Photo: Castro Design Studio

When you are planning some home improvements, it is worth taking some time to explore ideas before you decide what you are going to do. This is particularly useful when you want to do some work on your windows – after all, they are the showcase of your home, and you will want to make them look as attractive and elegant as possible.

There is a wide range of choice for window coverings, so let’s take a look at some of those choices. You don’t have to use all one type of covering as some may suit specific rooms better than others.

Curtains

Curtains have always been a popular option for windows, perhaps because there are so many fabrics and styles that can be used. You can choose made-to-measure ones so that you know that they will fit exactly, or measure up yourself and buy them off the shelf. Many windows are made in standard sizes, so manufacturers supply a good range of measured curtains.

Photo: Paul Craig Photography

For a genuine touch of opulence and elegance, you could have a scalloped pelmet with embroidery and long curtains with delicate designs to match. Alternatively, you could put up an iron or wooden pole and hang curtains from rings, making them easy to open and close and providing an elegant way of covering your windows.

Shutters

Shutters have come a long way since the simple and colourful ones you probably remember from quaint country villages in many parts of Europe and elsewhere.

Nowadays, you can choose from a wide variety of wooden shutters that can be made to fit any size or shape of window. Their smooth lines and quality materials add superb touches of elegance to your home. They can be used in any room, and the ones with moveable slats let you control the amount of light that comes in through the windows.

Photo: Eberlein Design Consultants Ltd

Choices include plantation window shutters, tier-on-tier shutters that can make a stunning feature of an elegant bay window with lower and upper panels able to be opened separately, half-height café shutters for a stylish look to your front room windows, and full-height wooden shutters that go from floor to ceiling creating an attractive blend of practicality and aesthetics.

It doesn’t matter if you have some strangely shaped windows, shutters can be made to fit practically any shape, including half-moon windows.

Blinds

Popular in kitchens and bathrooms, blinds can add real elegance to your windows. There are so many attractive designs available and many different fabrics, including wood, bamboo, aluminium and vinyl, from which to choose. They are easy to fit and can be custom made to fit your window sizes – an elegant solution to giving your window coverings a design boost.

Photo: Highgate House

Whichever type of covering you choose, remember that with shutters and heavy curtains, you are not only increasing your privacy but also helping to insulate your rooms in the colder months. Take plenty of time to explore the various options available and your windows will be able to display the elegance of their coverings for years to come!

MORE DECOR IDEAS:

1) How to Choose the Right Chandelier + Our Fabulous Finds

2) Modernize Your Living Room Décor for the 21st Century – Here’s How!

3) Update Your Home for 2016 With these Modern New Décor Must-Haves!

Even if you are stuck with an ugly view, there is definitely still hope to turn your situation around. Designer’s use tricks to fool the eye, again and again, and hey – it works! We’ve rounded up some simple window dressing tricks that really do make a difference and will turn your window into a full attention grabber!

Photo: Ana-Rosa Tumblr

1. GO CLEAN AND CLEAR

Lucite drapery rods are by far my favourite design staple! They make a space look fresh and nearly disappear into the wall! If you are lucky enough to have a great view but still need some type of curtains for privacy, Lucite is by far the best choice. You can EASILY make these drapery rods yourself, check out this tutorial from one of my favorite blogs, A Storied Style.

2. LAYER ON SHEER SILK

For a romantic boudoir look, use silk to layer on different types of window dressings. Sheer silk is light and airy so you can avoid getting a heavy look that will close up your window. Think roman shades paired with simple sheer drapery panels.

Photo: House Trends

3. ADD ACCESSORIES

Pleats, tiebacks, tassels, beads, crystals, and decorative trim make a window look magical and eye-catching. This is a great trick if you may have an unpleasant view, all the attention will be on your creative window.

4. USE METALLIC HARDWARE

For a look that’s clean and modish, hang your drapes on metallic rods for a change. You can add even more personality by selecting elaborate, crystal finials.

5. FROM CEILING TO FLOOR

Even if you have small, short windows, install your window dressings near the ceiling, and have them hang all the way to the floor. This way, you can create the illusion of a taller, larger window. You can use this same trick with wooden venetian blinds, or even vertical blinds like the ones here. Whatever type of window dressing you use, make sure to hang it well above your window.

Photo: Tracey Tilley

6. PUT RIBBON TO USE

Ribbon can make plain window dressings take on a whole new look! Even if you may not have the sewing skills, put glue to the use and glue on vertical or horizontal stripes or even the Greek key symbols. This way, you don’t need to purchase new curtains, just amp up your old ones!

Photo: Home Stories A to Z

7. ADD STRCUTURED AND SCALLOPED VALANCES

Valances are back on the design scene and we love this trend more than ever.  My favourite look is valances that are bordered with a trim, reminds me of 1940s French Riviera chic! You may also be a fan of window blinds instead of valances, which are much more practical and function. Shop affordable blinds online to make it easy to take measurements right at home and compare prices.

Photo: Home Bunch