Decorating Guides
6 Window Treatments That Will Change Your Perspective
Don't tread the oft beaten path; these 6 window solutions are guaranteed to be refreshing alternatives to curtains
All windows needn’t have a curtain. Depending upon their placement and purpose, a window could be concealed, left clear or embellished with an accessory. With so many options available, sometimes the mind just boggles about what looks good where and what to use. If your are ready to experiment, then find some inspirations here.
Introducing stained glass is a great way to add character to any room. Not only does it create a focal point, the glass pattern also gives a distinct theme to the space. Practical and beautiful, stained glass is great for privacy too. Choose from classical, geometric or contemporary motifs that best complement your interior. Readily available and customised vinyl films also are great options.
Tip:
Stained glass has wide range of applications. They look great in the foyer, the kitchen or as a skylight. The bathroom is another place where it can do wonders. Personally, I am a fan of stained glass and all that coloured light filtering in as patterns.
Tip:
Stained glass has wide range of applications. They look great in the foyer, the kitchen or as a skylight. The bathroom is another place where it can do wonders. Personally, I am a fan of stained glass and all that coloured light filtering in as patterns.
2. Shades and blinds
These are the second most practical option (next to curtains) available in the market today. They are similar in ease-of-use but pretty high up when it comes to the style quotient, compared to curtains.
These are available in a variety of choices – roller, fabric, honeycomb, roman, motorised etc. Shades go well with all types of decor and can be customised to any sized window.
These are the second most practical option (next to curtains) available in the market today. They are similar in ease-of-use but pretty high up when it comes to the style quotient, compared to curtains.
These are available in a variety of choices – roller, fabric, honeycomb, roman, motorised etc. Shades go well with all types of decor and can be customised to any sized window.
Tip:
Here is a great example of how a printed fabric shade can act as a highlighting element. Opt for fabric shades if you like bold and colourful designs. Go for hobbled roman shades if you are interested in small patterns and solids. For a more relaxed look, choose from the lightweight fabrics that tend to bow down a little from the centre.
Here is a great example of how a printed fabric shade can act as a highlighting element. Opt for fabric shades if you like bold and colourful designs. Go for hobbled roman shades if you are interested in small patterns and solids. For a more relaxed look, choose from the lightweight fabrics that tend to bow down a little from the centre.
Here a natural woven blind is used to bring in a more earthy appeal. Translucent weaves are chosen to take advantage of light and keep the ambience really light.
Translucent weaves are best for foyer, living and dining rooms, while opaque ones are used where one needs to block more light and bring in greater privacy, like in home theatres, bedrooms and bathrooms.
Translucent weaves are best for foyer, living and dining rooms, while opaque ones are used where one needs to block more light and bring in greater privacy, like in home theatres, bedrooms and bathrooms.
See here how the windows are crowned by pleated valances. The upholstered top connects the valance with the overall theme of the fabric. Hang your valance alone or pair it up with curtains; it will bring a very definitive character to your home.
Be careful in working the right proportion (between window and valance) if you are opting for the swag and jabot valance. The swag is created by hanging fabric such that the bottom sags down in a crescent shape. Jabots are the narrow sidepieces hanging vertically to complete the valance. You can actually easily replicate the one in the picture in your living or dining room.
4. Awnings
Curtain awnings are usually exclusive to kitchens. You may go bistro-style with striped fabric while printed ones look utterly homespun. Awnings if paired with shades or rollers help hide hardware (operators and handles) and create softer windows. This traditional curtain awning enriches the view, in addition to reducing the glare coming in from the window. Though awnings are not commonly used in Indian homes, if you decide to go for them, your interior is sure to stand out from the rest!
Curtain awnings are usually exclusive to kitchens. You may go bistro-style with striped fabric while printed ones look utterly homespun. Awnings if paired with shades or rollers help hide hardware (operators and handles) and create softer windows. This traditional curtain awning enriches the view, in addition to reducing the glare coming in from the window. Though awnings are not commonly used in Indian homes, if you decide to go for them, your interior is sure to stand out from the rest!
Tip:
Consider using a wooden awning made of wood planks or ply board. You can even paint them to complement the tone of the room.
Consider using a wooden awning made of wood planks or ply board. You can even paint them to complement the tone of the room.
5. Window cornices
Earlier, cornices acted as boxes to crown the window as well hide curtain rods and rings. But now, they have evolved as accessories to make a statement. Customise your cornice by painting it, padding it or adorning it with ornaments.
Tip:
Match the cornice with the headboard, the rugs and upholstery to let the eye flow seamlessly over the room.
Earlier, cornices acted as boxes to crown the window as well hide curtain rods and rings. But now, they have evolved as accessories to make a statement. Customise your cornice by painting it, padding it or adorning it with ornaments.
Tip:
Match the cornice with the headboard, the rugs and upholstery to let the eye flow seamlessly over the room.
Have a look at these Morocco-themed cornices used by Moriq Interiors for a residence in Hyderabad. See how subtly they re-emphasise the middle-eastern theme?
6. Screens
Make a statement with perforated window screens. Widely used across the country, we love our screens (jaalis). You can use many materials to fashion a screen in various designs. Amongst others, laser-cut metal screens look spectacular on windows, they not only filter the sunlight but also helps in directing the breeze.
Make a statement with perforated window screens. Widely used across the country, we love our screens (jaalis). You can use many materials to fashion a screen in various designs. Amongst others, laser-cut metal screens look spectacular on windows, they not only filter the sunlight but also helps in directing the breeze.
A house in Ahmedabad designed by SPASM Design Architects uses external jaalis made of corten. The tiny perforations allow Venturi’s effect to cool the air, creating a comfortable indoor. You may also go for laser-cut wood panels.
Read more:
Which Window Blind is Right for You
Tell us:
Which of these would you install in your home? Share in Comments below.
Read more:
Which Window Blind is Right for You
Tell us:
Which of these would you install in your home? Share in Comments below.
Enjoy a bright interior as well as plenty of privacy by treating your window glass with frost, stain or a tint.
Frosting can be done by etching or installing window films. Etching is a permanent process of turning clear glass into a translucent one with the help of acids, creams or abrasives. But these days, filming has become rather handy and a more inexpensive alternative. In addition to being easy to install, window films are available in a variety of designs. The only thing to know is how much privacy and light you want to allow in.
Tip:
Frosting is best suited for spots where you want daylight – like in the kitchen, study room, bathroom, closet and stairwell. Also research your brands well; choose from films that do not release harmful chemicals.