Windows are a pretty important part of any home - they let the light in, and they let us see the (hopefully) pretty views outside. So, it makes sense to take good care of them and dress them in the interior style of the room. But, let's be honest, we've all seen our fair share of ugly window treatments and know they can make or break your decor. Luckily, anything goes at the moment, but there are a few tricks to getting it just right.
So if you’re wondering how best to treat your windows right now, here are some thoroughly modern ideas for your consideration:
Bamboo Blinds
Bamboo blinds, like the ones at http://www.bambooblinds1.com/ are the ideal window accompaniment for those of us who live in hot, sunny areas. Their organic texture and look, woven from natural materials, adds to the chilled out vibe of any coastal locale. They also provide cooling shade and depending on the weave can sometimes give a very beachy dappled light effect into the room. Install on their own in bathrooms and laundries or layer or frame with white sheers for a suitably Hamptons style space in the lounge, bedroom or stufy
Roman Blinds
Roman blinds, like the ones you can purchase at Oz Blinds online are a good practical and often affordable choice. They come in a wide range of colours, patterns and styles and they can cover as much or as little of the window as you like. So if you want to make a show of the scene outside your window, you can roll them up, and they’ll provide an interesting border that draws the eye, or if you want some privacy (great as blockouts), you can pull them down completely, and they’ll be like an extra piece of artwork in whichever room you place them. Romans are a smart choice for rental properties, dens and kids rooms for their durability, ease of use, cost effectiveness and relative ease of replacement compared to other blind types.
Saris
If you’re looking for something a little more unusual, casual or whimsical, instead of investing in regular window treatments, why not pick up some saris and re-purpose them into something spectacular to dress your windows? Saris are beautifully bold and vibrant, and they offer a unique kind of luxury, as well as adding a more exotic flavor to the room. Their light coverage is soft and moody and usually used decoratively rather than as complete light blockers. Hang and drape with elegance as your goal and you'll avoid that sloppy dorm room feel!
Shutters
Okay, so shutters were once hardly a modern window treatment, but after a period where they fell out of favor, they have most certainly made a beautiful and functional comeback. They are fantastic for blocking out the light and improving the 'finished' appearance of your home and now come in plantation style, PVC and aluminium to name a few. When they’re shut they are attractive and unobtrusive which makes versatile for almost any room in the home, including bedrooms. They can be layered under sheer curtains or look great framed with patterned fabric drapes. The new designs and materials are hard-wearing, easy to use and easy to clean.
Sea Glass Beads
If you’re looking to give your home a hint of boho chic on a budget, create your own window treatments by threading pieces of colorful sea glass, (which you can buy at West Coast Sea Glass) onto strands of rope or hessian. This is a beautiful, simple way to add some subtle sparkle and character to your windows, especially if the the view is too gorgeous too completely cover or if privacy isn't an issue. Layer with some sheers or hang a whole window full, like a rainforest retreat or deserted beach shack, your windows will still be 'dressed' whilst also being totally unique. A good one for studio's and shed too where more decoration and homeliness may be desired without the concern for dirtying drapes.
This list could go on, but it's a great starting point. Basically with all of these varied options and so many cheap and cheerful curtain sets available in home stores everywhere, there's no excuse for the daggy sheet these days!
Change up your window hardware; sling or sash back your drapes for a whole new look; let framing drapes puddle slightly onto the floor to romanticise your space; hang your curtains higher and wider than the window to create the illusion of bigger windows and maximise light; and always, always measure twice, quote/cut/or drill once!
Show me your best window below.
Shall we call it a #winfie?! No. let's not.
Happy decorating, friends!
x
