English cottage window treatments
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.
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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.
14 Cottage Curtains That Bring Charming English Country Style
Hanging cottage curtains is one of the best ways to bring a touch of cottage style to your home. After all, the right window treatment can make–or break–a room. With that in mind, if cottage decor speaks to your heart, choose a block printed curtain to treat your windows with charm and style. From floral window treatments and curtain panels with vintage prints and patterns to a cafe curtain set hung at the kitchen window, we have a cottage curtain design for you.
Floral curtain panels in classic cottage colors
Like a gorgeous watercolor painting, the companion print to our Enchanted collection features gorgeous colors and classic design elements inspired by nature. This Art Nouveau print celebrates the sweet melodies of nature from blooming pink buds to sweet birds chirping among the blossoms.
An enchanting blue floral window treatment
A dreamy French provincial vintage floral pattern graces the deep azure blue background of this stunning window treatment.
Once again, this print comes from our best-loved Enchanted collection. We envision using this in a cottage dining room, formal living room, or bedroom–anywhere you might want a bit of magic and romance.
The perfect English country cottage curtains
The abundance of an English country garden finds itself sprinkled delicately and artistically across a milky white ground in our aptly-named English Gardens collection. From traditional interiors to feminine designs all the way to cozy country looks–these would be absolutely lovely in any cottage style home!
Elegant cottage style curtains
Shades of blue and white, pastel colors–these are always at home in cottage style decor, but you’re not limited to decorating with those colors and those colors alone. Case in point: our Red Poppy design is a prime example of a graceful floral pattern that puts rich greens and red to use in a cottage curtain. Anchored on an apricot ground, Red Poppy delivers romance, elegance, and vintage vibes–just the thing for a cottage window treatment.
White cotton curtains for a classic look
Instead of hanging a plain set of white sheer curtains, try these white sheers with nature-inspired designs. This makes for a cottage window treatment that’s unexpected and yet right on target with the cottage aesthetic. For an incredibly elegant and charming way to nod to nature, look no further than our Dragonfly & Lotus design.
Floral cottage curtains filled with color
If you prefer your cottage decor with a side of refined French country luxury, then turn to our Enchanted Ivory curtains. This pattern truly creates a stunning window treatment. Filled with blooming color and wild blossoms, this pattern has everything! This is our ode to Mother Nature’s splendiferous show of artistry and beauty. Enchanted Ivory is French country style at its finest. Bonus: it offers a wide variety of colors for you pull from for the rest of your decor!
Shabby chic curtains for pretty cottage style
Meet Ivy Lace, a pattern filled with the elegance of yesteryear.
Even with its vintage roots, it’s still right in line with modern sensibilities. Ivy Lace is another of our elegant white-on-white block printed patterns, and she’s a beauty! Here, delicate vines swirl and gentle leaves sway across a white ground. This print has vintage charm and lovely style. Cottage lovers, get the silver, the tea, and a good book ready!
Vintage country cottage curtains
Don’t you just adore the way late afternoon sunlight casts warmth on anything it touches? Everything feels warm, cozy, and prettier in that light. Orange Blossom is our effort to capture that vivid sun and the content feelings it creates. This print glows wherever you use it, but it’s especially beautiful in a kitchen that could use some added warmth.
Classic white cottage curtains
Flowing, ethereal, and a touch vintage–this is what our mesmerizing Tulip Mist curtains are made of at heart. In reality, they’re handloomed onto finely-woven fabric to create the most gossamer of window treatments.
After this, we block print our stylized tulip design onto the fabric. Combined, this creates an absolutely stunning curtain for your English cottage, beach cottage, or cottage-inspired home.
Cozy cottage style window treatments with indigo blue
Light and airy isn’t for everybody, and we know that. Some of us prefer the feeling of wrapping ourselves in rich color for an ultra-cozy feeling–almost like a cocoon. That brings to mind Starry Nights, a deep indigo batik-inspired print. This collection comes to life through the craft of resist printing (sometimes called discharge printing). With a quilt-like pattern of star shapes, this is a wonderful option for dressing windows in a cottage home.
Feminine shabby chic cottage curtains
When you love all things romantic and historical, and when shows like Bridgerton and The Crown top your recently watched list, then our Victorian Lilac pattern is for you. This deep lavender print captures the luxury and elegance of high teas and the opulence of bygone eras.
In other words, this print puts the “chic” in the “shabby chic.” In fact, there’s nothing shabby about it!
Sweet blue florals for a cottage style window treatment
Reminscient of hydrangeas, the companion print to our Moonlit Taj collection is right at home in any kind of cottage. Hang these curtains at the window, and you’ll feel like you’re in the start of summer, seeing the hydrangeas burst into their round, full-blossomed blooms right before your eyes. The cornflower blue hue in our print also lends a cottage feeling–cornflower being a classic cottage color, after all!
Ruby, red, and rustic window treatments
If your cottage has a rustic feel to it and if you love all things red and black, then you’ll love our Ruby Kilim pattern. Although the print found its inspiration in a traditional kilim rug, it lends itself easily to other styles. We think this would be beautiful amid rustic and country cottage decor. And unlike black and red buffalo check, this pattern is timeless!
Beach cottage coastal curtains for classic style
The companion print to Starry Nights is like the perfect pair of jeans–it goes with anything! We think this is just right for a vintage style beach cottage, a cottage on the lake, or a bedroom in any kind of cottage! Here, a blue and white palette filled with stars encompasses all things nautical with a dose of Americana mixed in.
All of our curtains are available in several sizes of full-length panels, cafe curtains, and valances. See our shop to find even more patterns, designs, and options!
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Ideas of the design project in the English style: photo, cost, ready project
Design project of an English-style cottage with a magnificent view from the window
Contents:
- Key features of the English style in the interior
- Classic design project of a house or apartment
- Exterior of English houses
- Modern English traditions
- Practical;
- Functionality;
- Refinement;
- Conservative.
>The design features of English houses largely come from the climatic conditions of England. There you rarely see houses or cottages with a high foundation, while the number of storeys varies from two to three levels, in some cases - four. nine0003
The facade of a modern English house is usually plastered or bricked. The important thing is that classic masonry is used, and not one of the newfangled techniques.
Due to frequent precipitation, most English houses are equipped with special sheds around the perimeter of the yard, and the roofs have a slight slope, which makes them look higher.
The classic design project of a cottage or a country house in the English style does not provide for the functional use of attic space, as well as the presence of an attic. nine0003
Window frames in houses of this style are created from several bindings in order to give the atmosphere of the house a touch of the Middle Ages.
Key features of the English style in the interior
Exquisite interior in the English style
English houses look quite expressive and majestic, which is why the placement of such a building on a hill will definitely make it a universal object of admiration.
The building looks quite massive, and low-set windows only make it even more refined. nine0003
The exterior of the cottage in the English style
Despite the good manners and politeness of the English, they are rather aloof and prefer solitude. It is this factor that plays a role in the project of an English-style cottage, since a fence is required without fail. A great idea would be to design a hedge, which will not only decorate the appearance of a house or cottage, but also hide the personal life of the owners behind thick branches. In addition, behind the equipped hedge, you can create a place for family tea parties right in the yard, which will definitely become a favorite for each of the inhabitants of the house. nine0003
Classic design project of a house or apartment
Two-story cottage with a low foundation
Today, English-style cottages are built from completely different materials, but brick structures are traditionally the most popular, and there are a number of reasons for this.
Firstly, they are very warm, since the brick improves thermal insulation, and secondly, in addition to thermal insulation, sound insulation also improves. Thirdly, of course, the reliability and durability of a brick house. If the classical English technology of building a house is strictly observed during the construction process, then it will turn out to be as strong, durable and, of course, beautiful as possible. nine0003
In the design of the English style project, the configuration of the future roof is carefully worked out, since this direction has its own characteristics. Due to the fact that in English houses the attic is not used at all and there is no attic, you can choose absolutely any shape of the roof.
The front door in an English cottage is located in the center
The English style has its own views on the location of the front door, since it must be located in the center of the house. In addition, do not forget to respect the overall style and choose a massive door in dark colors.
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Undoubtedly, houses in the English style are built not only from bricks, there are also wooden structures. However, such housing is considered elite, which is why it is quite rare. The appearance of wooden buildings is strict, stylish and refined.
The exterior of English houses
The magnificent exterior of an English house
Unlike urban high-rise buildings, special attention is paid to the exterior in country cottages. To place accents, various thematic accents are used, as well as forged objects. English houses are very often decorated with natural flowers in special boxes hung on the outer walls. The stairs leading to the house are made of stone or metal, which also gives the exterior of the house a special refinement. nine0003
A classic-style chandelier will become an integral element of the decor of an English house.
The appearance of English houses can also differ, depending on which era is chosen for its design. For example, houses furnished in the medieval English style look very much like castles.
Facade cladding with natural unpolished stone is used. The color gamut is limited to the shades closest to gray. Instead of classic roofs, at least four towers are installed. Throughout the interior there is splendor and luxury, various arches and columns are installed. nine0003
Actual English traditions
Stylish English interior
As mentioned earlier, the English style implies the design of an apartment or house, according to one of the eras. The main thing to remember is that the interior must fully comply with the chosen era.
The British pay special attention to the design of the living room, as it is a place for receiving guests, celebrations and tea parties, as well as simple family gatherings. Usually it settles down in the central part of the house, providing the greatest space for it. Due to the spaciousness of the living room, it can accommodate a large number of different architectural elements, including sculptures, forged figures and magnificent paintings.
