Cool window shades
45 Best Window Treatment Ideas
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You don't have to pick between natural light and privacy.
By Hadley Mendelsohn
JESSIE PREZA
Windows (and access to natural light) 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.
🏡You love finding new design tricks? So do we. Let us share the best of them.
Anna Spiro Design
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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.
LAURE JOLIET
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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.
2LG Studios
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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.
JESSIE PREZA
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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.
Victoria Pearson
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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.
Werner Straube
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Double Blinds
For extra dimension and less light filtration, double up.
Here, interior design Corey Damen Jenkins hung both roman shades and drapes.
Paul Costello
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Rattan Blinds
Rattan blinds will let a little natural light shine in while still delivering some privacy. In interior designer Shaun Smith's New Orleans home, this tiny bathroom is the perfect blend of refined and approachable, with a great blend of materials and prints.
Brigette Romanek Design
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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.
STEPHEN KENT JOHNSON
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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.
Thomas Loof
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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.
Shannon McGrath
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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.
Maltsev Design
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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.
Romanek Design Studio
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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.
FRANCESCO LAGNESE
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Fancy Frames
Color stretches all the way up to the rafters in this living room designed by Thomas Jayne and William Cullum. We love how they chose to frame the windows with a gorgeous drapery that draws your eye up and doesn't encroach into the space too much. All together, the room feels traditional and formal but still country chic and casual.
STACEY BRANDFORD
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Curtains Beyond the Windows
Instead of hanging curtains right over the window, create a cozy little oasis like this by hanging tall curtains in front of a window seat reading nook, as Sarah Richardson did here.
Feli Forest
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Frosted Glass
In this bathroom designed by Arent & Pyke, the frosted glass windows allow for extra privacy without needing to hang any curtains. This helps maintain that clean-lined modern aesthetic.
Nicole Franzen
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Folding Screen
A folding screen is one of the most useful decorative items you can buy. It can add architectural dimension, color and pattern, and function as a window treatment without even requiring you to hang anything or reach for your toolkit. Place it strategically, and next thing you know, you have yourself a makeshift window treatment.
Heather Hilliard Design
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Tie-Up Shades
This bathroom by Heather Hilliard is understated elegance perfected. That's partially thanks to the blue marble tub backsplash and Victorian-inspired fixtures, but the tie-up shades really polish the space. Try this soft and full-looking window treatment style for a similarly romantic touch.
David Tsay
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Hang From the Highest Point
Hang your curtains from the highest point possible to create contrast and make a room feel taller. In this bohemian dining room by Justina Blakeney, the curtains go way above the window for a fuller, more spacious feel.
Bjorn Wallander
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Full Floor-to-Ceiling Curtains
The master bedroom in designer Janie Molster's home is anchored by a dramatic suzani behind the illustrious pink velvet headboard. The curtains contribute to the sense of fullness, warmth, and energy, while the pale linens and classic chairs bring in a timeless touch. Use this space as inspiration if you think your room could use a little more depth and dimension.
Paul Raeside
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Roman Shades
If your home already has blinds, make it feel more personalized and refined with Roman shades. The green shades in this bedroom designed by Andrew Flesher add a fun bit of color and block out light for sleeping in on the weekends.
Tasmin Johnson
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Classic Shades
In this dream closet designed by Tamsin Johnson, the classic white shades dress down the more glamorous elements of the space.
Leanne Ford Interiors
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Farmhouse Shutters
Designed by Leanne Ford Interiors, these farmhouse shutters allow the occupant to adjust their access to light while also playing up the rustic look. It could be a fun DIY project, too, if you're up for the woodworking challenge.
Paul Raeside
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Printed Roman Shades
Use a Roman shade to add pattern to a room or to play up an existing print. If you're wary of it feeling too bold, keep the wall a neutral tone. Take a cue from this inviting living room designed by Andrew Flesher.
Lisa Romerein
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Curtains Everywhere
Tonal bedrooms with plenty of curtains and canopies = instantly elevated and cozy. Choose a neutral color for a calming, soft space. Tented in various fabrics, this bedroom designed by Benjamin Dhong is a romantic cocoon.
Francesco Lagnese
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Short Curtains
Hang your bathroom curtains at the midpoint of the window for visually intriguing approach. This will ensure privacy, but it also keeps things interesting style-wise.
Catherine Kwong
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Add a Fun Trim
If you're afraid of overdoing it with color in a neutral space but want to add a little pop of intrigue, choose curtains with a neutral base and add a printed trim. The sleek wood wall in this room gives it an edge, while the light curtains, bedding, and carpet soften things up.
TREVOR DIXON
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Tassel Detail Curtains
This mudroom plays with color, texture, and pattern. The fringed drapes are fun touch that play off the classic prints in this cheerful little transitional space designed by Eddie Ross.
Alec Hemer
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Hang a Sheet or Tarp
When it comes to laidback beach and country houses, embrace the easy breezy lifestyle by simply hanging a sheet across the window to block a little light when necessary and soften the harder materials.
Anson Smart
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Pink Sheers
This dining room designed by Arent & Pyke manages to look open, romantic, and ethereal while also being grounded, formal, and versatile. That's thanks to the warm brown leather and wood punctuated by black details, all of which contrast nicely with the dreamy pink sheers.
35 Unexpected Color Combos for Palette Inspo
Hadley Mendelsohn Senior Editor Hadley Mendelsohn is House Beautiful's senior design editor and the co-host and executive producer of the podcast Dark House.
Energy Efficient Window Coverings | Department of Energy
Insulated Cellular Shades
Insulated cellular shades are made of pleated materials that are designed to fold up, accordion-like, usually at the top of the window, but sometimes at either the top or the bottom. Insulated shades contain one or more air layers in a honeycomb cross-section. Some can be adjusted from the top, from the bottom, or both.
Insulated cellular shades are typically considered to have the highest R-values of all window coverings. The air pockets in the honeycomb cross-sections act as insulators, increasing the R-value and reducing the conduction of heat through the window.
Insulated cellular shades can be a good choice if you are looking for significant energy savings from their window coverings, as well as comfort, privacy, and increased home resale value.
In heating seasons, tightly installed cellular shades can reduce heat loss through windows by 40% or more, which equates to about 10% heating energy savings. In cooling seasons, cellular shades can reduce unwanted solar heat through windows by up to 60%, reducing the total solar gain to 20% when installed with a tight fit.
Cellular shades that operate on side tracks are most effective at increasing the R-value of windows, and those that open from both the top and bottom allow users to most effectively control daylight entering the home.
Some cellular shades include the option of automation, allowing the blinds to open and close on a set schedule. The schedule can be seasonally optimized to reduce heating and cooling loads while maximizing natural light and home comfort.
Window Quilts
Window quilts have a sheet of quilted material that can be opened by rolling and closed by unrolling. They typically fit snug against the trim, either on tracks or with an attachment such as Velcro or snaps.
Because of their snug fit, window quilts offer R-value increases similar to cellular shades, and they typically cost less, however they are often more complicated to operate and provide less visible light when closed.
Learn more about cellular shades and window quilts.
Roller and Roman Shades
Roller shades are usually inexpensive shades that are raised or lowered from a roller bar fitted at the top of the window. Roman shades are fabric window shades that are drawn up into a series of evenly stacked folds when raised or lowered.
These shades typically fit inside of the window casing, or just outside, and they come in a variety of fabrics, colors, and weaves. Heavier fabrics will typically offer slightly better thermal performance, but roller and roman shades offer only a small amount of insulation and are most effective for privacy, room darkening, and blocking sunlight.
Louvered Blinds
Window blinds—vertical (Venetian blinds) or horizontal slat-type (louvered-type)—are effective at reducing summer heat gain and reducing glare, while providing good daylight indoors.
Because of the numerous openings between the slats of blinds, it's difficult to control heat loss through interior window blinds, but the slats offer flexibility in the summer. Unlike shades, you can adjust the slats to control glare, light, and solar heat gain.
When completely closed and lowered on a sunny window, highly reflective blinds can reduce heat gain. Horizontal slat-type blinds can also be adjusted to block and reflect direct sunlight onto a light-colored ceiling.
A light-colored ceiling will diffuse the light without much glare, while allowing you to take additional advantage of natural daylighting.
Curtains and Drapes
Curtains are fabric interior coverings that are sized to fit the window, while drapes reach all the way to the floor.
A drapery's ability to reduce heat loss and gain depends on several factors, including fabric type (closed or open weave) and color. With such a wide variety of draperies available, it's difficult to generalize about their energy performance.
During summer days, you should close draperies on windows receiving direct sunlight to prevent heat gain. Studies demonstrate that medium-colored draperies with white-plastic backings can reduce heat gains by 33%.
When drawn during cold weather, most conventional draperies can reduce heat loss from a warm room up to 10% and increase the thermal comfort of the home. Therefore, in winter, you should close all draperies at night, as well as draperies that don't receive sunlight during the day.
To reduce heat loss, draperies should be hung as close to windows as possible and fall onto a windowsill or floor. For maximum effectiveness, install a cornice at the top of a drapery or place the drapery against the ceiling. Then seal the drapery at both sides and overlap it in the center. You can use Velcro or magnetic tape to attach drapes to the wall at the sides and bottom. Taking these steps will further reduce heat loss.
Two draperies hung together will create a tighter air space than just one drapery. One advantage is that the room-side drapery will maintain around the same temperature as the interior space, adding to a room's comfort.
Window Films
Window films (applied to the glazing surface) help block against solar heat gain and protect against glare and ultraviolet exposure. They are best used in climates with long cooling seasons, because they also block the sun's heat in the winter.
They can be useful for homeowners who don’t want to block views with other window treatments, but who have issues with glare and solar heat gain.
They can also be a good choice on windows that are difficult to fit with other window treatments, or in places where artwork, furniture, or carpeting could be faded by UV exposure.
Films typically have three layers: an adhesive layer that sits against the glass, a polyester film layer, and a scratch-resistant coating. You may also choose options such as tints, UV blockers, or thicker films that offer security. Low-e films are also emerging as an energy-saving option.
Window films are rated by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), which also created window labeling and ratings for consumers. The NFRC’s Window Film Energy Performance Label looks like this:
Image
A) Rated by NFRC.
B) Manufacturer and product name.
C) Details on NFRC rating procedures.
D) Reference Product column shows what type of glazing works best with the film.
E) Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC).
F) Visible Transmittance (VT).
It includes the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) and visible transmittance (VT) of the window film, both numbers between 0 and 1. The lower the SHGC, the better the film is at blocking heat gain. The higher the VT, the more potential for daylighting. Read more about energy performance ratings.
The effectiveness of these reflective films depends on:
- Size of window glazing area
- Window orientation
- Climate
- Building orientation
- Whether the window has interior insulation.
Silver, mirror-like films typically are more effective than the colored, more transparent ones. More recently, there are solar control films that have a more neutral appearance and are effective at blocking near IR solar radiation in the summer. East- and west-facing windows, because of their greater potential for heat gain, can benefit more from these films. North-facing windows won't benefit from them, and south-facing windows may benefit somewhat, but the benefit could be offset by the reduction of heat from the winter sun.
There are also window films that have low-e coatings, which can also be effective in reducing winter heat loss and increasing thermal comfort of occupants. They also typically are effective at reducing near IR solar radiation.
Window films can be professionally applied by a skilled installer or are available for do-it-yourself projects at home improvement stores.
Window films require extra care for cleaning. If they are primarily absorbing solar radiation (tinted films), they can damage insulated glazing unit (IGU) seals. Most window manufacturers will void their warranties if the film is installed on an IGU.
Read more about window films at the Efficient Window Coverings Collaborative.
Roller blinds - photo of the best ideas for a modern interior
> Decor elements > Roller blinds - 100 photo ideas for designing roller blinds in the interior
Roller blinds in the interior are not just a tribute to fashion, but above all convenience and beauty.
How to choose the right roller blinds for plastic windows from the extensive range on the market today, our article will help.
Contents:
Roller blinds: choose the material.
Traditional materials for roller blinds are bamboo, wood or fabric. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, which you should familiarize yourself with before making your choice.
Let's start with textile curtains. Fabric roller blinds are beautiful, the choice of textures and colors is almost unlimited and allows you to realize any fantasy. Depending on the density of the fabric, you can adjust the degree of penetration of sunlight into the room: there are fabrics that scatter light, there are completely darkening ones - the choice is yours.
In the bedroom, it is worth hanging curtains made of thicker fabric, in the kitchen there are enough translucent curtains that will let in enough light, but hide what is happening in the house from prying eyes.
Unfortunately, the drawings on the fabrics burn out, but modern posture technologies, so this problem fades into the background.
Beautiful roller blinds are made from bamboo - this exotic material looks great in a variety of interiors; the main thing is to choose the right color. Such curtains are durable, easy to care for, they sufficiently darken the room and create diffused lighting that is comfortable for the eyes.
Straw roller blinds can be considered a variety of bamboo curtains. The design is the same - thin strips fastened with a cord. The main advantage of straw curtains is in a huge variety of options. They look more “natural” than bamboo, and will especially appeal to those who prefer the “rustic” style in interior design.
Wooden curtains are usually classified as a separate category. They are aesthetic, made of environmentally friendly material; sometimes this element of decor is exactly the missing link that completely transforms the interior, sets its uniqueness.
Perhaps the only drawback of such curtains is their high price.
Roller blinds: mounting methods
So, numerous photos of roller blinds have been viewed, the material has been chosen, you have also decided on the colors ... Now the question arises of how best to fix the curtains on the window.
There are two main types of mounting: open and closed. Actually a roller blind is a shaft on which the canvas is wound, a weighting bar and a cord that raises or lowers the curtain.
The open mounting method means that the shaft is mounted above the window or sash without any additional devices. The closed type - otherwise it is called "cassette" - provides for a special decorative box that closes the shaft with a curtain.
In the raised position, the curtain is completely hidden behind the box. This design is more aesthetic: here you can use side guides for curtains - thanks to them, the curtain fabric will fit snugly against the wall, not letting in light.
Aesthetics and functionality of roller blinds
It is important to remember that roller blinds in the interior serve not only to decorate it, but also allow maximum use of daylight, which means saving energy consumption.
Depending on the room and the purpose of its use, a roller blind can provide complete blackout or, conversely, fill the room with exactly the amount of natural light that is required.
Completely blackout curtains ideal for a bedroom or study where peace and protection from external stimuli is required; completely transparent or translucent - for the dining room or living room, these rooms should be well lit. Here you can use another, special type of roller blinds. These are curtains with a double sheet, where the material of greater density is interspersed with transparent sections.
By combining matching stripes of the same or different density, you can create total darkness in a room or achieve a diffuse effect when light enters the room through a fabric filter.
In the evening, at dinner, you can choose the position of the curtains so that the light from the street does not interfere with communication with the family. And during the day, a translucent fabric will slightly “muffle” the sun's rays and create an atmosphere of comfort in the room.
Photo of roller blinds in the interior
Roller blinds (80 photos): types, ideas for interiors
Window decoration is not only a rational way to protect the space from the abundance of sunlight, but also a great opportunity to give the room aesthetics and comfort.
Roller blinds are made from a special fabric that is impregnated with different compositions. This provides additional resistance to dust, chemicals and sun exposure. The installation consists of simple side mounts and a shaft that needs to be placed in them. These curtains look very impressive, complementing any interior design. Versatility lies not only in appearance, but also in the fact that they are great for windows of different designs and sizes.
Pros and cons of roller blinds
There are features that you should pay attention to before choosing roller blinds. Their main and indisputable advantages include: a variety of colors and textures, high quality fabric with additional impregnation (this has a positive effect on the preservation of appearance), a harmonious combination with different types of other curtains, ease of care (wet cleaning is enough), size versatility (there are compact options and larger ones), ease of installation (the ability to mount in any chosen way - for example, on a sash or outside a window).
With so many positives, this is a really worthwhile and safe window decoration option. But there are also small disadvantages that you also need to be aware of. These include the fragility of components (with careless operation, they can be easily vulnerable), the ability to absorb pungent odors (which is not very good if there is no hood in the kitchen), as well as installation on a frame (due to a slight difficulty in opening windows).
Types of roller blinds
This type of curtain for windows is classified not only by the colors and textures of the fabric, but also by their design and ability to illuminate the room space. In our article we will consider the most relevant types of roller blinds.
Cassette roller blinds
They are optimal for different window sizes. Distinctive characteristics of the design are the ability to easily open the sash (regardless of direction and plane) and tight fixation. This successfully hides the mechanisms of the cassette device that are inside.
Roller curtain fabric is very resistant to dust and dirt. The surface is distinguished by the smoothness of the forms and the integrity of the canvas. It is also worth knowing that this type of curtain is divided into two main types: flat (suitable for even windows) and U-shaped (will be ideal for non-standard windows).
Roller blinds
Stylish alternative to conventional curtains, best suited for skylights. Rollos are easy to install, save window sill space and protect the room from the brightest sunlight. It is important to note that a well-chosen model can not only decorate the room, but also visually expand the room. They are divided into systems with different directions (lateral, directing to the glass base, etc.).
Open roller blinds
One of the most popular types of window decoration. Its main advantages are ease of use and perfect surface smoothness. The system is built on a special shaft, which is attached to the wall thanks to small corners.
The side fabric is often supplemented with fishing line so that the curtains always maintain the desired position.
Mini roller blinds
An excellent cost-effective solution that saves money and space. Compact mini-type curtains are easily placed inside the window opening, which greatly reduces fabric consumption and makes it more weightless and light. Most often, this type of curtain is made of linen, viscose or cotton, which are also famous for their positive characteristics.
Large roller blinds
Suitable not only for large windows, but also for glass stands. They are classified into translucent, completely transparent, suggesting up to 90 and 100% dimming due to dim-out and blackout fabrics. Distinctive features include high resistance to various contaminants and an abundance of variations in colors and textures.
Roller blinds - photo
Proper window design can completely change the room, set bright accents, become an excellent backdrop for furniture, and also add its own zest.
Roller blinds in the interior of different rooms are an excellent choice of decoration.
Roller blinds in the interior of the living room
It is in the hall that you can demonstrate your exquisite taste. A variety of types of roller blinds can become an actual choice for the living room. For example, linen curtains perfectly complement the style of minimalism and Provence, and the combination of rolled sheets with blackout curtains - classics or pop art. Roller blinds open type will make the space wider and brighter.
Roller blinds in the bedroom interior
The best choice of roller blinds for a recreation room would be curtains with a possibility of 90% light absorption. They are made of a special fabric that protects the space even on the hottest summer day. Another plus of roller blinds made of blackout or dim-out fabrics is that they have high sound insulation, which is also very important for the bedroom. The appearance can be calm and monochromatic, or it can become a kind of highlight in the form of colorful floral or other prints.
Roller blinds in the nursery interior
A rational choice that will perform two important functions at once: aesthetic and functional. Children are very active, and therefore they can stain the curtains with pencils or other household contaminants. For roller blinds, this is not a problem at all, because the material is easy to wet clean and wipe off any stains with ordinary soap.
Also important is the fact that today there are a huge number of roller blinds with patterns for children (from cartoon characters to cute patterns with flowers and clouds).
Roller blinds in the interior of the kitchen
Roller blinds will look great on the windows of both large and small kitchens. A good choice would be mini-curtains, which are easily adjustable and free up extra space for the flowers that are so fond of showing off on the windowsills of the hosts. Another frequent choice of connoisseurs of comfort can definitely be called a cassette type of curtains, which will complement any designer atmosphere.
