When done well, beautiful window treatments frame a room and add the finishing touch that pulls a design together. But finding the right combination of fabric, pattern and silhouette can be tricky. That’s because each treatment has to satisfy its practical purpose of providing privacy and light control while also upping the style ante, which requires a deep calculation of directional light that evolves throughout the day and the overall space’s design aesthetic.
Luckily, with the help of our experts, you’ll find everything from drapes to shades to blinds and more that make the grade. Read on to discover some of our favorite window treatments that are both functional and striking.
For a room with a sleek, contemporary feel, sheers are the way to go. Here, a pair of gauzy white panels offer just the right amount of visual interest and softness to this sleek master bedroom while matching the bed’s crisp linen duvet and drapery rod pocket. A coordinating tape trim and barely floor-skimming length keep the look clean and polished.
Drapes, on the other hand, are a bit more formal and typically made of heavier fabrics like velvet and brocade. They’re ideal for bedrooms and living rooms click here where the primary concern is privacy, though they may not fully darken a room from natural light. To create a warm, cozy retreat in this basement bar and lounge, Tyler Karu Design + Interiors layered light-filtering shades with drapes that coordinate with golden wood tones and woven textiles.
In a living room where symmetry is key, a set of paired curtains can create an architecturally stunning focal point. Lucy Doswell chose to match a punchy patterned fabric for the top half with a solid, neutral tone on the bottom to create balance and draw attention up to a vaulted ceiling.
A dining room might be a more utilitarian space where privacy and light are the top considerations. Here, a set of coordinating patterned curtains keeps things simple yet still provides a bold design element that complements the oversized art over the mantel.
Shades are a popular choice for kitchens, as they’re compact, easy to keep clean and allow the full view of counters and appliances when open. But they’re a great choice for any space where natural light is essential, too. For a modern kitchen with a minimal aesthetic, a set of sleek roller shades is both functional and stylish.
Blinds also come in a wide variety of styles, colors and textures to suit any home. These honeycomb shades, for example, feature a pattern that nods to traditional chintzes while adding a fresh touch.
Aside from the type of window treatment, details like trim, heading, style and inside or outside-casing mount can shift a style. A pleat-style heading and elegant tape trim here elevate the clean lines of this streamlined Roman shade, while an inside-casing mount and matching blinds to the windows’ trim maintain a cohesive look.