Often an overlooked element during the interior design process, window treatments are much more than just a practical accessory for controlling natural light and privacy or a finishing touch to your decor. They can influence the overall aesthetics of your living space. To make sure your home looks and feels the way you want it to, you should consider window dressings when making all other important interior design decisions.
Below we have delved into the importance of choosing the right window dressing for each room in your home and the role they play in interior design. We have also explored some of the most popular window coverings for modern homes that can enhance your living spaces.
The Importance of Window Coverings
The window treatments you choose can have more of an impact on your interior design than you might think. They offer a multitude of benefits, including the following:
- Light Control – From reducing harsh sunlight in your living room to creating a dark environment in your bedroom, window treatments give you complete control over the amount of natural light entering a room.
- Privacy – Window dressing can provide another layer of privacy in your home. You can have peace of mind knowing that curious passersby or criminals with bad intentions won’t easily be able to see into your home.
- Practical – Beyond aesthetics, window coverings help to protect your furniture and furnishings from sun damage. They can also reduce glare on TVs and computer screens, adding a level of functionality to your living space.
- Visual Impact – Window treatments can be used to add colour, pattern and texture to your interior design. They often become a key focal point, drawing attention to your windows and doors, and enhancing the overall design scheme.
- Energy Efficiency – By helping to regulate the indoor temperature in your home, window dressings reduce the need for heating and cooling throughout the year. They can lower your home’s energy consumption and reduce your energy bills.
- Acoustic Control – Some window treatments can even reduce noise pollution. This can help to create a more peaceful and inviting living environment, particularly if you live in a busy area with a lot of outdoor noise.
It’s becoming increasingly common for homeowners to also install matching window coverings on their exterior doors. From French doors to bi-folding doors, covering your doors provides many of the same benefits as covering your windows. Opting for the same window treatments throughout your home can help to create a seamless aesthetic too.
Popular Window Treatments for Modern Homes
There are lots of different types of window dressings that can blend seamlessly into your interior design. Whether you’re looking to create a minimalist, contemporary, industrial or traditional interior, you won’t struggle to find a solution that meets both your functional and aesthetic needs. Commonly, homeowners will choose one of the following for their living spaces:
- Curtains
Curtains have been a staple in interior design for many years due to their timeless appeal. Thick curtains offer an excellent solution for light control. They can completely block out sunlight, making them an ideal choice for bedrooms or nurseries. In contrast, sheer curtains allow natural light to pass through, creating a bright and airy space while still providing some privacy. However, there are more benefits to curtains than just these practical aspects.
Unlike other window treatments, curtains have the ability to create a bold statement and complement your interior architecture. They are available in an abundance of fabrics, colours, patterns and styles, and they can be as eye-catching as you’d like. Not to mention, the softness and movement of curtains add an element of warmth and comfort to your home, creating a welcoming ambience that is difficult to achieve with other window treatments.
- Blinds
Blinds are an incredibly versatile window treatment option, with a variety of types to choose from. Roman blinds are known for their elegant folds and are perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to any room. Roller blinds offer a minimalistic and sleek look, making them ideal for modern decor. Pleated blinds, also known as honeycomb blinds, have a unique design that provides excellent insulation, helping to regulate indoor temperature and lower energy costs. Venetian blinds feature horizontal slats and are available in a range of materials and colours, so they can complement any interior design.
With simple adjustments, blinds can allow full light, partial light or block light completely. They are typically controlled with a hanging cord and you can adjust them throughout the day in line with your needs. Blinds are a great choice for smaller rooms as they don’t take up as much space as curtains and their compact design makes them convenient for rooms like the bathroom or kitchen. Whether open or closed, blinds will sit neatly in the window recess.
- Shutters
Interior shutters are a charming and traditional window treatment. While you can purchase solid shutters, louvred designs are more popular for modern homes. These louvres can be adjusted strategically throughout the day. Plantation shutters come in a variety of materials, each with its own benefits. Wood shutters have a natural warmth, whereas plastic or vinyl shutters provide enhanced durability and they’re perfect for humid rooms like the bathroom.
When it comes to controlling light and privacy, no window treatment compares to plantation shutters. You can open and close the shutters, as well as tilt the louvres, and you can decide how much sunlight and visibility you’d like. Shutters have remained a popular choice for decades due to their effortless elegance and distinctive aesthetic. They can enhance a room’s design and also increase your property’s value, making them a worthwhile investment.
- Motorised and Smart Window Dressings
As more homeowners start to incorporate smart home features into their interior design, motorised window treatments are becoming more common. These high-tech window dressings can be remotely controlled using devices like mobile phones, tablets and smart speakers. They enable you to open and close your window coverings at the touch of a button or with voice commands, and you can even program them in advance to suit your lifestyle.
The convenience offered by smart window dressings goes beyond their ease of use. You can wake up to natural sunlight as your shutters automatically open as the sun rises, create a cosy atmosphere to watch a movie with a simple voice command to close your blinds or make it look like there is someone at home whilst you’re on holiday by programming your curtains to open. Upgrading to motorised window treatments can not only simplify your day-to-day life but provide a new level of comfort and peace of mind.
Working with Residential Interior Designers in London
When creating an interior design, the importance of choosing the right window dressings cannot be overstated. They not only enhance your home’s aesthetic but also provide a multitude of practical benefits. If you’re planning to renovate your home and you’re unsure about which window treatments would work best, enlist the expertise of an interior designer.
At our interior design studio in London, the Zulufish team can assist you with your residential project. With many years of experience creating award-winning interiors, we can help you to find the best solutions for each room in your home. Our design and project management services can make your renovation project much less stressful, and we work closely with our clients to create spaces that encompass all of their wants and needs.
Contact us today to find out more about working with a residential interior designer in London and how we can transform your renovation project with a luxury interior design.
