Decorative window treatments
Your curtains and blinds can look stunning - but they also have a job to do. For a start, they provide privacy and affect how much light comes in, and how much heat goes out. Here are some ideas for aesthetic and functional window treatments.
1. Use drapes, sheer fabrics, curtains, blinds, valances and shutters separately or in combination.
2. Coverings can be layered so you can control how much light comes in at different times of the day. Adjustable blinds do this too. Light-coloured curtains let in more light than dark ones. Valances can add colour.
3. Try gathering full-length curtains in unusual holders such as bangles, strips of bright fabric, a soft toy with arms around the drape, a simple hook to hold up the inner edge... These can provide points of interest.
4. If you don't like net or voile curtains, consider techniques that imitate textured glass. Etching makes windows more opaque while still allowing light to filter through.