Your windows play a big role in the amount of light that comes into your home. If you have large windows, you can take advantage of the natural light and use it to brighten your home.
If you have smaller windows, you may need to get creative with your window treatments to make sure that you are getting enough light into your space.
It's important to find the right balance between privacy and light when dressing a window.
Disclaimer: As an Amazon and Wayfair associate, we do receive a small commission from qualifying purchases made via links within this article.
Here is a list of our top window treatment ideas for your home...
1. Window Shutters
Image credit: efl-shutters.co.uk
When it comes to window dressing ideas, window shutters are a great way to get a good amount of lighting while still providing privacy, as and when you need it.
Shutters can be opened during the day to let in natural light and fully closed at night to keep out unwanted peering eyes.
Consider also adding awnings to your windows as they can provide cooling shade on hot summer days, but can then be retracted when not in use.
Shutters can be made for any specific window size, so that they not only look great but fit perfectly.
If you live in an area with a lot of sun, you may want to consider installing solar screens on your windows, they work by reflecting the sun’s rays away from your home, keeping it cooler during long periods of intense heat.
2. Drapes
Image credit: barnandwillow.com
Window drapes are an important part of any room's decor and another great way to bring light to your room while also providing privacy.
They can add colour, pattern, and texture to your space, and can also help to control the amount of light that enters the room.
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing window drapes for your home.
If you want something that will let in more light, look for ones made with lighter more sheer materials. Additionally, you can purchase draperies with special linings that help to filter out the sun’s harmful rays.
Consider the style of your room. If you have a more traditional space, then you might want to choose drapes that are made of heavier fabrics like velvet or brocade.
If your room has a more modern feel, then you could go for drapes that are made of lighter fabrics like linen or cotton.
Also, think about the function of the drapes. Do you need them to block out light so that you can sleep during the day? Or do you just want them to add some privacy to your space?
3. Roman Blinds
Image credit: creamcornwall.co.uk
Roman blinds are made from several different fabrics, including light-filtering and blackout materials.
A Roman blind can be raised or lowered manually using a cord or sometimes with a motorized system. When raised, it will fold up into neat pleats for an elegant look.
As well as ready-made Roman blinds that can be purchased both on the high street and online, there is also the option to build your Roman blind kit from scratch. Not only is this a great way to customise it with whatever fabric you choose, but it is also a cheaper option, saving you money on ready-made alternatives. Direct Fabrics is one such company that offers these types of kits.
This form of window treatment is a popular choice for bedrooms and home offices because it provides good privacy and light control. They are often also used in the home's hallway and other living spaces for their cost-effectiveness and ease of fitting.
4. Roller Blinds
Image credit: candh.co.uk
Roller blinds are a great window treatment choice for bedrooms, bathrooms, and other areas where you need privacy and light control. They are available in a variety of materials, including fabric, wood, plastic, and metal. You can also find them in a variety of colours and patterns to match any room’s decor.
Roller blinds are easy to operate and can be raised or lowered to let in more or less light to suit your needs. They are also a good choice for people with allergies, as they do not collect dust in the same way as curtains or slatted blinds.
5. Sheer Curtains
Image credit: theblindsgallery.com.au
Sheer curtains are a light, airy option for dressing a window. They lend a delicate touch to any space and can be used to filter light or create a small amount of privacy.
When hung alone, sheer curtains provide a gentle, ethereal look. They’re also perfect for layering with other curtain panels or blinds to add texture and interest to your windows.
Another clever use for sheer curtains is as room dividers, to create a more intimate space within a larger room.
It's important to note that sheer material is not effective at blocking out light, so is not suited for bedrooms or other rooms where complete darkness is desired. Also, keep in mind that they will need to be dusted regularly to maintain their clean appearance.
6. Window Film
Image credit: dcfixbrand.com
Window film is a translucent material that can be applied to the glass of a window to change its appearance or opacity. It is often used for decorative purposes, but can also be used to reduce glare, block UV rays, and increase privacy.
There are many different types of window film available, from etch and privacy film to mirrored vinyl, so it is important to choose one that is best suited for the desired purpose.
Applying window film is a relatively simple DIY process if you follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully, but it is important to take your time in order to avoid air bubbles, wrinkles or tears.
If you don't feel confident doing this yourself, we advise consulting a window treatment professional for the best results.
7. Curtains
Image credit: dollarcurtainsandblinds.com.au
Curtains are the most popular and practical window treatment for providing privacy, blocking out light, and adding decoration to a room.
They are typically made of fabric in a variety of densities, colours and patterns and can be hung from a curtain pole or track mounted above the window. Curtains can be opened and closed using a variety of methods, including ties, loops, or tabs.
When choosing curtains, it is not only important to think about matching or contrasting the colours with your room, but also consider the function they will serve.
For example, if you are looking for them to double as a draught excluder, purchase thick or lined floor-length curtains that are more suited to this task. Alternatively, if darkness and draught are not a consideration, go for a lighter and most likely more cost-effective fabric.
8. Venetian Blinds
Image credit: ianrtaylor.co.uk
Venetian blinds are a common window dressing, especially used in offices and bathrooms. They consist of horizontal slats that can be tilted to control the amount of light that enters a room. They are often used in conjunction with curtains or drapes to provide privacy and block out light when needed.
There are several types of material used in the manufacture of Venetian blinds, including wood, aluminium and plastic. All types are available in a wide range of colours, textures, and slat widths.
Wood is usually the most expensive option, but can also be the most attractive, with a classic look that won't go out of style.
Aluminium Venetian blinds are a mid-range option that is more durable than wood but can be easily dented and scratched.
Plastic is the least expensive of the three, but also the least durable and most likely to break.
9. Vertical Blinds
Image credit: shadingspecialists.co.uk
Vertical blinds are a window treatment that can be used in a variety of settings, both residential and commercial. They are made up of narrow slats that can be rotated to control the amount of light and privacy entering the room. Vertical blinds are often used in rooms with large windows, French doors, or patio doors, as they provide an unobstructed view when fully open.
They are available in a range of styles and colours, giving you the freedom to customise your blinds to fit the decor in any room and against any colour scheme.
Vertical blinds are made from a range of materials, including fabric, wood, and vinyl. Fabric is a popular choice for bedrooms and living rooms, as they add a softness to the space, while wooden blinds can bring a warm, natural look to your room. Vinyl is the budget-friendly option of the three and is easy to clean.
10. Pleated Blinds
Image credit: beytug.co.uk
Pleated blinds are often used as a window dressing due to their modern look and practicality. They not only provide good shading from bright sunlight but also allow you to manually adjust the amount of light that enters your space. From an aesthetic point of view, the pleats of these blinds offer a crisp and tailored appearance that can add a neat and tidy finish to any room.
As with any window treatment, when measuring for pleated blinds be sure to measure the correct width of your window frame so that they fit perfectly and look like they have been professionally fitted. If unsure, always contact the manufacturer for advice, or get the services of a qualified installer.
To help insulate your rooms from hot air escaping, or cold air getting in through your windows, you may wish to consider adding blackout liners. These are a very effective way to reduce energy costs over time.
For safety, pleated blinds are available in corded or cordless options. For obvious reasons, cordless is recommended for households with small children or pets, as hanging cords have the potential to be dangerous and could cause accidents.
Finally, since dust accumulates between each layer of pleated fabric, it’s best to vacuum them regularly using a soft-bristled upholstery attachment. This will help to keep them looking fresh and new for longer.
Do I Need Window Coverings?
If you’re not sure whether or not your windows need dressing, there are a few things to bear in mind.
First, take a look at how much light comes into your room and If you find that your room is too bright, a window treatment will likely be a good option.
If you have a room that is difficult to keep cool or warm, window treatments are a great way to regulate the temperature, so definitely a consideration.
Finally, if you have privacy concerns, dressing a window in the right way will provide the privacy that you need.
If you’re still unsure whether or not you need windows treatments, or can't decide which window treatment ideas to go for, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional.
My Final Thoughts
There are many different ways of dressing a window and getting maximum lighting to your room when you need it. Some of the most popular options include curtains, blinds, and window film.
If you’re looking for ways to improve your home’s lighting as well as dress your windows effectively, there are many options available, as you can see from our list.
It's important to also note that each room in your home will have different lighting and dressing needs. So one solution fits all, but probably won't apply in the case of your home's window dressings.
With a little bit of creativity and research, you will be able to find the perfect solution for each of your rooms.
Author: Matthew Chiappini