Contemporary window dressing ideas

Modern Window Treatment Ideas To Refresh Your Home – Forbes Home

Modern spaces are known for their minimalism and often neutral monotone palettes. While this is great for a serene space, it can sometimes feel like a limiting style. One way to add a touch of personality to your modern space is by upping the ante with your window treatments.

We’ve pulled together a few examples of how you can go above and beyond the classic white sheer curtain for a modern space that is anything but dull.

1. Monotone Muse

Photo Credit: @boboanderssonstudio

Nothing says modern quite like a subdued monotone palette. By matching the floor-length curtains to the color of the walls, these dramatic drapes blend seamlessly into the space. A wall-to-wall curtain rod is also a modern touch, allowing the curtains to live exactly where you need them.

2. High Roller

Photo Credit: J Geiger Shading System | @jgeigershading

Roller shades are a great option for sleeker spaces, tucking away into window frames or shade pockets for a seamless look. Customize your fabrics to get the right color and transparency for your space. If you’re feeling particularly luxurious, you can also look into automated shades so you’ll never need to get up to adjust your window treatments again.

3. Patterned Perfection

Design Credit: Ashley DeLapp Interior Design
Photo Credit: Erica Mark

Modern doesn’t have to mean sparse. If you’re hoping to avoid a bland space, adding in a few bold tones or patterns is a great way to start. A set of patterned drapes help tie this space together by playing on the jewel-toned chairs and the more subdued pale tones of the walls and ceiling.

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4. Match the Finish

Photo Credit: @vanessaromeinteriors

Minimalism doesn’t have to mean monotone in every case. In this striking living room, a set of patterned curtains bring a beautiful gold neutral into the otherwise creamy space. Coordinating the finishes of the curtain rod and the modern mobile chandelier takes things to the next level for a cohesive space.

5. Find Balance

Design Credit: Jill Howard Design | @jillhowarddesign
Photo Credit: Julia Lynn Photography

If a boldly patterned drape isn’t quite your style, but a basic white sheer feels too bland, try meeting in the middle. A simple solid goes a long way in adding a lively accent to your space without overpowering it. In this room, the pastel pink curtains complement the soft blue tones while balancing the bold purple and pink lounge chairs.

6. Minimize Your Hardware

Photo Credit: Sonny Sandjaya | Architectural Photographer

Mixing and matching is a classic move for window treatments. The key to keeping it modern is all in the detailing. Layered curtains are perfect for controlling light and privacy, but the hardware can sometimes get busy and overbearing. These dual white-painted rods blend seamlessly into the wall to keep things visually clean.

7. Minimalist Classic

Photo Credit:@28thdesigns

A white, sheer curtain is a classic choice for window treatments, working with almost any style of home. If you want to give it that modern edge, then you should carefully consider the details. This full-length curtain accentuates the height of the space while the flush-mounted track in the ceiling keeps things visually clean. Combine the two and you have a perfect precedent for minimalist drama.

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8. For the Flexible

The top-down bottom-up shade is a favorite for those who want to keep things flexible. You’ll find this feature most commonly with cellular shades, but you can also find fabric roman shades and other more robust options. The white cellular shades in this example blend seamlessly into the space, allowing plenty of control without being distracting.

9. Pastel Pizzazz

Kvadrat | @kvadrattextiles
Stylise: Sania Pell
Photographer: Beth Evans

While sheer curtains are a perfect pick for many spaces, sometimes you want to go beyond the basic white. Why not try out a pastel sheer panel instead? This lovely peach shade adds a touch of warmth to the space without overpowering it. For an extra bit of pizzazz, check out the subtle but bold red hardware.

10. Bamboo is Best

Photo Credit: @majasode

Maximizing natural tones and textures is a key tenet of modernism, and no window treatment does that as well as a bamboo shade. Perfect for adding a touch of privacy without blocking out too much light, bamboo shades are a great addition to spaces like this serene kitchen. Use them to play off your other textured items, or on their own to add warmth to an otherwise more neutral space.

Bring A Touch Of Natural Beauty Into Your Home With Bamboo Shades

11. Warm Neutrals

Design Credit: @lubbi.designanddecor
Photo Credits: @moniquevanderreijden @livingcorriere @fleurdelesalle

Don’t be afraid to let your curtains take up space. The wall-to-wall curtains in this color-blocked masterpiece help to soften the bold tones and angles of the modern furniture. Simultaneously, they pair perfectly with the plush textures and peach undertones of the space for a well-balanced space.

12. Paint Your Blinds

Photo Credit: @luxaflex_ire

Painted wood blinds are a perfect modern take on a window treatment classic. Not only are wood blinds easy to clean, but they’re also easy to operate and pair perfectly with other window treatments like drapes. Opt for a pale neutral like, this soft french gray, to blend in with your space, or go for a bold hue for a fun pop of color.

13. Play to Your Strengths

Photo Credit: Sara Augenblick / Modelspacedesigns

When choosing window treatments, play to your space’s strengths and, when necessary, to its quirks. These drapes truly transform the space. The full-height curtains with a concealed track add modern drama to the otherwise more traditional architecture, creating a perfect backdrop for a contemporary retreat.

14. Don’t Cut Corners

Photo Credit: The Curtain Company | @thecurtainco.ae

Corner windows are a fun, modern touch, providing great light and an interesting vantage point, but they can also be difficult to dress. This example shows off a perfect solution with custom-fit wood blinds. If you prefer something a bit softer, custom curtain panels will also do the trick.

Whether your concept of a modern space is soft and serene or bold and beautiful, we hope these modern window treatment ideas will help you put the finishing touches on your home.

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11 modern window treatments to elevate your view

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(Image credit: Paul Raeside)

You might not think it, but modern window treatments can do a lot more than just block wandering eyes from taking a look into your home. Along with helping to reduce light levels and control the amount of UV rays penetrating your furniture and flooring, the top modern window treatments can add style from the inside out.

‘There is such a variety of options available for window treatments nowadays, allowing way more to explore creatively,' says Claudia Afshar of Claudia Afshar Design. Whether one is dressing a more traditional space, or one that is more contemporary, coordinating colors and textures right is key to creating a beautifully curated room.

Whether it’s for a modern living room, bedroom, kitchen or dining room, to help inspire your modern window treatment ideas, here’s what a range of interior designers had to say.

11 ideas for modern window treatments

‘There is also a variety of window dressing types and installations that can be explored and affect a room's overall design,' interior designer Claudia adds. 'Curtain rods being a wonderful example, with decorative ends and finishes which can be used creatively. Hidden tracks that sit behind a facia is another beautiful example. So is a Roman blind that sits within a window frame.’

1. Opt for heavy drapes

(Image credit: Claudia Afshar Design)

When you think of drapes, what do you think of? Light, floaty styles that move easily in the wind? Well, not all curtains have to be billowing in the breeze. You can add style and sophistication to your windows by choosing a heavier style, even for a modern space.

Claudia Afshar of Claudia Afshar Design says, ‘I believe windows in grand and important spaces such as formal living rooms and dining rooms can be dressed with heavier hanging drapery, creating a luxurious and warm feeling in a contemporary or minimalistic space.’

2. Think about your rod placement

(Image credit: Claudia Afshar Design)

Switching up the height at which you hang your curtains can change the whole look and feel of a space. If given some consideration to, it can help to enhance the aesthetic of the entire room – whether it's a living room, bedroom or dining room window treatment – and catapult your design into the 21st century.

Afshar says, ‘In the case of a visible track or rod, placing it higher to the ceiling, and having the curtains kiss the floor, will create longer lines and visually heighten the ceilings. This is a beautiful way to add some movement to a minimalistic room.’

3. Layer your window

(Image credit: Studio Enass)

We’ve seen with the best rug placement ideas, layering your chosen style can work wonders. And, according to Enass Mahmoud, interior designer and director of Studio Enass, layering your windows can work just as well.

'Layering your windows is a design trend I like to use often as it adds a sense of luxury to your room,' Enass says. 'For example, you can use a neutral fabric for your blinds with decorative trimming which adds another layer to your windows with a textured fabric for your curtains. Including two layers for your windows gives that cozy but trendy look to your room.'

4. Choose an option that will let enough light through

(Image credit: Paul Raeside)

Although the best modern window treatments will differ from home to home – and from room to room – Katie Glaister from K&H Designs recommends choosing options that are mindful of the natural light.

‘There is no one best way to dress a window, it’s so dependent on the interior architecture, the style of the window and the room's aesthetic,' Katie says. 'There is always lots to consider.'

'In London homes we make sure principal rooms get as much natural light throughout the day as possible. Translucent materials like sheers and light linens are best suited for living room curtains, for example.'

5. Commit to pelmets

(Image credit: Paul Raeside)

Pelmets are having a bit of a moment. The decorative, often upholstered board fixed above a window is used to cover up the curtain rod or fixtures. And according to Glaister, it's easy to make these classic designs work in a modern home.

She says, 'We’ve noticed there is a renewed interest in pelmets. Designers are experimenting with painted and upholstered pelmets, in plain colors or more ornate patterns. They add a classic detail to a more contemporary window treatment.’

6. Invest in wooden shades

(Image credit: Thomas Sanderson )

‘For window treatments, I love to include a beautiful woven wood shades with drapery panels,' award-winning interior designer Marie Flanigan says. 'Woven wood shades create an organic feel and add texture to a room. When you customize shades to be either light filtering or blackout, you can install drapery panels as opposed to drapes that need to traverse the entire window, which can be cost saving.’

7. Get them automated

(Image credit: Hillarys)

From our TV to our lights, there are many ways to make your place of living a smart or automated home.

But now, there's one more idea to add to the list. As Flanigan explains, ‘I love to add an automation feature that can be incorporated with shades. The ease and seamless nature of tapping a button and having all of your shades raised and lowered is such a luxury and incredibly efficient. Plus, the automation isn’t always relegated to high-tech houses, you can find some shades that include battery-powered automation.’

It's not limited to just shades, either. There's a growing number of smart curtain ideas to try in the home, no matter your budget.

8. Inject color with your drapes

(Image credit: Noorein Kapoor)

One of the most tried-and-tested ways of changing the vibe of a room is to paint your walls a different color. But what if there was another way to create a colorful living room, bedroom or dining room in your home?

'People often feel limited to the room-changing powers of paint or the more subtle accents that decorative objects can sprinkle into a space,' says Noorein Kapoor of Noorein Kapoor Design Studio .

'For a happy medium, try swapping out your window treatments for something that adds color and a little punchy hue to a room. This space is proof opaque works equally as well. While they're thicker and able to block out more light, they still look just as light and airy as anything.'

9. Choose white linen

(Image credit: Murano by Britto Charette )

If you're looking for a modern window treatment that will enable you to enjoy the view both inside and outside, look no further than white linen sheers.

'For us, it is really important to integrate the views (many of our projects are in Miami and feature incredible water views), so we use light materials for decorative sheers such as white linen,' explains interior designer Yulian Monroy of Britto Charette .

'Also, we like clean tracks—no visible hardware to obscure the views—so we allow space for drapery pockets when creating our designs,' Yulian adds. 'This way we don’t see the track systems. Our best design scenario, and really our favorite way to dress windows, is to have it integrated with AV systems (we often use Creston or Lutron) so that everything is automatized and easy to use from your phone or iPad. Our clients love that they can control their window treatments while they are away or traveling.'

10. Pick a Roman blind

(Image credit: Gunter & Co )

How your window dressing looks from the inside is just as important as its functional qualities, such as blocking out the light or wandering eyes. And one window covering that can tick all the above is a Roman blind.

‘I usually specify Roman blinds because they make the window look more dressed than other blinds,' Irene Gunter of Gunter & Co says, 'and they’re much more attractive when not in use. '

'If there is space, and the window is large enough, mount a roman blind within the reveal,' Irene adds. 'This imposes less on the room, and you retain use of the windowsill. If the window is quite short, mount the blind outside the window reveal or you will lose too much daylight.'

'Turn this into a positive by mounting the blind a little higher than it needs to be, which will give the illusion that the window is taller than it is. It also offers the opportunity to add a second window treatment inside the window reveal. For example, if you have front-facing windows, you can add a privacy blind that fits exactly into the reveal. When mounting a blind outside the window reveal, ensure it is between 50mm and 100mm wider than the window on either side and a little bit longer. This is to minimize any light bleeding, and it will also look more proportionate to the window.'

11. Consider a roller blind

(Image credit: Gunter & Co)

Roller blinds have come a long way since they were first invented in the 18th century. 'Roller blinds are rarely my first choice because of the ugly ‘cartridge’, which is the cylinder around which the fabric is rolled,' Gunter tells us.

'One option is to hide the roll behind a pelmet. Or a neat designer’s trick is reverse roll the blind, so when it’s hung, the cartridge is hidden.

'A third solution we have employed to bring a contemporary feel to the installation is to conceal the blind in the ceiling. You install a ‘box’ into the ceiling and the roller blind is hidden in there. However, be aware this isn’t a retrofit solution. You can only really do this on a full renovation when you’re building ceilings – and even then, your joists may need to move because of it.'

What window treatments are on trend for modern homes?

‘I see a trend in ceiling recessed and hidden tracks, and overall, more importantly in how window treatments are being installed,' Claudia Afshar of Claudia Afshar Design says.

'Whether the tracks are for hanging drapery or roll-down shades, the seamless lines that this type of installation creates are very attractive and are adaptive to a variety of styles making it more popular.

'Installing remote, as well as multi-functional window dressing is also trending, as we are now offered more variety of window treatment options.’

Becks is a freelance lifestyle writer who works across a number of Future's titles. This includes Real Homes, Top Ten Reviews, Tom's Guide, TechRadar and more. She started her career in print journalism at a local newspaper more than 8 years ago and has since then worked across digital and social media for food, fashion and fitness titles, along with home interior magazines. Her own interior style? She's big on creating mindful spaces in every corner of her home. If it doesn't spark joy or happiness, it has no place here. When she’s not writing, she’s reading and when she’s not reading, she’s writing.

100 best ideas: beautiful showcases in the photo

Advertising

Showcase is the face of the store. First of all, this is what buyers see when they enter. Therefore, each brand, maintaining its prestige at the proper level, is very scrupulous in the matter of window dressing. Large international companies have entire staffs of professional merchandisers who are engaged in window dressing. The so-called window dressers develop an individual concept for each showcase, after analyzing the needs of customers, demand and sales. Storefronts for fashion, bed linen or flowers are completely different, but they all follow the same principles of sales and style.

Clothing store window

Proper window dressing is the key to success in store sales, especially for fashion boutiques. The design concept of such showcases should attract customers, not let them pass by.

There are two main approaches to window dressing for clothing stores:

1. Merchandising. An elegant and rather simple solution for a showcase. It features well-designed images on mannequins. Buyers are always attracted by the total look when ready-made sets are shown - clothes, shoes, accessories. And it is possible that this particular set will appeal to the buyer, and he will certainly wish to purchase it.

It is important that the outfits presented on the mannequins are not only trendy, but also “wearable”. After all, creative designer things are not always appropriate for everyday bows in some provincial town. Therefore, professional merchandisers should take this aspect into account as well.

2. Story design.

Real mastery is the ability to create harmonious scenes in shop windows. These can be scenes from life or real stories with their characteristic characters. Such design expresses emotions by attracting more buyers.

So, for example, a New Year's shop window is like a fairy tale. A stunning evening dress on a mannequin, a scene from a Christmas movie or a group of mannequins with New Year's decorations - you can fantasize endlessly!

The principle of decoration of sale showcases differs from the design of those that adorn shops for the season. They are brighter, catchy and eye-catching. Bright colors on banners and ribbons with price tags attract attention here. Most often, the sale window indicates the maximum percentage of the discount.

Let's consider a few more rules for decorating shop windows:

decorations, clothes and mannequins must be presented in perfect condition. It is necessary to monitor the cleanliness of shop windows, regularly wiping the dust, not forgetting the mannequins. Clothing on them should be steamed to look as harmonious as possible. If necessary, the size is adjusted by pinning the thing in inconspicuous places with pins;

highlights must be placed correctly. As a rule, the light is directed to the center of the mannequin. If there are other important elements of the showcase (posters, banners, price tags), it is necessary to highlight them;

The showcase must never be cluttered. Conciseness, style and elegance - above all!

Children's shop window

Children's shop windows are more colorful and often cartoony. Here, plot scenery is more often used, because it is much more interesting for children to look at mannequins in such an impressive fairy-tale setting.

Many well-known brands of children's clothing prefer to decorate their windows in the same style as in adult stores: restrained, strict, elegant. This concept is more focused on parents who enjoy watching their little copies from the side.

Another approach to children's showcase design is the celebration, colors and accessories that catch the attention of children.

The choice of the stylistic direction of the showcase mainly depends on the concept of a particular brand. But still there are general rules that you should always follow:

do not use more than 3 main colors;
showcase should not be overloaded with goods, decorations, accessories;
the use of colorful price tags is encouraged;
soft toys and dolls are best placed on shelves, large toys - directly on the floor;
children's construction sets must be presented in assembled form, and it will be good to put branded beautiful packaging near the goods.
showcases of children's clothing stores are designed taking into account the age category (schoolchildren, toddlers, babies). It is undesirable to combine ages.
as in other stores, the children's showcase should be changed during the season.

Showcase of a bed linen store

Shops with bed linen and household utensils are primarily designed for the female part of the population. They should have a special atmosphere of home warmth and comfort.

Pastel soft shades are most often used in the design of showcases: powdery, cream, pink, milky, beige, etc. Plot design is welcome, which evokes thoughts of a home bedroom or any other room. Elements such as furniture, textiles, dishes, flower vases, beautiful candlesticks, souvenirs and much more will help with this. The exposition of bed linen is almost always presented right on a luxurious bed.

Flower shop showcase

Cheerful, bright flower showcases, regardless of the weather and season, should convey a festive mood. But it is equally important to choose the right concept and design style. There are some nuances here:

showcases with natural flowers require compliance with a certain temperature regime and sufficient lighting;
all fixtures, shelves and racks must be stable and secure;
glass accessories and details (vases, flasks, shelves) make the show composition lighter and weightless. The glass on display should be crystal clear.
flower showcase may contain additional items and goods: beautiful parchment, postcards, toys, artificial flowers, cones, branches and others. But all the decorations must be designed in a single stylistic direction.

Festive and themed windows of flower shops are very effective. Valentine's Day, Halloween, Christmas, March 8 - a great opportunity to create a bright, festive storyline.

Creative shop windows in the photo

Have you had to meet original display cases? Which of them impressed you the most? Share stories in the comments.

ideas and solutions in 2022

EventsIdeasUseful little thingsGarden decorsLandscape designOtherTips

10/31/2022

Ideas

Every entrepreneur, manager or manager of a retail outlet has an important task: to distinguish one's place among the competitors and "hook" the eyes of passers-by. The same applies to catering establishments, beauty salons, offices, workshops and other offline businesses.

Window dressing for shops and cafes is one of the most effective ways to attract the attention of potential buyers. The services of decorators are not cheap, but they are usually worth it - a beautiful window display will be an excellent street advertisement for your point of sale. You can decorate a showcase with your own hands without the involvement of professionals - all the more so, in modern conditions for small businesses, saving is becoming a priority.

1. Window dressing with flowers and plants

Planters and boxes of live plants are always a good idea. The ecological trend in design has not only not disappeared, but has become more in demand due to the anti-stress effect of wildlife. For the residents of the metropolis, hurrying about their business, the feeling of freshness and serenity that comes from the spaces filled with plants is very important.

Flowering plants create a cozy and sophisticated aesthetic, large planter trees are a catchy accent, and multi-level combinations of pots with ampelous ones create a trendy "jungle". To use the entire display space, place hanging shelves with plants at different heights.

You will need:

Hanging tray for planters Old Green Esschert Design

Hanging tray Gold from Esschert Design

Hanging shelves Black&White Esschert Design 38 cm

Hanging shelves Black&White Esschert Design 58 cm

2. Original display

Show the product "face" - put the samples on the showcase in the original containers. If your product deteriorates quickly or is not presentable enough, you can put empty boxes or dummies on the display case. Add seasonal decorative elements - pumpkins and orange leaves in autumn, snowflakes and deer figurines - in winter. You can also place decorative wreaths in a seasonal style between the shelves with goods. This type of décor is incredibly popular – many will stop by to take a closer look at your décor.

To elevate your merchandising arrangements at eye level, use the hanging trays from the previous point as shelves. Put beautifully designed gift sets of your products on the shelves - anticipation of the holidays sets visitors up for positive.

You will need:

Set of decorative metal baskets Esschert Design

Set of 3 wicker baskets for plants Decor Trio from Smart Garden

Waxed Canvas Bags by Esschert Design

Decorative deer Serafina by Lene Bjerre

Esschert Design Christmas wreath holder

3.
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