Dress Up Your Space: How to Decorate Windows Like a Pro
Are you shopping for new windows? Are you tired of a boring room but you’re not sure where to bring interest?
Window treatments are a great way to introduce color and pattern into a room–or round out a well-designed room. They add texture without overwhelming the space or demanding attention the way a new piece of furniture would.
The key, of course, is knowing how to decorate windows.
Not sure where to begin? You’re in luck. Keep reading for a quick guide to everything you need to know about decorating windows.
Know the Types of Window Treatments
The best place to start is knowing the types of window treatments available to you.
Window treatments are divided into three types:
- Hard window treatments
- Soft window treatments
- Combination window treatments
The difference is easy to remember. Hard window treatments are made of hard materials like wood or vinyl, while soft window treatments are made of fabric. Combination window treatments typically combine the two by layering.
Another way to approach window treatments is to break them down in terms of your coverage options.
Blinds vs Shades
There’s a surprising amount of overlap between blinds and shades even though, technically, they’re two different things.
Blinds typically refer to any slatted window coverage, while shades are usually made of fabric. A common example is a Roman shade, a streamlined window treatment that stacks neatly at the top of the window when retracted.
Both options offer a minimalist, tidy look while still providing coverage options. This is why blinds are so pervasive. It’s easy to close a blind with the tug of a cord, but it’s equally easy to layer blinds with other window coverage like shades or curtains.
A related option is shutters. Shutters are a popular choice for kitchen windows in particular.
Shutters are a lot like blinds in that they offer coverage at the tug of a cord. However, shutters are more expensive than blinds because they’re typically made of wood and have to be custom-fitted to your windows (this website explains the installation process quite nicely).
Shutters are fantastic for curb appeal, as they give your home the appearance of custom woodwork.
Curtains
At the other end of the spectrum are curtains or drapes, which are more formal and are usually lined or pleated. They offer a much more traditional window treatment and far greater opportunities to bring color and pattern into your space.
Half the fun of curtains is that you can purchase them in almost any fabric you can think of with almost any pattern you can reasonably find.
To hang them, you’ll need a curtain rod and grommets to thread the curtain panels onto the rod. Many modern curtain designs now incorporate curtain rings or grommets right into the fabric of the curtain, while more traditional designs eschew this.
The Do’s and Don’ts of How to Decorate Windows
Once you know the types of window treatments available to you, it’s much easier to choose. But you’re not out of the woods yet. It’s not as easy as just hanging a treatment on the wall and calling it a day.
Fortunately, with knowledge of the basics, window treatments don’t need to be a nightmare. Here are a few do’s and don’ts to keep in mind before you choose a window treatment or hang it on your windows.
Do Hang High and Wide (But Not Right Above the Window)
Have you got a small space? One of the best ways to create the illusion of a larger, luxurious space is with your drapes.
Instead of hanging your curtains level with the top of the window, hang curtains at least 12 inches above the window frame or all the way to the ceiling.
Don’t be afraid of length, either. Let your curtains hang all the way to the floor for a full effect. You should also extend the curtain rod three to six inches on either side.
Even if you don’t have 12 inches of clearance above the window, you shouldn’t hang the curtains right above the window. Not only do they make the window look stunted, but they also let in less light.
The net result? A room that looks cramped, crowded, and slightly cave-like.
Don’t Go Overboard
While window treatments give you all sorts of room to have fun–and you should take advantage of the opportunity–be careful not to overwhelm.
As the old adage goes, too much of a good thing can be bad. Window treatments are no exception to the rule.
It’s all about common sense. Window treatments block light. The more fabric you put on a window, the less light will come through.
And the less light there is in a room, the smaller the space will appear.
Plus, if the space around your windows is overcrowded with fabric, it will make the windows look even smaller, further contributing to the cramped appearance.
Do Layer
That said, you shouldn’t be afraid to layer to create texture.
Designer windows almost always sport two window treatments. It could be blinds framed by drapes, or plantation shutters topped with a valance.
Whatever your choice, make sure that your treatments complement each other and aren’t competing for attention. Otherwise, you’ll overwhelm your viewer.
Looking for More Interior Design Tips?
Figuring out how to decorate windows is a process. You have to know the room you’re working with and what kind of window treatment best complements your design style.
Looking for more tips so that you can be the trendsetter of the neighborhood? Check out our blog for more helpful posts, like the seven most sought-after design trends.