Sadly, many people don’t expect much from their window treatments. At best, they’re viewed as necessary accoutrements designed to keep the neighbor’s prying eyes from invading their personal space. Like any part of your home that you seldom pay much attention to, it might be difficult to justify any kind of purchase that’d accentuate this space. Worse still, this space is often considered so unobtrusive that many times homeowners fail to realize its stylistic potential.
To that end, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most remarkable window treatment ideas that people have come up with in the hope that their creativity will help inspire you to take another look at these focal points and create something breathtaking.
- Stained Glass
Nothing adds beauty to a window more than stained glass. Contracting someone to replace your windows with stained glass art can be expensive, but that doesn’t mean that stained glass is out. Next time you’re at your locate antique store pick up a couple of salvaged stained glass pieces and hang them in front of your windows for a truly eye-catching display.
- Embellish Your Drapes With Ribbons
If your existing drapes are in good condition but their visual appeal can only be described as ‘lackluster’, get out your sewing machine and add long strands of complementary colored ribbons to make your otherwise bland window treatments pop.
- Patchwork Window Treatments
If you’re looking to add whimsy or uniqueness (or both) to your living space, repurpose your old frayed and weathered clothing into a set of one-of-a-kind drapes for your recreation area or for your children’s room.
- Why Not Tea Towels?
Before you throw away your old, yet still colorful and intricately designed tea towels, consider re-purposing them into lovely window accents!
- Make the Ordinary Extraordinary
There’s nothing blander than your run of the mill pull down shade. On its own, it looks as though it belongs in maybe a 1940’s police station or a construction foreman’s office. Jazz up this otherwise unimpressive window covering by stenciling your favorite quote and become inspired whenever you pull it down!
- Motorized Solar Shades
If you’ve got floor to ceiling windows, consider losing the drapes entirely. Instead, install a set of motorized solar shades that will give you unfettered access to your impeccable view by day while providing you with complete privacy at night.
- Install a Stunning Valance
Fabric valances help draw the eye to your windows from across the room. Use a box-pleated valance to add formal elegance to your dining room or master bedroom. Similarly, an arched valance is the perfect accent to a kitchen or living area window.
- Exceptionally Tall Windows?
If you’ve got exceptionally tall windows and you’re going for a rustic look, use cotton painter’s drop cloths rather than shelling out for custom length drapes.
- Repurpose Your Lace Table Cloth
Using an embroidered lace table cloth as a window treatment in your bedroom gently diffuses light while maintaining privacy.
- Roman Style Shades
Roman shades add luxury to any room in their unique looped or teardrop style. Also available in a flat style, roman shades can be purchased in literally thousands of fabric and color combinations.
- Sheer Drapes
For a sense of privacy without impeding natural light from entering the room, sheer drapes are a perfect fit. Though semi-transparent, sheer drapes can nonetheless boast a resplendently elegant color palette. Sheer curtains are being used more and more as an alternative to opaque materials that can otherwise make a room feel closed in.
- Large, Chunky Patterns
In years past, you’d almost exclusively see small, delicate patterns adorn window treatments (when patterns are used). Lately however, large, chunky patterns have been all the rage. When it comes to making a statement, there’s really no wrong answer where subject matter is concerned. For a more demure look, think angular geometric shapes like large chevrons. For a more playful, romantic take, an oversized floral print will fit the bill.
- Filter the Light Using Burlap
Unlined burlap curtains offer the right mix of privacy and permeability without breaking the bank.
- Curtains? Why Not Reclaimed Barn Wood
Who said window treatments had to be made of light and airy or even thick and cozy fabrics? Bring the outdoors in by installing reclaimed barn wood panels on a sliding track that easy open and close.
- Garden Gate Accent
Sometimes the best effects come from using materials and objects in ways other than their intended purpose. For a little gothic charm, install an ornate black plastic garden gate along the upper edge of your window.
At the end of the day, there’s no limits to what you can do to adorn your windows. Whether you opt for a store bought solution or throw something together yourself, the only wrong window treatment is the one that doesn’t represent you, your home, or your style.