50 Window Treatment Ideas That'll Make Your View Even Better
You don't have to pick between natural light and privacy!
Windows (and the subsequent access to natural light they provide!) can make or break a space, but many people overlook the importance of window treatments when planning a space. Window coverings can be functional, purely decorative, or strike a balance between the two, depending on your space and the amount of natural light you receive and prefer. Whether it's full and flowing drapes, modern coverings, classic curtains, Roman shades, or laidback shutters, the ideas ahead are sure to inspire a better view at home. With 50 designer rooms, each featuring different types of window treatments, styles, and combinations, you'll have the right tools to start mapping out your window treatment plan.
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Kitschy Classics
Classic plastic blinds don't have to be drab! In this fun and colorful living room designed by Atelier ND for Carice van Houten, the maroon color gives the blinds an intentional air, as they speak to the midcentury furnishings and colors. If you love a dash of kitsch, you should definitely give this take on the popular window treatment a whirl.
Ruffly Valances
In this countryside cottage bedroom designed by Elizabeth Hay, a ruffle valence with a lace trim brings more dimension to the roman shades. The same print is used on both window treatments, the bed skirt, and wallpaper, creating a cacoon effect.
Half Roman Shade, Half Cafe Curtain
Designer Lucy Doswell took advantage of super-tall windows with a statement roman shade for the top half and a more subtle semi-sheer cafe curtain for the bottom half. Both treatments offer privacy, but they also offer the best of both worlds on one window: less visual clutter and light filtration down low, and a punchy fabric up top to balance all the artwork and patterns throughout the room.
Privacy Curtains
Dreamy turquoise and white curtains frame the windows in this bedroom designed by Vern Yip. The same curtains are used to section off the sleeping area from the rest of the space, making it function like a room within a room. Both sets of curtains are hung from the ceiling, making it really feel like its own room, but also accentuating the height of the space so it feels larger.
Stained Glass
Stained glass is so much more than good-looking (though those colorful shadows it casts are certainly welcome). It also works hard! Reath Design blocked a view of the driveway and enhanced street-level privacy by replacing glass panes with colorfully painted ones. This is a great option when you want to introduce color and obstruct a view without blocking all the natural light.
Double Layers
In a Parisian apartment designed by Lichelle Silvestry, luxe, warm, and textural materials enhance the elaborate period elements. “I adore using materials that add character and authenticity to my interiors,” Silvestry says. “It’s a sensory feast.” For the window treatments, this meant two layers of drapery. Linen creates an ethereal, easy-breezy atmosphere with some added privacy without blocking light, and the heavier floral motif silk drapes bring in old-world opulence, pattern, and greater privacy when closed.
Fabric Swatches
If you want to embrace a laidback look and easy breezy lifestyle, simply hang a sheet across the window to block a little light when necessary and soften the harder materials. For a slightly more polished interpretation, Take note of this bedroom in a California bungalow designed by Another Human and hang a few pieces of fabric in varying shades. In this case, they match the bedding.
Interior Glass Shades
This cozy bedroom by Anna Spiro Design is a masterclass in eclectic decorating. Though there's plenty of pattern mixing going on, from the plaid armchair to the floral motif headboard, it feels cohesive and thoughtful. That's partially thanks to the consistent color scheme and Roman shades treatments, which are installed on the windows and interior door windows. Design consistency aside, this also ensures total privacy.
Colorful Tassels
In a Victorian house in Santa Cruz designed by Alexandra Loew Studio, the lavender curtains set the scene. The color is unexpectedly sweet, bringing a lovely lightness to the room while still speaking to the Moroccan and Moorish furnishings while also drawing even more attention to the beautiful moldings where the walls meet the ceiling.
Sheer White Curtains
If you're lacking on windows, choose sheer panels for maximum light. They will help keep the room from feeling too closed off. In this space designed by 2LG Studio, the curtains stretch all the way up to the ceiling.
Hanging Art
Designer Krystal Matthews has tons of clever decorating tips up her sleeve. In this home office, she created depth and character by hanging two pieces of artwork right over the back window since there was nowhere else to install wall decor. But aside from looking good, they also help block a less than scenic view.
Cohesive Patterns
"It goes against decorating 101, but using small patterns together can be easier on the eye," says interior decorator Kristin Panitch, who designed this dreamy pink cloud of a bedroom. The matchy-matchy wallpaper, curtains, bedding, and headboard create a gorgeous backdrop for a good night sleep while the colorful throw pillows add just enough contrast.
Double Blinds
For extra dimension and less light filtration, double up. Here, interior design Corey Damen Jenkins hung both roman shades and drapes.
Classic Shutters
In this living room by Romanek Design Studio, the classic white shutters complement the monochromatic color scheme and timeless yet contemporary style of the sofa and coffee table.
Matching Wallpaper
Match your wallpaper and curtains for a fully enveloped aesthetic. In this attic sanctuary designed by Mally Skok, the vibrant and warm tones of the printed wallpaper and fabric curtains make everything feel rosy. The contemporary rug, casual side table, and étagère also help ground the more traditional and formal elements of the room.
Awning and Shutters
Don't neglect your exteriors. Designed by tropical decor maven Amanda Lindroth, this window is treated with shutters and an orange striped awning matching the bench beneath it. Though most hurricane shutters are just for looks these days, make sure yours at least look functional by taking proper measurements so that they look like they can close over the window evenly.
Multi-Hued Curtains
The sheepskin throw, metallic touches, and multi-hued curtains make this stylish little reading nook by Hecker Guthrie the perfect blend of cozy and cool. The colorful, loose curtains feel both modern and laidback. Plus, nothing amps up the fun factor like a playful swing chair.
Dramatic Curtains
In this kitchen designed by Malstev Design, the moody red curtains deliver a dignified sense of drama. We love how they stretch from the floor to the ceiling and are cinched super low to the ground to playfully skew the proportions.
Bare
Some rooms can actually be better off without any window treatments at all. This is especially true in a modern kitchen, where any and all additional task lighting is welcome, and fabrics that run the risk of fading from sunlight are minimal or nonexistent. In this bright and airy California kitchen by Romanek Design Studio, the serving windows look beautiful (and more functional) left bare.
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