There’s nothing like a room with a view or a space flooded with natural light. But no matter how beautiful a space is or how much light it gets or doesn’t get, window treatments are essential. Not only do window treatments help block rooms from getting too much light (or becoming too hot or cold), they are also essential for privacy. They can also enhance the aesthetic of a room.
Whether you are looking for window treatments for a bedroom, living room, or even a home office, here are seven window treatment ideas to consider incorporating into your decor scheme.
Sheer Curtains
Sheer curtains became a major trend during the pandemic for several reasons. The first is that they provide privacy from neighbors as well as nearby buildings. At the same time, they allow light to come in, which can make a room feel physically larger and airier. The sheer curtains at 1435 Lexington Avenue, Apartment 8D, in Manhattan is a perfect example of this. The sheer-white fabric not only allows in light while improving privacy, but it also coordinates with the paint and decor style of this charmingly beautiful New York City home.
Sheer window curtains allow for natural light while improving privacy at this Lexington Avenue apartment. (Warburg Realty)
Printed Blackout Shades
Most people associate blackout shades with an ugly white vinyl roll pulled up and down with a string. However, newer style blackout shades can be very sophisticated, as opposed to an eyesore. The blackout shades in the nursery at this luxurious Upper West Side co-op show how modern blackout curtains can make a big decorative impact. The style of these shades, in particular, doesn’t look any different from regular window shades. The black and white square print easily coordinates with the furniture yet doesn’t look like it was designed specifically for a baby’s room. Best of all, they’re functional, making this room, which gets excellent light, a better place for sleeping.
This Upper West Side co-op features modern blackout shades in the nursery. (Warburg Realty)
Ruched Curtains
Ruched curtains are another major window treatment trend, especially for more traditional and contemporary homes. They give a room a feeling of true grandeur.
Because of the way they catch the eye, ruched curtains are ideal for homes that get light but don’t necessarily have a view.
The curtains in the living room at 137 East 66th Street, Apartment 2A, are a great example of this. The tan color compliments both the paint on the wall and the color of various textiles in the room.
Ruched curtains like the ones found at this East 66th Street apartment lend a grandeur quality to the living spaces. (Warburg Realty)
Top-Down Bottom-Up Window Shades
They might feel a little unusual at first, but top-down, bottom-up shades have a unique look that can be incredibly helpful in places like bedrooms to balance the need for natural light and privacy. Top-down, bottom-up shades are also helpful when it comes to preventing light from hitting your television screen or monitor, depending on placement and time of day.
The top-down, bottom-up window shades at this three-bedroom condo with a private entry in Charleston, South Carolina, create privacy in the guest room while allowing light to flood through. The sheer fabric easily coordinates with a variety of decor styles.
Top-down, bottom-up window shades are helpful when it comes to blocking out light patterns throughout the day. (East West Partners)
Dark Curtains
They say you can never have too much of a good thing, but that’s not always true when it comes to light. Dark curtains such as those at this west-facing residence with expansive mountain views in Greenwood Village, Colorado, are useful for blocking out the sunlight while watching television or a movie. The dark color also has a more modern look than a lighter-colored fabric would.
Dark curtains lend a contemporary note to this roughly 2,400-sqare-foot condominium at 5455 Landmark Place in Greenwood Village, Colorado. (Slifer, Smith & Frampton Real Estate)
Shades and Curtains
Sometimes two can be better than one when it comes to window treatments. Combining traditional curtains with a blackout shade allows for more flexibility in terms of blocking and allowing light into a room. The combination is an especially smart choice for bedrooms such as this one at 740 Park Avenue in Manhattan. The cream-colored curtains add charm, while the white blackout is more practical.
Sometimes two can be better than one when it comes to window treatments. Take this stunning co-op at 740 Park Avenue, for example. (Warburg Realty)
No Window Treatments
Another window treatment trend is surprisingly no window treatments. Homes with jawdropping views such as this penthouse at San Diego’s exclusive Park Laurel highrise don’t need window treatments. To be frank, having window treatments would detract from the absolutely stunning view.
Just keep in mind that you’re going to need window treatments if privacy is a concern. So this isn’t an ideal look for bedrooms.
Sometimes less is more, even with window treatments. This penthouse in San Diego’s Park Laurel highrise takes in spectacular views that would be wasted by curtains or other treatments. (Willis Allen Real Estate)
