30 Window Treatment Ideas to Elevate Your Space
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With the right window treatments, you can instantly transform a space. But where should you start? Browsing window treatment ideas for the bedroom, living room, dining room, kitchen or any other corner of your home can be overwhelming. After all, there are countless ways to dress up your windows.
So, we’ve done the heavy lifting and compiled the 30 best window treatment ideas to elevate any space. We hope you get inspired to try these window treatment options in your home!
- Classic Window Treatment Ideas
- Modern Window Treatment Ideas
- Alternative Window Treatment Ideas
- Functional Window Treatment Ideas
- Tips for Choosing Window Treatments
First, let’s review some tips to help you decide.
Tips for Choosing Window Treatments
Not sure how to narrow down your options for window treatments? Consider the following as you choose the right curtains, drapes or shades for your home.
Function
What role will window treatments play in the room? Practical considerations like privacy level, light filtering and temperature control are critical in determining the type of curtains, drapes or shades you’ll need.
Learn more: How to Choose Curtains and Drapes for Your Home
Choose easy-care fabrics like cotton or polyester for high-traffic areas like family rooms and kitchens.
Avoid using delicate, high-maintenance fabrics like silk or velvet in kids’ rooms, kitchens or patio doors. These locations are more susceptible to irritants like smoke, steam, dust, and wear and tear.
More tips: The Best Curtain Fabrics for Your Home
Form
Curtains come in several styles. Popular variations include pleated, eyelet, rod-pocket, grommet and tab-top. Different pleats, pockets or loops affect how the curtains hang on the rod or cascade over your windows.
Lastly, be thoughtful about picking the best colors for your window treatments.
Curtains, drapes and shades take up a significant amount of space and are often a focal point in a room. Be sure to pick color schemes that match your furniture or paint and are cohesive with your interior design ideas.
Classic Window Treatment Ideas
Do you lean toward traditional decor or want window treatments that will stand the test of time? Whether you prefer single or layered curtains, classic window treatments rarely go out of style.
Sheer Curtains
A timeless and classic option, sheer curtains look stunning in nearly any room. If you want to diffuse light, hang them on their own or pair them with opaque curtains for more privacy.
Neutral Curtains
Neutral curtains in tan, cream, gray or white shades add an instant air of coziness to a space. Match the neutral hue with your furniture for a monochromatic look.
Jewel-Tone Drapes
Rich jewel tones add a sophisticated feel to any room. If your room feels spare, try draperies in deep red, teal or magenta to add a luxurious finishing touch.
Find out what’s the difference between curtains and drapes.
Blue and White Curtains
Who doesn’t love this classic color combination? Navy blue and white curtains are perfect for a kitchen or soothing bedroom.
Café Curtains
If you don’t need complete privacy, cafe curtains are an excellent way to add personality to your space. Try it in the kitchen or sunroom to maximize natural light.
Burlap Curtains
The farmhouse fad isn’t going anywhere! Capture a shabby chic feel with burlap curtains. The burlap look is ideal for both long drapery panels and café-style curtains. Or, if you're looking for a DIY option, try these drop cloth curtains.
Taffeta Curtains
Love silk, but don’t want to spend a fortune on your curtains? Taffeta curtains have a similar sheen and are half the price, so they’re a budget-friendly alternative to silk curtains (they’re also easier to maintain.) Try a rich, deep shade for a luxe look.
Ruffled Curtains
Go for a full ruffle or just a box pleat along the edges. Hang ruffled curtains for a touch of whimsy in the kids’ room, nursery, bedroom or office.
Velvet Drapes
The ultimate in luxury fabrics, velvet drapes create a royal aura. Try colors like deep purple, green or blue for a beautiful finish. (Pro-tip: Read up on care instructions for velvet drapes to keep them looking beautiful.)
Silk Curtains
Luxurious silk curtains are beautiful, unique and soft to the touch. But since they’re more expensive and harder to clean, stick to hanging them in low-traffic areas like a bedroom or formal living room.
Window Scarves
To hang window scarves, employ elegant curtain draping techniques using organza, chiffon, voile or velvet fabrics. Curtain draping is best for windows and rooms that don’t require as much privacy since the window will be exposed.
Modern Window Treatment Ideas
If you like to keep up-to-date with the latest trends, you’re likely drawn to fresh modern designs.
Get Matchy
Is matching your wallpaper and drapes a bit too much? Drapes in a coordinating or identical pattern can help blend into the wall rather than stand out, but you be the judge. Use solid bedding with patterned throw pillows to complete the look.
Opposites Attract
If matching wallpaper and drapes isn’t your style, try contrasting patterns instead. Plaids and florals? Polka-dots and stripes? Why not?
Color Block Curtains
Color block curtains add a geometric punch to a room. Opt for a two-tone neutral look, or punch it up with some bright colors to make a statement.
Ombre All the Way
Ombre curtains are contemporary and trendy. Choose from hand-painted or tie-dyed ombre curtains to create a whimsical, artistic atmosphere. For a personal flair, try these DIY dip-dye curtains.
These semi-sheer rod pocket curtains are available in a range of colors to mix and match to your heart’s desire.
In the Pink
White sheers are a classic look, but what about pink? Pink isn’t just for little girls’ rooms anymore. Adding a wash of color takes the classic look up a notch.
Tasseled or Pom-Pom Edged Curtains
Colorful pom-poms dress up otherwise plain curtains. Adding other DIY accents like tassels or ribbons is an easy way to customize curtains — just use supplies from your local craft store.
Roman Shades
Roman shades add a bold splash of color or pattern to a room. They’re available in flat, cascade, relaxed and draped tulip styles to fit a range of styles and décor.
Woven Blinds
Natural woven blinds are typically made of organic materials like bamboo and matchstick. These blinds are effective at diffusing light while still offering privacy. Pair them with white or neutral-colored curtains.
Chevron Curtains
Add some pizzazz with Chevron-patterned curtains. Thinner Chevron patterns look a little more sophisticated, while thicker zig-zag stripes are perfect for a playroom or child’s bedroom.
Ikat Shades
Jump on the patterned trend with Ikat shades. They’re made from an Indonesian decorative technique that uses tie-dye before weaving for a bright, colorful look.
Alternative Window Treatment Ideas
If you’re looking for something different, these non-traditional ideas may just be the thing your space needs.
Picture This
Using stained glass or framed pictures is a novel way to display your favorite works of art – especially if you’re short on wall space. In addition, unexpected elements can draw the eye outward to a spectacular view. If privacy isn’t an issue, don’t be afraid to let the outside peek in around a treasured piece.
Window Origami
This Craftsman-meets-Asian design is a stunner. Folding screens do double duty, providing privacy and functioning as a room divider if the situation calls for it. Folding screens are available in various materials and styles to fit any decor.
Go Green
Let there be sun! Hanging plants in your window brings natural light in – and it’s good for your plants too.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
These DIY boho curtains instantly brighten your mood and add pizzazz to any window or door. Tie fabric scraps or colorful scarves together to create large curtain panels, then attach them to the top of your curtain rod.
Functional Window Treatment Ideas
Minimalism is all the rage. If you like to keep things simple, functional window treatments can provide light, sound and climate control.
Solar Shades
Solar shades are the way to go if you’re looking for complete privacy. Also called “window sunglasses,” their opaque design preserves privacy while maintaining light control. In addition, solar shades have openness factors ranging from 3-14 percent, so you can select how much light you want to filter.
Blackout Curtains
Hang blackout curtains to block light completely. Try using blackout curtains in bedrooms if you struggle to get a restful night’s sleep.
Thermal Curtains
Thermal curtains (also known as insulated curtains or energy-efficient curtains) are great for regulating temperature. These curtains contain a layer of acrylic foam that prevents heat or cool air from coming in and out of the windows.
Learn how to make DIY thermal curtains.
Soundproof Curtains
Soundproof curtains absorb and reduce noise. If you live in a noisy neighborhood or work or study from home, consider hanging soundproof curtains in your home. Soundproof curtains can also block light and regulate temperature.
Check out our Guide to Soundproof Curtains.
Window Film
Consider window film if you want a no-treatment look but still want privacy. Non-adhesive window film is easy to apply (and remove), comes in various styles and is a low-cost alternative to frosted glass.
Bring Your Window Treatment Ideas to Life With Kwik-Hang
Choosing window treatments for your home is exhausting enough, so don’t waste any more time when it comes to hanging curtains.
Bring all your curtain ideas to life with Kwik-Hang’s easy-install, damage-free curtain rod brackets. Just align the brackets to your window frame, tap them in with a hammer and hang curtains and drapes instantly — no leveling or drilling needed. Install perfect curtains every time without having to measure!
Kwik-Hang curtain rod brackets are ridiculously easy to install and remove, so feel free to swap out your window treatments or play around with different looks. The brackets hold up to 20 pounds, so they’re safe for households with kids and pets and can support everything from sheer voile fabrics to heavy velvet draperies.
