‘Windows are the eyes to the house,” said Andy Dwyer, a character in the US comedy TV hit Parks and Recreation. The hapless Sir Andrew might not have had much interior design experience, but he was on to something. The way you dress your windows can set the tone for the entire house. Here is our guide to getting it right.
Design
Heritage patterns are making a comeback. Naomi Barber, a textile designer for John Lewis, says: “After a long stint of Scandi and contemporary prints, trends are getting richer and more decorative. Archival designs tend to be warm and cosy, which will translate well as we go into autumn. The Strawberry Thief [designed by William Morris in 1883] is selling well at the moment.” Barber also reports a return to velvet. “Rich dark shades of teal and navy are popular. Downstairs is where you will use the heaviest fabrics such as velvet, and upstairs you can go for lighter-weight materials with texture, such as linen blends.”
Joanne Thornhill, an interior stylist, says that the trick to getting curtains to look good is to be generous; allow them to fall a good couple of inches on to the floor and ensure they are at least double the width of your curtain pole or track.
Layering
According to Barber, using a blind and curtains on a window is on trend. “You can mix textures and fabrics and create a great look by layering window dressings. A simple blind can take care of the blackout should you need to manage light in particular rooms, and the curtains will lead the overall look.”
Using both can be pricey, yet opting for ready-made curtains and blinds can save money because they are usually more affordable than made-to-measure. John Lewis sales of ready-made curtains rose by 22 per cent in the year to July, with online sales for ready-made blinds rising 50 per cent in May alone.
Advertisement
Andrew Dunning, the founder of APD Interiors, says: “Layering can also be economical for those with extra-large windows if you buy dress curtains you don’t actually draw.”
Shutters
Many people are opting for shutters rather than traditional curtains or blinds. John Lewis reports that sales of shutters are up 46 per cent in the year to May. They work particularly well on the tall windows in Victorian and Georgian properties.
Chrissie Harper, the operations manager at California Shutters, says: “Opting for solid shutters is popular in period homes, although the slatted shutter doors can offer a much more contemporary look. There are plenty of colours to choose from, but frankly, most people go with neutral shades.
“Elaborate-shaped windows can present a challenge when it comes to dressing them,” Harper says. “If you used curtains or a blind over a window with an interesting design, you would lose sight of the shape. Yet shutters can be cut to any shape. If the window is arched at the top for example, we can follow those lines with the frame.”
Film it
A popular alternative to curtains, shutters or blinds is window film. Thornhill says: “The much-derided net curtain isn’t quite ready for a fashion comeback just yet, but for most of us, privacy is still an issue that needs addressing. Decorative window film has enjoyed a surge in popularity of late, with named designers collaborating with window film companies to produce striking pictorial designs.”
Advertisement
Ask for help
If you can’t decide on the right way to dress your windows, you can enlist the help of a professional. Some of the high street shops offer reasonable interior design services. Laura Ashley offers a consultation for the redesign of two rooms for £100. John Lewis charges £250 for a two-hour consultation in your home, and the fee is redeemable if you spend more than £1,500.