Hall window dressing
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.
Window treatment ideas – 31 ways with curtains, blinds and shutters
It may be a cliche, but windows really are the eyes of your home and the way you dress them can make or break your room scheme.
Not only does the design you choose need to be attractive, it will ultimately dictate the light that's cast into the space, so a versatile window dressing is your best option. Take away all the inspiration you need with our window treatment ideas.
Window treatment ideas for all rooms
When it comes to window dressing ideas for bedrooms, blackout curtains are a popular option as they are lined to prevent extra light pouring into the room and spoiling your sleep. Similarly, roller blinds with a blackout lining are another great choice for bedroom windows.
Venetian blinds are a smart idea for kitchens and bathrooms, with varieties including metal, plastic and wood. These can be tilted to let more or less light in and for extra privacy, plus, they are easy to wipe clean. For conservatories, vertical blinds are a practical solution, but can look a little dated and roller blinds are often chosen in favour for a contemporary look.
For French doors or patio doors, thermal curtains are a good idea to keep your room cosy and warm. A stiffer curtain fabric will create an elegant drape, however, lighter voile curtains are ideal for teaming with blinds at windows that require a little extra privacy.
Alternatively, shutter blinds are a stylish selection with a continental feel. They're available in many contemporary shades and materials to suit your scheme and similarly to blinds and curtains, can be made to measure to fit your windows.
1. Clash colour and pattern
(Image credit: Hillarys)
DIY SOS designer and official 'Friend of Ideal Home' Sophie Robinson has blown our socks off with this genius combo of floral patterned blinds and geometric print curtains.
It's a pairing that you might question on paper, but which looks AMAZING in the flesh.
Sophie describes herself as a 'self-confessed colour lover, cushion hugger and pattern clasher' and explains that 'this room ticks all three boxes, giving a high-energy appeal that's the antithesis of polite beige.'
Stylist's tip: Short curtains only really work in cute country cottages – go floor-length wherever possible
(Image credit: ILIV)
Blinds in Botaniska in Teal, from £22 per m
For an unfussy alternative to curtains, we always recommend looking to window blind ideas – and Roman blinds are possibly the smartest. Fabric panels are softly pleated for a tailored look with blinds positioned inside a window recess or on the outside. Try lining and trimming blinds in a contrast colour fabric for a chic look.
‘You need way less fabric for a blind than you do for curtains,’ says interior stylist Charlotte Boyd, ‘so you can splash out on a more luxurious fabric to really make a statement.
’
(Image credit: Villa Nova)
Curtains made in Broderie fabric in Spring, £37 per m
Don’t cover up gorgeous French doors or a lovely view outside. Fix up a curtain pole that extends beyond the windows on both sides so that curtains can be pulled back out of the way.
‘Consider if the window is worth celebrating or disguising,’ says interior designer Helen Harry , ‘some are way too beautiful to be completely covered over by window dressings. I also look at the natural light, the view and the amount of privacy needed.’
4. Use pale blind with black walls for glamour
(Image credit: Hillarys)
We know we shouldn't have favourites. But this is ours.
Mad About The House blogger Kate Watson-Smyth has won us over with this combination of soft pink blinds and dramatic dark grey walls. She's had a bit of fun, too – hello and nice to meet you, pineapple floor lamp!
Kate says of her handiwork: 'This trend is all about making and breaking the rules, contrasting hard and soft, mixing vintage and modern and refined sophistication with a rough and ready edge.
'
Stylist's tip: Millennial pink is a great neutral that isn't just for the girls.
5. Frame practical shutters with coloured curtains
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Davide Lovatti)
In rooms where you choose a window treatment based on practicality, such as shutters on the lower half of a living room window to offer privacy, it's best to choose a timeless white design.
To add the colour and decoration you can frame the window with curtains that are there more to add decoration – you might not ever need to draw them, but they become essential to soften the look and add pattern or colour to your decorating scheme.
6. Find a neat solution for roof windows
(Image credit: Swift Direct Blinds)
Skylight windows are a brilliant way of opening up and allowing more light into a loft space. But to ensure a good night’s sleep and to make sure that roof spaces don’t get excessively hot, some kind of window covering is essential.
These blackout roof blinds fit snuggly to the window to provide darkness day or night and come in a range of fabrics and frame colours.
Buy now: Luna blackout roof blinds in shadow black with silver frame, from £19, Swift Direct Blinds
7. Use a cafe-style curtain
(Image credit: TBC)
A dainty cafe curtain or half curtain is the perfect solution for a kitchen window. A voile fabric in a pretty print to coordinate with your kitchen scheme like this feather print fabric is ideal.
This style of window dressing still lets in plenty of light but provides a little privacy if your kitchen window is at the front of the house where passers by may be able to look in. Cafe rods that fit easily into the window recess can be picked up for just a few pounds.
Stylist's tip: Make your own cafe blind by cutting a long strip of voile fabric the length of your window, then hem the bottom edge and create a channel the width of your rod at the top.
8. Layer materials in the same tone for minimal luxe
(Image credit: Hillarys)
This look was conceived by Daniela Tasca-York, winner of 2017's Great Interior Design Challenge. If you watched the show, you might recall her penchant for curtains. Even the lack of actual windows didn't hold her back.
This light and luxe look combines curtains of different fabric weights and similar cool creamy tones. With the glam factor upped by metallic furniture. Marble-effect wallpaper and a deep-pile rug, this scheme wouldn't look out of place in an LA condo.
Stylist's tip: With this tailored look, it's important to get the length of the curtains just right. Avoid mistakes by buying made to measure.
9. Draw attention to a shapely bay window
(Image credit: Curtains2go)
Make a feature of a classic bay window with a combination of blinds, to accentuate the shape of the bay, and elegant drapes to highlight the height of the room.
‘Pattern adds interest, but it doesn’t have to be garish or loud. It can be subtle and calming, yet interesting and textured,’ says interior designer Helen Harry on how to dress a bay window.
Buy now: Clarissa Hulse curtains in Dill Ochre, from £46.64, Curtains2go
(Image credit: Blinds2go)
Picture windows and bi-fold doors look stunning, but glare from the sun can be a problem on very hot days. This clever design features a sunscreen to the rear to reduce glare and give daytime privacy, plus a blackout roller blind to the front for night time shading, all installed on one set of easy brackets.
Buy now: Double roller Ore roller blind in grey, from £16.90, Blinds2go
11. Seek privacy with classic shutters
(Image credit: California Shutters, Cafe-style shutters in white from £168 per sq m)
For a window treatment that won't date, try classic wooden shutters.
Ideal for period properties, shutters look stylish indoors and when viewed from the exterior of the property.
‘Café style shutters are a good option, giving privacy, plus letting natural light in too,’ says interior designer Helen Harry. ‘Shutters can be pricey, so I’d always go for white for longevity.’
12. Make windows look bigger with clever curtain trick
(Image credit: Terrys)
Try this trick if you want to make a narrow set of doors feel wider or a small window appear bigger. Choose a pole wider than the window, so that curtains can be stacked back on each side - having most of the window frame on show creates the illusion of width. Likewise, fixing the pole slightly above the frame will make windows appear taller too.
Buy now: Buckland lined curtains in natural, from £86.99, Terrys
13. Create a smart country look with plains and stripes
(Image credit: Hillarys)
Here's one for all the countryphiles out there.
Stylist Emily Henson has put together a look that she describes as 'soothing and relaxing, cosy and nurturing'. The elegant double pinch-pleat curtains frame blinds in smart stripes to classy and classic effect, and the layering continues with a generous pile of cushions and throws on the sofa.
Who wouldn't want to snuggle down in that room?
Stylist's tip: Linen curtains are a classic choice that won't date. If you're planning to splash out on curtains, they're a good way to go.
14. Choose practical blinds for a kitchen
(Image credit: Hillarys, Evelyn Nectarine roller blind, from £55)
Fancy curtains and fussy blinds aren’t the best choice of window covering for a busy kitchen. Aside from the fire risk, heavy materials retain cooking smells and can be damaged by steamy conditions.
These blinds have a moisture-resistant easy-clean finish and come in a range of patterned fabrics including this pretty watercolour design. The range includes matching roller blinds and skylight blinds for a chic co-ordinated look.
15. Use tie top curtains
(Image credit: Future PLC)
Tab top curtains in a subtle print are a laid-back solution to dressing large bay windows. They're easy to make yourself as you don't need to attach curtain rings or hooks. They're also easy to remove when you fancy a change as you just need to untie the tabs and swap to a new design. This style of window dressing works best with lightweight or sheer fabrics. Tab top curtains offer a similar look and are available readymade from many retailers.
Stylist's tip: Select a pole in a coordinating colour to the windows and walls so it doesn't detract from the soft nature of the curtains.
16. Set the scene
(Image credit: Blinds2go)
If space either side of a window is tight, opt for a neat roller blind fixed to the frame or inside a recess. Create wow by choosing a bold colour, lively pattern or a striking pictorial scene.
‘Keep it simple and don’t drown the window in layers of fussy blinds or curtains,’ says interior stylist Charlotte Boyd .
‘A simple roller blind fixed above or on the window (or even right up against the ceiling) won’t block out too much light.’
Buy now: Wilderness blackout roller blind in topaz linen, from £35.45, Blinds 2go
17. Create a rosy glow with soft sheers
(Image credit: Hillarys, Serenity Powder voile curtains and Roman blinds, from £125)
Replace weighty winter curtains and blinds with lightweight voiles and floaty sheers over the warmer summer months. An easy way of brightening up a room, sheer fabrics will let natural light in while still providing plenty of privacy.
Stylist's tip: Choose a simple wave curtain heading that will make curtains fall in soft, floaty waves, teamed with a softly pleated blind for a relaxed, laidback look.
18. Go big with a bold botanical
(Image credit: SurfaceView)
Ditch drab neutrals that blend into the background and make a statement with a bold, standout design.
Surface View’s bespoke roller blinds are custom made from a range of unique imagery that includes fine art prints and striking photography.
Stylist's tip: Choose a ‘wow’ fabric and it’s like hanging a piece of art at the window,’ says interior stylist Charlotte Boyd.
Buy now: Roller blind in Timonius Timon by James Miller, from £190, the Natural History Collection, Surface View
19. Try tailored stripes for a chic look
(Image credit: Loom and Last)
Unsure about pattern? A subtle stripe or plain textured weave will always look classic and can easily be incorporated into a new colour scheme. Weaves also have the advantage of being slightly thicker than standard fabrics so are more insulating.
‘Bold patterns might draw your eye and make more of a feature of a window, but they will date more quickly, says interior stylist Charlotte Boyd, ‘and you might tire of them sooner – fine if you like to redecorate every few years, but not ideal if you’re thinking “this is it” for the next 15 years.
'
Buy now: Blackout lined eyelet curtain in Aurea Red, £27.50 per m, Loom & Last
20. Frame a gorgeous view
(Image credit: Next)
Build a bench seat into a window recess so you can make the most of a glorious view outdoors. Keep the window treatment neat and tailored by opting for an unfussy pleated blind that can be pulled up out of the way without obscuring too much of the glass.
Buy now: Cotton blackout Roman blind in dark natural, from £40, Next
21. Use roll up and Roman blinds
(Image credit: Future PLC)
Roman blinds and roll-up varieties are a simple yet stylish solution for conservatory windows. They can be hung over each panel of glass and can be tied at different heights depending where the sun hits to create shade and prevent the room from getting too hot.
Lighter colours will maintain a feeling of space and reflect heat, or why not choose a blind fabric to coordinate with other textiles in the room, such as upholstered furniture and accessories? This style offers such simplicity, you could even make one yourself with this simple how to make a Roman blind tutorial.
Stylist's tip: For a luxe feel in a bedroom, try a real or faux silk or for a traditional look, opt for a crisp linen in stone or cream.
22. Add an accent colour with shutters
(Image credit: California Shutters)
The traditional shutter is an inspired and effortlessly stylish choice of window dressing and has become increasingly accessible. There are many different styles on offer, including full window shutters, the half cafe design and full solid shutters to completely block out light - ideal for bedrooms.
For kitchens and bathrooms, opt for waterproof vinyl shutters to ensure water and humidity doesn't damage your purchase over time. If you're looking for value for money, crafted shutters are the way to go as these are made from medium density fibreboard, where as hardwood is the classic choice.
Stylist's tip: Paint your shutters in a bold shade for a statement window dressing that coordinates with your unique room scheme.
23. Create an airy vibe with sheer curtains
(Image credit: TBC)
A modern take on traditional lace curtains, sheer curtains made from voile or chiffon fabric are an excellent option for dressing windows in rooms that you want to allow light into, but don't want passers by to be able to see in like glazed outside doors or cloakrooms.
Use a narrow rod that fits the frame so it's virtually invisible and hem curtains just below the glass. Fit the curtains a pane or two from the top to let in light above where people can see in.
Stylist's tip: Use a voile fabric with a subtle embroidered detail for a frosted effect - perfect for windows at the front of the house or bathrooms.
24. Use a wave heading
(Image credit: Future PLC)
Soft waves of fabric create a smart but simple finish that's easy on the eye. A wide Tempo heading pleat makes curtains fall in soft, regular waves, so they will always look just right. Team it with a sleek, modern suspension rail that the curtains glide below and let the curtains sit flush with the floor so they'll look neat open or closed.
Stylist's tip: A cut-velvet pattern adds a luxurious edge to this otherwise pared-down window treatment.
25. Hang a double pole
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole)
A clever double pole design means you can hang both a sheer and a curtain around the bay window, but draw them independently. Brackets normally get in the way of curtain rings being pulled around a bay, but this design uses passing rings that allow the curtains to be drawn all the way round.
A standard heading tape left ungathered on both curtains creates a soft, informal effect. Keep the sheers sill-length for a neat finish and go for floor-length curtains to create real impact in a bay.
Stylist's tip: Team a bold, modern, floral curtain fabric with a floral patterned voile for a modern take on a curtain and sheer.
26. Use a pelmet
(Image credit: Future PLC)
For a contemporary take on a traditional curtain finish, use a flat pelmet layered over voile curtains sporting coordinating tie-backs.
This style provides a neat finish to your windows as it hides curtain poles and other fixings.
Recreate the look of a sophisticated hotel bedroom by selecting pillows to match your pelmet and tie-back fabric. Opt for a simple geometric print with a Moroccan vibe to echo the design of an ornately shaped pelmet, but keep colours fresh and neutral for a modern look.
Stylist's tip: Install a venetian blind behind the pelmet for extra privacy and to keep light out of the bedroom when required.
(Image credit: Future PLC)
If you have a sequence of large windows in a room, choose single curtains instead of pairs hung centrally to give a contemporary, laid-back look. Omit holdbacks for a further relaxed feel, instead opting for a lightweight fabric such as linen as it gathers and drapes beautifully.
Allow plenty of length on the curtains so they pool on the floor to complete the look.
Stylist's tip: Use a narrow chrome pole with small curtain rings so as not to overpower the overall effect.
Small curtain rings will also allow you to gather the curtains more tightly to let in more light in the absence of tie-backs.
28. Combine curtains and blinds
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Simon Whitmore)
Printed Roman blinds layered with plain curtains are an elegant way to dress a bedroom window. Go for a bold pattern that coordinates with your room scheme and choose a complementary plain fabric for the curtains.
Combine with pretty tie backs for added detail to your window dressing. If your blind isn't made from black-out material, or you're especially sensitive to the light on bright mornings, the curtains can be drawn in addition to the blind at night time. For a contemporary look, choose a sleek metal pole and curtains with coordinating eyelets.
Stylist's tip: Hang your blind within the window recess and install the curtain pole on the outside leaving a good gap above the top of the blind to provide a soft framing effect.
29.
(Image credit: TBC)
A curtain with a leading edge is a real show stopper. A contrasting fabric from the back of the curtain is continued to the front, and simple holdbacks allow even more of it to be on show when the curtains are open. Use a simple pencil pleat and an unfussy pole to keep all the attention on the curtains themselves.
You can enhance the effect of this stunning treatment by choosing a pole that's slightly wider than the window, which tricks the eye into thinking that the window is bigger than it really is and allows you to hold the curtains back without blocking light.
Stylist's tip: A satin-finish fabric for the leading edge gives it even more attention-grabbing shimmer.
30. Enhance decor with decorative panels
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Simon Whitmore)
A fabric with a pretty illustration is a great way to dress up a window with an uninspiring view. Use plain fabric for two-thirds of the length, with the panelled pattern on the lower third.
Create visual separation between the two with a ribbon braid, finishing off with a trim below.
An eyelet heading on a pole means the fabric won't fold up, so the illustration can be seen clearly. Keep the curtains to sill height so they hang properly, draw easily and don't block heat from the radiator.
Stylist's tips: Choose a plain fabric in a paler contrasting colour and trim the join to make the print stand out.
31. Layer patterned panels
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Tim Young)
Add layers to dress windows to the max. Voile fabric panels featuring bold floral prints in coordinating colours have been layered to create beautiful sheer curtains that still let the light through. To further the eclectic feel, hang using a narrow iron pole and small curtain rings to match and a tieback for the perfect finishing touch.
First things first, begin by cleaning your windows before you start dressing them. Get rid of those cobwebs and sticky finger prints with a thorough wipe down so that they sparkle on the inside and out.
There are many different varieties of curtains to choose from, it's easy to get a little bamboozled. How will you be dressing your windows? Let us know your thoughts!
Additional words: Amy Cutmore
Lisa is a freelance journalist who has written about interiors for more than 25 years and has worked on all the major homes titles, primarily Ideal Home, but also including Homes & Gardens, Country Homes & Interiors, Style at Home, Livingetc, Woman & Home, Easy Gardens and Good Homes magazines. Homes and interiors have always been a passion and she never tires of nosying around gorgeous homes, whether on TV, online, in print or in person, as well as being a serial shopper/bargain hunter.
photos of the interior, ideas for design, decoration, selection of furniture, lighting, style of the hall in the cottage
No wonder the room behind the front door was called the front door in the old days. It was it that was the first informative space, providing the first impression of the whole house and its decoration.
What is a hall in a private house
The main functions of the hall are a meeting and waiting place, a dressing room, a relaxation area and borders to other functional rooms of a country private house or cottage. nine0003
Among the popular design solutions for decorating the hallway are mirrors and framed paintings, elegant stained-glass windows, multi-level chandeliers, stylized columns, multi-level ceilings with built-in sources of artificial light, LED lighting around the perimeter of the ceiling, lamps, pilasters, bas-reliefs, stucco, mosaics, dressing room with stylized hangers, ceramic tiles, marble floors, textured plaster. Harmony is obtained in a natural combination of finishes, decor and furnishings. No less important is the design concept, successfully embodied in the interior
General principles of planning and decoration of the entrance hall
The hall must correspond to the general stylistic decision of a private house, but with its own memorable originality.
At the same time, it differs from other rooms in the strength of the materials used in the decoration, spaciousness, ergonomics and functionality.
The layout assumes to take into account the geometry of the room:
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A long narrow corridor from the front door prompts the creation of two semantic zones: the entrance hall itself and the hall segment. Zoning is done by changing the level of the floor and ceiling, furniture, partitions, light, color and finishing material. nine0003
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A wide spacious hall is also zoned with furniture and artificial lighting, but gives more room for maneuver. This is true when meeting a large number of guests. With this option, additional zones are provided: recreation (with tables, armchairs, chairs), wardrobe (with hangers and cabinets for outerwear), hookah room (with an exhaust hood for ventilation).
The spacious hall allows you to use bright, rich tones and shades in the decoration and color scheme of the furniture.
It "requires" the doors that are in the visibility zone to be made in a single style and design solution. Finishing materials are selected wear-resistant and high quality. nine0003
The design of a small hall invites attention to the following recommendations of experts:
- use only necessary furniture in the planning;
- built-in cabinets and shelves, compartment structures will help you "not lose" space;
- glass doors to adjacent rooms, arched structures, stained-glass windows with illumination, false windows, mirrors – allow not to visually narrow the spatial perception;
- bulky furniture will be replaced by hangers, bedside tables, shelves, racks, stands; nine0036
- The lack of natural light will be replaced by thoughtful and meticulous lighting.
In the photo: zoning of the hallway and hall
In the photo: recreation area
In the photo: zoning flooring
In the photo: luxury hall in a private house
Walls are preferably finished with wear-resistant materials.
Suitable durable vinyl wallpaper and plaster: decorative or paintable. The second option is more budgetary, allowing you to change the color at any time. nine0003
A more expensive way is to finish with facing stone. More economical artificial analogue. This cladding lasts a long time, looks stylish and rich. The two-level version of the wall decoration involves the use of specially processed wood, plastic, and durable glass panels in the lower part, which are not afraid of dampness and increased loads inherent in all hallways.
The color scheme favors light pastel colors that bring harmony and comfort to the home. Cool colors will help visually enlarge the space. As a rule, no more than three shades are used in the decoration, so as not to overload the visual perception of the hall. nine0003
Floor is often given away for durable ceramic tiles: inexpensive and effective. Use of wear-resistant laminate is possible. It is democratic in price, presented in various colors and textures that imitate natural wood.
Natural parquet is expensive, but it looks worthy for its money. Art parquet is even more expensive and more beautiful. It is ideal for spacious hallways of private houses in a classic style. Marble or granite looks no less impressive. It will become an adornment of Art Nouveau style with its unique elegance. nine0036
Combined flooring is used when they want to zone the space: at the entrance, a durable material is used by the Sami, then any other, taking into account the design of the nearest rooms.
Ceiling choose multi-level in white - suspended or stretch. It makes it possible to use a built-in light source, achieve effective space zoning with lighting, and refuse to use chandeliers. Stucco molding on the ceiling is suitable for a classic style. It is made both from gypsum and from a more modern material - polyurethane. Stained-glass windows with illumination on the ceiling surface are inherent in Art Nouveau. Beams in the design of the ceiling emphasize the rustic style: Provence, country, shabby chic.
They can be both natural wood and imitation material. nine0036
Lighting
The hallway often lacks natural light. If it is still there, evening and night time requires additional artificial light. In the large hall, a multi-level chandelier with an abundance of shades looks beautiful. In a small hallway, recessed light sources, sconces, wall lamps or floor lamps in the corners are enough. The LED strip looks beautiful, which can change the brightness and color with the remote control. Mirrors and glossy surfaces, reflecting light, make the room brighter. nine0036
Furniture
Furnishing the hallway is an important and crucial moment, completing the repair, bringing the decoration and decoration of the room closer. The main interior items are hangers, shoe racks, cabinets, pouffes, chairs, chests of drawers, bedside tables, shelves.
Wardrobe is an ideal place to store seasonal items in a small hallway. Mirror doors will help to cope with the task of visually increasing the space.
The picture, family photos opposite will increase the optical effect a little more. nine0003
To save space, open hangers and a shoe rack are provided. Seating is organized next to it with the help of poufs or chairs, depending on the freedom of space.
For a spacious hallway, you can provide a seating area with armchairs and a coffee table. And even a spacious dressing room behind an elegant door!
Mirrors
An entrance hall without a mirror is like a theater without a wardrobe. We have already talked about increasing space with the help of mirrors. The mirror surface can act as a decor. For this, there are frames that are made depending on the chosen style and the size of the mirror itself, which must correspond to the dimensions of the room. The classical style provides for imposing mirrors in gilded volumetric frames in the front door. nine0036
Decor
Paintings, framed photographs, vases on pedestals, living shade-loving plants in pots and tubs on the floor, figurines, stylish umbrella stands, carved shelves for small trinkets, a corner for cute souvenirs - everything is designed to create comfort, emphasize the individuality of the owners of a private country house.
Stylistics of the hall
Designers prefer traditional classics with its elegant apparent simplicity behind which rich materials in decoration and furniture are hidden. Elements of luxury are inherent in the Renaissance, Baroque and Empire style. Functionality, elegant minimalism with clear geometry and thoughtful storage system "loves" the Scandinavian style. The modern stylistic direction also distinguishes conciseness from forms to texture and color scheme. Minimalism is attractive with light colors in decoration, functional simplicity of furniture, bright details in decor and drapery. Pop art will add individual features by placing posters of paintings and fancy-shaped lamps on the walls. nine0003
The main hall is designed to emphasize the individuality of the inhabitants of suburban real estate. Therefore, the interior and design of the hall are so scrupulous to the smallest details and nuances of planning and design.
Design: Svetlana Yurkova
On the video: ideas for the interior of a corridor in a private house, photo.
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Equipping an apartment or house, special attention should be paid to the interior design of the hall.
The space of the entrance area must be organized as comfortably and functionally as possible. At the same time, remember that the interior should fit into the overall stylistic concept of the home. nine0003
Hall as a business card of any house
In English houses, the hall is a spacious room with a staircase leading upstairs. In modern homes, the hall is a large entrance hall designed for waiting, relaxing and meeting. Arriving at your house, the guest first of all gets into the hall, so it is by its design that the impression of the whole house is created. The well-thought-out interior of the hall will emphasize the impeccable taste of the owners and the status of the premises, as well as arrange guests for a pleasant conversation. nine0003
Basic principles of the hall arrangement
The first step is to decide on the stylistic design of the room. The following styles are considered the most popular for decorating a hall:
- Classical. The epitome of sophistication and simplicity.
The classic design of the hall can be combined with other styles such as Empire, Renaissance or Baroque. The classic involves the use of natural materials. If the wardrobe is for outerwear, then it is wooden. If the sofa, then leather. If the flooring, then only parquet. To decorate a hallway in a classic style, mirrors, paintings, artificial or natural flowers in tall floor vases are often chosen. By the way, mirrors will help visually expand the space. If the hall has a small area, then it should be decorated in light shades. nine0024 - geometric minimalism. Will appeal to people leading an active lifestyle. Minimalism is characterized by the placement of exclusively necessary interior items, which ideally should be multifunctional. There can be no question of cluttering up the room; on the contrary, there is a lot of free space in such a hall. For finishing the room, a combination of light and dark shades is allowed, as well as color highlighting of functional areas. Geometric minimalism is presented in some photos of the interiors of the halls, so if you want to decorate your hallway in this way, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with similar pictures.
nine0024 - Neoclassic. This style concept is characterized by expressive shades and intricate forms of furniture. The lobby has furniture, creative decor, fantasy lighting and all sorts of bright accents. It is about this design that extravagant and creative people dream.
Another important stage in the arrangement of the hallway: the choice of flooring. Please note that there is a high load on the floor in the hall. Therefore, only durable materials are suitable, which at the same time can be quickly cleaned of dust and dirt. Common floor coverings for the hall are linoleum, laminate and tiles. As mentioned earlier, parquet is ideal for a classic style. nine0003
Thus, if you approach the decoration of the hall wisely, you will be able to create a truly impressive design that will become a worthy “calling card” of the house. If you do not have design skills, do not worry ahead of time. Photos of the design of the halls, which are freely available on the Internet, will help you decide on the style and general decoration of the room.
