Window Coverings to Transform Your Space

I have a friend who hates window coverings. I've been with her multiple times  when she's been choosing, buying or returning curtains and blinds. But even she has finally found her perfect window covering, beautiful fitted wooden blinds which are both stylish and functional.

curtains

Meanwhile I am a big fan of curtains. I like her wooden blinds but I'm not really a fan of fabric blinds and I appreciate the softness and texture curtains can bring to an interior scheme.

One thing I have learned is that buying window coverings is not always as simple as it might seem.

The first thing to do is to evaluate your interior decor and what you want from your window dressing. Does it simply need to be decorative or should it be functional? Do you just want to keep light out or do you need to help stop heat escaping?

I chose thermal drapes with a tightly knit lining to keep warmth in and light out - they are effectively black out drapes.

Lightweight voiles can soften hard lines and don't need substantial fittings to keep them up. They can just be threaded through or draped over lightweight poles or even hooks.

voiles and cuddle chair:Photo by Hutomo Abrianto on Unsplash

Heavyweight coverings need heavyweight fittings and someone who is handy with a drill to fit them. Usually there is a choice of hanging. - some curtains have hooks to attached the curtains to a track, some use clips and some have loops or holes to thread onto a curtain pole.

So you've decided on the practical requirements of your chosen window coverings. Now where can you find window coverings that transform your space?

Well you can of course pick up drapes and blinds in pretty much any mall but it's wise to remember that not all windows are created equal.

Off the peg coverings generally come in just a few sizes and it's not always possible to find the right size for every window in your home.

There's also a skill to measuring windows and understanding how coverings are sized - curtains for instance should be wide enough to allow for some ruching but not so long they puddle on the floor - unless that's the look you are going for. Some blinds can be cut to size but it's a nerve wracking process which can easily go wrong with inaccurate measuring or wobbly hands wielding scissors.

curtains and blind:Photo by Ellieelien on Unsplash

It's probably best to approach a specialist window covering supplier who will come and measure the windows and create coverings to fit perfectly.

Opt for statement or classic coverings to suit your taste - don't be tempted for a fashionable feature look if you know you won't be replacing them anytime soon. Window coverings can date - remember the swags and pelmets of the 80's?

Spend time browsing patterns and fabrics until you are absolutely sure you are going to love the window coverings, especially if they will be visible from outside as well as inside.