How to Turn Your Window Into a Stylish Design Statement

Open your windows to a view that starts on the inside, with these styling, design and decor ideas

Vaishnavi Nayel Talawadekar 11 December 2018

Houzz India Contributor. Home Decor Enthusiast. True-Blue Bangalorean. Founder & Chief Content Consultant at Mangomonk. I work for sunshine and sandwiches. Visit me at www.mangomonk.com.

Houzz India Contributor. Home Decor Enthusiast. True-Blue Bangalorean. Founder &... More

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From spiffy window seats and shutters to quaint moulding and eye-popping window shades, your windows can offer you a view of an entirely different kind, with just a little facelift. Luckily, giving your windows prime place in your decor isn’t as hard as you think. Turn to these homes for inspiration.

STUDIO YAMINI

Sigmar

Install a window seat
Transform the look of your window with a slim bench seat. Such a seating area can add a different point of interest to your space, serving as the perfect platform for trendy scatter cushions, potted plants and evening conversations.

Tip: Turn the space under your bench into storage, to keep blankets, throws and other items handy.

Colour some shutters
A pared-back window can gain a stylish and spirited edge with inward-opening shutters. Go all out with a rainbow-inspired palette like this one or choose metallic tones like gold and silver to add a dose of glam. You could even cascade colours with an ombré design.

Kelly Nelson Designs

Add an eye-catching shade
Spruce up a bare window with a statement-making shade. Go bold with your print (think geometric, floral, polka dots and pinstripes) and palette, to turn your window into a head-turning focal point. See how this turquoise-printed Roman shade gives the room a cheery backdrop of blue, while anchoring the window to the room’s bright aesthetic.

Veridian Homes

Hang a valance
Make your shades, blinds or curtains a conversation starter with a charming valance (a length of ornamental cloth fixed to the head of a window to mask the curtain fittings). Add finishing touches with an under-window bench and matching throw pillows.

Alicia Paley Home Interiors

Tip: If you’re a nifty DIY-er, make your own valance with a long scarf or dupatta. Drape it lightly over the ends of your curtain rod and you’re good to go!

Dhruva Samal & Associates

Embrace stained glass
Channel your eclectic side with vibrant stained glass. Stained glass panes can turn any window into a mesmerising work of art and filter a breathtaking spectrum of colours into your room with the early morning sunshine.

Discover other ways to use stained glass in your home

Evelyn M. Designs

Install decorative window trim
Every masterpiece deserves to be framed – even if only on three sides. Give your room a royal air with ornate window moulding. Consider pilasters to flank your window and a faux window arch to crown it.

Here is all you wanted to know about moulding but were afraid to ask

Shirley Meisels

Go for window shelves
If you’re blessed with large sun-loving windows, give them an artistic upgrade with slender sweeping shelves. Not only will these give you extra storage, they will turn your windows into uber-chic design statements. Maximise sunlight by placing transparent light-catching curios and glassware that allow natural light to stream through.

The Window Film Company UK Ltd

Warm up to frosted glass
Give your window a translucent, sun-kissed flair with aesthetic frosted glass designs. If you’re afraid of committing to a permanent change of panes, consider going for frosted glass film, decals or even spray paint to dress up your existing windows. A frosted glass design can afford you priceless privacy while still filtering oodles of light indoors.

Nichole Loiacono Design

Create a windowsill vignette
Gather your trinkets and treasures, frames, candles and teacups to conjure a pleasing vignette on your bedroom or living room windowsill.

Choose items in varying heights, and layer their arrangement to pique visual interest. Add a little stone or wood extension to your windowsill if it isn’t deep enough to host your pretty treasures.

Read more:
8 Wow Ways to Cover Kitchen Windows
6 Window Treatments That Will Change Your Perspective

Tell us:
Which of these ideas has you planning a window makeover? Tell us in Comments below.