Window Treatment Ideas

Home Improvement

©Decorating Den Systems, Inc. A piece of cloth hanging from a window can reveal the essence of a home. Therefore, choosing the right window treatment is a crucial decision for any homeowner.

The following article showcases a variety of window treatments for different rooms with helpful pictures to capture the essence of the space. From flowing curtains to matchstick shades, homeowners can find the perfect window treatments to decorate their homes.

Window treatments not only serve a decorative purpose but also a practical one. Curtains, shades, blinds, shutters, or a combination of these window dressings must also function to block sunlight and provide privacy. Hence, it is essential to choose window treatments that work well and look good.

Before deciding on a style or look for window treatments, homeowners must first analyze their needs. Privacy is a significant concern for first-floor living and dining rooms facing the front of the house, with a street view. For rooms with a south or west exposure, window treatments that screen or block intense sunlight may be desired. In cold climates, windows with a northern exposure may need a window treatment with a high thermal factor for energy efficiency.

Additionally, the window’s architecture is another practical consideration. Some windows are inherently more attractive than others. When the window itself detracts from rather than adds to the space, the window dressing can camouflage the architectural imperfections, making the window a more visually appealing feature. On the other hand, some windows are the grandest architectural statement of the room. In this case, understated treatments that complement the architecture can be embraced.

Once the windows’ utilitarian needs are addressed, homeowners can have fun with personal style, enhancing the overall decor of the room. The room’s style, whether contemporary, traditional, country, or eclectic, can provide parameters for finding the appropriate window dressing. Therefore, homeowners can choose window treatments that match their personal style and complement the room’s design.

The article discusses the importance of considering unique and expressive window dressings for a room’s design. These can include custom-cut wood valances or mural-painted trompe l’oeil. Color, pattern, and texture are also important factors to consider when selecting window treatments. Complementary or analogous colors can be used to avoid overwhelming a space with one color. Patterns can add visual movement and rhythm to a room, but too many mixed prints can create a discordant look. Texture should also be considered to balance a room’s ambiance. Ultimately, window treatments should strike a balance between practicality and design to express the personality and meet the lifestyle needs of the home’s owners. A list of additional decorating ideas can be found at the end of the article. The Neutral Zones section discusses the creative possibilities of neutral window treatments, from large-scale patterns to demure sand or cream-colored panels.

The first image shows classic draperies with fringed tie-backs that are pulled to one side to expose a portion of the window and create a feeling of being outdoors. To explore more decorating ideas for different rooms in the house, check out the list of options provided.

The second image features a floral chintz fabric, which is perfect for creating an English country style. This particular room has more decorative window treatments, including a pouf valance and balloon shade. Current trends show that homeowners are opting for a more casual and comfortable style, allowing for bolder colors and livelier patterns. The third image shows a large Roman shade and valance that combine multiple windows in a living room with a country-French flavor.

The final section is about shades and how they can be simple or intricately shaped, translucent or opaque, and patterned or solid. Sheer shades are great for grand living rooms, while more exuberant pleats and folds can become the focal point of a smaller living room.

The arched windows have translucent shades that filter the sun’s rays without blocking the view. For more home decorating ideas, check out the list of options provided. Wood blinds are stained blue and dominate the windows of a traditional living room. They are available in a variety of materials and are effective for privacy and light control. In a modern space, they function well as a window dressing on their own. However, in a more formal decor, they may benefit from a framing touch of drapery. The drapery treatment can be for appearance only, and add necessary ornamentation. Free-flowing fabrics are a new trend in window treatment design. A loosely draped fabric can provide a classic or contemporary look depending on the fabric and embellishments used.

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Shuttered Spaces

Custom shutters can make a window look like a traditional 19th-century transom without having to replace existing window panes. Shutters can also be designed to fit any window shape, making them a versatile and practical solution for any home. They can even create a classic sunburst motif for arched or Palladian-style windows.

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Southwestern Style

© Southwestern style is a popular interior design trend that embodies a mix of Native American, old West, and pioneer influences. To complement this style, window treatments should be robust, masculine, and strong, with earthy textures and colors. Wide wooden shutters are a great option to add warmth and rustic charm to a lively living room filled with patterns and colors. Alternatively, woven draperies with Native American motifs or cotton bandana prints can add a touch of whimsy to the room.

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Contemporary Window Treatments

Adding window treatments to a contemporary dining room can be a challenge. Modern furnishings often feature hard geometrics, sharp angles, and straight lines. However, when given gentle curves in just the right places, these forms can exude grace. A window treatment in such a space serves two purposes: to echo the subtle, soft edge of the style and to make dining a sensual experience while remaining fresh and contemporary.

A traditional treatment can be reinterpreted with an unexpected sheer fabric or be given a twist, such as turning the fabric on end to span between lower and upper windows for an unconventional look.

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Wooden Window Treatments

When texture is the dominant design element in a dining room, wood is the natural choice for window treatments. Wooden treatments can provide a variety of looks, from small-scale grid patterns to long and lean wood blinds that make a bold horizontal statement when massed in a single space. Japanese-style large-scale grid-work panels backed with translucent paper or fabric create a restrained effect. Each wooden treatment has a different effect, adding its own rhythm to the room.

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When Formality Takes Over

Dining rooms require the best decorative foot forward as it is the space where guests are entertained. When the room has a formal feel with dark, polished 18th-century-style mahogany furniture, rich carpets, and gleaming, gilt-encrusted chandeliers, its formality should also be reflected in its window treatments.

These windows call for finer fabrics, stately drapes, and refined colors. Golden damask that puddles voluptuously to one side before cross-tying at the top makes a regal statement. Other formal materials – satin and moiré – are used together in shorter treatments that gain their elegant presence from the drape and material choice rather than the abundance of fabric.

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Winning by the Yard

The dining room is a space for indulgence more than any other public space in the home. When the decorating goal is to create an ambience in which food and wine can be enjoyed at leisure, the scene requires a lush setting: nothing spartan in window treatments or at the walls.

The easiest way to achieve this goal is to use generous expanses of fabric as window treatments. Ample yardages of fabric can puddle to the floor in panels or be scooped up into generous folds of shades for a traditional design. Country French decors can feature double curtains and valances in different fabrics for a lavish but not overdone look. Even a contemporary dining room can gain a sense of opulence with a deeply ballooned shade crowned with a tightly gathered valance on a shirred fabric rod – in contemporary’s crisp white palette.

This window treatment uses the logic of “what’s good once is better twice.” The curtains are made of a printed fabric that is repeated in a solid, contrasting fabric.

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Heart of Country

The ability of country style to tug at heartstrings is one of its most appealing qualities. This typical curtain is made of muslin tieback panels trimmed in ball fringe.

Country style is America’s fastest-growing decorating style. It’s characterized by its insistence on casual comfort and gentle reminders of roots in the past. Window treatments are no exception. Country style is not a single look, but many looks, from dark and primitive to sunny and whimsical. The style is greatly aided in definition by the statement made at the windows.

For a light, whimsical country style, the windows can feature fresh, upbeat colors instead of a more somber historic palette. A romantic, cottage country look favored in many dining rooms has its stage set with patterned curtains with knotted swag valances. For a country look that’s brimming with old-fashioned flavor, a simple set of panels trimmed in ball fringe says it all.

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Draping the Doors

French doors bring the outdoors in while increasing a room’s architectural interest. However, they require privacy protection through window treatments, just like windows. Outfitting French doors with their own treatments doesn’t have to be daunting.

Considered as a pair of long casement windows, a simple drapery solution is the answer. Fabric panels dress each door, just as they might a single window. A cornice or valance in a matching material situated above the door frame, to permit opening and closing the doors easily, acts as an umbrella that unifies the pair. When pulled open, the panels allow the charm of the door, plus sunlight and the outdoor view, to spill into the room.

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Bridging the Bay

©
These bay shutters, in their natural golden wood tone, complement the herringbone-patterned parquet wood floor and dining chairs that are also finished in the same wood tone.

Bay windows provide an excellent view of the outdoors from three different angles, enhancing the dining experience. They also create a cozy nook, enclosing the room in a warm embrace. However, it can be challenging to apply window treatments to these windows.

While fabric window treatments are an option, shutters provide a crisp, angular look that follows the lines of the windows. Wooden shutters are ideal for controlling the amount of light that enters the room. Even when the louvered panels are closed, the slats can be opened to allow filtered sunlight to enter. Shutters can be left in their natural wood finish, stained in any color, or painted in a bright, airy white, making them suitable for any style or color scheme.

©
This tall bay window features wooden shutters of three different lengths, all painted in bright white. The white paint connects visually with the white dining table and chairs.

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Traditional Theatrics

©Thomas Lighting
This traditional window treatment is surprisingly easy to put together using a no-sew drapery-and-glue approach, despite its elegant appearance.

Dining room window treatments that aim for a formal effect often take inspiration from the theater, emulating the grand curtains on stage. A classic red hue is typically used, executed in a fine fabric that adds elegance to the room. To accentuate the regal look, gold-colored hardware and silk tassel trim are used against the solid red draperies.

When the walls are part of the stage, covered in vivid green-and-red striped covering, caution must be taken not to overwhelm the eye with too much pattern. Solid fabrics in a contrasting color can be used for the windows instead. Elegant, pearly-white draperies that fall in full form as side panels with an upper swag relate to the room’s white crown molding, weaving into the overall decor.

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Shades: The Ultimate Versatile Window Treatment

The atmosphere of a dining room can make or break a meal, and window treatments can play a crucial role in creating the desired ambiance. It’s no coincidence that dining room lighting is often adjustable, allowing for control over the artificial light and mood. This same concept applies during the day as well. By controlling the amount of sunlight entering the dining area, you can set the tone for a delightful dining experience.

Shades are among the most versatile window treatments and can help establish the appropriate atmosphere in a dining room. Bamboo shades, even when fully closed, allow for soft light to filter onto the table. Fabric-covered or woven shades, when pulled up slightly, permit just enough natural light to flow through the bottom. Shades that roll down from the top, instead of the bottom, serve a different function, allowing light to enter through the upper windows while providing privacy below.

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Swagged Nooks: The Perfect Window Treatment for Eat-in Kitchens

©This End Up Furniture Co., Inc. Two coordinated fabrics in miniprints wrap across a center rod as casual scarf swags.

Along with fireplaces and ample closet space, eat-in kitchens are quickly becoming one of the most desirable features in modern homes, requiring appropriate window treatments. In the past, kitchen tables could be placed anywhere in the large, square room of a farmhouse. Today’s eat-in kitchens, however, typically have their own special nook situated next to a large, sunlit window or wall of windows.

Since the goal is to flood the breakfast nook with sunlight, draperies that cover the windows from ceiling to floor are counterproductive. Instead, shorter swags that dip across the width of the window with minimal intrusion — perhaps just a nod at the center — are a better solution. They can be knotted at the sides, draped over a rod in multiple fabrics, or swagged more formally with rosettes in a contrasting accent color. Whatever the specific treatment, these curtains provide a finished flair that’s sunlight-friendly.

The breakfast nook bay is decorated with solid red curtains that take the form of valance swags which are held in place by large rosettes in a contrasting fabric.

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Contemporary Kitchens with Clean Lines

The kitchen has a modern look with a natural wood floor and exposed wood ceiling trusses. Wooden blinds in the same natural finish give a finished look to the space.

Some kitchens are cozy while others are streamlined paradigms of efficiency. For the latter, window treatment selection is an exercise in clean lines. Architectural blinds or shades, paired with no other dressing, make a compatible supporting statement. These linear dressings echo the long, lean lines of the kitchen counters and islands and retain the minimalist aesthetic operative in the room design.

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Vintage Charm at the Window

A triangular valance in crisp white linen, trimmed with a deep edge of crocheted lace, imitates a tablecloth at the window.

For kitchens looking to have a soft and friendly atmosphere with a hint of the past, a frilly, feminine touch at the window is in order. By returning to earlier ideas in dressings, windows can make the kitchen a truly safe haven where time slows down and tradition abides. The V shape of the curtain design brings a festive, old-fashioned feeling to the window through its shape alone. This shape is typically trimmed with a ruffle at the bottom edges and covers only a portion of the window to let in light and views through the balance.

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A pure white country-style opera valance is made softer with a decorative scalloped edge trimmed in lace.

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A Nostalgic Look Back

A 1940s tablecloth fabric is given a new lease of life as a cafe curtain and matching valance, bringing high-spirited nostalgia to any window.

You’re sure to find a section devoted to furnishings, fabrics, and accessories from the 1940s and 50s in almost any antiques shop. Baby boomers will remember these oddities first-hand, with their bright colors, chromes, and plastics that represented modernity at the time. This new design style has now become a vintage classic, producing one of the hottest looks in design.

Blending with today’s kitchen appliances and architecture, they produce a cheerful, infectious atmosphere. Whether captured in spirit or in actual vintage fabrics, the retro looks at the window appear anything but old.

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Bringing the Garden Indoors

A window shade hand-painted in a lattice pattern overgrown with blooming vines is the perfect companion for a colorful display of potted plants on the sill below.

The kitchen is the all-important hub of the home, where food is prepared and families are nurtured. Proper light management is essential, and most homeowners prefer their kitchens to be bright spaces filled with natural light. As kitchens are usually at the back of the house, privacy is less of an issue, and window treatments can be casual and sparingly covered.

Potted plants lining the sills provide a touch of nature and invigorate the kitchen with life while thriving in the sun.

©This End Up Furniture Co., Inc. The kitchen window is left unadorned except for a pennant valance in sunny yellow and white checks with blue trim, which is topped with three herb topiaries on the sill. Check out the following link for more ideas on home decor:

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Seamless Tradition

© In older houses with antique bathroom fixtures, a streamlined look may not be appropriate for the bathroom, affecting the choice of window treatments. The goal is to create a bathroom decor that seamlessly integrates with the rest of the house. Traditional design with patterned wall coverings, decorative objects, and fabric curtains is the perfect solution.

To achieve this, choose traditional prints for the curtain patterns and create timeless but stylish shapes. The success of the window treatments depends on how familiar they look and how fresh they appear. Both options shown here are successful.

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Austrian Ambience

Austrian shades are one of the most beautiful window treatments in home design. Ruched from top to bottom, they billow into puffy, cloud-like segments when raised. They can be used to accent any public space in the house, but they’re particularly well-suited for the bedroom, where their airy, sculpted shape suggests a soothing calmness.

Unlike a standard drapery panel, which is only as dimensional as the width of its yardage, the Austrian shade has dimension even when raised, with its bunched folds of scalloped fabric adding depth to the window. The raised shades resemble a decoratively shaped valance. However, whereas a valance is stationary, the shades can be lowered to cover the entire window for privacy.

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Shimmering Shades

Matchstick window shades painted white create an iridescent glow and are one of the most versatile window treatments. In the bedroom, these shades can reduce harsh light while allowing sun to stream in through the cracks. The patterns of shadow and light that play upon the room are an ever-changing nature show. However, because of their translucence, these shades won’t provide the total privacy required in many bedrooms. In that case, a supplement of opaque drapery is needed.

But for a bedroom facing a private courtyard or an outdoor area concealed from the public’s eye, matchstick shades can take center stage at the window. Paired with fixed, jumbo-knotted drapery panels painted in matching white that never close but frame the window, matchstick blinds create an ephemeral effect that’s mesmerizing. For a bedroom with skylights as a major light source, the shades serve the practical end of screening light with no sacrifice to privacy.

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Tied and True

Insulated shades and matching curtains with tiebacks in old-fashioned ticking stripes create a yesteryear feel that frames the bedroom window. Tieback curtain panel window treatments accentuate the windows while providing desired protection. Tiebacks allow the fabric to take shape at the window, creating more visual interest than plain, straight lines. When privacy is desired, one end of the tieback can be released to free the drapery panels into closing fully at the center.

The options for tiebacks are wide open, but a favorite treatment is sewing the drapery accoutrement from the same fabric as the main curtain. To dress up the tieback, consider trimming it in a border tape that’s perhaps repeated elsewhere on the curtain — as the valance hem and inside trim. Or omit any stitched-on trim, keeping the tie-backs in a single fabric matching the curtain panels. Decorative flair can be added with a brass star pin.

The hanging shades in this room are wide and patterned, tied back with matching ribbon to perfectly complement the floral print on the furniture and pillows.

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Masculine Style

A unique baseball-cap valance over a long window matches the black, white, and red color scheme in the room. White blinds trimmed in black tape provide privacy.

Decorating boys’ bedrooms requires a different approach from designing rooms for younger children, and window treatments are no exception. As boys mature and develop their own identities, they want a personalized room environment. Window treatments need to be streamlined and simple, without decorative embellishments that are more suited for younger children.

Shades or blinds, which have a more architectural appearance than fabric draperies, provide a streamlined, undecorated look and a masculine effect. Printed vertical shades in dark colors, neutral blinds with an unusual baseball-cap valance, and plain white shades tied with black ribbons over white miniblinds are all options that meet the needs of a boy.

Faux finishes are a popular decorating trend in home design. The vertical shades in this room are printed with a dark-toned faux stone design.

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Stage Stops

Yellow and blue are complementary colors in this window treatment, suitable for a boy’s or girl’s bedroom.

A stagecoach valance is slightly indented by two straps hanging from the top to create a large central scallop. As a window treatment, it creates a playful look especially appropriate for children’s rooms and gives a finished decorative look appropriate for either boys or girls.

A valance frees up the remainder of the window for a treatment that provides privacy and sunscreen, such as standard white blinds or miniblinds or even a simple lower tab curtain. In the room shown here, the stagecoach valance is made important with powerful patterns and special treatments.

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Primary Colors for Child’s Room

The primary colors of bold yellow, blue, and red in their clearest forms are visually stimulating and attract the attention of even the youngest child, encouraging them to explore their surroundings. These colors are safe choices for window treatments as their purity ensures that they can be used for a lifetime. As a child matures, their furniture can be updated, but the primary colors can remain unchanged, providing a versatile color scheme that can accommodate all kinds of furnishings and accessories.

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Tabbed Panels for Clean and Classic Look

These stylish curtains do not require curtain rings. Tabbed panels that fall straight down as cafe curtains create a clean and classic look that is easy to make yourself. For a child’s room, a vibrant primary color, such as red, will add attention-grabbing style. Red is known as the power color in home design, as it stimulates the appetite and imagination, priming the adrenal glands to be more productive. Adding bright button fastenings for each tab that relate to dots on the wall or choosing a lively pattern can also create eye-popping effects.

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Adding a Personal Touch

Family rooms are the heart of the home, and they require window treatments that are both durable and inviting. The space should be a reflection of the family’s interests and lifestyle, while also being comfortable and practical for everyday use.

The hourglass-shaped curtains in this family room add a unique touch of style, while the padded cornice is adorned with a floral print that adds a pop of color without overwhelming the space.

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Playing with Shape

Window treatments don’t have to be limited to traditional shapes and styles. Fabric treatments with unexpected folds and shapes can add visual interest and personality to a space. In this family room, curtains with a unique shape add a touch of style without sacrificing comfort and casualness.

The paper pleated shade and jester valance with an irregular-striped print on the accent pillows create a playful and whimsical look that is both functional and fun.

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Curtsey to Living

© This swagged valance is adorned with floral print tieback side panels that drop to the floor and is shaped with a pinch pleat, eliminating the need for draping or knots. It adds a touch of elegance to any family room, creating a welcoming and inviting atmosphere for spending quality time with loved ones. The window treatments in a family room play a crucial role in setting the tone for relaxation and warmth that the space should exude.

The swagged valance is a traditional window treatment that symbolizes a bow or a curtsey to the joys of life, such as being together with family and friends. The one pictured here is mounted in a classic and simple manner, emphasizing the importance of enjoying home life to the fullest without distractions from the outside world.

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Recreational Rooms

© Rec rooms have come a long way from their humble beginnings in the 1950s. They are now an essential part of most homes, and their decor reflects the interests and passions of the homeowners. The window treatments in these rooms should complement and accentuate the personality of the space. The wooden frame and cornice of this window create a natural and warm ambiance, which is enhanced by the red shade and trout border that swim across the cornice.

Recreational rooms are perfect for showcasing sports paraphernalia and other unique design elements that reflect the interests of the family. They are an excellent space for spending time with loved ones and indulging in shared passions.

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Lodge Style

The lodge style, a combination of Adirondack camps and Southwestern design, is a popular home decorating trend. The style features elements like log walls, stone fireplaces, casual furniture, and country antiques. Stylish window treatments like wooden blinds, muslin curtains, or plain panels tied back with horseshoes complement the look. Neutral sliding shades can ensure privacy when curtains are tied back.

A Southwestern design and a green-and-red lodge palette on a boxed cornice add the right touch over wooden blinds, using natural materials to complement the style.

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On the Lighter Side

Soft-fold shades are a great solution for treating both doors and windows without visual confusion. Shades work well in a bleached, neutral design without much color. For a contemporary living area with white walls, shades are a great option as they add a subtle accent and blend in seamlessly with the surroundings. When the room has tall, single-pane windows, shades provide privacy and sun-screening without disrupting the clean-lined flow of the room. Curtains would draw attention to the irregularly spaced windows.

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Timeless Traditions

A colorful fringe can add some extra style to a simple traditional drapery. This fringe is used only as a border trim.

When decorating a living room with a classic camel-back sofa, a deep-tufted wing chair, and an 18th-century-style secretary, it’s important to choose a window treatment that is also classic and traditional. Trendy, casual, and contemporary styles are not appropriate for such a traditional space.

A double-tiered treatment would be perfect, such as a stately cornice board or richly draped fabric at the crown of the window with generous expanses of fabric at the sides.

A shaped cornice board with geometric curves and angles adds craftsmanship that complements the room’s other traditional elements.

Finely finished draperies may have dressmaker detailing like a fringed border along the seams and top. To hang properly, the draperies may be lined and weighted at the bottom. The final result is a window treatment that is appropriate for the traditional room.

The double-swag drapery with lined cascades and a center double cascade combines traditional styling with a touch of spring freshness.

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Arched Elegance

To highlight the graceful arch of this sunburst window, a fabric-covered pelmet follows the window lines to form a horseshoe shape.

Arched windows reminiscent of the Palladian style popularized by architect Andrea Palladio during the classical age are a sought-after feature in new houses today, but they require special window treatments.

While they add character and charm, these oversized round-top windows can pose a decorating challenge. Many homeowners choose to leave them unadorned. However, there are ways to enhance Palladian windows without hiding their inherent beauty.

One elegant solution is to mirror the window’s shape in the window dressing. A rounded floral fabric cornice emphasizes the upper arch, while vast vertical panels in a neutral fabric gracefully part, with tiebacks, to allow most of the window to be visible. Beneath the panels, a translucent valance dips down, cutting into the sunburst arch without obscuring it.

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A Long Stretch

This drapery treatment includes sheer panels for privacy and features gold jumbo cording on overlapping swags for a tailored look. Homeowners love capacious, long-reaching windows or banks of windows in the living room, which take in the view and the sunshine, and provide a pleasant spot for conversation areas or relaxing with a book. Window treatments for wider windows require careful thought to find the right dressing that balances privacy and decoration. One option is to include draperies as the window’s frame only, with side panels that remain just that. Another option is to top the window with a valance that takes an extra dip or two to cover the wide space. Pleated or vertical shades can cover the window entirely, providing privacy without being a decorative burden.

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Valanced Style

A lacy valance with a pennant bottom adds an antique ambience to this country dining room, softening the crisp black-and-white checks of the walls. Valanced window treatments can create an impact with just a little fabric. To highlight the architecture of the window and dramatize the room decor, a well-designed valance can be used instead of full and flowing dressings. Using a valance in a beautiful vintage lace can stand in soft contrast to the geometry of a country checked wall, while using a totally different pattern and color from the dominant covering at the walls can make the valance the room’s focal point. The key is to venture outside the norm and be creative.

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Familiar Patterns

In a traditional style, the floral print continues seamlessly from the walls to the window, except for the fringe-edged scalloped valance.

When it comes to room decor, including window treatments, not everyone wants something new, trendy, or clever. Sometimes, homeowners desire the comfort of familiarity. Especially when dining, a cozy atmosphere can be a plus, putting everyone at ease. In such cases, the windows, as one of the most important architectural features of the dining room, have an obligation to set the mood with appropriate dressings.

Traditional prints evoke memories of the past, even if they are not precisely the same as yesterday’s print. Curtains made of a fabric with a navy background and a small, scattered print bring to mind images of an old-fashioned farmhouse. When used in a dining room with traditional mahogany furniture, they soften the formal decor, making it warm and inviting.

However, comforting prints do not necessarily have to have a down-home look. As classic patterns, they can still provide a cozy atmosphere, even when the treatment is a formal floral swagged valance adorned with lace and flanked with floor-length panels.

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Cheerful Checks

A simple gingham valance in red and white is gathered at the top to create graceful ruffles.

It’s hard to feel down when greeted with sun-soaked kitchen window treatments checked in timeless red, white, and blue. Red and white checks are a classic country pattern that can be used in almost any casual environment to lift spirits with their simple, upbeat looks.

They are especially effective in the kitchen, where they bring to mind the kitchen towels of one’s youth or the checked oilcloth tablecloths in intimate Italian restaurants. At the kitchen window, the favorite checked pattern is best delivered in a casual mounting, such as a cafe curtain loosely attached to the rod for a loopy look at the top, or a gingham valance with a few gathers and ruffles, kept carefully in check.

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Cafe Classics and Beyond

This window treatment is a combination of different materials and styles. A shaped cornice covered in linen connects shutters with simple, soft folds of linen cafe curtains.

Cafe curtains are small, casual fabric panels that attach to the curtain rod through a hemmed pocket at the top. They are one of the most popular window treatments for kitchens and work especially well for smaller windows, such as half-length windows above sinks or in eating nooks.

Cafe curtains are also one of the easiest designs to make, and home seamstresses have been making them for decades. While they have a quaint look when used as the only treatment on a window, they can also be paired with another, fancier design.

This tall arched window above the kitchen sink has three distinct looks: the upper arch of leaded glass, a valance attached with rosettes below, and at the bottom, a shirred lace cafe panel.

When crowned with a scarf valance or a shaped cornice covered in linen, these humble favorites gain a new dimension, entering the realm of casual elegance.

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Pure and Simple

An oblong wreath made of eucalyptus leaves and dried flowers, tied with a bright red bow, draws attention to this kitchen’s sliding French doors.

Window treatments don’t have to be elaborate and dressy. In fact, pure and simple window treatments are often the best kind. Windows, especially those in more private parts of the house like the kitchen, don’t need swaths of fabric or view-blocking blinds to be well-dressed. A handsome, hands-off treatment, with a full complement of variations, is a testament to the idea of simplicity.

By leaving the window frame and all lights fully exposed, windows in the kitchen can accomplish their most important function: admitting as much natural light as possible, showering the room in sparkling sunshine. One organic accent at the window is enough to give it a dressed look, such as a planter pulled up to the windowsill as an indoor window box, a garland of dried flowers above the window, or a dried wreath centered above French doors.

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Colorful Shades

Brighten your kitchen with colorful shades that are sure to catch the eye. Even if your kitchen doesn’t receive much natural light, the right window treatments can bring life to the space. The kitchen is a place where family and friends gather, so it should feel warm and welcoming. Windows play a crucial role in creating this type of atmosphere.

When selecting window treatments for your kitchen, consider cheerful shades in playful patterns and hues. If your kitchen is already filled with patterns and colors, opt for a solid shade in a color pulled from the existing color palette. It should blend well with the overall scheme while also standing out as a vibrant accent color.

Yellow is a popular color choice for kitchens because of its sunny disposition and ability to lift one’s mood. Pair a patterned valance with canary yellow shades to create a bright and cheerful space. If your kitchen walls are painted in a bold, solid color, choose shades with an eye-catching pattern that repeats the dominant color but also includes another color to avoid overwhelming the space.

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Matching Sets

Matching window treatments and walls can create a cohesive look in a room’s design. However, be careful not to overdo it by using a single fabric everywhere. This can make the space feel generic and lack character. Instead, break up a single pattern by introducing another print or solid. This can be done by selecting a different pattern above the chair-rail molding or using a different border print.

The print of a wall covering below the chair rail is repeated in gathered panels at the window, while the upper wall covering features a different print.

To break up a monotonous pattern at windows, one can opt for a literal break in the pattern – a valance followed by a bare window for a few inches before the curtain resumes. Alternatively, a multifaceted window treatment can incorporate more than one print. The key is to avoid too much of a single pattern.

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The Handprint of Shades

A blue and white plaid window shade with a small-scale pattern complements the fruit-motif wall covering in this kitchen.

Window shades are often the preferred option for kitchens, as their simple appearance lacks pleats, swags, and puddles that require maintenance. When presented in a snappy print, window shades accomplish two goals: They inject a carefree mood and blend into the working nature of the kitchen.

While shades that match the wall covering or another fabric print in the room can work when properly designed, contrasting prints used exclusively for the shades ensure that the window remains a focal point of the room.

The deep rose color on the lower wall and above the chair rail in the patterned wall covering is echoed in the window with a different print that uses the same color family.

The new print for the window shade must somehow relate to the other patterns in the room – either by repeating the same color, picking up a color from the overall room palette, or relating to the wall-covering pattern in terms of scale.

The window treatment features the same fabric as the walls and is finished at the bottom with lace trim in the same deep jewel tone used on the lower wall.

A small-print wallpaper can be nicely paired with a small-scale plaid shade, for instance. Alternatively, dark burgundy or rose in the kitchen palette can be repeated in a different pattern configuration on the window shade.

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Seamless Tradition

A shirred fabric strip valance repeats the floral print in the room, weaving the small window into the design without overpowering it.

For historic or older houses with antique or traditional bathroom fixtures as a key feature, a streamlined window treatment may not be suitable. The design objective is to create a bathroom decor that blends seamlessly with the rest of the house.

The best solution for a traditional design is to use patterned wall coverings, arrays of objects, and fabric window curtains. For the windows, traditional prints should be selected for the curtain patterns, executed in timeless but stylish shapes. The vintage feel of the room’s old-fashioned fixtures is suggested by the mellow-looking printed fabric hung on the tapered valance in antique golden tones. The success of window treatments is determined by how familiar or fresh they look. Both choices shown in the examples are winners.

Red window treatments can add a punch of color and excitement to a room while influencing mood and altering the way a person feels. Red acts as a stimulant, increasing the flow of adrenaline, appetite, and animation more than any other color. The prints of the window treatments in these bathrooms feature red as the dominant color, grabbing the eye and announcing high style with a siren timbre. The fabrics in the window treatments are presented in two different tones, one lighter and one darker, and coupled with unusual shapes for double the impact.

Old-fashioned bathroom fixtures, such as a freestanding claw-foot tub and quaint pedestal sink, are natural attention-getters, but their age doesn’t call for deference. They can be updated with new window treatments to give the past a bold touch of the present. The checked fabric on the flat-panel curtain is classic, blending with the old-fashioned tub, but the fun fabric lining brings the entire room into the present. Checked table napkins are given new use when stitched together as a window valance, and the tassel trim matches the faux-finished claw-foot tub. The upbeat mood in these two bathrooms starts with the tub, claw-foots teased into the present with bright finishes, and is picked up and accelerated at the windows, where treatments are equally fresh and a little funky.

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All About Family

The tranquil bedroom features a gray on mauve theme with multiple patterns that still maintain a serene quality.

Window treatments can add excitement or interest to a room when they repeat colors or patterns found throughout the space. Using multiple patterns in one room can energize it with pulsating rhythm. Windows play a significant role in achieving this, with opportunities for panels and valances in different prints. These fabrics can also be used as accents elsewhere in the decor, such as throw pillows, comforters, bedsheets, or even wall borders.

The two window fabrics don’t necessarily have to repeat prints found elsewhere in the decor. By remaining in the same color scheme, they can take poetic license by mimicking other prints.

This bedroom is rich with ethnic flavor and graphic design, marrying different prints by relating them in color, graphic pattern, mood, and scale.

The key to achieving this look is paying careful attention to color, scale, and pattern, keeping all elements in the same family.

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Painted Perimeters

Hand-painted leaves and flowers as a window treatment enhance this bedroom’s garden scene.

Painting or stenciling is a popular option for window treatments. Over the last several years, decorative paint finishes, from faux and trompe l’oeil to stenciling and freehand mural painting, have experienced a widespread renewal in home design.

Although centuries old, these techniques have been rediscovered and the interest in them continues to grow. Decorative painting offers special possibilities for dressing up windows, complementing any attached treatments but also strong enough to stand alone.

One of the easiest do-it-yourself techniques to apply to windows is stenciling. With a stencil pattern, anyone can master this treatment, even those who cannot draw a straight line. Classic checks and simple floral garlands are two of the most popular stencil patterns, but there are many variations of possibilities, plus a spectrum of color options to ensure a unique look.

For the homeowner who is a bit bolder with a paintbrush, freehand painting of ivy or a blooming trailing vine embellishes the window perimeters with handcrafted charm. Even cornices offer an opportunity to experiment with art, with stencil or freehand designs hand-painted directly onto the cornice board. Whatever the approach, the finished window expresses one-of-a-kind craftsmanship.

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Double-Decker Window Treatments

A theater-curtain valance adds a dramatic touch to sheer panels trimmed with burgundy fringe and tasseled cording tiebacks.

Double-decker window treatments are a stylish option for many rooms in your home. Layering a shaped valance over simpler tieback panels creates a polished look that can be perfect for a country English-style bedroom. However, this treatment might not work well in a contemporary decor.

In a bedroom, an opulent valance paired with well-trimmed panels can create a lush and gracious look that complements an antique four-poster bed. To create a focal point at the window, consider a boldly fashioned valance in a deep color, contrasted with a pair of panels trimmed and tied back with the same rich hue. For a more integrated look, use the same fabric on the valance, tieback panels, and even the wall covering.

Floral draperies with a cloud valance continue the garden theme and country English style in this bedroom.

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Creating the Illusion of a Window

A canopy bed is formed by repeating the window treatment’s valance with banded edging over matching bishop’s-sleeve draperies on the ceiling and walls.

Bedrooms offer the perfect opportunity to use window treatments to create new “windows” where none exist. The key is to dress the wall behind the bed with a crowned fabric treatment that echoes the idea of a window dressing, using the same materials found on the actual windows.

To keep the room visually unified, repeat the dressings found on the windows over the bed on the wall behind it, using the same fabrics and design. This technique creates a false window that makes the bed a focal point.

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An Abundance of Pastel Patterns

The window treatment’s borders match the print of the bed and chair, while white panels prevent the space from feeling too crowded.

Pastel patterns may not have the same striking effect as bold primary colors, but they’re still an excellent choice for a child’s room decoration. The subtle colors can be compensated with various patterns that include more than one print.

Because of the subtlety of the colors, the print can appear on the floor, furnishings, bed, and walls. The window treatments can bring them all together in a multi-patterned ensemble.

The French country child’s room features a pine sleigh bed, mosquito-style netting, and tab curtains that match the pattern of the chair and comforter at the borders. The inner panels are white, providing a more subdued appearance. The border print of the wall covering covers the interior window box.

The window in the nursery features numerous prints that blend well together.

The nursery with the numeral theme repeats two patterns found elsewhere in the room. The scalloped-edge fabric shade repeats the broken-line block motif of the chair-rail wall covering. The rod-pocket curtains feature a smaller numeral print that spans the walls. The tiebacks match the shade’s fabric.

In both spaces, the goal is to keep the eye moving and curious.

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From Form to Function: Wedding Window Treatments

Chintz fabric hangs at valance length and is tied with bows to create a soft double-swag shape. The floral chintz fabric shows its blue lining as it cascades on the side.

Wedding form to function in window treatments can be a fun challenge when dealing with an odd-shaped window. With a little creativity, these windows can inspire unique solutions that are as unique as the windows themselves. It’s essential to view a window that goes beyond the standard rectangle as an advantage, part of the room’s architectural beauty.

The triangular corner window in this girl’s bedroom features a window treatment consisting of a double swag that drapes only on the long side of the window, emphasizing the window’s unique shape. In a nursery with a stunning Palladian window, the solution is to leave the window in its natural wood state and complement it with natural shutters.

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Tailored Tiebacks

Simple white curtains with cloth tiebacks are given a pop of color with forest green accents. Alphabet-print strips at the top and bottom add a playful touch for children’s rooms.

One of the easiest and most refined window treatments is created with straight-hanging side panels held open by fabric tiebacks. A well-designed child’s room can achieve a tailored and simple look while still being stimulating for the child.

If desired, the curtains can hang evenly for a flush hem, even when pulled back, providing the tailored appearance. Adding unexpected touches to this classic look will brighten the room and inspire the child.

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All the Way

These floor-length curtain panels match the fabric of the sofa and the border of the wall, bringing the room together and creating a cozy atmosphere.

Window treatments that extend from the top of the window to the floor are both elegant and simple. Long curtains without tiebacks, valances, cornices, or other decorative treatments are a staple in drapery design. They are especially fitting for family rooms, providing the necessary privacy and a dressed-up look without being too formal.

The large amount of fabric required in this type of window treatment plays a crucial role in setting the room’s color palette. If a print is used, the curtains can also contribute to the visual rhythm of the space, unifying it through the repetition of color and pattern.

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Stellar Shades

These Roman shades are made of tightly shirred fabric with a small print, surrounded by panels in a larger pattern and topped with a triple ruffle valance.

When creating stellar shades, it’s important to strike a balance between filtering light and maintaining privacy. This is especially important for sunrooms facing the street or nosy neighbors. Privacy is necessary, but not at the expense of natural light and views.

Shades offer an especially decorative solution, with endless possibilities for creativity. Let the fabric take center stage, whether through a festive pattern, a subdued neutral color, or soft, interesting texture.

To add some flair to your window treatments, try experimenting with different styles such as shirred fabric for a wavy effect or a bow-tied treatment for a three-dimensional look. For a more modern feel, keep it simple with a neutral fabric and subtle design statement. If you have a sunroom with multiple-paned windows, consider using window treatments as the frosting on the cake. Opt for light and frothy touches like stationary panels trimmed with shirred tiebacks or a narrow band of shirred fabric with rosettes. While privacy may not be guaranteed, the beautiful garden views make up for it. For more decorating ideas, check out our various articles on cabin, country, modern, kitchen, dining room, bedroom, bathroom, home office, home spaces, and interior decorating.

FAQ

1. What are window treatments?

Window treatments refer to any type of covering or decoration for windows, including curtains, blinds, shades, and shutters. They can be functional, providing privacy and light control, or purely decorative, enhancing the overall look and feel of a room.

2. How do I choose the right window treatments for my home?

Consider the style and function of the room, as well as your personal taste and budget. If you need privacy and light control, opt for blinds or shades. If you want to enhance the decor, curtains or drapes can add a pop of color or texture. You can also mix and match different types of window treatments for a layered look.

3. What are some popular types of window treatments?

Some popular types of window treatments include: roman shades, roller shades, cellular shades, wood blinds, faux wood blinds, plantation shutters, curtains, drapes, and valances. Each type has its own unique benefits and style, so it’s important to consider your preferences and needs when choosing.

4. Should I hire a professional to install my window treatments?

If you are not confident in your DIY skills, it’s best to hire a professional to ensure proper installation. This can also save you time and frustration in the long run. However, if you are comfortable with basic tools and have experience with window treatments, you may be able to install them yourself.

5. How do I clean and maintain my window treatments?

The cleaning and maintenance of your window treatments depends on the type of treatment you have. For blinds and shades, use a soft cloth or vacuum to remove dust and debris. For curtains and drapes, check the care instructions for proper cleaning methods. Regular cleaning and maintenance can prolong the life of your window treatments.

6. Can window treatments help with energy efficiency?

Yes, certain types of window treatments can help improve energy efficiency in your home. For example, cellular shades have a honeycomb construction that traps air, providing insulation for your windows. Plantation shutters can also help regulate temperature and reduce energy costs.

7. How often should I replace my window treatments?

This depends on the quality of the treatment and how well it has been maintained. If you notice signs of wear and tear or fading, it may be time to replace your window treatments. On average, window treatments can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years with proper care and maintenance.

Brody Stewart

Brody is a skilled craftsman and gardening expert. From renovating living spaces to cultivating lush gardens, Brody’s knowledge and passion shine through, inspiring readers to embark on their own home improvement and gardening journeys with confidence.