Stylish Window Treatment Ideas For Your Space
When decorating a home most people begin by setting up seating areas with sofas and accent chairs, adding art to the walls, and layering the floors with rugs. While all those interior features are necessary for filling your space and creating a lifestyle in a home, so too are window treatments. All too often though, what goes over the windows is forgotten, ignored, or overlooked. But no home is complete without some sort of covering over the windows — including yours. Regardless of style preferences, the right window treatments provide privacy and can block sunlight which can help keep rooms up to 33% cooler according to the U.S. Department of Energy. So, they're useful but how do you make them stylish?
Choosing what to cover the windows with is not a design decision to skip or gloss over. "Window treatments are a vital component of any room design," interior designer Starrett Ringborn tells 1stDibs. Ringborn also notes, "I often select interesting and beautiful fabrics that speak for themselves when it comes to window treatments."
Whether this is your first or tenth time shopping for coverings, picking the right one could be overwhelming as the choices are extensive. There's a window treatment option for every type of decorator, interior preference, and window style. Ask yourself, what's the vibe like around your windows? Whether you are aiming for a formal look, trendy pattern, traditional vibe, or romantic essence, there's a stylish window treatment idea for your space below.
Choose a fold style for Roman shades
When decorating windows in your home, it's a good idea to treat these cutouts as forms of art. In fact, you should look at selecting window coverings for your home a bit like visiting an art museum. How does the painting appear to you on the wall? Except in this case, how does the Roman shade look on the wall in your home? Roman shades are great for adding texture to the walls where art is absent or not preferred. They typically are crafted from a variety of fabrics and are most commonly offered in two types of folds: waterfall and flat stack (via One Stop Decorating). The fold styles are different, open or closed, with cascading shades offering a softer look, and flat stack ones featuring a more streamlined design.
Deciding on the type of fold you prefer will help concentrate your efforts on specific materials. Create movement in the space and adorn your windows with Roman shades in any room of the house. With the type of fold decided, it's time for you to choose the fabric type. "When you're selecting fabric for a shade, light-and medium-weight materials are fine, but it's important to avoid very heavily embellished fabrics or those that are just too rigid," Abby Rodriguez, the vice president of New York's Chelsea Workroom, tells Architectural Digest. "You want the folds to lie nicely one on top of the other, and the thicker your fabric is, the harder that is to achieve."
Cover the whole or half of the window with shutters
Are you looking to cover the windows in your home with shutters? This stylish window treatment checks the privacy box and is a sleek addition to any room's decor. Window shutters can be ideal for nearly any window style in your home regardless of the interior aesthetic. Whether you are covering the entire window or just a portion, you can use shutters as a way to block out light and onlookers. As such, you can have these installed to completely cover the windows or opt for cafe shutters or half shutters that block the bottom portion, leaving the top half open (via The Shutter Store). Both styles operate the same way with the choice of opening and closing the folds at will to let light in or shut it out.
Another benefit of shutters is that they have no long cords to tie up or tangle making them great for those homes with youngsters and pets that love to get into things. According to Cameron's Design, shutters indoors are made from a variety of materials that are suitable for all windows, including those odd-shaped ones. They can be purchased or painted in a shade that blends in with your color scheme or one that provides an interesting contrast. You can also use shutters in any room of the house from the bathroom to the bedroom to highlight architectural features on the walls.
Use Venetian blinds for privacy
If you are looking to cover up the windows in your home with something that blends in versus standing out, then consider Venetian-style blinds as your go-to window covering. These slatted-style window treatments typically feature tiltable horizontal blinds that can be adjusted for privacy preferences (via Blinds Galore). Odds are you have seen this style of blinds somewhere or had them in a previous residence. They're a practical and functional decorative element as you can close them completely, or open them either partially or entirely — the choice is yours.
You do have complete control over how much of the outside you want to let in. This style of window treatment is ideal for those home dwellers who sometimes want a peek of the outside but not a completely exposed window. They are also an understated option that can blend with the rest of your decor. As photographer Olivia Rae James Suárez tells Clever, "They look nice and serve a purpose, but they aren't the first thing you notice in the room."
These are often crafted from aluminum, real wood, or faux wood according to Avalon Flooring. For a functional addition to the decor in your residence consider covering the windows everywhere from the living room and bedroom to the bathroom with Venetian-style blinds. Their simplicity and variety mesh with many interior preferences sure to create a stylish and customizable window treatment.
There are many ways to mount a roller shade
What are roller shades? Just as the name suggests, they are window shades that 'roll' up and down a window. They're typically attached at the top of a window on a rolling mechanism. The shades are then controlled by pulling with your hand, using a cord, or controlling electronically. Imagine being able to control the shades from the comfort of your sofa. A complete possibility if you decide on this stylish window treatment for your place.
Besides the operational choices, there are other considerations to make before selecting this style of window treatment. First, the mounting style. According to The Shade Store, there are two choices a homeowner can make for installing a roller shade: inside or outside of the window frame. The choice for installation comes down to the window frame itself and which method works best in the space. Your personal preference for the appearance of the shade on your wall is also a factor.
When shopping for shades, Hunter Douglas suggests determining your level of privacy and level of light preference in the space first. When these two factors are considered you can focus on choosing an opacity level for the shades. They range from sheer to total blackout. Not every room needs the same amount of light filtration so it's not uncommon to use different shade styles in various rooms.
Choose curtains based on the material
Sometimes, it's best to keep to the basics when styling your home's windows. Opt for a simple approach and decorate your windows with curtains. Design preferences of all varieties from classic, contemporary, eclectic, and more can benefit from all drapery has to offer. There is a curtain panel for every style as they are the classic window treatment for any window, in any room of the house.
Curtains have been a go-to accessory in home decor for many reasons. They have the ability to add drama and texture to your space. They can also introduce patterns, color, height, and dimension to rooms big and small. Depending on the material choice, curtains can also filter light and provide cover from peering eyes outside. According to Crate & Barrel, curtains are selected primarily based on the fabric style. Silk, linen, velvet, cotton, and sheer are some of the most common types and each offers a different level of comfort in a home. Based on your needs, you can choose curtain panels made from materials that offer you the best livability inside your dwelling. Each material differs in durability, longevity, aesthetics, and light filtration so you can select the right one for your unique preferences.
Accessorize the curtains with stylish hardware
Unlike painting the walls or designing intricate millwork, hanging curtains to elevate the wall decor inside is relatively easy, with the right accessories. No matter your home's style, there's a multitude of curtain accessories you could use to jazz up even the blandest of curtain panels. That's right, we're not talking about the curtains themselves but rather the hardware that holds them. What you use to secure the curtains to the walls is not a detail you want to dismiss. They should be stylish and durable with no flexing of the bar when the curtains are on it.
Experts will tell you, the little details matter. Decorating with curtains is no exception. When it comes to styling windows this decorating concept goes beyond the panels. Concentrate on the hardware as well. These could include end caps for curtain rods and the rods themselves. You should also be mindful when choosing any hooks, curtain holders, or clips to complete the design. Before selecting the hardware finish or shape, first consider the other details in the room. "I sometimes take my cue on this from existing moldings or baseboards," Brigette Romanek tells 1stDibs. "You can either go with the aesthetic of the architecture or find an artful counterpart."
Just because your curtain rod is functional doesn't mean that it can't enhance the appearance of your window treatments. Wooden rods can remain unfinished for a rustic look or be stained or painted to fit a classic aesthetic (via Home Depot). You can also purchase metal rods in various metal finishes like brushed nickel and brass to mix or match with other metal accents in your space. Decorative items like tie-backs and finials are small details that have the potential to elevate and add character to the overall look.
Display a valance at the top of the window
There are more than just curtains and shades to choose from or combine together when it comes to decorating a window inside your home. This next window treatment has little functionality but is all about style. If you are looking to frame the window and add a stylish wall feature at the same time, try hanging a valance. These window accessories are positioned at the top of the window and only cover a portion of the opening. They do not move like blinds or curtains and block little light, but they can be visually stunning. According to Centurian Window Fashions, valances can come in many designs, colors, and forms. They include scalloped, pleated, ascot, swag, scarf, and balloon.
While this style may not be for everyone, they are a super stylish window treatment to consider for use in your home. "For me, window valances exude luxury and they are an extra attention to detail and give a very finished feel," Penny Morrison, interior designer, told Homes & Gardens."Valances add a sense of height and can balance particularly tall windows and long living room drape ideas."
Window valances do actually have a purpose beyond appearance. You can use them alone or combined with other window treatments for a harmoniously-styled window. They can be a great way to hide the tracks on which curtains or blinds are hung. The proportion of your valances is key. You do not want them so narrow that they look skimpy, nor too wide that they look heavy or block too much light. They should be seen as a way to enhance the architectural details of a window or play off other window treatments.
Build your own window cornice
When a valance is too large, or simply not what you need, but you still want to hide any equipment at the top of the window consider adding a cornice. What is a cornice? It's similar to a valance in that it occupies the same position above the window but has more structure. It's typically a box-shaped form that's wall-mounted above the window and can be covered with fabric if you choose as per Budget Blinds. These window features can be as ornate or as modern as you desire to fit the room you are decorating. They can also be left on their own or used in conjunction with other window features – up to you!
As with any decorative feature you can purchase them brand new or build one on a budget. Given this window treatment's simple form, it's perhaps a project you may try to construct yourself. You can elevate the windows in your home by building your own cornice using wood, screws, and desired stain, with the necessary tools and hardware for installation (via The DIY Dreamer). Before you begin collecting items on the list from the local hardware store, be sure to measure each window accurately to ensure a proper fit.
Pick a pattern based on personal style
If you really want to switch things up inside your place with a stylish new feature, look at updating the window areas around your house. While you can definitely cover the window with a basic white curtain that's simple and understated, consider adding a bit more of your style to the walls instead. Rather than a traditional solid color or style of drapery opt for adding visual drama that expresses a bit of your personality. Dress the windows in your home with curtain panels that have designs that add a pop of style.
Frame any window or set of windows in your home with panels that add pattern to your space. "Curtains can completely change the look and feel of your living room without the cost of updating the entire space. Pick a striking new pattern for a bold look or for a more relaxing ambiance hang some voiles," Yvonne Keal, senior product manager at Hilarys told Real Homes. "Window treatments should satisfy three key elements, privacy, practicality, and personal style."
The patterns can contrast with your decor to make a statement or provide a subtle, cohesive addition to the space. Before finalizing a print make sure the curtain pattern looks attractive, whether they are open or closed (via Country Living). When using any type of geometric, stripe, floral, or whimsical pattern, be mindful of how it appears both ways and how each impacts the wall visually.
Make sure to get the colors correct
When choosing curtains, shades, or any other window treatments to cover the windows, there are many factors to consider. You most certainly can put the exact same style and color of curtain or shade on every window of the house. But odds are you are going to want to vary the design and color scheme instead. You may not have the same palette, prints, lighting needs, or vibe in every room of your home. These factors alone will likely have you shopping for more than one style and hue. If you are ever unsure of how to start, begin by selecting a current color from the space you are decorating.
According to Russells Curtains, light color curtains are best in rooms that receive plenty of natural light as they don't fade as quickly as their colorful counterparts. On the other hand, high-traffic areas benefit most from darker-hued panels that can better hide dirt and stains. Once you know which depth of color you need in the space, pick your favorite tone anywhere from pale beige to intense black. Curtains are always in style and are offered in many progressive shades that add personality to your space.
Layer a few styles together
If you can't choose just one stylish treatment for your window, use a few together on the same window for a perfect pairing. "I love a layered window," Marie Flanigan interior designer tells Livingetc. "When dressing a window, I love to pair a gorgeous woven wood with a beautiful drapery panel, typically in a solid-colored fabric. I love the texture that woven wood adds to a space, then complemented with the clean lines of drapery on top."
Any combination of fabric and shade can be stunning, depending on your decorating style. You can also use a double rod to hang multiple curtain panels over the same window at once for a unique double-layered display. Mix and match the colors and designs for a curated combination that's unique to your home and style.
Play with the structure of your home and style with curtains, shades, or a combination of window treatments. These can increase visual height, dimension, and depth as well as further enhance your aesthetic. From the basic and traditional to the eccentric and bold, there is a stylish window solution to add function and create the vibe you're looking for.