Dress up your windows

There are many aspects to take into account, such as the room, the style of your home, the size of the windows and existing décor.

Size counts

Consider the size of the windows when choosing coverings. If you really want to put long curtains on a short window, add a piece of furniture like a set of drawers, a large chair or small couch directly below the window to fill the space.

Do only as much curtain as you need. If you have a window that offers very little privacy but you want to maximise daylight, go cafe style. Install a curtain covering the lower half of the window and leave the top open. Alternatively, horizontal blinds and louvred shutters can be angled to optimise invisibility but allow plenty of light.

Work with the décor

Curtains can add colour and detail, but if the room already has a dominant theme, make sure you work with it; bold zebra print curtains will not go well with chintz and florals.

The minimalist look might be the current trend, but will it work in your period house? Velvets and sheers, on the other hand, are classical and suit most styles of home.

Consider also how the room is used. If you’re dressing up a bathroom window, choose fabric that won’t wilt in the humidity; for the kitchen, find a solution that will either be easy to clean or resistant to the heat and grease.

Dress up for insulation

If you have a problem with noise, opt for thick plush window coverings that will act as a dampener on the sound. Likewise, a room with bad acoustics can be made less ‘hollow’ with the addition of a set of heavy curtains.

Blockout curtains have improved considerably since they first appeared, and are a handy way to control the climate in your home by blocking out both the heat of the sun or the chill of winter. If you’re still not convinced they’re beautiful, layer other fabrics to soften or dress them up.

Looks are always important, but when choosing your window dressings, take time out to consider whether they can also work for you in other ways, such as for insulation and privacy.