Country cottage window treatments
Cottage Curtains - Etsy.de
Etsy is no longer supporting older versions of your web browser in order to ensure that user data remains secure. Please update to the latest version.
Take full advantage of our site features by enabling JavaScript.
GERMANY Find unique items from around the globe that ship to Germany
(1,000+ relevant results)
Cottage curtain ideas: inspiration for a cozy country home
(Image credit: Vanessa Arbuhtnott)
Are you looking for cottage curtain ideas to complete your decor scheme? Curtain ideas are the perfect choice for a cottage: their soft pleats complement the romance of rural properties, plus, they introduce color, pattern and personality, with limitless fabric designs to choose from – you can even edge them with a trim to add extra detail.
And, of course, on a practical level, curtains control light levels and bring a layer of insulation to your living space. Scroll for our cottage curtain ideas, plus tips from experts on which designs to choose. Then find more cottage decorating ideas in our design gallery – we cover everything from color schemes to material choices.
1. Exaggerate ceiling height with floor-length curtains
(Image credit: Vanessa Arbuthnott)
If you want to capture that quintessential cottage charm and enhance your space, then you can't go wrong with full-length curtains with a floral print, says fabric designer Vanessa Arbuthnott . 'Florals are an obvious choice for cottage curtains. Cottages are mostly situated in the countryside and hopefully have at least a tiny garden. The florals on the curtains will reflect the flowers climbing up and nestling against the cottage walls.'
If choosing florals, it's important to think about scale, too, she says. 'You don't want anything too big, so you could choose fabrics with smaller prints such as my Cow Parsley and Dainty Daisy (as pictured above).
'
For cottage kitchen ideas, don't miss our inspiring image gallery.
2. Add a trim to frame a window seat
(Image credit: Susie Watson Designs)
Edging curtains with a pretty trim of your choice – be it embroidered, pom pom or fringed – will bring extra flair to a romantic scheme, and makes for a beautiful frame for a window seat or lovely view. Alternatively, if you're keen to keep your fabric choice neutral and understated, then adding a trim can be a great way to add a touch of detail without overpowering a space.
When sharing her advice for choosing cottage curtains, Susie Watson , founder of the eponymous interiors store, advises, 'to maximise the natural light through cottage windows, hang your curtains high and wide (space allowing).'
'Stripes and florals work well for the quintessential cottage look,' she continues. 'I like to add a trim to the leading edge and back with one of my printed cottons, for a more contemporary and interesting look.
'
3. Use checks for classic cottage charm
(Image credit: Colefax & Fowler)
If you’re looking for cottage curtain ideas that will stand the test of time, you can’t go wrong with a classic check or stripe. Often bringing together multiple colors, they can be a great starting point for an interior scheme, as they offer several shades to build from, and, as a finishing touch, they are easy to match with your chosen upholstery or wall color.
If you change your curtains with the seasons, then this Donovan plaid from Colefax & Fowler , with its dark natural Slate/Umber colorway and soft woven texture, would make a brilliant choice for winter curtains, but would also sit beautifully with the weathered stone and wood of traditional cottages year-round.
4. Opt for a cottage-style pleat
(Image credit: Vanessa Arbuthnott)
When choosing curtains for a cottage there's more to consider than just the color and print – the form of the curtain and how it hangs can have a big impact on the final look.
From eyelet hung to pencil pleats, there are all sorts of ways of hanging curtains, but for cottages, a traditional cottage pleat works well, as Vanessa Arbuthnott explains.
'They give a pretty, soft gather and are made by seeing the curtain tape a few inches below the top. This is gives an informal and more interesting look than the traditional pencil pleat.'
5. Create uplifting spaces with pops of yellow
(Image credit: Future)
Often, due to their small rooms and windows, cottages can lack light and feel gloomy. Opting for curtains in fabrics with vibrant sunshine shades is guaranteed to make spaces feel more joyful and bright. Checks or stripes are a great choice as they will stand the test of time.
6. Use French poles for a relaxed look
(Image credit: VSP interiors)
When thinking about cottage curtains our thoughts automatically jump to fabric choice, but fixtures and how they hang can make an impact, too. Interior designer Henriette von Stockhausen, from VSP Interiors explains: 'I use French poles for more relaxed cottage curtains, as here in my bedroom.
'I also try and be a bit more playful with these spaces when they’re not formal rooms. This Soane fern fabric makes a statement. Larger patterns work better in my opinion, very small can look too fussy. Playing with scale works perfectly in cottage interiors.'
7. Use faded French florals for a relaxed cottage feel
(Image credit: Future / Brent Darby)
Romantic floral fabrics are a mainstay of country style, but when it comes to cottages it's best to keep things simple rather than opting for dramatic prints, as Kate Forman , specialist in 19th-century French-inspired prints, explains. 'Less is more in cottages,' she says. ‘Keep patterns fairly simple and headings unfussy using narrow poles if ceilings are low.'
8. Create a vintage feel with a pelmet
(Image credit: Penny Morrison)
Thought pelmets were a thing of the past? Then think again. Interior designer Penny Morrison explains how they are a brilliant way to showcase your favourite fabric.
'If I find a wonderful vintage fabric, which I don’t have a huge amount of, I like to use it as a pelmet with plain curtains underneath, perhaps with a matching trim down the leading edges.
'This image shows a pole with a self-attached gathered pelmet. Using a pole is great way for maximizing the light in a room.' But, if adding a pelmet, take care to consider size. 'The most important aspect of using pelmets is getting the proportions right, we go for 1:5.'
It's also important to consider what type of pelmet you chose as certain designs can be better for certain house types, as Penny Morrison explains. 'In a contemporary setting, and in townhouses, I like using hard flat covered pelmets with a smart trim inset.' Alternatively, gathered pelmets, with their soft pleats, are often more suitable to cottage settings.
This feature was created by H&G's sister brand, Period Living magazine
Subscribe to Period Living for more inspiration Period Living is the UK's best-selling period homes magazine.
A subscription provides you with all you need to know about caring for and improving a traditional house and garden.
9. Layer blinds and curtains for more light control
(Image credit: Clarke & Clarke)
Are you after more control over your light levels? Do you want to block out the light some of the time, but at other times have light coming through without compromising on privacy? Pairing two types of window treatment is a great way to create different levels of illumination, but can also help control temperature, too, giving an additional layer of insulation if needed during the cold winter months, not forgetting the option to layer up beautiful fabrics.
Pairing a pretty floral curtain with a roman blind in a plain pastel tone will bring a feminine, classic feel as this Clarke & Clarke scheme proves.
If you want your cottage to feel brighter, don't miss our cottage lighting ideas for pretty, practical solutions.
10.
Embrace bold, bright prints(Image credit: Molly Mahon)
Just because your space is small, it needn't lack personality, as Molly Mahon explains. 'Don't be afraid to use a big bold pattern for curtains if the space is small, which is often the case in a cottage,' says the fabric designer.
'A large pattern such as my Poppy design seen here can actually add the feeling of space to a small room. Lovely bright colors like these also help the light bounce across a room which if its low ceilinged or beamed can be a very positive thing.'
11. Make spaces feel brighter with light fabrics
(Image credit: Penny Morrison)
To keep bathrooms feeling bright and breezy, then opting for a simple, single layer and lightweight voile or fine cotton curtain, such as these from Penny Morrison, will bring privacy without blocking the light. Soft and delicate, they beautifully balance bold botanical wallpapers, as this bathroom proves.
For more cottage bathroom ideas, don't miss our dedicated gallery.
How do you dress a cottage window?
There are two distinct ways to dress a cottage window, both of which are equally pretty – though the one you choose will depend on how much light you want to allow into the room. The first is to go for curtains – or curtains and blinds – to create a pretty frame for your cottage window, but be aware that anything bulky around a window can make a space feel smaller and, if the fabric is anything but pale, darker, too. The second option for dressing cottage windows is to choose sheer fabrics that can give you privacy and which can be pulled across in the day, too; these will let in more light.
In both cases when dressing a cottage window, if you can hang the curtains back from the window edges to exaggerate the size of the window itself, you will help your room feel bigger and brighter.
What can I use instead of curtains?
There are plenty of options other than curtains for cottages. If you want to allow in light and to make the room look as bright and spacious as possible, consider window film, which can provide privacy, too.
A pretty option, and another that offers privacy, is café curtains. Shutters are a more contemporary option, assuming your cottage windows are square. Roman blinds will look beautiful, but be aware that, as with pelmets, they block light from the upper part of the window.
Pippa is Content Editor on Homes & Gardens online contributing to Period Living and Country Homes & Interiors print issues. A graduate of Art History and formerly Style Editor at Period Living, she is passionate about architecture, creating decorating content, interior styling and writing about craft and historic homes. She enjoys searching out beautiful images and the latest trends to share with the Homes & Gardens audience. A keen gardener, when she’s not writing you’ll find her growing flowers on her village allotment for styling projects.
Do-it-yourself care for plastic windows in winter
Windows and doors made from VEKA profile systems do not require special care.
Nevertheless, like any product, even the highest quality metal-plastic window needs maintenance. It is not necessary to call specialists. You can easily take care of plastic windows with your own hands.
If you follow the following recommendations from VEKA, you will maximize the life of your new wonderful windows! nine0003
How to care for plastic windows?
Useful advice : if you are doing repairs and you already have metal-plastic windows, open them to a minimum, and after repair (if there was a lot of construction dust), be sure to call specialists to completely clean (with removal) and lubricate fittings.
nine0002 First - plastic care: never use abrasive and aggressive chemical cleaners (containing chlorine, alcohol and other additives designed to actively fight dirt) to care for plastic windows. Even if at first it seems to you that nothing is happening with the plastic, after a while you may be unpleasantly surprised by the changed color of your once-white window.
To care for the surface of plastic windows, you can use degreasing detergents, or a simple warm soapy solution. We also recommend using soft sponges. nine0003
The second is the care of double-glazed windows: a double-glazed window in a metal-plastic window does not differ from ordinary glass and you need to take care of it in the same way. Just a reminder: avoid getting detergents on plastic parts, and, very importantly, do not allow alcohol-containing products to get on the rubber seal.
nine0027
Thirdly, maintenance of fittings: VEKA recommends that all moving fittings be lubricated once a year. Please note that many hardware manufacturers put “oiler” or “droplet” icons in the appropriate places. Use an oil free of resins and acids. Ordinary sewing machine oil will do.
This element of the window is primarily responsible for keeping the heat in your home, the absence of drafts, protection from street dust and noise. Wash the seal with a mild soapy solution and a soft sponge or cloth, wipe dry and lubricate with silicone grease. Silicone grease for automotive seals is also suitable for this purpose. nine0002 Fifth - drainage holes. If you open the sash, then there should be holes in the lower part of the frame - drainage channels. As it becomes clear from their name, these are drain holes, they serve to remove moisture, water outside the frame. Make sure they don't get clogged.
If you do not have the time and opportunity to take care of plastic windows with your own hands, you can invite specialists who will quickly and professionally carry out all the work for a moderate fee. nine0003
In addition, you can purchase sets of special care products for plastic windows either in specialized window sales stores or in building supermarkets.
Take advantage of our advice on the care of plastic windows, and they will serve you for many years!
Tips for glazing a private house and a cottage
Building a country house? Decided to change the windows in the cottage? The issue of glazing a private house must be approached carefully and very responsibly. It is the window openings that allow heat and cold to pass through. And the "weather in the house", the cost of heating and ventilation directly depend on the quality of their design. It is necessary to correctly choose a profile, double-glazed windows, fittings and a contractor who can be trusted with window installation. You can install windows yourself or contact our company. In any case, we recommend reading what you need to pay attention to when glazing, how to choose materials, how you can decorate openings in a private house.
nine0003
Modern technologies make it possible to produce wood-like PVC windows, make aluminum glazing warm and reliably protect wooden profiles from fire and rotting. As a result, the functionality of well-installed wooden, plastic and aluminum windows is approximately the same, and the appearance of all solutions is good. Therefore, the choice of material mostly depends on the budget, personal preferences.
- Wooden profiles are the decoration of the cottage, but they are more expensive than plastic ones. Their surface is softer - if it is hooked, hit, a dent may appear. Periodically, wood profiles need to be treated with protective compounds. Wooden windows require a lot of experience and skill from installers. nine0069
- Plastic is cheaper. In terms of thermal protection, it is not inferior to wood, and with wood lamination it can pass for pine.
- Aluminum for windows can be warm and cold, hinged and sliding. Warm systems are more expensive than analogues made of PVC, but they allow glazing openings of non-standard, large sizes.
They load the base less and do not burn. Cold systems made of aluminum do not protect against cold, only against precipitation and dust. They are suitable for glazing gazebos, unheated balconies, loggias.
When choosing a profile material, take into account the requirements for sound and heat insulation, the location of the leaves, the design of the opening. PVC, aluminum or wood is often a matter of image and budget.
Plastic windows are also installed in cottages. In a house made of timber, wood with PVC glazing, it is extremely important to take into account the fact of shrinkage of the structure. In the first few years after construction is completed, a timber house shrinks. The tree dries unevenly, which can provoke distortions of the openings. In a temperate climate, log cabins dry for about 5 years. Some of their elements are deposited up to 1 cm in cross section. As a result, problems and additional costs can arise if preliminary measures are not taken when installing PVC windows in a log cabin.
nine0003
In buildings made of wood, we recommend installing a rough pigtail to prevent deformation. A protective casing made of wooden beams up to 8 cm in diameter is fixed in front of the opening glazing. It accounts for part of the load during shrinkage, which does not allow the frames to deform. To keep the casing intact, a gap of up to 7 cm is made between it and the top of the opening. A sealant is laid into it before mounting the casing. The joints are filled with a special sealant, foam. When the structure is deposited, it does not crack. Sometimes it is replaced with cheaper tow or materials similar in structure. nine0003
In brick houses, as a rule, the width of a double-leaf window is not more than 140 cm, the height is up to 160 cm. For the correct installation of windows in a brick cottage, it is necessary to take into account:
Competent design of openings helps to give the cottage a harmonious and complete look.
You can paint the profile from the inside and outside in a different color, install contrasting handles on the windows, and bars in double-glazed windows. Combine different types of decor to find the best solution for your opening. nine0003
- Layout. A narrow profile in the form of a grid is mounted on window systems to give them an original look. A false layout is installed outside the window, an overhead layout is fixed on fasteners, hinges. Bars are mounted inside the window system between the panes. The profile angle of the layout is different and depends on the desired visual effect.
The color and shape of the decorative strips are varied. Planks are straight, curved. The layouts are produced from the profile up to 8 cm in thickness. They are painted so that the facade of the building matches its architectural style. The shape of the bars determines their type: milled, narrow and beveled layouts are distinguished. Monograms are used for their design.
They are installed at different angles. Wider bars can be bent up to 8 mm. nine0003
Laminated windows are easy to care for. Care must be taken to clean the profile joints. Like windows, bars are made of wood, PVC, and aluminum. More popular than other Viennese layouts, Venetian. Both have a self-adhesive profile. In the first case, it is fixed on the glass outside or inside the opening, in the second case, on the outside. If minimal window care is important to you, we recommend installing bars inside the double-glazed window.
- Profile colour, handles. A rich color palette of profile systems allows producing windows of various shades to match the interior or facade. For a spectacular design of the opening, you can install colored handles on the sashes that contrast with the profile. nine0069
- Window sizes. Thanks to modern technologies and equipment, the dimensions of window systems are practically unlimited. They can be made of aluminum in order to load the opening less and get all the necessary functions from the glazing.
To install a large-sized plastic window, we recommend paying attention to the PVC profile with RAU-FIPRO fiber reinforcement. It is highly stable, although it weighs much less than aluminum-reinforced PVC counterparts.
When choosing double-glazed windows with energy-saving glass, pay attention to:
- Type of glass - soft i-glass or hard k. In the second case, the light transmission of glazing is lower, the strength is higher. In a package with i-glass, the spraying is done inside to avoid damage to the ionic coating. A single-chamber double-glazed window with i-glass increases thermal insulation by up to 40% compared to a double-chamber with standard glasses. A double-glazed window with a pair of i-glasses retains heat like 70 cm thick brickwork.
- Sun protection. Light-protective glasses block up to 70% of the sun's rays. They are recommended to be installed in panoramic windows on the sunny side of the building.
If there are no special requirements for sound and light insulation of glazing, it is better to install two-chamber glass packages with i-glass at objects in the middle lane of the Russian Federation.
