The choice of window furnishings can be overwhelming with so many options available and endless options within options! Each window is different and requires its own unique solution. Your preferred aesthetic will more often than not govern your choice. However be open to all product choices out there. You may change your mind!
Perhaps when sifting through the copious choices available consider their purpose. We at times dismiss the function of window furnishings in favour of aesthetics. Consider the following to assist in making a purposeful decision while still achieving a stylish design.
Sheer curtains with blackout blinds
Designer: Daniela- Instile Interiors
Thermal Properties / Energy efficiencies
If you are looking to keep the heat in during winter and out during summer you can’t go past drapery or cellular blinds. You can gain maximum thermal efficiency without compromising style. Drapes in particular can offer endless styles and enable a holistic interior design for the space. The endless fabric choices allow you to achieve your preferred style and simultaneously achieve a purposeful, tailored result. For example, drapes with complete blackout (use of 3 pass lining) offer maximum thermal benefits as well as complete light block out - great for bedrooms. However, you can also achieve thermal advantages with one pass lining by trapping a pocket of air between the fabric layers but still allowing some light to come through. This may serve a better purpose in the living areas within the home where complete blackout is not required.
Linen Curtains with blackout 3 pass lining
Designer: Daniela - Instile Interiors
Orientation / Light
For windows with afternoon sun or a west orientation definitely consider blackout or opaque window furnishings to reduce UV light. UV can be damaging to interiors as well as being uncomfortable.
Generally, a translucent fabric to allow natural light in with the added benefit of privacy. Roller blinds, roman blinds, cellular blinds or curtains can provide varying levels of light reduction and privacy.
The weight and texture of the fabric will allow you to adjust the amount of sunlight entering the home. For drapes and sheers in particular - thicker fabrics such as velvets, linens or polyester plus lining offer light diming solutions without a complete blackout. Be wary however if using natural fibres as they are prone to fading or even fraying. Dim out lining for drapery can “dim out” the light and not completely blackout the room all the while protecting the fabric.
Durability & Maintenance
If opting for drapes or curtains note that all natural fabrics will ultimately fade or fray if not protected from the sun. For this reason synthetic blends are a better option as they not only hold their colour but also have minimal movement. Most natural fabrics will drop from their original measured height and hence puddling is recommended for natural fibres. If you go for puddling think about the requirement for cleaning them, especially if you have pets or very dusty, high traffic areas.
Although very stylish drapes and sheers do require maintenance compared to your alternative roller blinds, cellular blinds, roman blinds and venetians. These options don’t tend to hold dust, mould or mites and are easier to keep clean.
Very creative way to dress an angled window by Lovelight
Architect: Jackson Clements Burrows Architects Interior: Hecker Guthrie Styling: Swee Design Images: Shannon McGrath
Window type, shape, size and how it opens
Do your windows open side to side or up and down? Windows allow the air within the home to circulate so avoid choosing something that reduces or stops airflow. Of the varying choices, you have choices within those choices to suit your window shape, size and accommodate airflow. For example, if your windows open up and down you may prefer romans or cellular however and if you love sheers, ensure they are made to stack off the window to the side.
Acoustics
Not often thought of when choosing window furnishings, however if you are looking for a cosy warm feeling drapery or cellular blinds would be your go to options. Drapery and cellular blinds in bedrooms works well not only for acoustics for complete light blackout out assisting better sleep. Varying fabric thickness can offer varying acoustic and blackout properties. If furnishing a dining room where you would like to create a sense of cosiness and less noise acoustics plays a major part in setting the mood.
Aesthetics & Budget
With so many choices start with your budget in mind. You can achieve a lovely aesthetic with which any option you go for by thinking about the space holistically. Think colour, texture, shape, size and patterns to add interest and tie in with the interior. Or - think about how the furnishing will look from the outside. Ever walk past a house with window coverings in a sheer curtain? Looks amazing! Or if you have blinds - perhaps consider choosing a colour that compliments the both inside and outside of your house. With so many modern and custom variations within each window treatment you can easily adapt to you budget and aesthetic.
Happy to arrange a free window furnishings consult to assist in your window furnishings' interior selections. Feel free to drop me a line on daniela@instileinteriors.com.au :)