Windows come in all shapes and sizes, from elegant Victorian sash to small cottage-style, and the way you dress them very much depends on the style as well as the statement that you want to make. Do you want to reveal the view outside or hide it? Do you want a cosy feel or clean lines? Let’s explore a few contemporary options to ensure your windows look stunning.
Using blinds
Blinds can be made of wood, metal or fabric and can sit inside or outside the window recess. Roman blinds fold and unfold in a cascade of panels; Venetian have horizontal slats that can be pivoted to let in or block light and roller blinds have literally a roll of fabric that pulls down like a roll of wrapping paper. Blinds can be used in conjunction with curtains to provide blackout or thermal insulation. Thin blinds that let in light are often used for privacy. Or you can even layer up two blinds – one for privacy and one for blackout, especially where there might not be space for curtains. For fabric blinds, choose a calm neutral or a contrasting colour to the rest of the room for a pop of colour.
Traditional curtains
The fabric colours and variety of materials can be overwhelming when choosing curtains. If you have a period property with a bay or other beautiful window, then draw attention to it by having custom-made curtains made. These will fit the window better than any ready-made option and can be lined so that they drape properly and provide extra insulation and cosiness. Make sure you extend the track or pole so that the curtains can be pushed back to the sides, so you can let in a maximum amount of natural light and show your window off!
Curtain headings
There are so many kinds of curtain headings that will all give a different effect for your project. Goblet headings (where the fabric curves to look like a goblet) are a good choice for a formal room with a heavy, sumptuous fabric and triple pinch pleats give a luxurious, tailored look for the living room. Meanwhile, eyelets and tab tops are usually found on ready-made, casual curtains. If in doubt, pencil pleats are straightforward, yet they are also elegant and work with patterned and plain fabrics.
Classical window treatments
A pelmet, also called a cornice board, is a fabric-covered box that fits over the top of the curtain and hides the fittings, which also has the bonus of keeping heat in the room. Valances are similar but have an open top. Swags and tails are elegant drapes of fabric across the top of the curtain or blind that give a classical, opulent look and conceal curtain hardware. Holdbacks, ties and tassels can be used in a contrasting or complimentary colour tie back the curtains during the day.
Shutters
Exterior shutters can hugely increase the exterior aesthetics of your property, while interior shutters can be fitted to the full length of the window for extra warmth and light exclusion. Café-style shutters fitted only to the bottom section of your windows allow light in through the top while providing privacy from the street.
Skimming and pooling
In the days before central heating and double glazing, curtains were an essential insulator against the cold and so allowing the fabric to ‘pool’ on the floor was preferable to keep the cold air trapped against the curtain and the window frame. Nowadays, curtain length is more about aesthetics. Pooling can give an opulent, decadent look while skimming about a centimetre above the floor can be more practical and contemporary.
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