A beautifully cleaned window is a component of a cozy and beautiful interior. With the help of curtains, you can radically change the appearance of the room: emphasize the sophistication or conciseness of the situation, push the space or, conversely, make it compact and comfortable. To choose the right decor for the window, you need to take into account several factors: the style of the product, its texture, size, and color. So, how to beautifully decorate windows with curtains so that the interior looks harmonious?
How to hang
In most cases, the best visual effect can be achieved by following two rules:
- curtains should protrude significantly beyond the window opening
- the cornice must be installed above the window by 20-40 cm
With these simple tricks, you can visually significantly increase the window and ceiling height.
An excellent option can also be a combination of curtains with Roman blinds, which can cover the upper part of the wall above the window opening.
The photo shows how the design of window curtains transformed the interior of the room. The ceiling height was visually increased and the room began to seem more spacious.
Choose a color
Cold or warm tone. All shades can be conditionally divided into warm and cold. Therefore, it is worth considering the influence of the cold and warm spectrum on the situation. Dark northern rooms will become even gloomier if you hang curtains in steel or blue tones in them. The room will be oppressive, seem damp and uncomfortable. This effect can be corrected with peach, carrot, light orange, yellow, terracotta, orange, mustard and chocolate. Warm sunny rooms can be cooled down a bit by adding any of the shades of water, air or greenery. For example, gray, blue, turquoise, indigo, cornflower blue, lilac, malachite or dark green.
Use different shades of the same color. Having made repairs to the apartment, the hostesses tend to decorate it with new curtains. The main advice in this case is not to buy them in the same tone with wallpaper. Otherwise they will be lost. Contrasting shades may also not be suitable if they do not harmonize with the color of the furniture. It is best to take as a basis the palette of upholstery of upholstered furniture. it is better to combine all the textiles with each other: a bedspread, decorative pillows, a tablecloth or napkins on a table, united by one idea, texture and color will create a positive atmosphere. it is enough to choose curtains to match the soft corner. In the kitchen, the main place is occupied by a suite, so the curtains are selected for cabinets and shelves.
Choose the right contrasting color combinations. If you want to use two or more colors in the design, then it is best to use the color matching table.
Desaturated pastel colors are suitable for decorating a small area, they create a feeling of freedom of space. This effect is especially obvious when using light translucent fabrics. Such a palette is also appropriate in large rooms, if they have a public or work purpose. For living rooms with a large quadrature, you can safely use dark muted tones. They are especially relevant in the bedroom, as they obscure the rays of the midday sun, close from prying eyes, and create a feeling of solitude. When choosing a color for curtains, do not forget to consider the wishes of family members. This is especially important for children and teenagers.
Patterns on the fabric
If you prefer not plain, but patterned fabric, pay attention to its features.
A large pattern looks good in large and spacious rooms.. In a small room, it will look too aggressive and visually reduce the space. In addition, a large pattern should not be used on small-sized curtains.
Small pattern is great for small spaces. It also looks good on small curtains.
Vertical lines visually increase the height of the room. Lines of different thicknesses and directions can create optical illusions and streamline the dimensions of a room. So, a fabric with a vertical stripe will help visually raise the ceiling. In this case, it is better to use the maximum length, straight cut and fasten it on the cornice under the ceiling.
Horizontal lines visually expand the narrow space. To adjust the proportions of a narrow and long room, you can use curtains with a horizontal strip.
Repeating a pattern in other textiles. Images of fruits and vegetables, nature, flowers and plants, animals look good when repeated in other textiles. For example, in the bedroom, the bedspread and curtains can be decorated with one floral motif, and in the kitchen, the theme of pastries, coffee, and fruits will naturally look.
Repeat pattern on wallpaper. An interesting design solution can be the repetition of the same pattern on textiles and wallpaper. Many well-known brands produce collections of wallpapers and fabrics that can be combined in one interior. However, here you need to be careful not to make the room too colorful.
Style value
When decorating a window, you can combine several types of curtains together if necessary. For example, ornate translucent curtains with a lambrequin will decorate a bedroom, and classic curtains will fit into absolutely any style of interior.
A holistic picture of the interior and appearance of a residential or office space is obtained by designing window openings. At the same time, it is important to complete the finish so as not to spoil the design, but to emphasize its advantages.
The decor of the space in question can be external and internal. Approaches differ depending on the place of work, so it is necessary to think over and present the final result in advance. A beautiful finish will bring coziness and create a warm atmosphere inside the room, and the correct design of the openings from the outside will make the facade of the house inimitable and unique.
Options for the design of the window opening inside
There are a huge number of options for decorating the window space inside the room. We will consider some options below.
- One of the most common options for interior decoration of window space is standard curtain decoration, suitable in color and style to the interior and decor of the room. In addition to beauty, this option will help protect rooms from exposure to sunlight and protect from unwanted looks from the outside. The appearance and basis of curtains, tulle, curtains depend on the desire of the owners, their creative vision, fashion design trends, etc. To date, in addition to the usual tulle and curtains with lambrequins, stylish roller blinds have gained wide popularity. This is an aluminum frame with a fabric or other curtain base suspended from it. Modern technologies allow you to close the window both completely and partially, depending on your mood and desire.
- Blinds. In recent decades, vertical and horizontal blinds have become widespread, which not only add a stylish twist to the room, but also reliably protect from exposure to sunlight.
- Look good as a design solution for various decor ribbons, loops, grips, clips and houseplants.
In addition to window opening accessories (curtains, etc.), do not forget about such interior decoration elements as:
- slopes;
- Cornice;
- Decorative corners;
- Window sills.
Options for decorating a window opening from the outside
It is difficult to imagine the windows of a house without proper exterior decoration. The main issue in this type of decoration will be the right choice of technology and materials for the installation of slopes and decor. It is necessary to carry out the work so that the windows are combined with the materials of the external repair of the building. For example, for a house sheathed with siding, you should not decorate windows with stucco molding or stone.
When bringing an idea to life, one should not forget that a modest and unoriginal design that harmoniously fits into the overall concept of the building is better than a masterpiece window that spoils the whole impression. In addition, decoration elements should not interfere with the passage of light through the window, as then there will be a lack of natural light inside.
The choice of material for finishing
When choosing materials for finishing a window opening, special attention should be paid to external work, since in this case it is important to ensure reliability and tightness to withstand various weather conditions (snow, rain, wind, etc.). Next, we will talk about the most common options for outdoor design.
For such purposes are used:
- Various plasters;
- Siding and decorative plastic;
- Lining made of wood;
- Artificial and natural stone;
- Stucco elements.
Application of plaster
Modern technologies and materials allow you to find many options for decorating windows, but many prefer the proven plastering option.
Making with plaster will require the worker to have certain skills and experience with the material. If you have never experienced such a process before, contact the experts.
Due to the fact that when applying the finishing material, the surface will be leveled, preparatory work and alignments are not required. Before starting work, it is worth preparing: two spatulas of different sizes, a plaster solution (finishing and starting), a sheet of sandpaper, a level.
To increase the level of adhesion to the surface, it is recommended to make small notches along the perimeter of the slopes with a hammer. Next, the starting layer of the material is applied, the evenness of the application is necessarily controlled by the level. After a few hours, it is recommended to clean up all defects with sandpaper and apply a finishing layer of ordinary or decorative plaster.
This option for arranging openings is simple, affordable and allows you to later change the decor at your own discretion (paint, attach other materials, etc.).
Application of plastic
Plastic materials (lining, siding) are practical and affordable. The main advantages of this decoration include:
- Long service life;
- Practicality and ease of cleaning;
- Ease of operation and installation;
- High coefficient of moisture resistance.
Fastening is carried out on a wooden crate, made of small bars and guides. To decorate joints and corners, special plastic strips and corners are used. When arranging the crate and directly sheathing, all operations must be controlled using a level.
The use of stucco
Stucco molding is an ideal design option for those who strive for luxury and uniqueness. This material only in recent decades began to be used as a finish for a window opening.
Before starting work, it is necessary to level the surface. This operation can be done using the starting layer of plaster. You should not take lightly the preparation of a window for stucco molding, since irregularities will not allow you to complete the decor with high quality.
Working with stucco is not as easy as it might seem.. The composition of the material itself includes plaster and gypsum mixture, which somewhat complicates the process. If there is no possibility or desire to entrust such finishing work to specialists, before starting work, carefully watch the training videos on working with the finish in question. This will protect you from common mistakes that lead to material damage.
As a conclusion, it can be noted that windows to create a complete picture of the room require interior and exterior decoration. Interior decoration consists in decorating the space with various curtains, curtains and original elements.
For exterior decoration, the resistance of materials to external influences is important. Design is widely used with the help of plaster, plastic, various types of lining, stucco, siding. Fantasy and creativity will help create a unique image of the house. You can paint windows and openings with paints, make rich stucco or simply sheathe them with plastic - the main thing is that all materials and solutions for finishing openings and the whole house harmoniously combine and complement each other. No wonder they say that windows are the eyes of the house, and the eyes are the reflection of the soul.
Place mirrors there. This technique will visually expand the window opening, and reflect the composition on the windowsill. Isn't it a nice bonus for such a simple design solution?
Design: IKEA
2 color
Another way to decorate slopes is to paint them in a bright, contrasting color. Painting in the color of windows will look especially advantageous if the walls in the room are decorated in other colors.
The reception is especially relevant for and in cases where there was no place for the room: a bright, eye-catching window unit will successfully perform this function.
3 decorative panels
Modern manufacturers offer special panels for decorating window slopes. They can be made of various materials, in a certain style, have a textured pattern.
Photo: Instagram mariekerusticusstyling
There is a very wide range of such decorative panels for children's rooms - with colorful patterns, drawings of animals or fairy-tale characters, take note.
4 Curtains
Slopes can be completely visually hidden from view by curtains. It looks especially impressive if the cornice is placed directly above the frame, and the length of the curtains corresponds to the height of the window opening (note that for such a reception the room must have very large windows and fairly high ceilings).
Photo: Instagram mariekerusticusstyling
5 Wood
Slopes can also be decorated with wood (both in a contrasting shade and in the color of the walls). The option is not the most budgetary, but it is environmentally friendly, durable and effective.
Design: Jordan Parnass Digital Architecture
6 Art painting
You can turn a window opening into a real element of art - and decorate the slopes with artistic painting. In many styles (classical, ethnic, neoclassical, eclectic and others), this unusual solution will be very appropriate.
7 Ceramic tiles
You can also lay out slopes or mosaics (in whole or in part).
8 Pictures, posters, photos
If your slopes are very wide, why not place photo frames, posters or? Such a solution will add coziness and individuality to the interior and will be especially appropriate if the window block is not hidden by thick curtains, but is in plain sight.
9 Any Neat Wall Decor
In general, you can use almost any wall decor to decorate wide window slopes. See how elegant small decorative mirrors look in the example below. The main thing is to focus on the width of the slope and the general style of the situation, take into account the composition on the windowsill and not overdo it.
You cannot change the view from the window, but you can redesign the window itself, turning the window sill into the most favorite place in the apartment. Is it possible? Of course, it is not for nothing that windows are called the eyes of the house, and the eyes, as we remember, are the mirror of the soul.
Bench-windowsill, smoothly turning into a countertop in the project of the Moscow design studio Annis Lender
Before proceeding with the decor, you should deal with important technical points, which in the northern climate include, first of all, high-quality insulation. If a hurricane draft is blowing from the window, the maximum decor that you can afford is pasting the frame with a thick layer of cotton wool. In order for the windows to be beautifully designed and used to the maximum, one cannot do without high-quality double-glazed windows, a neat window sill and clean glass. However, before choosing the material and dimensions for the window sill, you should think about how exactly you will use this window.
The possibilities to turn a window opening into a cozy sofa or a full-fledged workplace depend, of course, on the height of the window opening and the functions of the room, but among the many options, there will surely be something suitable for your case.
Even if you are not ready for bold decorative solutions and just want to beautifully decorate window openings with curtains and blinds, you should do it wisely.
Decoration of small windows:
- give up lush multilayer draperies, they will turn already small windows into loopholes;
- remember that long curtains and vertical stripes on the fabric visually lengthen the opening;
- place the cornice under the ceiling, and hide part of the wall above the window opening behind laconic lambrequins, so the window will seem noticeably larger;
- give preference to plain fabrics or textiles with small ornaments;
- roller blinds, roman blinds, and blinds are perfect for decorating small windows, especially in the kitchen. They can also be combined with other curtains.
Roller blinds for small windows, Mottura
Advice: Do you want to improve insolation and visually enlarge the windows? Fix mirrors at the ends of window openings - the result will exceed all your expectations.
Roman blinds and window sill in the nursery, designed by Taras Bezrukov and Stas Samkovich
Large windows into the room are an undoubted advantage, which, however, requires a very thoughtful and serious approach.
- think carefully about sun protection, especially in the bedroom or nursery. For these purposes, inconspicuous roller blinds are well suited, which are easy to hide above the eaves in addition to the main decor;
- do not be afraid to use multilayer compositions with several types of fabric, lambrequins, tacks and draperies;
- for bay windows and very large windows, it makes sense to choose a cornice with a motor and remote control of the curtains.
Layered window composition in classic style, WDesign
Window decor is not limited to hanging curtains and blinds. You can also use the opening with a window sill more functionally.
In the kitchen, directly at the level of the window, you can place a worktop and even a kitchen sink. This will not only save valuable square meters, but also allow you to do household chores with good natural light.
Kitchen sink under the window to enjoy the view during boring work, design by Ken Ryan
In a very modest-sized kitchen, an extended window sill can turn into a small breakfast nook and a kind of analogue of a bar counter that replaces a dining table.
Countertop as a continuation of the window sill in a small kitchen, designed by Taras Bezrukov and Stas Samkovich
Reminder: in addition to the standard white plastic, there are many design options for the window sill. In the kitchen and in the bathroom, it can be decorated with small tiles left over from the design of the apron. or mosaic, because it is not only beautiful, but also practical.
Workplace on the windowsill
Another practical window design option is to turn it into a workplace. In the bedroom, nursery, living room and even on the balcony, this option will allow you to make the most of solar lighting and save on furniture, just choose a wide table top made of a suitable material instead of a standard window sill. However, in this case, we must not forget about roller blinds or blinds so that bright light does not interfere with your work, as well as a sufficient number of sockets for equipment.
Desktop under the window in the Odnushechka studio project
A cozy reading nook with a soft seat and an abundance of pillows under the window is the dream of many. If you have wide and low window sills in your house, it is quite easy to implement it, the main thing is to take care of the absence of drafts.
Storage boxes can be placed under the seat or the battery can be hidden behind a special wooden screen.
Soft corner under the window in the nursery, Korneev Design Workshop
Advice: a soft seat may not be stationary, it is enough to use a large flat pillow, and put a long and narrow pillow next to the frame so that it definitely does not blow.
Rosichelli Design
Stained glass and stickers
What if your dream window has a breathtaking view of the garbage cans or is it located at the level of the first floor? Try to improve the view from the inside!
The window can be painted with stained glass paints on the glass with a rather uncomplicated pattern or sealed with a translucent stained glass film. Original films with a pattern and translucent stickers are now being produced, which can cover only the lower part of the window, without obstructing the passage of sunlight.
Glass stickers, Création Baumann
Reminder: an unattractive view will hide a vertical garden or rails located directly on the window with indoor flowers or edible greens.
Stickers by Haikje Studio
A small window with a bad view is still better than no window at all. But in the course of redevelopment, such gloomy dark rooms without windows appear quite often. To brighten up the oppressive impression, make a small niche in the wall (just a few centimeters deep is enough) and disguise it as the missing opening. To do this, you can use a poster with a perspective drawing or photograph, light draperies that replace curtains, and interior lighting. You can even hang blinds or decorative shutters in a niche, which, due to internal lighting, will look like a real closed window.
Large window-shaped mirrors visually increase the space and create the feeling that there are much more openings in it than in reality, design by Katerina Lashmanova
Colored glass with internal illumination instead of windows, design by VOX Architects
Even if you are not a fan of curtains and an abundance of decor, remember that window decoration is a very important part of the interior that you cannot simply ignore if you want to get a really comfortable and cozy home.
