The term ‘Window Treatments’ may have passed into a previous era of stylist lingo but that doesn’t mean that window treatments themselves are to be ignored in modern home styling.
In fact, we believe that just like boring white walls, naked or overly fussy windows can really make or break a room. After all, the natural light coming from your windows is the most important light in the room and will instantly draw the eye to any window treatments you have styled around them.
Let’s discuss how to update your window treatments to transform your home and how you feel about it.
Curtain Styles and Shapes
Curtains are the most obvious choice for window treatments and there are so many options to choose from when it comes to style and shape.
Apart from making sure your curtains are long enough – they should kiss the floor if full-length – you need to think about the size and shape of not only the window but the walls too.
If you don’t have much wall space on one side, you don’t have to have two curtains on a window. Go with a really luxurious single curtain for a dramatic look that fits the shape of the room.
If you have slanted walls, then you can buy unique hold-back systems to maximise space.
You’ll also need to consider how the window opens. It’s really nice to be able to have your curtains (or blinds) partly closed with the window open, so make sure how you hang your curtain allows for this.
Blinds Styles and Shapes
When it comes to blinds, we believe that fabric is always a winner over plastic or metal styles. Here are a few different kinds you’ll find on the market:
Roller blinds are self-explanatory and usually very reasonably priced. For us, one of the best things about roller blinds is being able to make them using a fabric of your choice to really personalise your window and help it match your room.
Roman blinds are fabric blinds and fold up really nicely, giving a very tailored look. These also look good with drapes.
Austrian blinds are something we saw a lot of in the 80’s and early 90’s and are ruched at the bottom – you might want to avoid these!
London blinds are something we don’t see very often but give a much more relaxed feeling. These fabric blinds have ribbon trims catching the bottom of the fabric (though they’re pulled up at the side like the others).
Blinds versus curtains, or both?!
Blinds are often better at really keeping the light out, but curtains are certainly more decorative.
If you want to do both a blind and a curtain we would recommend a blind with some drapes. These are curtains that don’t pull across but frame the window and, during the day, the view.
Blind and Curtain Colour Ideas
Take inspiration from those fabulously in style bold wallpaper prints by keeping your walls white and adding that burst of personality into your curtains.
Floral and large botanical patterns will look fabulous framing a window. This is especially nice when you have no real greenery outside your window!
To add drama and a little luxury go for jewel colours. Ruby and emerald are really on trend right now so you should find lots to choose from! These colours are quite heavy, so don’t necessarily use them in a very small room.
For your bedroom, though, we would highly recommend keeping your curtains or blinds a calm colour. You don’t want to go too bold here, rather channel tranquility.
Don’t forget the details
The fabrics you use in your curtains can really add depth, texture and luxury to your room but you can’t forget about the linings.
Curtain linings add the weight and body to your curtains and help them hang beautifully. The lining will also protect the main curtain from any sun damage. You can also be creative and try a different colour for your linings.
Another thing to consider with curtains is the way they are pulled aside.
Personally, we think that the ‘hold-back’ style is not only simpler than the ‘tie-back’ style, but also more elegant. Hold back fastenings come in a variety of materials to match with your furniture and decor.
Curtain poles and finials should match with the style of window dressings and curtains. If your style is classic go with a classic pole and finial, think nice round edges in wood. If your style is contemporary, look for contemporary poles which are often metal.
Considering the natural light
The fabric you use for your curtains or blinds will obviously affect how much light can pass through. Depending on the room, you’ll want to have different amounts of light passing through at different times.
Matt fabrics absorb the light and sheen fabrics will reflect the light. Sheer curtains are a great way to add just that bit of privacy but keep the light coming in. This also works when you want to hide the view but keep the light.
Styling Shutters
If you want to go big and bold with your window treatments, then why not consider adding shutters? Plantation shutters add such a unique look to a room and are great for filtering light and giving privacy.
If you already live in a fabulous house with the original working shutters, then you are very lucky! This may mean you live in an older building and therefore your shutters could do with an update. A fresh lick of paint works wonders and would look great in a different colour to the rest of the room.
Shutters are also great because they don’t take up as much space in the room as curtains do.
So, when choosing curtains, blinds or shutters, you need to find a way to mirror the style of the rest of your room and decor. Assess the style and the mood of each room before choosing the materials, styles, fabric and tie it all in with the colours and textures together.
One final note, that if you really don’t fancy a curtain, blind or shutter, then maybe hang something decorative in the window or paint the window frame to make it pop? Leaving your window ‘naked’ works best if the view outside is worth keeping open!
