Dress up your windows

Window dressing is an integral part of your home’s décor. Curtains and blinds come in an array of styles, materials, textures and sizes. To find the window treatments and curtain ideas most suitable for your home, all you need to do is keep the following things in mind.

Curtains or blinds?

Blinds are a discreet and practical window covering idea. In summer, they keep the heat at bay and effectively filter light for a diffused effect, depending on the degree to which the slats are open. Since the 90s, the popularity of vertical blinds has declined, while horizontal blinds are sought-after. Blinds made of wood and bamboo slats are trending at the moment and add a chic, contemporary flair to a room. Choose wider slats for a modern look. If you want a more traditional style, go for thinner slats. Blinds are also a good choice to hide an unappealing view or a window in need of repair.

Fabric curtains are very decorative and come in multiple textures, hues and prints that can match your overall décor.

Here are a few tips and tricks to help you make well-informed choices!

Tips to make your windows look bigger than they are:

Match the colour of the fabric you choose to the colour of your walls. Use a curtain rod that’s longer than the window frame, so the curtains cover a wider space than the window occupies. You can also install the curtain rod closer to the ceiling to create an impression of greater height.

Install your curtains so they fall about one inch off the floor. Use this clearance even if the bottom frame of the window is high compared to the floor. For a more glamorous effect, leave a 2- to 3-inch surplus, so the curtains pool on the floor.

If your decor already features a strong colour or includes many types of decorative elements and textures, choose fabrics in solid neutral shades to balance the look.

Patterned curtains:

The scale of the print on your curtains must be consistent with the size of the window and the room to avoid creating a look that’s too overwhelming and lacks proper proportion.

Test the print by pleating the curtain to determine whether it will be as attractive once it’s hung.

Fabric with a horizontal print will make windows look wider, while vertical stripes will give an impression of greater length and height.

Different patterns can be paired in the same room. The important thing is to be consistent and maintain harmony between the fabrics.

Bright colours:

Choose curtains in bright solid colours or prints to instantly energize an otherwise conservative décor. To reduce their visual impact and create a balanced look, the rest of the décor must be neutral. Curtains with vibrant colours define a room’s space. It’s best to avoid hanging them in a small room, so the room doesn’t look smaller yet.

Tips and tricks:

Sew evenly spaced weights along the bottom edge of your curtains to weigh down lighter fabrics, so they hang straighter and stay in place.

Test your fabric samples by looking at them near a window. You’ll easily see whether they’ll be effective as blackout curtains or have the level of opacity you want.