Window coverings are perhaps one of the most important functional decorations you can have at home. They help control the amount of sunlight that comes through as well as add that extra layer of privacy — especially if your home has floor-to-ceiling type windows.
When it comes to selecting coverings, you may be overwhelmed by how many options there are. Here are some great window-covering ideas to help guide you in choosing one that fits your style and interiors.
Lighting in the kitchen can affect the ambience of your cooking space. It allows you clear visibility of all the necessary food and tools for your meals and essentially avoids accidents from happening. The best — and cheapest — type of light you can have is natural light. Let it in with blinds that match your window frame for a seamless look.
Sheer blinds are an excellent solution to privacy without sacrificing the amount of light that comes pouring into the room. They’re perfect for any space in the home where you want enough natural light without being exposed directly to the heat of the sun.
Outdoor blinds are a smart, low-maintenance alternative to your standard blinds. They help keep your indoor temperatures cooler and minimise the need for frequent cleaning when it comes to dust accumulation.
Shutters are solid, fixed window coverings that help control natural light. Unlike blinds which are usually attached to the top of the window frame, shutters are more permanent and more durable to dress your windows. Go for white shutters to achieve a clean, beachy look for your interiors.
Looking for something more sophisticated and warm to work with? Wooden blinds are an excellent timeless addition to any space. Often, you can get them coloured to suit your wooden interiors.
Luminettes are sheer fabrics that have vertical vanes that mimic a draping effect. They’re the perfect privacy sheet that allows enough light in without having to worry about being seen from the outside.
Live on the more sunny side of town? Bamboo blinds are an affordable, eco-friendly, and long-lasting alternative to protecting your home from too much sunlight.
One of the most common window covering combos is the curtain and sheers. They provide the best of both light and blackout effects. If you’re using a thinner material for your fabric window coverings, then they can work really well to disperse light and create privacy without completely getting rid of natural light.
When you live in a more humid environment but still want that luxurious look from wooden blinds, faux wood is a great alternative.
Curtains can complete your home’s interiors. When you’re into a more maximalist approach, don’t be afraid to use printed curtains over a sheer drape.
For a more subtle approach to design on your window coverings, you can opt for the curtain and sheer combo and have your sheers patterned instead.
Sheer curtains bring a soft and flowy feel to any space. It also doesn’t always have to be your standard white colour, feel free to explore other colours that suit your interiors.
In recent years, the popularity of duo fabric roller blinds has grown, and with good reason. These window coverings allow you to customise how much light comes in with both sunscreen and blackout blinds. They’re great for bedrooms or areas in the house you’d like to be able to nap in.
When you have statement windows, you can choose to cover the bigger windows and let the natural light in through the smaller panels.
Whether or not your windows take up the whole floor-to-ceiling space, you can still make use of floor-to-ceiling curtains. The added height creates the perfect opportunity for curtains to fall in a neat, pleated manner.
If you have a preference for ultimate privacy, blackout blinds are for you. As its name suggests, they help completely block out the sun with thick fabric whenever you need — perfect for intimate setups like the dining area or bedroom.
Love clean lines in your interiors? Pleated shades feature long, crisp folds of fabric as they’re pulled up. They’re a more fashionable option for modern interiors.
Roman shades offer another look to window covers as they fold up into low-hanging pleats for an elegant textured look. They come in a variety of fabrics, too, so you have the option of selecting the level of privacy for your home.
When selecting blackout curtains, it’s important to consider the fabric type. Wool surge or medium-weight synthetic suedes are your best option to capture that luxurious look.
Looking for ultimate protection when you’ve got bigger windows in your home? Solar shades are made with UV-blocking fabric that helps keep the sun and heat out.
Looking for an inexpensive window covering to install outside your home? Wooden shades are a great long-lasting option that’s easy to install and replace.
Panel blinds fold back into themselves sideways rather than up and down. These window covers provide just enough privacy while also allowing you to see silhouettes of plants and people outside.
Still keen on panel blinds but want to see more of the view? Vertical fabric blinds have slimmer cuts per panel and casts an elegant striped shadow into the room.
Add an extra layer of shade for your windows with shutters. Opting for a colourful pair of shutters makes an excellent accent detail for your home’s exteriors.
For a more detailed touch to your interiors, crochet curtains can do wonders.
Whether you love the boho style or you’re looking at creating a more rustic space, macramé curtains might just be for you. It’s a great artistic piece that works with neutrals and earthy colours. If you’re up for it, you can make it yourself too!
When designing your interiors, consider colour coordination. Matching your drapes to small accent pieces can round out the look of your space.
For a natural, modern look, linen or linen blend fabrics are great for curtains. Once they catch wind, they billow into the room and create a soft airy look.
When comfort is your priority, motorised roller blinds are the perfect addition to the space. A simple command or push of a button allows you to adjust the lighting and privacy.
Timber shutters are great for sound and thermal insulation. Not only will you be minimising the heat, you’ll be able to filter out the extra noise from outside. This works great for bedrooms or bathrooms when you’re in the mood to relax and unwind.
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It can be difficult to add drapery to irregularly shaped windows like the arched type. You can always install windows up to 70% of the way and allow natural light to filter in from the top-most section.
Play with texture when you combine curtains and blinds to cover your windows. The horizontal lines allow light to leak beautifully into your space. If it gets too bright, you can always block it out completely with the curtains.
Cordless blinds are installed into your window frame for a clean, seamless look. They can be put away both top-down and bottom-up.
When you’re looking for double the shade and less cleaning, go for outdoor roller blinds and curtains for your indoor use.
Play to the strengths of contrasting colours. Light and dark colours or colours on opposite sides of the colour wheel help create visual interest in your space.
Aside from motorised blinds, there are smart blinds that you can program to open according to a schedule or whenever you arrive home.
Embroidered curtains can instantly elevate a space. For the ultimate upscale look, opt for gold-coloured details in the design.
Awnings or overhangs are another great option for outdoor shades to filter out additional light from heating up your home.
Window coverings are an undoubtedly useful addition to any home. They keep the light and heat out, plus provide you maximum privacy whenever you need it. Hopefully, you’ve found ideas you’d like to incorporate into your own home. Whenever you’re ready, you can connect with professional curtains and blinds installers near you.
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