How to Choose the Best Window Furnishings for Your Home
Curtains can enhance privacy by providing a barrier between you and prying eyes outside as well— as help you keep your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
Choosing the right window furnishings for your home involves more than just picking what looks good on display in a shop. You need to consider the design style of each room. And you also need to consider functionality. Look at the level of insulation each type of window furnishing has. It’s also important to consider the type of room each one is.
INSULATIVE OPTIONS
When it comes to insulation, 3-pass lined blockout drapes and Roman blinds are top choices. These options are excellent at sealing windows due to their full coverage characteristics, preventing heat from escaping during winter and keeping cool air inside during summer. The thick fabric and multiple layers in blockout drapes provide superior insulation, making them ideal for bedrooms and living rooms where being able to control the temperature is crucial. For a more versatile option, layering these with a curtain made from a sheer fabric can offer flexible privacy control — the sheer curtains allow natural light to filter through while maintaining a level of privacy, and the blinds can be drawn for complete privacy when needed.
Plantation shutters and Venetian blinds also offer decent insulation. These options are particularly effective because they allow for adjustable light control while providing a barrier against external temperatures. Shutters, with their solid structure, can fit snugly into window frames, while Venetian blinds’ adjustable slats can be tilted to optimize insulation and control the amount of light.
Modern roller blinds are a popular choice due to their simplicity and compact design. Available in various fabric options such as transparent, translucent, and blockout, they cater to different privacy and lighting needs. Some roller blinds come with added linings on the back, enhancing their blockout and insulative abilities. These blinds are ideal for a sleek, minimalistic look and work well in contemporary spaces.
THE STYLE OF YOUR HOME
The style of your home plays a significant role in choosing the right window furnishings. The age and style of the curtain should align with the home’s overall aesthetic. For example, a federation home might not suit S-fold sheer curtains, which are very modern. Instead, traditional styles like triple pinch pleat drapes or blockout drapes can add a classic touch and functionality.
Colour Choices: The colour of your window furnishings should complement the room’s design. If you prefer the furnishings to blend in, choose colours similar to the walls. One example is translucent cellular blinds in a bathroom which can blend with the paintwork and tiles while adding a modern touch. And if you want your window furnishings to stand out, there are numerous choices with interesting patterns and vibrant colors.
In a transitional home, sheer curtains in a triple pinch pleat design paired with 3-pass blockout drapes in a sophisticated black can add elegance and practicality... while also being timeless for years to come. This combination provides great insulation while also being a backdrop for artwork and various furniture styles.
WHAT TYPE OF ROOM
Bathrooms: Translucent cellular blinds are an excellent choice for bathrooms. They have no control strings on either side, offering a clean look. The polyester fabric can handle the condensation typically found in bathrooms. These blinds are also insulative, keeping the heat out in summer and in during winter.
Living Rooms: For living rooms, sheer curtains paired with blockout drapes can provide a balance of elegance and practicality. This combination allows you to easily control the amount of light coming into the room. The blockout drapes add insulation and complement various interior styles.
Plantation shutters are ideal for small or awkwardly placed windows, like those high up or in corners. It’s easy to control the amount of light coming in by tilting the angle of louvres. Having them in a neutral colour can help them blend seamlessly with neutral walls, giving a tailored look without drawing unnecessary attention. These shutters are particularly beneficial in spaces where you want to maintain a streamlined and uncluttered appearance.
Kitchens and Laundries: Roman blinds in bold colors, such as a deeper blue, can add a touch of character and practicality. With insulative backing and being easy to open and close, they are ideal for areas prone to splashes and moisture as they are easy to clean.
INSTALLATION
Installation is a critical factor in selecting window furnishings. Secure fixing points and the window design must be compatible with the chosen furnishing type. For example, window locks might interfere with the operation of blinds or shutters. Ensure there is enough space above the window to fix certain types of coverings, like heavy drapes, which require studs in the wall for support. Improper installation can lead to issues such as ripping fixings out of plaster walls, especially when operating heavy or complex window furnishings.
CONCLUSION
Choosing the best window furnishings for your home involves considering insulation, style, installation, colour coordination, and the specific needs of each room. Whether you opt for the superior insulation of blockout drapes and Roman blinds, the sleek functionality of roller blinds, or the tailored elegance of plantation shutters, the right choice can enhance your home’s comfort and aesthetic appeal. Take your time to assess your needs and preferences, and you’ll find the perfect window furnishings to complement and enhance your living space.
Would you like some advice about what window furnishings to choose for your home? Don’t hesitate to reach out! We’d love to help. Give us a call on 0433 269 027 or send us a query HERE.