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Window treatments for cottage style home


Cottage curtain ideas: inspiration for a cozy country home

Are you looking for cottage curtain ideas to complete your decor scheme? Curtain ideas are the perfect choice for a cottage: their soft pleats complement the romance of rural properties, plus, they introduce color, pattern and personality, with limitless fabric designs to choose from – you can even edge them with a trim to add extra detail. 

And, of course, on a practical level, curtains control light levels and bring a layer of insulation to your living space. Scroll for our cottage curtain ideas, plus tips from experts on which designs to choose. Then find more cottage decorating ideas in our design gallery – we cover everything from color schemes to material choices.

1. Exaggerate ceiling height with floor-length curtains

(Image credit: Vanessa Arbuthnott)

If you want to capture that quintessential cottage charm and enhance your space, then you can't go wrong with full-length curtains with a floral print, says fabric designer Vanessa Arbuthnott . 'Florals are an obvious choice for cottage curtains. Cottages are mostly situated in the countryside and hopefully have at least a tiny garden. The florals on the curtains will reflect the flowers climbing up and nestling against the cottage walls.'

If choosing florals, it's important to think about scale, too, she says. 'You don't want anything too big, so you could choose fabrics with smaller prints such as my Cow Parsley and Dainty Daisy (as pictured above).'

For cottage kitchen ideas, don't miss our inspiring image gallery.

2. Add a trim to frame a window seat

(Image credit: Susie Watson Designs)

Edging curtains with a pretty trim of your choice – be it embroidered, pom pom or fringed – will bring extra flair to a romantic scheme, and makes for a beautiful frame for a window seat or lovely view. Alternatively, if you're keen to keep your fabric choice neutral and understated, then adding a trim can be a great way to add a touch of detail without overpowering a space.

When sharing her advice for choosing cottage curtains, Susie Watson , founder of the eponymous interiors store, advises, 'to maximise the natural light through cottage windows, hang your curtains high and wide (space allowing).' 

'Stripes and florals work well for the quintessential cottage look,' she continues. 'I like to add a trim to the leading edge and back with one of my printed cottons, for a more contemporary and interesting look.'

3. Use checks for classic cottage charm

(Image credit: Colefax & Fowler)

If you’re looking for cottage curtain ideas that will stand the test of time, you can’t go wrong with a classic check or stripe. Often bringing together multiple colors, they can be a great starting point for an interior scheme, as they offer several shades to build from, and, as a finishing touch, they are easy to match with your chosen upholstery or wall color. 

If you change your curtains with the seasons, then this Donovan plaid from Colefax & Fowler , with its dark natural Slate/Umber colorway and soft woven texture, would make a brilliant choice for winter curtains, but would also sit beautifully with the weathered stone and wood of traditional cottages year-round.

4. Opt for a cottage-style pleat

(Image credit: Vanessa Arbuthnott)

When choosing curtains for a cottage there's more to consider than just the color and print – the form of the curtain and how it hangs can have a big impact on the final look. 

From eyelet hung to pencil pleats, there are all sorts of ways of hanging curtains, but for cottages, a traditional cottage pleat works well, as Vanessa Arbuthnott explains. 

'They give a pretty, soft gather and are made by seeing the curtain tape a few inches below the top. This is gives an informal and more interesting look than the traditional pencil pleat.' 

5. Create uplifting spaces with pops of yellow

(Image credit: Future)

Often, due to their small rooms and windows, cottages can lack light and feel gloomy. Opting for curtains in fabrics with vibrant sunshine shades is guaranteed to make spaces feel more joyful and bright. Checks or stripes are a great choice as they will stand the test of time.

6. Use French poles for a relaxed look

(Image credit: VSP interiors)

When thinking about cottage curtains our thoughts automatically jump to fabric choice, but fixtures and how they hang can make an impact, too. Interior designer Henriette von Stockhausen, from VSP Interiors explains: 'I use French poles for more relaxed cottage curtains, as here in my bedroom.

'I also try and be a bit more playful with these spaces when they’re not formal rooms. This Soane fern fabric makes a statement. Larger patterns work better in my opinion, very small can look too fussy. Playing with scale works perfectly in cottage interiors.'

7. Use faded French florals for a relaxed cottage feel

(Image credit: Future / Brent Darby)

Romantic floral fabrics are a mainstay of country style, but when it comes to cottages it's best to keep things simple rather than opting for dramatic prints, as Kate Forman , specialist in 19th-century French-inspired prints, explains. 'Less is more in cottages,' she says. ‘Keep patterns fairly simple and headings unfussy using narrow poles if ceilings are low.'

8. Create a vintage feel with a pelmet

(Image credit: Penny Morrison)

Thought pelmets were a thing of the past? Then think again. Interior designer Penny Morrison explains how they are a brilliant way to showcase your favourite fabric. 'If I find a wonderful vintage fabric, which I don’t have a huge amount of, I like to use it as a pelmet with plain curtains underneath, perhaps with a matching trim down the leading edges.

'This image shows a pole with a self-attached gathered pelmet. Using a pole is great way for maximizing the light in a room.' But, if adding a pelmet, take care to consider size. 'The most important aspect of using pelmets is getting the proportions right, we go for 1:5.'

It's also important to consider what type of pelmet you chose as certain designs can be better for certain house types, as Penny Morrison explains. 'In a contemporary setting, and in townhouses, I like using hard flat covered pelmets with a smart trim inset.' Alternatively, gathered pelmets, with their soft pleats, are often more suitable to cottage settings. 

This feature was created by H&G's sister brand, Period Living magazine 

Subscribe to Period Living for more inspiration    Period Living is the UK's best-selling period homes magazine. A subscription provides you with all you need to know about caring for and improving a traditional house and garden.

9. Layer blinds and curtains for more light control

(Image credit: Clarke & Clarke)

Are you after more control over your light levels? Do you want to block out the light some of the time, but at other times have light coming through without compromising on privacy? Pairing two types of window treatment is a great way to create different levels of illumination, but can also help control temperature, too, giving an additional layer of insulation if needed during the cold winter months, not forgetting the option to layer up beautiful fabrics.  

Pairing a pretty floral curtain with a roman blind in a plain pastel tone will bring a feminine, classic feel as this Clarke & Clarke scheme proves.

If you want your cottage to feel brighter, don't miss our cottage lighting ideas for pretty, practical solutions.

10. Embrace bold, bright prints

(Image credit: Molly Mahon)

Just because your space is small, it needn't lack personality, as Molly Mahon explains. 'Don't be afraid to use a big bold pattern for curtains if the space is small, which is often the case in a cottage,' says the fabric designer. 

'A large pattern such as my Poppy design seen here can actually add the feeling of space to a small room. Lovely bright colors like these also help the light bounce across a room which if its low ceilinged or beamed can be a very positive thing.'

11. Make spaces feel brighter with light fabrics

(Image credit: Penny Morrison)

To keep bathrooms feeling bright and breezy, then opting for a simple, single layer and lightweight voile or fine cotton curtain, such as these from Penny Morrison, will bring privacy without blocking the light. Soft and delicate, they beautifully balance bold botanical wallpapers, as this bathroom proves.

For more cottage bathroom ideas, don't miss our dedicated gallery.

How do you dress a cottage window?

There are two distinct ways to dress a cottage window, both of which are equally pretty – though the one you choose will depend on how much light you want to allow into the room. The first is to go for curtains – or curtains and blinds – to create a pretty frame for your cottage window, but be aware that anything bulky around a window can make a space feel smaller and, if the fabric is anything but pale, darker, too. The second option for dressing cottage windows is to choose sheer fabrics that can give you privacy and which can be pulled across in the day, too; these will let in more light. 

In both cases when dressing a cottage window, if you can hang the curtains back from the window edges to exaggerate the size of the window itself, you will help your room feel bigger and brighter.

What can I use instead of curtains?

There are plenty of options other than curtains for cottages. If you want to allow in light and to make the room look as bright and spacious as possible, consider window film, which can provide privacy, too. A pretty option, and another that offers privacy, is café curtains. Shutters are a more contemporary option, assuming your cottage windows are square. Roman blinds will look beautiful, but be aware that, as with pelmets, they block light from the upper part of the window. 

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 stunning 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!

Vibrant 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 Tropical Garden design is a prime example of a lively floral pattern that puts rich greens and red to use in a cottage curtain.

Anchored on a golden tan ground, Tropical Garden delivers romance, color, 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 Morning Dew pattern is for you. This pale yellow print captures the carefree elegance of high teas and the opulence of bygone eras.

Put another way, 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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We decorate windows in a country house

24.08.2022

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Many owners of country houses have a question about how best to decorate windows. Today we are going to tell you the basic rules.

There are several criteria to consider when choosing window designs. First, it is worth determining whether your curtains, curtains or tulle will perform a decorative function or serve as protection from the sun and prying eyes. It is also worth considering the purpose of the room.

Modern interiors are increasingly using Roman blinds and interior shutters. Shutters can be used not only in classic interiors , but also in modern minimalistic .

Roman blinds

Roman blinds are made from different materials. Linen is perfect for a country house. The fabric lays down in beautiful folds, transmits light and air. Such curtains look elegant and concise, they fit well into any interior.

Drapes with garters

Drapes are made from a heavy dense fabric. They are best used in large rooms where you need to create coziness and a sense of privacy. Also, such curtains can be supplemented with tacks.

Drapes look great with translucent curtains - they soften the roughness of log or plank walls.

Cafe-curtains in the kitchen

"Grandmother's" curtains, which hide only half of the window, returned to country and modern interiors under a new "European" name - cafe-style curtains. Such curtains can carry both decorative and functional meaning. Natural fabrics with a simple pattern are suitable for them.

Light curtains

As a rule, country houses have rooms with large windows. And so that the sun does not blind, it is worth hanging light light curtains that will scatter the sun's rays. They will give the room lightness and comfort.

Blinds

You can also use blinds in a country house, they will bring a touch of modernity to the interior and will look great both in bedroom and in kitchen . They are easy to care for, blinds do not attract too much attention. You can also choose the color to match your interior.

Flounces

Flounces cover only the upper part of the window and serve more as a decorative element. They are great for small windows.

Attic curtains

If you have an attic with a sloping ceiling, then this tip is for you. Windows in such a room are difficult to arrange in the usual way. As a rule, attic curtains are hung either on a cornice fixed diagonally or under the ceiling, and fixed with tiebacks. You can also hang blinds directly on the window.

Try, experiment, create an interior with your own individual features. And we have already described above how to arrange windows correctly.

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where you want to go back and spend everything weekend.

Wooden walls and natural curtains convey the feeling of nature and the freshness of the forest. The design of the house sets you up for relaxation, and the decor of the window opening also plays an important role. The color of the curtains will be organically combined with textiles or furniture upholstery. For decoration, you can take fringe, brushes and bows, tiebacks.

Rules for decorating a window with curtains in a wooden house:
  1. Roller blinds are used independently in a laconic interior, and they can also be supplemented with curtains to create an interior in any style.
  2. Short curtains look original and give the interior a special look.
  3. Translucent tulle can be folded in half, this design will be functional.
  4. Drapes look good with garters, while the most suitable type of fastening with braid or rings.
  5. When decorating a window with a lambrequin, you need to take into account the color of the walls and not make it too lush.
  6. Cafe curtains, tulle and blinds are suitable for decorating a kitchen window in a wooden house.

It is important to choose natural materials for curtains, to keep a sense of proportion when choosing decor, to correctly combine light options with thick curtains, to choose curtains lighter or darker than the walls.

Style solution for a wooden house

Given the style of interior design, you can choose the appropriate curtains that will favorably emphasize the overall look of the room.

The photo shows an example of a classic interior in a country house, where you can see that the classic is harmoniously combined with roller blinds.

Types of curtains for a country house

Curtains create the mood of a room, and therefore it is important to choose not only the material, but also the appropriate type of curtains for a country house that will meet the requirements of the room.

The photo shows an example of wooden blinds for a recreation area. Such an idea will be embodied in a house with a bay window.

Types of cornices and methods of fixing curtains

String, tubular and baguette cornices made of wood, as well as metal cornices with imitation of steel, copper bronze and forged tips are best suited for a wooden house. For a bay window, an aluminum or plastic cornice is suitable. According to the mounting option, both ceiling cornices and wall cornices are suitable.

The curtains themselves can be attached to eyelets, rings, ties, loops and braid.

The photo shows a version with eyelets that move easily along the eaves in a wooden house. Roman curtains are harmoniously combined with them.

The photo shows an example of the most common fastening of straight curtains to the cornice - on rings.

The photo shows an example of a trapezoidal window with a drawstring, where the cornice repeats the shape of the opening.

Selection of curtains according to the type of windows

The country house differs not only in interior and exterior decoration, but also in the variety of shapes of wooden windows. A non-standard window opening can be stylishly decorated with properly selected curtains.

The photo shows an example of window design in a house with a second light, where the task of separating the zone of the first and second floors was successfully completed using the height of the cornice.

Choosing the material and color of the curtains

The color scheme of the window depends on the size of the room and the window, as well as the amount of natural light. A spacious and bright room can be made even bigger with the help of airy white curtains, and dark brown curtains will be out of place in a small bedroom. Curtains of green, white, cream, beige, brown, checkered or striped are suitable for a wooden house, but without complex patterns and ornaments. From natural fabrics, cotton and linen will look best.

The photo shows a modern design of a wooden house with thick curtains. Such a decision will always be in fashion and emphasize style in simplicity.

Curtains in the interior of the rooms of a country house

The photo shows Roman blinds in the interior of a wooden kitchen, where the practicality of the material and ease of care are important.

The photo shows a bedroom with classic curtains, where the curtains match the color of the walls, and the tulle matches the accent pillows.

The photo shows an example of a nursery in a wooden house, where two windows are draped with different types of curtains, such a design divides the space into two zones.

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