Window treatments designs

35 Unexpected Color Combos for Palette Inspo

Hadley Mendelsohn Senior Editor Hadley Mendelsohn is House Beautiful's senior design editor and the co-host and executive producer of the podcast Dark House.

31 Window Treatment Ideas That Work for Any Room

Mindy Gayer

They say eyes are the window to the soul. If that's the case, we're inclined to believe that windows are the eyes of the home—and don't they deserve a little something to help them stand out?

Window treatments may be something of an after-thought for some, but it shouldn't be—after all, what has the potential to transform a space better than a breathtaking view, or a flood of mid-morning light? Not much. So naturally, the way you dress your windows matters.

Dialing into what a space needs from its window treatments isn't always easy. It combines a calculation of directional light that evolves throughout the day, the types of tasks that will take place in the room, and the level of formality required—but when the perfect solution is selected, it can really make any décor scheme sing.

For some of our favorite window treatment ideas to transform your home no matter the style, read on.

01 of 31

Design Works Home/Robin Strickler

If you love pattern but worry about mixing and matching with your window treatments, just pay attention to scale. Mingling prints with different-sized repeats, like this wall treatment and dreamy shades combo, is an easy way to ensure your pattern mixing doesn't become overwhelming.

02 of 31

Design Works Home/Robin Strickler

Of course, there are exceptions to the rule, which are spaces that prove patterns of the same scale can coexist peacefully. The water-droplet motif of this wallpaper is echoed—but not quite matched—by the concentric circles of these curtains. The photo-negative color scheme helps pull off the effect, creating a look that's bold but irresistible.

03 of 31

Bespoke Only

Clip-up curtain rings get an unnecessarily bad rap—but we're all in favor of reclaiming them. Not only do they make hanging, laundering, or swapping out window treatments easy as can be, but they lend a laid-back feel to your space—which is ideal if you're working with perfectly imperfect fabrics like linen or raw silk.

04 of 31

Design Works Home/Robin Strickler

Another way to interplay floor-skimming curtains with sophisticated shades: match the materials with a unifying neutral hue to create a cohesive backdrop for your furnishings.

05 of 31

Haley Weidenbaum/Everhem

If you want to dial up the drama and add some stunning length to your room's focal points, there's no better way to exaggerate the profile of your windows than to dress them in full-length drapes.

Buck conventional wisdom and mount your curtain rod just below the ceiling or crown ding, and opt for curtains that skim the floor to create the effect of bigger windows.

06 of 31

Design: Haley Weidenbaum, Photo: Jessica Alexander

Curtain tiebacks were big in past decades, and they're experiencing a resurgence. The new tiebacks of today are nothing like the ones you remember from the 90s. Using textural elements like artisan tassels in place of the more formal, fussy options of old, these tiebacks remind us that every accent in a room is an opportunity to add some unique texture and playful touch.

07 of 31

Design: Haley Weidenbaum, Photo: Jessica Alexander

French doors deserve a little added drama, too. Gossamer sheers are the perfect complement to these chic portals—we can just picture the curtains blowing softly in the wind on a summer night.

08 of 31

Design: Haley Weidenbaum, Photo: Tessa Neustadt

One of our favorite ways to add a custom touch to window treatments is to incorporate some DIY texture in the form of unique trim. Picking the right curtains for your space can be tricky, and if you're fond of a certain fabric but looking for something a little more personalized, taking matters into your own hands can be just the ticket.

09 of 31

Design: Mindy Gayer, Photo: Vanessa Lentine

Shades, drapes, why not both? We're seeing more and more designers opt for this unique one-two punch in their designs lately—and it's easy to understand why. Shades lend a textural touch and offer as much privacy as homeowners desire, while floor-length drapes dial up the drama and frame the window beautifully.

The result is a mix of classic and modern, formal and casual, and it's tailor-made for today's homes.

10 of 31

Design: Mindy Gayer, Photo: Vanessa Lentine

Spaces with a rounded bay of windows can pose a challenge for window treatments, one that often is solved by placing curtain panels at either side. But, if full coverage is what you're after, you may need a more custom solution in the form of an arched curtain rod.

In terms of aesthetics and instant impact, there's no better option—and we'd be surprised if we didn't see this look gaining steam in the months to come.

11 of 31

Design: Haley Weidenbaum, Photo: Tessa Neustadt

Seagrass blinds are a great way to add a touch of tactile appeal to your space. They feel a little boho and beachy, but they're still tailored and trim enough to keep things looking crisp.

We love how these blinds mimic the wall treatment in this space with subtle horizontal variegations. Fitting them with an "inside mount" in these windows gives the architectural window trim a chance to really shine.

12 of 31

sKout

You can always match your shades to your draperies—but why not use these elements to add a little variation? These darker shades draw the eye upward toward the striking ceiling beams, while the mid-tone neutral drapes keep the space feeling airy and accessible.

13 of 31

sKout

We're big fans of frosted windows in the bath, but we have to admit that there's something oh-so-enticing about the warm glow given off by these shades. And with a view like this one, you wouldn't want to give it up.

14 of 31

sKout

Even the pattern-averse can get behind this brilliant dining space. If you've fastidiously chosen solid carpeting and furniture, fear not: window treatments are actually an ideal place to incorporate pattern.

Since they're easy to swap out with time, they're relatively low-risk to experiment with—and can even be prime real estate for testing out an unexpected accent color, like the terra cotta hue shown here.

15 of 31

sKout

Alternately, there's always something to be said for crisp, clean white drapes. Even in a predominantly neutral space like this one, long flowing swaths of white fabric lend an air of levity and a refreshing, airy vibe to the room.

16 of 31

Southern Studio/New Old Custom Home Builders

Exposed brick can feel like a pattern in and of itself, especially if it's classic red-brown blocks with wide white mortar. But, that's no reason to shy away from patterns, as this space expertly shows.

A leafy tropical print adds some definite contrast to the red brick. It's an effect we wouldn't be certain of on paper, but in practice, it completely works—and we love it.

17 of 31

Design: Living With Lolo, Photo: Life Created

Raise your hand if you're in love with your wall color. When you find something that works, embrace it—and find ways to lean into it again and again in different applications.

Picking window treatments that are a near-match for your wall color is a sleek, sophisticated way to create a cohesive backdrop for your favorite furnishings. And as seen here, it can be both impactful and understated when done correctly.

18 of 31

Stoneside

Most shades will, by necessity, have a bit of a horizontal stripe pattern. It's subtle, but it's something you can play with as part of your design scheme if you know where to look. Use these barely-there stripes to your advantage.

In this space, they intersect with the vertical trim on this clean white accent wall, creating a little interplay that's mimicked again by the striped pillow and sleek shelving unit.

19 of 31

Design: M. Lavender, Photo: Chris Bradley

"Cafe curtains", or short curtains mounted halfway down the window, aren't just for your favorite coffee establishment. In the bath, they're a great alternative to a frosted window to allow for some privacy but also let the light in—and elsewhere in the home, they're equally handy.

20 of 31

Design: Josephine Design House, Photo: Kelly Blackmon

We've finally found the answer to the classic "printed or sheer?" curtain conundrum: both. Sheer-printed curtains feel distinctly modern, even in timeless gingham as shown here. And best of all, since they seem to dissolve into the light of the window, they're an easy way to incorporate loud patterns, dark colors, or bold lines without overpowering a space.

21 of 31

Ashley Montgomery Design

We're big fans of the high-contrast look. The little touches make a room feel even more put together, so of course, we love these window treatments. The look combines black-painted window frames with gauzy, dusty nude curtains, finished with a chic tie-back, of course.

22 of 31

Ashley Webb Interiors

Do a double-take: these aren't multiple curtain rods situated at 90-degree angles. Instead, it's a single continuous rod that turns the corner—so you can nestle those dreamy drapes right in the corner when you want to let the light in. Pure brilliance.

23 of 31

Becca Interiors

A squiggle here, a straight line there—these window treatments are all about linear thinking. The drapes' spirographic design contrast nicely with the linear look of these shades.

24 of 31

Becca Interiors

In a neutral, airy space like this, color-blocked curtains strike just the right balance between bold and understated while quietly echoing the two-tone four-post bed.

25 of 31

Black & Blooms

Sometimes the best window treatment is the most unexpected one, like these trailing pothos plants adding a distinctly bohemian element to the gauzy sheers underneath.

26 of 31

Britt Design Studio

In the context of this subdued, masculine sitting room, these intricately printed blinds are an unexpected choice—and that's just what we love about them. They draw the eye upward, mirroring the lines of the stunning vaulted ceiling.

27 of 31

Britt Design Studio

Valences are a window treatment option that comes and goes throughout the years—but personally, we're firmly on the side of Team Valence. These structured, sophisticated window dressings lend a timeless architectural element to any space, and they're a great way to incorporate a print that wouldn't read as clearly on pleated drapes.

28 of 31

Design: Jette Creative, Photo: Amy Bartlam

In this sleek bedroom, texture is king. So, it's no wonder the designer opted to add even more touchable detail to the window treatments. The airy, organic fabric is finished with a small pleat detail at the top—something we often see with more formal designs.

But, the kicker is this: the curtain panels are hung at a slight drop, with rings, which counteracts the formality of the gathered fabric. It's a bit of an aesthetic balancing act—but one that works beautifully in this context.

29 of 31

Design: Katie Hodges, Photo: Amy Bartlam

Sometimes, it's best to do what feels natural—like incorporating organic textures in this Scandi-meets-beachy space. The woven seagrass blinds add tons of visual interest to the space, without blocking too much light, thanks to their open-weave construction.

30 of 31

Design: Katie Hodges, Photo: Amy Bartlam

Often, a bold striped border on custom shades looks a bit preppy or coastal. But, this cozy, layered space is proof that the timeless design can work with a variety of aesthetics. In a sea of muted neutrals, the effect is chic and crisp, but not fussy.

31 of 31

Whittney Parkinson Design

The antidote to those expansive curtain rods that consume a whole room, these made-for-corners brackets are a clever option. The shades in this space are capable of providing all the coverage needed, so the drapes are purely decorative.

This is why it makes sense to cut the rods short and confine them to where the long drapes look best—the corners.

20 Beautiful Living Room Window Treatment Ideas for Instant Sophistication

Window design: photo 9 ideas for decoration

Curtains or blinds? Roman shades or French? Bright or plain? Let's try to figure out which design option will suit your windows.

1. Blinds

The workplace under the window helps to save space, but the curtains in this composition will obviously be superfluous. Blinds are another matter: they look strict and help dose sunlight.

In this interior, the emphasis is on wood and the blinds support the theme. But here there are also curtains on the windows - they not only soften the space and add new scenarios for working with light, but also (together with slatted panels in the window piers) emphasize the vertical. In an apartment with not very high ceilings, this is also important.

2. Slopes with stucco molding

The windows were not hidden in this interior, because, firstly, they are beautiful, and secondly, there are sofas under them. And in general, in a brutal loft, the curtains are veal tenderness. Well, so that their absence did not look like an orphan, the slopes were decorated with the help of stucco molding.

The same technique, but a completely different effect. In combination with French curtains, the slopes decorated with stucco create a classic entourage. The owners wanted to liken their Moscow housing to French apartments, and they succeeded.

3. Shutters

Lattice shutters give the interior a Mediterranean touch. And here they are used strictly for their intended purpose: the owners wanted their house near Moscow to remind of Tuscany.

Shutters are visually more compact than curtains that fall to the floor, so they will be a good solution for small spaces. In this apartment, they have three shutters, which help to accurately dose the amount of light that enters.

This is a children's room, so the shutters were made unusual and bright, using the marquetry technique. The main trick is that their doors are divided into upper and lower sections, which open separately. In the future, when the owner of the room grows up, this will allow you to put a desk under the window.

4. Curtains behind curtains

Curtains extending beyond the false ceiling and gathered in large folds visually elongate the space vertically. The room seems to be taller.

5. Roman blinds

Residents of a house with panoramic windows have to hide not only from prying eyes (trees do an excellent job of this), but also from the sun. And here Roman blinds have no competitors. When folded, they go under the ceiling and do not spoil the purity of the image with their presence. And yes, they are very concise.

If a built-in sofa was placed in the bay window right under the window, then Roman blinds are the most logical option. They certainly won't bother anyone.

6. French Blinds

French Blinds are similar to Roman Blinds, but they look more luxurious and playful. Not very suitable for modern interiors, but in a classic they will be just right. Especially if you frame them with a pair of curtains with beautiful ties.

7. Identical curtains and wallpaper

Interiors in which the pattern of the curtains repeats the wallpaper are called “caskets”. Apparently, for almost doll-like comfort. The authors of this interior went even further - they used the same fabric for the bedspread and picked up matching accessories.

The same technique, but in a more modern way. The fabrics and wallpapers here are not the same, but with a similar pattern, and they match in color. The shape of the headboard also continues the geometric theme. So the effect is similar.

8. Curtains with active pattern

Curtains are the easiest way to add some color and playfulness to your interior. Tired - change.

Bright curtains not only create a color accent, but also complete the composition. Just imagine that something monochromatic and neutral hangs on the windows of this hall - the picture will simply fall apart.

9. Classic curtains

Nowadays, even in traditional interiors, curtains can be very ordinary - just two sheets of fabric. But if you decide not only to pay tribute to the classics, but to delve into history in more detail, say yes to lambrequins.

If you decide to follow exactly one of the historical styles, then the curtains should be appropriate - this is as important a part of the image as the furniture. For example, in empire interiors, curtains resemble a military banner.

Photos: Maria Irinarkhova, Stefan Juliard, Manolo Ilyera, Sergey Krasyuk, Mikhail Stepanov, Sergey Ananiev

photos in the living room, bedroom and kitchen

Window decoration is the final stage in the formation of an exquisite interior of any room. The design of such a decor is based on the general solution of the room, but fashion does not stand still, making adjustments to your ideas.

The photo shows straight cream curtains with white curtains. This window design is great for a bedroom in a modern style.

Let's try to determine which window design in a bedroom in a modern style, living room or kitchen is the most relevant today and affordable for each of you.

Modern trends in window design

Today, global trends in the decoration of the surrounding space are striving for democracy and simplification.

It is supposed to use mainly natural finishing materials and fabrics. Many modern designers prefer not to cover the windows with curtains or curtains at all, ensuring that sunlight enters the room unhindered.

But such a solution is not always practical. What if your apartment is located on the ground floor or on the sunny side? If there is a bright lantern under the windows?

Pictured curtains with large horizontal stripes. This window design looks very interesting in a modern interior.

Therefore, it will be difficult to do without curtains or blinds. Consider the most current trends in the design of window openings:

All these trends can be easily implemented in your home, you just need to know some of the nuances of arranging windows in rooms for various purposes.

Living room ideas

Gray has become increasingly popular in modern living room design. The reason for this was that its various shades are able to bring many different ideas and moods into the room.

By choosing the right tone intensity, you can endow the room with sophisticated aristocratic luxury, bright minimalism, and neutral tranquility.

Thinking through the design of the window in the living room in a modern style, pay attention to the fabric curtains made of dense material, complemented by snow-white airy tulle. This is a worthy solution for fans of traditional design without much pretentiousness and eccentricity.

If the decoration of the walls, ceiling, furniture upholstery are implemented in a light monochromatic range, then in this case the main focus should be on the window.

Choose darker curtains with a three-dimensional pattern. They are sure to attract attention.

Pay attention to the density of the selected fabric. If your TV is located opposite the window, then you need to make sure that sunlight does not leave glare on the screen.

Therefore, a particularly dense fabric is required. The same applies to premises located on the first floors, near busy streets.

If you have used loft-style elements in your living room, you can leave the window completely open or choose a discreet color fabric, transparent tulle.

Roller blinds or blinds will look good here. Knowing these features, each of you can easily implement a competent window design in the living room in a modern style, endowed with individuality and aesthetics.

Ideas for the bedroom

Thinking about how to decorate the window in the bedroom in a modern style, you should initially start not only from your own tastes, but also from the immediate purpose of the room.

The most important purpose of curtains in this room is to provide comfortable rest and sleep.

Whichever version of the curtains you choose, the fabric must be very dense and opaque. By closing the curtains, you can create twilight, comfortable even for daytime relaxation.

For bedrooms with one small window, you can safely choose Roman curtains. Thanks to them, the conciseness of the created interior solution, inherent in this room, will be preserved, but the streams of sunlight will not be able to penetrate through the rolled canvas.

One of the most popular design tricks is to use the same textiles in the design of the window opening as on the bed.

By creating a combination of color and texture of curtains and bedspreads, you can recreate a harmonious, complete picture.

Roman blinds are an excellent choice for modern window treatments.

Tulle is not an indispensable element in the bedroom, because it plays a purely aesthetic role. Everyone decides for himself whether he needs or can be limited to the curtains themselves.

If your bed has an upholstered headboard made of velor or velvet, consider heavy curtains made from the same material.

One of the rather difficult options for designing a window space is a bedroom with a bay window.

For such rooms, a combination of two different materials is a good option.

In particular, blinds or rolled canvases can be placed in the bay seating area, while the bedroom itself is decorated with ordinary curtains in darker shades, decorated with original prints.

For semi-circular rooms, a cost-effective and aesthetic solution would be to use screen sheets made of translucent material. Soft curtains with a light, barely noticeable drapery can also be involved.

Ideas for the kitchen

Window decoration in the kitchen in a modern style has its own characteristics and nuances, caused by the specifics of this room. The first thing you should pay attention to is the ease of washing and caring for the canvas. Worthy solutions are curtains sewn from light, but at the same time practical materials:

• Kapron;
• Organza;
• Nylon;
• Chintz;
• Cotton etc.

When choosing the style of curtains, you should give up lush drapery, ruffle, because even a reliable extractor hood will not be able to protect fabric folds from soot settling and the accumulation of specific kitchen odors.

For rooms decorated in country style, you can use curtains in small flowers or polka dots.

They are gathered on a thick braid and fixed on the sides of the window opening with clamps and magnets.

They are completed with transparent or patterned tulle.

Learn more

• 
  New flower bed ideas
• 
  Cozy decor style
• 
  Tomato container ideas
• 
  Perfect sandwich maker
• 
  Setting to wash towels
• 
  Modern black and white living room decor
• 
  Pillows in the dryer
• 
  Small garden trees evergreen
• 
  Paint colors 2023 benjamin moore
• 
  Office room colour combination
• 
  Interior decorating styles 2023