How to dress windows

Windows are the new stars of the home - they can be dressed to frill or to thrill, or kept simple and chic. There's now a wealth of choice in treatments from classical swags to minimalist breaths of muslin and even curtains made from suede or leather.

 

Dress up blinds with dramatic drapes

ABOVE: Roman blinds offer privacy in this bedroom suite, but the bronze drapes take the credit for being the star attraction.

Make the most of your windows and make them an eyecatching feature rather than an eyesore

ABOVE: Poorly hung window treatments only add to the shabby appearance of this living space. While BELOW, the same room with dark well-hung curtains and a few cosmetic changes and you have a room that is warm and inviting.

Add to the fun -- these days the style of the house need not necessarily dictate the style of the curtains.

Stephanie Hoppen author of The New Curtain Book, which includes inspiring advice and stunning examples from top designers, says “If you can’t afford new curtains there are a number of things that can be done to give your windows a face-lift. A new border of contrasting fabric stitched to the leading edge and base of a curtain will frame a window in a whole new way."

“The addition of a voile, coloured or plain, on a separate track or pole could change the whole atmosphere of the room. To give a plain blind a new lease of life, a small panel of gorgeously expensive fabric can be appliquéd down the centre.”

Here are a few more insider secrets from leading interior designers...
Nicky Haslam says: “I think people have begun to think of windows as works of art. A window is like a modern painting and curtains compose the frame. If you take them up as high as you can, they give visual height to a room and draw attention to the ceiling.”

Be imaginative with trimmings. Haslam uses crystals, shells, leather or gaudy braid, and particularly likes large tassels.

 

 

Nina Campbell says: “You can get pattern and excitement from cushions and upholstery, but I think the expanse of curtain fabric needs to be more restful. I love the feel of fabrics: damask, velvet, chenille and printed linen. I also love floaty fabrics that let the light come through such as sheer linen or silk taffeta, which I often use unlined.”

Some windows need a little dressing up

ABOVE: Two small windows on either side of the fireplace offer a way to create a feature wall. Dressed with a matching valance and soft side drapes BELOW the windows frame the centre wall to create a wonderful focus.

Grand curtains only look right on grand windows, smaller windows need simpler treatments. If you have to compromise on cost, choose a good curtain maker and a less expensive fabric.

Kelly Hoppen says: “The way I think about curtains has changed. Years ago it was about using masses of fabric to cover windows, whereas today it’s about light. People are more aware of light now, they want curtains that are sheer and translucent, not lined and interlined. I’m definitely not a pattern person, but I will border fabrics and make bands across them. An expensive silk can look wonderful bordered with grey flannel or wool.”

TIP: Use one colour for a curtain but several different fabric textures such as silk and leather to make plain curtains look interesting.

Some window treatments are best left simple

ABOVE: While blinds and drapes are a good combination, there are times when the two simply do not work together. By removing the hanging drapes in this bedroom BELOW, the room instantly becomes brighter and more visually alive.

To feature or not to feature?

ABOVE: Layer upon layer of fabric over shuttered windows do nothing for this insignificant window. With the fabric removed BELOW the dining room is visually larger and brighter and the table becomes the main focus point.

Less drab - more drama!

ABOVE: Previously an uninspiring feature, custom designed window treatments BELOW now flank the dramatic fireplace in this large family room, adding even more excitement to the architectural interest of the room.

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