Forget Basic Curtains: This Stylish Alternative Lets Light In And Keeps Your Privacy

Trying to choose the perfect curtains for your space is tricky, but there's another route that you may not have considered. We're not talking standard blinds or shutters, but something much more stylish and timeless. If you're looking to elevate a room — while still providing privacy and allowing light to filter through — Japanese shoji screens can offer everything you need from traditional curtains, but with a beautiful and functional twist.

If you naturally gravitate towards minimalist or biophilic design styles, you are probably already incorporating some basic elements of Japanese decor into your home. Its design aesthetic has long been rooted in its simplicity and connection to nature — and one of its key characteristics is how it loves to blend the indoors with the outdoors. This is something that shoji screens do well. But that doesn't mean their use can't be incorporated into other mid-century or modern styles as well. Their simple design allows them to fit seamlessly with many aesthetics. So let's learn more about these traditional Japanese screens and why they are so perfect as window treatments.

Shoji screens, also known as paper screens, are a form of Japanese art, design, and architecture that many people are familiar with, even if they don't immediately recognize the name. Created over a thousand years ago, these paper screens were inspired by traditional Chinese folding screens, and made of thick paper, stretched out and held together by a bamboo or wooden frame. Unlike the heavier Chinese version, which were bulky and mostly used as room dividers, Japanese shoji screens were meant to be lightweight and portable. This made them more versatile, useful for everything from backgrounds for performances and even a version of privacy curtains that still let light in.

These screens are often handcrafted, using Japanese-style washi paper that is made from the inner bark of plants to give it some durability and functionality. The final product is thin and translucent, and although the material is stronger than your average paper, it is still somewhat fragile. That's why many shoji screens have evolved for the modern household and have laminate covers or panels to help against damage. Over time, they have gone beyond just a traditional Japanese architectural element and have become a staple in the world of interior design. Now you can find shoji screens being made everywhere from artisanal shops to industrial factories, and being utilized in many different types of households.

There are multiple ways you can use shoji screens as an alternative to curtains, depending on your budget and renovation needs. The simplest way is to find barn-style shoji doors that you can install over your windows to take the place of curtains. These will allow you to keep your existing window structure intact — all you would need to do is install the additional feature. They will slide open and closed like traditional curtains and allow you easy access to your window. If your budget allows, you could go the professional installation route and have sliding shoji screens put in your home in place of windows, which would give your room a more immersive Japanese style and make the screens just as functional as they are stylistic. With this option, you would have more direct access to outdoor spaces and fewer obstructions to nature.

For the DIYers out there who want something budget-friendly and are handy with a power tool, you could build your own custom shoji screens that fit perfectly over your windows and incorporate the style in an even more subtle way. However you decide to use shoji screens, they are sure to add a serene feel to your home. So when you're considering the best type of curtains for your living room, it might be time to think outside the box and opt for screens that can regulate light and provide necessary privacy, and stop relying on traditional curtains.