Curtain window design ideas
65+ Curtain Ideas to Inspire Your Next Home Makeover
1
Lemon Ombré
Read McKendree
While curtains are designed to keep light out, they can also accentuate it in the daytime too. Take this sunny bedroom in a Woodstock, New York, home with interiors by White Webb where the curtains—dip-dyed alpaca linen versions from Rosemary Hallgarten—frame the views outside.
2
Luxurious Gold Valence
Simon Watson
If you’re looking for period drama, opt for a gorgeous draped valance and complementary Roman shade, as with this Midas-touched bedroom in (yes) a historic Italian tower.
3
Height-Accentuating
Laure Joliet
This look, in a Tudor-style home sensitively reimagined by ELLE DECOR A-List designer Frances Merrill, could have easily gone over-the-top cottagecore. But funky silhouettes and neutral, floor-grazing curtains positioned high above the windows not only bring the look down to earth but flaunt those gorgeous timber ceilings.
4
Complementary Patterns
Simon Upton
If you’re stuck with tiny windows, use curtains to create the illusion of size. Here, in a 16th-century painterly Parisian pad, designer Eric Allart selected a longer curtain in a Simrane floral (the same textile that appears on the headboard and bedding) to move the eye around the maximalist space.
5
Floral and Traditional
Simon Watson
A full-blown valance look doesn’t need to be stuffy, as designer Veere Grenney proves in this cheery London townhouse. The antique furnishings and ruffles may lean traditional, but a 1960s Gaetano Sciolari pendant and an abstract artwork by Daniel Jacomet keep things contemporary and cool.
6
Mint Green Curtains
Serena Eller
Leave it to textiles expert Caterina Fabrizio, the second-generation co-owner of her family’s textile house, Dedar, to know how to hang curtains where it counts. Here in her primary bedroom, the mint green shades have a fun, black-and-white striped backing and help to bring the green of the garden inside. Another word of advice? Swap out your fabrics seasonally, just as you might change your wardrobe. “The furniture stays and the fabrics and carpets change,” Fabrizio says.
7
Striped Roman Shades
Pär Bengtsson
These striped Roman shades in a brand new Houston residence designed by Elizabeth Young add visual zip to an otherwise all-white room. Follow suit if you live in a rental or aren’t ready to commit to patterned wallpaper—and zhuzh up with fun furnishings and accessories, of course!
8
Sunny Floor-Grazing Curtains
Dustin Halleck
If your home is blessed with an abundance of natural light, embrace it! Design duo Brockschmidt & Coleman were entranced by the Southern sunshine that seeped into author Walter Isaacson’s New Orleans abode, so painted the dining room walls in Farrow & Ball’s Hound Lemon and selected sweeping curtains to match.
9
Gauzy and Casual Curtains
David Land
If you love enveloping rooms in a deep paint color, lighten things up with lighter-than-air drapes. Here, in a Brooklyn apartment designed by Danielle Fennoy, eggplant-colored walls are contrasted by gauzy, crinkled curtains. Elliott the cat approves!
10
Arts and Crafts–Inspired
Douglas Friedman
This snug family room in a Sonoma, California, estate designed by Ken Fulk is giving us just the right amount of cozy Arts and Crafts vibes with timber paneling, star-patterned terra-cotta floor tiles, and floral Pierre Frey window treatments.
11
Sage and Striped
Jennifer Hughes
We’ll sprinkle sage over everything—including curtains! Here, two striped sage panels in landscape architect Thomas Woltz’s Virginia Victorian part over a fabulous French Directoire daybed.
12
Tiny Checks
Douglas Friedman
In the media room of his New York City home, TV personality Thom Filicia dressed his windows in floor-length curtains patterned in the tiniest of gray-and-white checks, a move that—pro tip—not only gives the illusion of more generous windows, but also adds subtle texture to the largely neutral scheme.
13
Prettily Patterned Roman Shades
Pascal Chevallier
Leave it to a Dior executive to have shades that look like haute couture! In the breakfast room of her Paris flat, Mathilde Favier selected a floral fabric by the late, great French decorator Madeleine Castaing to inject feminine flair to a classic Roman shade.
14
Gauzy Neutrals
Read McKendree
The views from this Pebble Beach, California, house are too good to be tampered with.
So design firm Workshop/APD ensured that the curtains wouldn’t interfere. Follow suit by selecting a long, semi-sheer neutral for a laid-back vibe.
15
Textured Roman Shades
Stephen Kent Johnson
For a rustic, layered look, opt for thick, textured fabrics, as designer Ryan Lawson did in this Connecticut Colonial. The natural fibers pair perfectly with the homeowners’ bohemian artworks and accessories.
16
Geometric and Floor-Grazing
Mike Van Tassell
Designer Gail Davis used subtly patterned, floor-length curtains to create the illusion of height in this New Jersey home office. The diminutive green print, meanwhile, works to draw the eye outside.
17
A Touch of the Tropics
Douglas Friedman
No one uses pattern quite like Martyn Lawrence Bullard.
Here in this dreamy Maui home, he worked to bring the lush tropical colors inside in both the window treatments and in the bed curtains, which are in a JAB Anstoetz fabric.
18
Pistachio-Hued
Pierrick Verny
The unapologetically maximalist home of French lighting designer Marie-Lise Féry features plenty of unexpected color combos. We especially love how she used curtains in pistachio (a textile by Métaphores) and dusty pink (a Kvadrat fabric) hues to pick up the colors in the rest of the room.
19
Boho Border
Amy Neunsinger
If all-over pattern isn’t quite your thing, take a cue from design duo Nickey Kehoe and opt for sweeping curtains with an ornate border, as seen here in star chef Suzanne Goin’s Los Angeles home. Pattern recognition alert: The curtains nod to the checked edging on the lampshade.
20
Rust-Colored Velvet
Yves Drieghe
Antiques dealer and designer Jean-Philippe Demeyer called a medieval hunting lodge home. So it’s no surprise that the windows also featured details fit for an aristocrat, like these sumptuous rust-colored draperies. But if you choose to go heavy, make sure you lighten the mood with bright furnishings.
21
All-Over Pattern
Haris Kenjar
Can clashing patterns on your furniture and windows actually work? Yes, according to Heidi Caillier, who selected an abundance of bold prints in this Fox Island home outside Seattle. The trick is balancing scales and patterns, as with the large floral Scalamandré print on the sofa and the smaller, geometric Katie Lee fabric on the window treatments.
22
Peachy-Keen Sheers
Thomas Loof
Another fun idea: Choose curtains that are a tint or two lighter than your walls, as Summer Thornton did in this Chicago home.
Note that the cashmere curtains’ lower trim picks up the exact color of the de Gournay damask wallcovering.
23
Stripes Galore
Douglas Friedman
This 1920s Palm Beach villa has a flamboyant history (it used to belong to a duped countess) and flamboyant interiors to match, ever since interior designer Mark D. Sikes overhauled it. Also matching? The furnishings, walls, and window treatments, all in a Fermoie stripe. Do it if you dare!
24
Flipped Prints
Isabel Parra
For a home in the Hamptons, up-and-coming designer Remy Renzullo looked to the decorating greats of the 20th century (think Billy Baldwin and Sister Parish) and his own childhood home. Here, in a bedroom, he played with a French Provençal fabric, upholstering the bed and curtains in a dark blue pattern and covering the walls in its reverse.
25
Farmhouse Sweet
Mikkel Vang
Not all curtains need to be dramatic or floor-grazing. Here in the guest bedroom of a New York farmhouse, designer Virginia Tupker hung mid-length drapes. Their length creates a perfect sight line across the room, and their pattern—a Les Indiennes cotton—introduces just the right amount of country-chic sweet.
26
Lush Botanical Print
Ricardo Labougle
There are patterns aplenty in this Paris apartment designed by Lorenzo Castillo. To keep things classy, not clashy, the designer selected prints in the same teal, red, and cream colors, as with the GP & J Baker linen curtains. Follow suit to pull off a similarly elegant look.
27
Buttery Yellow
Jennifer Hughes
At first blush, Darryl Carter’s 1913 Washington, D.
C., townhouse appears to be largely neutral. But the designer relied on subtle, citrus-hued textiles to bring in a ray of warmth, as he did with the floor-length butter-yellow curtains.
28
Opulent Florals
Mikkel Vang
Designer Nathan Turner liberally applied Nicholas Herbert’s floral Coromandel cotton to the walls and windows of this New York pied-à-terre to bring lightness to the room’s heavy, dark wood furnishings. After all, you can never have too much of a good thing.
29
Midas-Touched
Stephen Kent Johnson
You might think that floor-length curtains work best in a bedroom or a formal sitting room, but New York designer Tatyana Miron Ahlers shows that they can work in a kitchen too. Here, in her Manhattan apartment, she hung up golden draperies to complement cinnamon-colored banquettes and the multicolored flecks in the terrazzo flooring.
30
Regal Roman
Paul Costello
In her New Orleans home, the late author and hostess-with-the-mostest Julia Reed worked with designers Bill Brockschmidt and Courtney Coleman to create a space that nodded to tradition, but that was filled with her own flourishes. To give the living room that classic, timeless feel, she selected shades in a sunny Pierre Frey stripe.
31
Variegated Valence
Miguel Flores-Vianna
Ava Gardner once lived in this Madrid apartment, and designer Isabel López-Quesada ensured that the place kept the “earthiness” that once attracted the Hollywood starlet to the Spanish city—but with a hearty dose of glamour. Here in the bedroom, López-Quesada worked with a white base, but added panache with a matching curtain and valance in a Brunschwig & Fils fabric.
32
Organic Materials
Richard Foulser
Interior designers Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent used rolled seagrass rugs as shades for the windows of their Montauk retreat, which is filled with design details influenced by their trips to Portugal, Mexico, and Peru.
33
Pattern on Pattern
Michael Mundy
Yes, you can mix and match patterns when decorating a room. This living room in a Beverly Hills home designed by Michael S. Smith is a gorgeous example of deploying floral and nature-filled prints on both furniture and the walls, topped off by the patterned curtains in a Namay Samay fabric.
34
Sandy Hues
Ricardo Labougle
In a beach house on the coast of Uruguay, the earthy wall color was inspired by a bottle of sand from Petra, Jordan, and is complemented perfectly by the off-white curtains.
35
An Extension of the Walls
Julie Soefer
Interior designer Marie Flanigan chose to hang these curtains in a Houston family’s home as if they were coming out of the ceiling—all the better to frame the windows rather than block them.
36
Horizontal Stripes
Douglas Friedman
These ceiling-height curtains with horizontal stripes add a shot of flair in the otherwise all-white living room of an art collector’s Palm Beach home.
37
Earth Tones
Stephan Julliard
The pops of color of the sofa and pillows are the main focus of this living room in a London flat by designer Nebihe Cihan—everything else, including the curtains, acts as a neutral backdrop.
38
Blinds and Curtains
Eric Piasecki
In a Fifth Avenue triplex in Manhattan, the living room is wrapped by windows, so blinds were a necessity. Designer Katie Ridder also added curtains of a Pierre Frey fabric for a more unique and decorative touch.
39
Sheer White
Marili Forastieri
In the living room of a Long Island, New York, beach house designed by Rodney Lawrence, the eye is drawn directly to the ceiling, which was inspired by the mural in Grand Central Terminal.
White curtains were the way to go here, so as not to take away from the mural.
40
Block of Red
Reid Rolls
Floor-to-ceiling curtains complement the red accents placed throughout the composition of this Cincinnati living room. They also pair perfectly with the adjacent Mondrian-inspired Porter Teleo wallcovering.
41
Creamy Neutral Canvas
William Waldron
ED A-Lister Nicole Fuller used a cream Dedar fabric for window treatments to create a monochromatic canvas so bright, accent pieces can pop in this Greenwich Village townhouse. The striped curtains also add subtle and sophisticated texture.
42
A Floor-Length Roman Shade
Lisa Romerein
A sheer striped window treatment is used to add privacy and create a tailored look in this Bel Air, California, office.
While the shade is structured, the lightweight fabric feels relaxed as it filters the sun without completely blocking it.
43
Blue Trim
Simon Upton
Blue trim detail on the curtains adds structure to this abstract art–filled living room. The striped border also creates a decorative frame for the windows.
44
Deep Blue
Andrew Boyd
Just because you have a statement wall doesn’t mean you can’t have vibrant curtains as well. In this blue living room, the almost matching curtains complement the already bold space, adding a textural element for depth.
45
Fruit-Inspired
Alec Hemer
These bright curtains channel our favorite summer fruits, adding to the quirky and vibrant decor of the space.
The curtains are made from a thicker fabric, which is ideal if you’re looking to darken the space or cool it down.
46
Almost Matching
William Abranowicz
In actress Minnie Driver’s Hollywood home, the living room has a generous dose of vintage fabrics and patterns. The curtains and the shades come in complementary colors and patterns, which add a dynamic twist without overwhelming the already pattern-filled room. While the shades are heavy and designed to block sunlight, the curtains remain sheer and airy.
47
Soft Palette
Sasha Bikoff Interior Design
When decorating a home, designer Sasha Bikoff looks to nature to create softer palettes. “If you revert back to nature and see how all those colors work together organically, you can easily apply them to a space as well,” she notes.
This Impressionist-style living room is light and whimsical, just like a garden.
48
Stormy Shades
Giorgio Possenti
This moody Russian living room uses minimal color and maximum pattern to achieve a dark, modern vibe. The curtains are made with rich, silky fabrics, with a pattern that accents the small touches of ornate decor.
49
Luminous Golden Curtains
Pascal Chevallier
In the library of a Parisian home, the sofa is upholstered in a cotton damask, the armchair is covered in a silk velvet, and the slipper chair is based on a Mongiardino design; the desk is Louis XV, the chandelier is Louis XIV, and the 19th-century rug is Persian.
50
Blue-and-Cream Patterns
James Merrell
In a Long Island, New York, home, the family room’s custom furnishings include a sofa upholstered in a Lee Jofa fabric, a tufted sofa in a Chapas Textiles weave, a leather ottoman, and a pair of armchairs covered in a Kravet linen blend; the 1950s cerused-oak side table and 19th-century copper lantern are French, the curtains are of a Home Couture fabric, and the wallpaper is by Phillip Jeffries.
51
Accent Stripes
James Merrell
In an Ibiza, Spain, home, limestone floors covered in custom Spanish esparto rugs from Antonia Molina, walls in a sandy lime plaster, and a wood-beam ceiling set a rustic tone in the living room. Custom sofa by Atelier Tapissier Seigneur and curtains in a quilted Braquenié fabric; the Oeil cocktail table by Pierre Chapo is vintage, and the painting over the mantel is by Alex Katz.
52
Blue Standout
John M. Hall
The dining room walls in designer Garance Aufaure’s Paris home are sheathed in a linen toile and hung with a collection of Moustiers ceramics. The custom curtains are of a blue linen.
53
Matching with the Furniture
James Merrell
In the living room of a weekend home in Bridgehampton, New York, designed by Steven Gambrel, the custom sofa is upholstered in a Mark Alexander fabric, and the same Arabel Fabrics linen is used for both the curtains and the armchair.
54
Silky Look
Ricardo Labougle
Custom designs fill this vibrant London townhouse, including a sofa covered in a Donghia patterned velvet, another upholstered in a Le Manach silk velvet, and a round banquette, which is topped with a 1940s French bronze sculpture. The curtains are of a Jim Thompson silk, and the walls are painted in Farrow & Ball’s Cornforth White.
55
Curtain Room Divider
William Abranowicz
In an industrialist San Francisco loft, a curtain is used to divide the living area, offering privacy and a simple design transition between the rooms. The bookcase is a custom design, the sculpture on the floor is Odalisque I by Manuel Neri, and the floors are polished concrete.
56
Monochromatic
Simon Upton
In the master suite of an Upper East Side home, the curtains in this monochromatic blue room perfectly match the decor.
The armchairs are a 1950s Gianfranco Frattini design, and the painting is by Friedrich Kunath.
57
Red Striped
Simon Upton
In a historic English estate with modern accents, jovial red curtains of a Bennison fabric brighten the living room. The walls are painted in Tablecloth by Paint & Paper Library, and the artwork above the mantel is by Fred Ingrams.
58
Airy Curtains
Richard Powers
The breathy, translucent beige curtains in this Palm Beach apartment echo the lucid nature of a nearby glass chair by Jacques Adnet and René Coulon. The 1970s Italian cocktail table is by Gae Aulenti, and the concrete wall plaques are by Radu Comsa.
59
Tan and English
Ricardo Labougle
In the living room of a London townhouse, neutral curtains add a bout of English elegance to the space, which is furnished with a vintage sofa by Ico Parisi and Otto Schultz chairs covered in a Clarence House fabric.
The light fixture is by Vilhelm Lauritzen.
60
Quadrille
Eric Piasecki
In this Manhattan townhouse, curtains of a Quadrille fabric with just a touch of blue play off the bold turquoise walls, painted in C2 Paint Luxe in Bewilder. The sofa and club chair, both by Anthony Lawrence-Belfair, are covered in Holland & Sherry wools.
61
Linen with a Pattern
Miguel Flores-Vianna
In designer Penny Morrison’s Welsh country home, the living room curtains are of a linen print by Penny Morrison Fabrics. The fuchsia tones echo the pink hues throughout the space without distracting from the rich green walls.
62
Plaid
Simon Upton
63
Effortless White
Joshua McHugh
In a Long Island bachelor pad that was updated to accommodate family life, airy white curtains in the living room are juxtaposed with leather club chairs based on postwar Scandinavian designs.
64
Mustard Yellow
William Waldron
The mustard-yellow curtains in this New York City penthouse are of a Pindler linen; a quartet of mirrors hang over a Louis XVI mantel.
65
Neat Blue
Björn Wallander
A foyer opens to a blue-tinted living room, which features crisp blue curtains, in this Oakland, California, home. The walls are painted in White Dove and the ceiling in Stone Brown, both by Benjamin Moore.
66
Creamy White
Björn Wallner
White-and-gray curtains blend seamlessly into this Upper East Side apartment that gives old-school decorating an all-white makeover. The white chandelier is in the style of Diego Giacometti, and the rustic Chinese-style chairs surround a marble table from R.
E. Steel Antiques.
Anna Fixsen Deputy Digital Editor Anna Fixsen, Deputy Digital Editor at ELLE DECOR, focuses on how to share the best of the design world through in-depth reportage and online storytelling.
50 Best Window Treatment Ideas
Every item on this page was hand-picked by a House Beautiful editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
You don't have to pick between natural light and privacy!
By Hadley Mendelsohn
Atelier ND
Windows (and the subsequent access to natural light they provide!) 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. With 50 designer rooms, each featuring different types of window treatments, styles, and combinations, you'll have the right tools to start mapping out your window treatment plan.
🏡You love finding new design tricks? So do we. Let us share the best of them.
Atelier ND
1 of 50
Kitschy Classics
Classic plastic blinds don't have to be drab! In this fun and colorful living room designed by Atelier ND for Carice van Houten, the maroon color gives the blinds an intentional air, as they speak to the midcentury furnishings and colors. If you love a dash of kitsch, you should definitely give this take on the popular window treatment a whirl.
Jonathan Bond Photography
2 of 50
Ruffly Valances
In this countryside cottage bedroom designed by Elizabeth Hay, a ruffle valence with a lace trim brings more dimension to the roman shades.
The same print is used on both window treatments, the bed skirt, and wallpaper, creating a cacoon effect.
Read McKendree
3 of 50
Half Roman Shade, Half Cafe Curtain
Designer Lucy Doswell took advantage of super-tall windows with a statement roman shade for the top half and a more subtle semi-sheer cafe curtain for the bottom half. Both treatments offer privacy, but they also offer the best of both worlds on one window: less visual clutter and light filtration down low, and a punchy fabric up top to balance all the artwork and patterns throughout the room.
Robert Peterson / Rustic White Interiors
4 of 50
Privacy Curtains
Dreamy turquoise and white curtains frame the windows in this bedroom designed by Vern Yip. The same curtains are used to section off the sleeping area from the rest of the space, making it function like a room within a room. Both sets of curtains are hung from the ceiling, making it really feel like its own room, but also accentuating the height of the space so it feels larger.
LAURE JOLIET
5 of 50
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.
Heidi Jean Feldman
6 of 50
Double Layers
In a Parisian apartment designed by Lichelle Silvestry, luxe, warm, and textural materials enhance the elaborate period elements. “I adore using materials that add character and authenticity to my interiors,” Silvestry says. “It’s a sensory feast.” For the window treatments, this meant two layers of drapery. Linen creates an ethereal, easy-breezy atmosphere with some added privacy without blocking light, and the heavier floral motif silk drapes bring in old-world opulence, pattern, and greater privacy when closed.
Stephen Paul
7 of 50
Fabric Swatches
If you want to embrace a laidback look and easy breezy lifestyle, simply hang a sheet across the window to block a little light when necessary and soften the harder materials. For a slightly more polished interpretation, Take note of this bedroom in a California bungalow designed by Another Human and hang a few pieces of fabric in varying shades. In this case, they match the bedding.
Anna Spiro Design
8 of 50
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.
Roger Davies
9 of 50
Colorful Tassels
In a Victorian house in Santa Cruz designed by Alexandra Loew Studio, the lavender curtains set the scene.
The color is unexpectedly sweet, bringing a lovely lightness to the room while still speaking to the Moroccan and Moorish furnishings while also drawing even more attention to the beautiful moldings where the walls meet the ceiling.
2LG Studios
10 of 50
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
11 of 50
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
12 of 50
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
13 of 50
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
14 of 50
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
15 of 50
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
16 of 50
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
17 of 50
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
18 of 50
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
19 of 50
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
20 of 50
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
21 of 50
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
22 of 50
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
23 of 50
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
24 of 50
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
25 of 50
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
26 of 50
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
27 of 50
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
28 of 50
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.
Leanne Ford Interiors
29 of 50
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
30 of 50
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.
70 Chic Patio Ideas to Try in Your Own Backyard
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.
Window decoration with curtains, decorating and ideas for stained glass windows in the interior, how to decorate the living room with tulle, options for curtains and stickers on glass
Properly selected curtains will become a real decoration for the interior of the room. In addition to performing a decorative function, textiles help to hide the flaws in the design of the window opening. Sometimes a successful selection of curtains completely changes the room, makes the design harmonious and attractive. When choosing suitable models, it is necessary to pay attention to the types of curtains, their color, material and various decorative elements. nine0003
Printed roller blinds in the kitchen
Roman blinds over the bar counter
Interesting ideas for decorating windows with curtains
Layered curtains are in fashion, the use of all kinds of decorations in the form of original bows, tassels, holders. Among the prints, the first place is occupied by floral ornaments.
Actual use of ruffles as a border. It can be braid, lace, satin ribbons or fringe.
Compliance with simple rules for the design of the window space contributes to the preservation of geometry, brings coziness and comfort to the home. There are many varieties of curtains, consider the most popular options. nine0003
Brown blinds in window decoration
Window decoration with thick gray curtains
Window decoration with beige curtains with lambrequins in the dining room
Classic straight models
Found in most interiors, because they look organic in almost any style. Dense fabrics are often combined with transparent light curtains, which creates additional volume. Classic products look elegant and sophisticated.
Window decorated with stained glass
Curtain decoration for a large arched window
Yellow printed curtains in the living room
French curtains
Consists of several curtains, each of which falls down in lush folds.
They look expensive and luxurious. To create such products, light noble fabrics are used: muslin, silk, tulle, satin and others. French curtains are suitable for classic, vintage and bohemian trends, they will harmoniously look in spacious rooms. nine0003
Embroidered tulle and satin curtains in the interior of the bedroom
White tulle and cream curtains for window decoration
Flower window decoration
Austrian curtains
Successfully combine the splendor of French models and the simplicity of the Roman mechanism. Creases on the canvas occur only when pulled together; in the lowered position, the curtains are straight and smooth. Almost any fabric is used, but preference is given to airy materials. Austrian models can be hung in the bedroom, hall or living room. nine0003
Products look harmonious in classic interiors. With a length below the window sill, the curtain will completely cover the window, and luxurious scallops will form below.
Roman models
Highly sought after by consumers as an alternative to both blinds and classic curtains. Products are made of dense materials, which are assembled into neat folds using a lifting mechanism. Roman blinds are versatile, often installed in kitchens and in minimalist modern interiors. nine0003
Roman Blinds pair well with cushions and décor to create a one-of-a-kind ensemble
Curtain combination for living room window decoration
Creamy white curtains for bedroom
Classic bedroom curtains
Roller blinds
a godsend for connoisseurs of concise ideas. The design of the products is represented by a cloth made of fabric, which, if necessary, rises up and rolls into a roll. After that, he hides under the window opening. Roll models are compact, easy to install and operate. nine0003
Light emerald fabric decorations for large windows
Thick curtains for a large window in the living room
Beautiful yellow curtains in the kitchen
Japanese curtains
They look laconic and elegant, convey a unique oriental flavor, therefore they are often mounted in rooms with ethnic style.
The products are represented by smooth canvases, which are mounted to a multilayer cornice. Curtains are made from linen or cotton, often decorated with prints traditional for Japan: cranes, hieroglyphs, cherry blossom branches. Ideal for decorating wide large windows. nine0003
Multi-colored curtains with lambrequins in the bedroom
Decoration of the window with cream curtains with lambrequins in the kitchen
Window decoration in the nursery
Bamboo curtains
Able to transform: roll up or create folds. Curtains are an even canvas, consisting of interwoven bamboo fibers. The material is environmentally friendly, does not cause allergies and does not emit toxins.
Pleated blinds
Looks like horizontal blinds. They are created from a single canvas, into which folds of the same size are then laid. Thanks to a special coating, the fabric does not lose the juiciness of colors under the sun's rays. Pleated curtains are universal, suitable for the interior of the apartment and office.
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Practical and comfortable pleated curtains for home interiors
Cafe-style curtains
These models first appeared in public institutions, but over time designers began to use them in the design of residential premises. Curtains are mounted on the cornice in the middle of the window so that the upper part of the glass remains open. Short products create a cozy atmosphere in the style of Provence, shabby chic, country.
With lambrequins and gangs
Lambrequins are decorative elements that are installed on curtains or equipped with separate fasteners. The basis of rigid products is made of wood, soft - of braid. Bando is formed using a dense artificial fabric and is used to create a monolithic surface. The element, decorated with carved patterns, harmoniously combines with classic curtains, Austrian and Roman blinds, blinds. nine0003
Lambrequins can be used as a stand-alone product, making it possible to design windows without curtains.
Blinds
Considered as a separate option for window decor, they consist of vertical or horizontal plates that are arranged in parallel. The intensity of daylight is changed by means of lifting, turning or sliding mechanisms.
Filament curtains
Protection from the rays of the sun depends on the density of the muslin. Mounted on hooks, eyelets or eyelets. Thread models perfectly pass air, open wide design possibilities. nine0003
Curtains made of beads
Today, such curtains are increasingly made by hand, because the creative process allows you to create a unique thing in accordance with individual preferences. Curtains beautifully shimmer in the sun, attracting the attention of others.
Combination models
Fabrics with a dense and airy texture are perfectly combined with each other. Such a tandem looks attractive, and also allows you to adjust the level of lighting in the room at different times of the day.
nine0127 Double curtains are versatile because they can change according to the season.
Companion curtains have different textures, colors, prints. You can see in the photo the design of windows with curtains, which differ in some way, but, despite this, they look harmonious in tandem.
Original combination of curtains with tulle
Selection of fabric for curtains in accordance with the style of the room
Among the wide range of textiles from which curtains are sewn, several of the most popular stand out. When choosing, it is worth considering the style of the interior of the room in which the curtains are selected. nine0003
Velvet
The noble material conveys a sense of elegance and luxury. It seems soft due to the presence of short villi. You can determine the quality of velvet by the pile, which should be dense, without falling out and sectioning. Very beautiful curtains are obtained from this fabric, suitable for classical style, as well as rococo and baroque.
Fringe, tassels, braid are used to decorate curtains.
Satin
Elegant textile valued for its unique decorative properties. It looks elegant, but has a high density, is used to create draperies, decorated with assemblies and ruffles. nine0003
Single-coloured curtains blend seamlessly into both strict classic and modern designs. Silver satin curtained windows are the perfect solution for high-tech style. Often the material is used to create interesting interiors in the hall or living room.
Cotton
One of the most common materials of natural origin. Cotton is environmentally friendly, absorbs moisture well, and is pleasant to the touch. Curtains made of such fabric are used to decorate minimalist interiors. A canvas with flowers or floral patterns is ideal for Provence and country styles. Cotton is often used in country houses and dachas. nine0003
Cotton curtains are an excellent solution for a memorable kitchen interior
Linen
In its pure form, curtains are not at all cheap, so linen is often mixed with other materials to enhance its positive properties.
Linen goes well with natural wood and textiles, suitable for Scandinavian, nautical, ethnic and rustic styles. The canvas completely covers the window opening from ceiling to floor.
In the photo you can see the decoration of the windows with tulle made from linen and complemented by embroidery. The main colors are light grey, white and beige. nine0003
Linen tulle in soothing colors will appeal to lovers of natural materials
Silk
Natural material was known in antiquity, today a synthetic analogue has become widespread. The fabric is distinguished by a variety of textures: textured, monofilament, shaped, twisted. Not only curtains are made from silk, but also decor items. The ideal styles for using curtains will be classic and oriental.
Organza
This is a sheer thin fabric made of silk, viscose and polyester, available in glossy and matte finishes. The material is painted in monochrome shades or decorated with colored ornaments.
Organza curtains are suitable for any style. Transparent curtains should be chosen if you want to emphasize the charm of flower pots or the wonderful view that opens up behind a double-glazed window.
Lace
Lace curtains with delicate designs are back in fashion. Air canvases bring softness and tenderness to the room, they are used in the interior of kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms. Lace can decorate a room in a Mediterranean style or Provence. nine0003
Jacquard
The fabric has a practical and luxurious look, in harmony with any interior. The main feature of the material is the presence of a complex ornament with a large number of small details. Jacquard is strong and durable, looks spectacular next to tulle.
Variety of curtain colors
The choice of color depends on the dominant shade in the room, the size of the window and other features. It is important to pay attention to the purpose of the room.
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Neutral shades are used in the bedroom: turquoise, blue, cream, beige, salad. If there are not enough bright colors, it is enough to decorate the window block with orange, yellow, purple curtains. Curtains and bed linen with the same prints look harmonious.
Window decoration ideas in the living room are not complete without bright colors. The same rule applies to children. The child will feel comfortable if there are butterflies, stars, robots, ladybugs and other pictures on the curtains. nine0003
For the kitchen or studio, practical models are selected that are easy to clean. It is better to choose a design concise, without unnecessary decor. Blinds are the best solution.
How to hang curtains beautifully?
Today there are a lot of ideas for window decoration. It is important that curtains and all decorations correspond to the purpose and general style of the room, its size and shape, as well as the level of illumination.
Drapery options
The choice of draperies depends on the size of the window and the style of the room:
- Symmetrical. Will appeal to connoisseurs of the classics. The decor is created with the help of pickups and beautiful lambrequins. Numerous folds and a combination of several types of fabric give solemnity and comfort to the room.
- Asymmetric curtains. Suitable for large or small narrow windows. This method brings dynamism and originality to the interior.
- Multi-layered curtains, pleated cascades. Optimal for spacious rooms. To give a special charm, tiebacks, beads, cords, brushes are used. nine0229
The listed variants of draperies are considered the most common.
Original lambrequins
Decorative elements are located at the top of the curtains, giving the window opening a fresh finishing look. There are several varieties of lambrequins:
- Classic. They look like small pieces of matter, which are made in the form of ties, folds, molds.
- Soft. Made from lightweight materials, painted in one or more shades. nine0229
- Bando. They are a tape with a solid base, can have asymmetric edges, round or triangular shape and other features.
- Openwork. Graceful products, decorated with a variety of patterns, can be rigid or combined.
- Asymmetrical. Elegant lambrequins with an unusual shape, decorated with tassels, fringe.
- Modular. Complex structures with the location of parts at different heights.
- Plank. Used for non-standard solutions. nine0229
If necessary, decorative elements can be matched to any kind of curtains and shapes of plastic windows.
Tulle and curtain combination
Double curtains are increasingly used in modern interiors. They create interesting images using two basic tones. The combination of tulle and curtains allows you to change the illumination of the home, making it comfortable and convenient. In any room, combined options will look much more interesting than separate ones.
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Unusual design of hinges
Original eyelets will become an additional touch in the overall design. Curtains can be hung using standard holders. But to give zest, they are replaced with knots, bows, rings, buttons, eyelets.
Decorative elements for curtains
Just one small detail can completely change the mood and appearance of a room. There are a huge number of options for decorating curtains.
Beautiful curtains
Most of the curtains are decorated with bright patterns. Images of flowers, birds, foliage, fruits, butterflies do not go out of fashion. The listed prints are suitable for creating a romantic setting. The most expressive pictures look on translucent and transparent materials.
Decorative tiebacks
Holders allow curtains to be collected on both sides of the slope or to be fixed to the wall, creating interesting draperies. nine0003
Ribbons, pieces of fabric, beads, various cords play the role of tiebacks.
Decorative elements are additionally decorated with fringe, shells, embroidery, sequins. In the nursery, it is permissible to use rivets in the form of fairy-tale characters or small toys.
Various options for beautiful tiebacks
Design options for non-standard windows
The main advantage of non-standard openings is individuality and uniqueness. Properly selected curtains will help to emphasize the features of their architecture. nine0003
Bay window framing
Bay window is a composition consisting of several windows that protrude outside the room. The unity of the structure cannot be violated, therefore a pair of curtains located on both sides is usually used. For the correct placement of accents, the bay window is designed in the form of a theatrical curtain.
Roof window blinds
Sliding models are suitable, which will be fixed from below, since the window is tilted. Curtains on the grommets would be a good solution, but a bar for the bottom is additionally mounted.
Installing Roman blinds allows you to adjust the lowering and raising of the model to the required level. nine0003
Arched window decor
Arched windows used to decorate old medieval castles, becoming a symbol of grandeur and nobility. But today you can build the same openings in your house. Curtains are located below the rounding, so that all the beauty of the design remains in sight. At the bottom of the curtains are seized with rivets.
Curtains for French windows
The ideal solution is an interior with a window without curtains, as seen in the photo. Suitable for apartments located on high floors, where neighbors will not be able to look inside. As a result, the room will become more spacious and bright. nine0003
Unique French windows without curtains in the interior
On the lower floors and in private houses, windows are decorated with stained-glass windows or stickers. If you still need curtains, then products from light fabrics are selected that do not interfere with the flow of sunlight.
Selection of curtains in accordance with the purpose and design of the room will be the most correct decision. It is important to pay attention to color, material, decor elements. Only in this case, the window opening will become a real decoration of the whole house. nine0003
tips and examples with photo
A beautifully cleaned window is a component of a cozy and beautiful interior. With the help of curtains, you can radically change the appearance of the room: emphasize the sophistication or conciseness of the situation, push the space or, conversely, make it compact and comfortable. To choose the right decor for the window, you need to take into account several factors: the style of the product, its texture, size, and color. So, how to beautifully decorate windows with curtains so that the interior looks harmonious? nine0003
How to hang correctly
In most cases, the best visual effect can be achieved by following two rules:
- curtains should protrude significantly beyond the window opening
- the cornice must be installed 20-40 cm above the window
With these simple tricks, you can visually increase the window and ceiling height.
An excellent option can also be a combination of curtains with Roman blinds, which can cover the upper part of the wall above the window opening. nine0003
The photo shows how window treatments have transformed the interior of a room. The ceiling height was visually increased and the room began to seem more spacious.
Choose a color
Cold or warm shade. All shades can be conditionally divided into warm and cold. Therefore, it is worth considering the influence of the cold and warm spectrum on the situation. Dark northern rooms will become even gloomier if you hang curtains in steel or blue tones in them. The room will be oppressive, seem damp and uncomfortable. This effect can be corrected with peach, carrot, light orange, yellow, terracotta, orange, mustard and chocolate. Warm sunny rooms can be cooled down a bit by adding any of the shades of water, air or greenery. For example, gray, blue, turquoise, indigo, cornflower blue, lilac, malachite or dark green.
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Use different shades of the same color. Having made repairs to the apartment, the hostesses tend to decorate it with new curtains. The main advice in this case is not to buy them in the same tone with wallpaper. Otherwise they will be lost. Contrasting shades may also not be suitable if they do not harmonize with the color of the furniture. It is best to take as a basis the palette of upholstery of upholstered furniture. In the bedroom, it is better to combine all the textiles with each other: a bedspread, decorative pillows, a tablecloth or napkins on a table, united by one idea, texture and color, will create a positive atmosphere. For the living room, it is enough to choose curtains to match the soft corner. In the kitchen, the main place is occupied by a suite, so the curtains are selected for cabinets and shelves. nine0003
Choose the right contrasting color combinations. If you want to use two or more colors in the design, then it is best to use the color matching table.
Desaturated pastel colors are suitable for decorating a small area, they create a feeling of freedom of space. This effect is especially obvious when using light translucent fabrics. Such a palette is also appropriate in large rooms, if they have a public or work purpose. For living rooms with a large quadrature, you can safely use dark muted tones. They are especially relevant in the bedroom, as they obscure the rays of the midday sun, close from prying eyes, and create a feeling of solitude. When choosing a color for curtains, do not forget to consider the wishes of family members. This is especially important for children and teenagers. nine0003
Patterns on fabrics
If you prefer patterned fabrics instead of solid colors, pay attention to its features.
Large pattern looks good in large and spacious rooms. In a small room, it will look too aggressive and visually reduce the space. In addition, a large pattern should not be used on small-sized curtains.
Small pattern is great for small spaces. It also looks good on small curtains. nine0003
Vertical lines visually increase the height of the room. Lines of different thicknesses and directions can create optical illusions and streamline the dimensions of a room. So, a fabric with a vertical stripe will help visually raise the ceiling. In this case, it is better to use the maximum length, straight cut and fasten it on the cornice under the ceiling.
Horizontal lines will visually expand the narrow space. To adjust the proportions of a narrow and long room, you can use curtains with a horizontal strip. nine0003
Repeating pattern in other textiles. Images of fruits and vegetables, nature, flowers and plants, animals look good when repeated in other textiles. For example, in the bedroom, the bedspread and curtains can be decorated with one floral motif, and in the kitchen, the theme of pastries, coffee, and fruits will naturally look.
Pattern repeating on wallpaper. An interesting design solution can be the repetition of the same pattern on textiles and wallpaper. Many well-known brands produce collections of wallpapers and fabrics that can be combined in one interior. However, here you need to be careful not to make the room too colorful. nine0003
Style value
When decorating a window, you can combine several types of curtains together if necessary. For example, ornate translucent curtains with a lambrequin will decorate a hall or bedroom, and classic curtains will fit into absolutely any style of interior.
Roll-up Roman, English, French or Austrian blinds fit perfectly into a traditional interior. nine0003
Café curtains and short curtains fit perfectly in the kitchen.
Types of modern materials
Drapery fabrics have a number of features that will help you determine the best place to use them.
