Window treatments are not just a decorative element; they serve essential functions such as controlling light and privacy, and managing home temperature efficiently. From modern curtains to custom blinds, the right window dressing can transform your interior space to suit any budget, style, or space.
When considering the most popular window treatments today, roller shades stand out for their affordability and ease of use. They can be manually operated or controlled remotely, with solar shades offering additional UV protection.
In the deVOL Kitchens example, slim built-in painted window shutters provide total privacy and help regulate interior temperature on hot days without the need to increase air conditioning. A semi-transparent roller shade on the lower half of the window offers a view from inside while obscuring it from the outside.
Curtains, like those in the all-white bedroom designed by Leanne Ford Interiors, can add color and contrast or blend seamlessly with the existing color scheme. Floor-to-ceiling curtains create a luxurious, cloud-like feel.
Roman blinds, featured in Michelle Berwick Design’s laundry room, serve as a permanent window dressing, especially for windows that are not frequently opened and closed. A floral Roman shade softens the look of black-framed windows.
Interior window shutters, like those in deVOL Kitchens’ traditional space, integrate seamlessly with the architecture. Though they come with an upfront cost, their ease of maintenance makes them a worthwhile investment.
Adding privacy and warmth to a room with wrap-around windows, as shown in Tyler Karu Design + Interiors’ design, can be achieved with warm neutral curtains that complement natural wood tones without weighing down the room.
For a custom look, consider hand-painted curtains that match the wallpaper, as seen in Forbes + Masters’ design. Tall wainscotting painted bright white prevents the pattern from overwhelming the space.
Layering window treatments, such as blinds and lightweight curtains, can filter and block light effectively, as demonstrated by Louis Duncan-He Designs in a basement bar and lounge space.
Create a seamless look in a primary bedroom by installing a wall of curtains behind the bed. Cathie Hong Interiors hung neutral pleated curtains in this primary bedroom that anchor the bed. Curtains need to be dusted regularly and cleaned periodically in order to keep them looking their best.
Consider installing cellular shades that can be easily raised or lowered depending on the time of day depending on the light and amount of privacy that you require. Hang Roman shades from the lower panel of a window with a fixed window at the top to preserve light and views, like this living room from Cathie Hong Interiors. Match your window blinds to your window trim and walls for a seamless look. This crisp bathroom design from Sissy + Marley Interior Design has a strict palette of black and white that includes adjustable blinds on the windows that practically disappear. Opaque privacy glass or removable window film can be used directly on the window panes themselves as an alternative to window dressing such as curtains or blinds. Pluck Kitchens gave the bottom third of this large window a sense of privacy while leaving the upper two-thirds of the window open to allow natural light to flood in. Hang your curtains above the windows to draw the eye upward and make ceilings seem taller and any room airier. Kate Marker Interiors paired white linen curtains with slim black metal rods for a tailored look that highlights the room’s vaulted ceilings and exposed beams. Wooden blinds are classic, versatile, easy to wipe clean, and will hold up over time. The corner windows in this space from Cathie Hong Interiors are equipped with wooden blinds that match the wood-framed windows and echo the view of trees beyond the windows. Curtains can either blend into the wall like wallflowers or make a statement by introducing color or pattern to the room. Mary Patton Design hung emerald green curtains in a striking pattern to add personality to the space and complement blush pink walls. Loosely woven natural shades help to control light while adding warmth to a neutral space like this coastal farmhouse living room from Becca Interiors. In a room with abundant south-facing sunlight, consider more opaque shades or solar shades made from UV-resistant material that will block harsh direct rays. Pair black blinds with white trim for a graphic contemporary look.This kids’ room from Sissy + Marley Interior Design features black shutters on the window, along with white window trim and walls. A graphic black-and-white wallpaper accent creates a cohesive feel.
Patterned Solar Shade: Design by Martha O’Hara Interiors / Photo by Troy Thies. Solar shades can block UV rays in any space and come in a variety of colors, styles, and transparencies. A patterned roller shade adds interest to this basement bar window. Sheer Curtains: Design and Photo by Ajai Guyot for Emily Henderson Design. Simple curtains are an affordable purchase or an easy DIY project for those who like to sew. Sheer curtains frame a small window in this apartment living room to create a focal point. Color-Coordinated Shades: Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Tessa Neustadt. Window shades come in every color of the rainbow. In this coastal living room, a navy blue fabric accordion shade adds a coordinated look that matches curtains, throw pillows, and other decor accents in the blue-and-white room. Opaque Window Shades: Jessica Nelson Design / Carina Skrobecki Photography. Choose natural woven shades with a tight weave to preserve privacy and block light. Jessica Nelson Design hung woven Roman shades on the windows of this bathroom above the tub that add warmth and soften the all-white space. Floor-Kissing Curtain: Kate Marker Interiors / Stoffer Photography. Hang sheer curtains so that they just kiss the floor for a light and airy look. Kate Marker Interiors chose sheer white curtains that diffuse light during daytime while preserving the leafy view outdoors. Gathered Shades: Mary Patton Design. Use gathered shades to soften the windows in a sleek black-and-white bathroom. Mary Patton Design chose a dark floral pattern to complement the vintage accents in this modern space. Printed Roman Shade: Tyler Karu Design + Interiors / Photo by James R. Salomon. Complement bathroom wallpaper with window shades. Roman shades printed with a shellfish motif enhance the coastal feel of this Maine powder room decorated with gray-and-white nautical wallpaper for a harmonious feel. Farmhouse Florals: Ashley Montgomery Design. For a modern farmhouse kitchen, trade floral curtains for a floral window shade. Ashley Montgomery Design added floral Roman shades in muted tones to soften the windows of this cozy kitchen. Dark Velvet Drapes: Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Reid Rolls. For a dramatic retro look, consider velvet drapes. Leanne Ford Interiors mixed oversized floral wallpaper, gilded accents, moody paint, and floor-to-ceiling velvet drapes in this vintage glam home bar. Climate Control: If you live in a cold climate, heavy drapes will help keep heat from escaping and cold air from seeping in, potentially reducing utility costs and conserving energy.26 of 56 – Matching Shade and Curtains by Mary Patton Design. Curtains and window shades in tonal colors and simple fabrics can add warmth to minimalist rooms. Mary Patton Design dressed the windows of this calming space with matching fabric on the window shades and curtains. 27 of 56 – Lace Curtain Panel by deVOL Kitchens. Don’t hesitate to bring some timeless charm to a traditional or historic home by hanging a fixed lace curtain panel in the kitchen window. In this space from deVOL Kitchens, the rustic wood window frame keeps the lacy curtain panel from feeling precious. 28 of 56 – Black Kitchen Shutters by Sissy + Marley Interior Design / Photo by Marco Ricca Studio. Complement industrial-style black windows with matching black window blinds, like this New York City kitchen from Sissy + Marley Interior Design. 29 of 56 – Statement Shade by Ashley Montgomery Design. In an eclectic bathroom, choose a statement shade in an eye-catching pattern to create a focal point. Ashley Montgomery Design chose a colorful patterned statement shade for this ornate bathtub nook that stands up to the room’s bold finishes and fixtures. 30 of 56 – Simple Roman Shades by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Reid Rolls. In a bathroom with assertive wallpaper, add balance with simple solid window shades. Leanne Ford Interiors softened the graphic black-and-white striped walls of this bathroom with white Roman shades. 31 of 56 – Mismatched Patterns by Mary Patton Design. Combine patterns on window shades and other textiles to create a playful feel. Mary Patton Design mixed and matched patterns in this bold blue family room for an eclectic feel, from the checkered ottoman to the zigzag throw pillows to the black-and-white printed floral shades. 32 of 56 – Decorative Trim Curtains by Kate Marker Interiors / Emily Kennedy Photo. Adding custom trim to simple curtains can personalize your curtains or help them tie into the existing decor. In this gray and white living room from Kate Marker Interiors, gray trim ties the curtains into the room while adding pattern. 33 of 56 – Privacy Half Curtains by Becca Interiors. Half-curtains are cozy and nostalgic. Becca Interiors added neutral patterned cafe curtains to make this bathtub nook feel private and cozy. 34 of 56 – Great Room Drapes by Desiree Burns Interiors. A wall of great room windows that floods your space with natural light by day can feel foreboding by night. Desiree Burns Interiors softened the wall of windows in this great room with floor-to-ceiling gray curtains. 35 of 56 – Oversized Plaid Shade by Ashley Montgomery Design. Dress a bank of windows with an oversized shade. Ashley Montgomery Design draped a large plaid Roman shade across the triple windows above the sink in this spacious kitchen that lends it a genteel country house. 36 of 56 – Semi-Opaque Curtains by Becca Interiors. Keep a traditional room looking timeless with classic window treatments. White semi-opaque half curtains add privacy without compromising the light and airy feel of this bathroom from Becca Interiors.
37 of 56 – Check It Out by Mary Patton Design. Match your curtains with your shades for a custom look. Mary Patton Design added large-scale check draped and a matching shade to the windows of this room that complement the light blue wall paint. 38 of 56 – Contrasting Shade by Forbes + Masters. Use neutral shades to add balance to a room with lots of color. Forbes + Masters chose a black-and-white-striped shade to add a sober note to this colorful and ornate home office. 39 of 56 – Neutral Patterned Shades by Brophy Interiors. Choose neutral patterned windows shades to add texture to a room with a minimalist color palette. Brophy Interiors chose subtle graphic window shades to complement this white-and-gray TV room. 40 of 56 – Drop Ceiling Curtains by Caroline Andreoni Interior Design / Photo by Sophie Lloyd. Hanging curtains from a false ceiling adds elegance and hides hardware for a seamless look. Caroline Andreoni Interior Design chose blush curtains that seem to flow directly out of the ceiling in this contemporary Parisian living room. 41 of 56 – Pinch-Pleat Curtains by Caroline Andreoni Interior Design / Photo by Sophie Lloyd. Pinch pleat curtains are elegant and timeless. Caroline Andreoni Interior Design carried the same curtains throughout the semi-open-plan living space in this Parisian apartment for a cohesive look. 42 of 56 – Tie-Back Curtains by Design by Emilie Fournet Interiors / Photo by Kasia Fiszer. Work around radiators or fireplaces with simple tie-back curtains. Emilie Fournet Interiors added a single curtain panel on each far end of a pair of windows flanking the fireplace in this London flat, tying them back to keep them from touching the radiators. 43 of 56 – Natural and Neutral Shades by Desiree Burns Interiors. Pair natural woven shades and seating to add warmth to a modern dining room. A soft neutral-toned window shade allows the patterned colorful wallpaper in this dining room from Desiree Burns Interiors to stand out without competing. 44 of 56 – Nursery Curtains by A Beautiful Mess. Give a nursery a cozy and protected feel with a pair of heavy curtains. In this nursery from A Beautiful Mess, velvet black-out curtains help the baby sleep while the mustard color of the fabric stands up to the bright and colorful botanical print wallpaper. 45 of 56 – Double Height Curtains by Design by Marie Flanigan Interiors / Photo by Julie Soefer. Hang extra-tall sheer curtains from the top of a wall of windows or glass doors. Marie Flanigan Interiors hung semi-transparent white curtains from the top of a wall of windows in this high-ceilinged living room that helps to soften the room without blocking light. 46 of 56 – Striped Tea Towel Curtains by Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Erin Kelly. Complement a vintage kitchen with timeless window treatments. Leanne Ford Interiors hung black-and-white striped half curtains that look like giant tea towels on the lower half of this bank of windows that complement the rustic feel of the room. 47 of 56 – Color-Coordinated Curtains by Ashley Montgomery Design. Match the color of your window shades with bed linens for a cohesive feel.
Ashley Montgomery Design combines vintage green floral wallpaper with soft rose pink window shades and bedding to create a cozy, romantic atmosphere. Tina Ramchandani Creative enhances a family or media room’s mood with blackened, semi-transparent window shades, fitting them across a wall of casement windows for a complementary feel. Mary Patton Design uses gathered floral shades in soft colors to complement a romantic bedroom filled with vintage and antique furniture. Design by Leanne Ford Interiors incorporates natural wood shutters, adding a modern rustic feel to a kitchen and warming up the minimalist black-and-white palette. Ashley Montgomery Design suggests hanging sheer curtains to minimize a less-than-scenic view from a window with limited natural light, as seen in this kitchen sink window example. Finding Lovely recommends hacking woven window shades with a layer of fabric to create a more custom feel, as demonstrated in their kitchen window shades. Mary Patton Design creates a romantic powder room with matching window shades and an under-sink curtain, paired with sky blue walls, silver fixtures, and a Venetian mirror for a timeless look. Ashley Montgomery Design adds privacy to the kitchen sink with opaque cafe curtains that do not block light, hung on the bottom half of the window to be quickly pulled shut when needed. Mary Patton Design pairs bold wall paint and window trim with pastel fabric shades for a high-energy feel, as seen in this kids’ bathroom with lilac walls and pastel pink Roman shades. Sissy + Marley Interior Design softens a modern minimalist space with puddled curtains on the floor, as shown in this bedroom with light beige drapes around French doors. To choose the best window treatments, consider practical concerns such as privacy, light, and temperature control needed for each window. South-facing rooms may require more shading than those facing east. Use black-out shades in bedrooms for sleep and privacy, and consider blinds or half-curtains for bathrooms. Layer blinds with curtains in bedrooms or living rooms for a decorative look that offers light and privacy control throughout the day.
When it comes to window treatments, there’s more to consider than just standard sizes and shapes. Custom curtains, drapes, and blinds can be relatively expensive due to the variety of window sizes and shapes, making it difficult to find off-the-rack solutions that fit perfectly. It’s crucial to measure twice before purchasing non-returnable items or consider hiring a professional for measurement and installation.
For ultimate convenience, consider motorized smart blinds that can open and close with just a button press. FAQ: What is the drapery trend for this year? Drapery is experiencing a resurgence in popularity after being out of fashion for years. Current trends include pinch pleat drapes, bold-colored statement drapes, and patterns, as well as sustainable, eco-friendly fabrics like hemp and linen. What can I put instead of curtains? If curtains aren’t to your liking, consider shades, blinds, shutters, or window film. Options for shades range from solid or patterned roller shades to solar shades, Roman shades, and black-out shades for privacy, light, and heat control. For blinds or interior shutters, choose materials such as vinyl, metal, or wood. Layering window treatments can create more options for light control and enhance visual effects. What is the most inexpensive way to cover windows? Economical window coverings can be achieved with lightweight paper blinds or simple fabric premade curtain panels. You can also repurpose sheets for DIY curtains or modify IKEA curtains by adding pinch pleats for a more custom look. How do you make window treatments look expensive? To give window treatments a high-end appearance, hang curtains higher and wider than the windows for a grander effect. Layering curtains with fabric shades or slatted blinds adds functionality and a luxurious look. Regular cleaning and maintenance will also contribute to a well-maintained, expensive appearance.