains over the top for use in the cooler months.
Whether solid timber or aluminium, plantation shutters are worth paying for. Control the light and airflow as you like through the day by adjusting the louvres; shut them up tight at night for maximum privacy. Plantation shutters can also be opened using the side hinges for yet another effect. This window treatment is best suited for warmer climes – it doesn’t do much in terms of insulation – or layer heavy curtains over the top for use in the cooler months.
Look beyond the window
Vertical fixtures like this add architectural interest, and allow you to use the sun to your advantage through the seasons. These tall shutters are positioned on the edge of the balcony, while sheer curtains add versatility indoors.
Vertical fixtures like this add architectural interest, and allow you to use the sun to your advantage through the seasons. These tall shutters are positioned on the edge of the balcony, while sheer curtains add versatility indoors.
Match the curtains to the walls
This sumptuous living room is all about rich colour and texture, and the curtains are no different. The turquoise walls, echoed in the velvet armchairs, work beautifully with the generous folds and long drop of the curtains.