Life is too short to cover your windows with plain plastic blinds or those printed curtains from Ikea that every college kid seems to have. Jump-start your creativity and revamp your shades with novel window treatments.
Think of a window treatment as the accouterment that makes a room look polished, the accessory that ties the space together. They’re essential to a well-designed room. “It’s one of the things that makes a difference in a room, where you can make a big visual impact,” says Kelly Fallis, CEO of RS Muskoka Renovations & Development Management in Ontario, Canada.
Fallis says window treatments are one of the places you can dare to take design risks. With so many prints, patterns, and colors, it really is all about finding a textile you love and running with it. And it’s low risk. “Window treatments are something that can be changed often,” she adds. Compared with buying a sofa, say, changing up your curtains or drapes can be a low-cost way to create drama and interest in a room.
We’re already feeling inspired by the different types of window treatments below—are you? Read on!
1. Roman shades
Photo by Andrew Roby General Contractor
Fallis loves Roman blinds because they’re cheap and easy to update. “Romans seem complicated, but they’re really not.” That’s because once the wooden frame and pulley are constructed, you can swap out the fabric. If you have yours custom-made, the fabric will be removable anyway, for cleaning. So when you’re ready for an update, bring it into an upholsterer or tailor with your new fabric. You’ll have a new look, for the cost of the fabric and a few hours’ of labor.
2. Matching valance and pillows
Photo by Priscilla Fenlin Interiors
This very neutral bedroom gets zhuzhed-up with an elaborately patterned print featured on both the valance and the throw pillows. Matching your window treatments to your pillows might sound a bit old-fashioned, but it’s actually a great way to tie the room together if you have mismatched furniture.
3. Matchstick shades
Photo by Margaret Donaldson Interiors
In choosing window treatments, there are so many other materials to consider beyond fabric. These natural matchstick shades give the room an airy feel, while still looking polished. And the neutral tone lets the other bright colors in the room take center stage.
4. Pooling drapes
Photo by KH Window Fashions, Inc.
And now for some drama. As a general rule, you don’t want your drapes pooling on the floor. But Fallis says “when it comes to window coverings, there are no rules.” So if it’s a theatrical look you’re after, pool away.
5. Asymmetrical curtains
Photo by Amberth – More living room ideas
Who says your curtains have to match on both sides? One billowing curtain is better than two, in this instance. With an extra-wide curtain, you can sweep it to the side during the day to embrace the asymmetry and pull it closed at night.
6. Sheer curtains
With all the pale shades in this room, opaque drapes would feel too heavy. These sheer drapes have a light, airy look. Don’t feel as though you’re limited to the size of the window. Hanging the drapes from floor to ceiling, and from wall to wall, makes the window, and by extension the entire room, look larger than it is.
7. Top down-bottom up shades
Photo by Lisa Scheff Designs
These blinds allow you to have privacy while still letting plenty of light indoors. How? The blinds can be raised from the bottom or lowered from the top so you can position the covering on any part of the window.
8. Valance in a heavy pattern
Photo by KDW Home/Kitchen Designworks
A pattern in a striking color will bring interest to an otherwise plain and simple room like the kitchen above. These sunny shades add just the right amount of energy to this all-white kitchen, but valances are also great in a bedroom.