How to Have the Best Dressed Windows

Eyelet curtains complement the contemporary style of this living/dining room
Image credit: Berkeley Group

Planning the décor for your new home? Take some time to think about the way you dress your windows, as it can dramatically alter the feel and look of a room. Though with so many styles of curtains, blinds and shutters available, it can be a bit hard to know where to start. To help you choose, here are the key essentials to consider.

Fabrics First

A sheer curtain will still let light in and gives a relaxed feel in an open-plan room
Image credit: Tony Hussey /Berkeley Group

“The right fabric is an essential part of choosing your curtains, as it dictates the overall finish so it’s important to know what style you’re looking for,” says Harry Cole, Founder of curtain and blind company Loom & Last. “For a softer and more relaxed look, opt for sheer, lightweight fabrics in cream or off-white tones. Light, sheer fabrics will also let more natural light in. Those on the hunt for ‘formal’ traditional curtains should look for sturdier fabrics such as velvet.”

Think About the Length

Floor-length curtains give a smart look: here they are teamed with a complementary Roman blind
Image credit: Berkeley Group

Floor-length curtains will give a polished, streamlined look to the room; let them just skim the floor, so they don’t pick up dust. For a touch of drama and opulence, you can have drapes that puddle on the floor, which means adding about 12cm to the length of the curtains. Though this may not be the most practical option if you have small children or pets running around! Hang the curtains from a pole or track that is a few centimetres higher than your window, which will emphasise the height of the windows and room.

Brilliant Blinds

Roman blinds look stylish and fit neatly on these windows
Image credit Simon Winson/Berkeley Group

“Windows can vary from room to room and in some cases, blinds will be a better fit for your space than a pair of curtains,” says Harry. “Assess how much room you have either side of your window, if there is little to no space, or if it is situated within a recess then a blind is a more suitable choice.” Blinds also offer a cleaner finish, especially for smaller windows above radiators and are more practical in a kitchen or bathroom.

Roman blinds are made from fabric that is designed to pleat when raised. “The header rail allows visibility of your fabric pattern whether the blind is up or down, while the traditional pleats are a stylish addition that make a feature out of your window,” says Harry. “Roller blinds are a perfect choice if you are looking to maximise daylight and make smaller windows appear taller.”

One of the latest innovations is Vision blinds. Made of two layers of translucent and opaque horizontal striped fabric, they allow you to control the light you let in and also give a clean, contemporary look to a room. And don’t forget slatted Venetian blinds, which now come in a huge range of colours from shiny metallics to natural wood, and are easy to clean.

Venetian blinds are easy to keep clean and work well in a bathroom
Image credit Simon Winson/Berkeley Group

Stylish Shutters

These stylish wood shutters complement the kitchen cabinets and are ideal on French windows
Image credit: Berkeley Group

In recent years, wooden shutters have soared in popularity for their looks and practicality – they’re easy to keep clean. Plantation-style shutters add character and you can shut the louvres to give privacy and open them up for more light. For an informal effect, just hang shutters at the bottom half of the window, allowing light through the top half. Solid wood shutters are also a good alternative to blackout blind in bedrooms. You can paint shutters to match your walls or furniture or opt for a natural wood finish.

Double Up

A sheer curtain combined with heavier curtains offers extra privacy in this bedroom
Image credit Simon Winson/Berkeley Group

For extra privacy during the day and to control the light in your room, pair a sheer roller blind, Roman blind or delicate voile curtain with heavier curtains. Or you could team a muslin or linen Roman blind with solid wood shutters. Layering window treatments is also a great way to add depth and style to a room, so try a Roman blind and curtain combination in the same fabric or in a matching shade.

Look Into Linings

Drape your curtains back with a hook to show a contrasting lining
Image credit: Berkeley Group

It’s not just the outer fabric you need to consider, your choice of lining will make a difference to your curtains. “If the curtains are for the bedroom, I’d suggest a blackout lining with integrated interlining, this will obstruct early morning sunlight, keep your room cool throughout the summer months, warm in winter and provide the best drape. Blackout lining is also a good option for living spaces at the front of the house as it restricts visibility and helps to maintain privacy,” advises Harry. You could also consider a contrasting coloured lining to give a dramatic effect when the curtains are hooked back.

Get the Heading Right

Wave curtains give a modern look
Image credit: Veronica Rodriguez/Berkeley Group

The headings you choose will also change the look of your curtains. Pencil pleats are a popular, classic choice, and give a neat finish, while fixed pinch pleats (double pleats) and goblet pleats offer a more tailored, formal look. For a modern appearance, think about eyelet or wave headers, which are perfect for contemporary living spaces. “They fold back effortlessly making them ideal for smaller spaces with compact windows too,” says Harry. Wave curtains are fitted onto a track, while eyelet curtains are threaded onto a pole.

Finishing Touches

Choose a decorative Perspex tie back for an ornate look
Image credit: Berkeley Group

Add interest to your curtains by using tiebacks or holdbacks. Look beyond traditional fabric ones, and experiment with beaded, jewelled, metal, woven or tasselled designs for a statement look. They’re easy and inexpensive to change when you want to update your style.