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It’s at this time of year when our window coverings are perhaps most important. Providing not only another layer between us and the cold and dark outside, the act of drawing curtains, pulling down blinds or closing shutters is a way to feel like we’re keeping winter at bay, creating a cosy atmosphere inside.
However, when it comes to drapes, curtains, blinds and shutters, there are a lot of options to choose from. The level of light, insulation and type of material are just a few of the practical considerations, not to mention the all-important aesthetic choices to take into account. Do you want them to make a statement or seamlessly blend with the rest of your room, and would you prefer folds of fabric to create cosiness or a minimalist feel? We look at some options to help you decide what’s best for your home.
For more control over the level of light you let in, Venetian blinds are a great option, and their clean lines mean they’re perfect when you don’t want a space to feel too cluttered. This design from Hillarys works well with the soft, natural tones of this bedroom.
Blinds are a practical choice in the kitchen because their minimal amount of fabric is unobtrusive in this hard-working space. This innovative design from Duette allows you to choose exactly where you want your blind to go, as you can adjust from the top and bottom. The soft grey shade used here complements the rich tones of this kitchen, and choosing a lightweight fabric allows light to filter through during the day, while still providing privacy when needed.
The honeycomb structure of the blinds also traps air, which provides effective insulation. Kirsty Hunt from Duette points out that sustainability is now a big focus for people when choosing products for the home, and so they have created two new environmentally-friendly materials for their range, one manufactured from 40 per cent recycled polyester and another that is made up of a quarter natural bamboo fibre.
Curtains, or their heavier, lined counterparts, drapes, are a great way to make a space cosy, especially full-length styles. Leaving an inch or two or fabric to rest on the ground will give a particularly luxurious and snug feel. Accentuate this look further by hanging the rail four to six inches above your window – it will make the room feel taller.
Curtains and drapes also need to be the correct width to ensure they hang properly when closed and keep as much heat in as possible. It’s recommended that their total width is at least two times that of your window for tailored styles, and up to three times for more folded styles.
Another choice you have to consider is the fabric. Curtains like these ones from Ikea provide warmth and texture to the room while keeping it bright in the daytime. For something more insulating, go for drapes in heavier fabrics, and options like fleece lining can also add an extra layer of protection against the cold.
Keep in mind that the combined weight and thickness of your chosen fabric and lining will affect how your design hangs. Tightly folded styles like pinch pleating are not suited to very thick fabrics, so keep this in mind when making your choice.
Internal shutters provide a classic look and are the most long-lasting form of window covering. Although the upfront cost will be more than curtains or blinds, good-quality ones will easily last for decades.
They’re a great choice for an unusual shape or size of window, as most companies make all their shutters to fit your windows exactly. Pictured above left are shutters made by Precision Joinery in Fermanagh. They’re available in a choice of louvre (slats) widths, and the general rule is that larger windows suit more open styles, like in this airy bedroom.
As with blinds, there are waterproof shutters specifically designed to withstand warm and humid bathroom conditions where wood could warp. Shutters can also add character to a bathroom, a space which can be typically cold, as the wooden texture provides a contrast to the metallic and porcelain surfaces.
Featured image: Hillarys