Windows can be a great asset to your home, flooding it with natural light. Equally, many properties have ‘problem’ windows, which are odd shapes, lack privacy or have unsightly views. Whichever type of windows you have, it’s important to think carefully about how to dress them to get the best from them.

Firstly follow the general rule, which is that large windows can usually carry off elaborate arrangements while smaller and unusually shaped windows require a simpler style. When you’re ready, you can look at which treatment or combination of treatments to opt for.

Curtains
Curtains are the classic choice for windows because they can add colour, texture and pattern to a room. In addition, they have fantastic insulating properties, keeping the heat in when it’s needed. Whether you choose ready-made or bespoke curtains, they can become an integral part of a room’s decorating scheme. If you fall in love with a particular pattern or colour, they may provide the inspiration for the whole room.

With bespoke curtains, you can choose fabric designs to match or contrast with your existing colour scheme and upholstery. There’s an amazing variety of fabrics available that can be made into curtains, from silk, cotton and velvet, through to voile, suede and canvas.

When choosing curtains, again follow the general rule that the smaller the window, the simpler the style. Richly textured designs with swags can add real drama and set the tone for the rest of the room. Equally, a plainer style of curtain can create a modern, streamlined look.

Don’t forget that styles of curtain also vary and will determine the kind of pole or track you can use. Traditional style curtains have pencil pleat headings, whilst those with tab-tops or eyelets are less formal and more minimalist.

TOP TIPs
• Invest in well-fitted blinds for your conservatory. They will make it comfortable to use all year round.
• For rooms that get strong sunlight, installing a blind with heat-reflecting properties will help to reduce fading of soft furnishings and pictures.
• If you can’t decide whether to use blinds or curtains, take a tip from the Victorians and use both for a dramatic style statement.

Blinds
Practical, streamlined and stylish, blinds are an extremely versatile form of window dressing. Like curtains, there are plenty of different styles to choose from including Venetian, Roman and roller.

Forget the clinical-looking Venetian blinds of the past. Today’s sophisticated designs are crafted from beautiful wood or stunning aluminium and are available in a variety of finishes to suit your colour scheme.

Roman blinds create a softly folded look, whilst roller blinds are more minimalist. Both Roman and roller blinds are available in a wide variety of fabrics including hessian, canvas, linen, cotton and even 100% wool. Blinds can also be made up in the fabric of your choice to coordinate with existing decorating schemes. Your favourite photograph can even be printed onto roller blinds, making your choice truly individual.

Roller blinds are the most practical form of window dressing for bathrooms, but make sure you choose one that has been specifically designed to combat damp and condensation. Blackout linings are usually available as optional extras on Roman and roller blinds.

Stylish shutters
For that elusive ‘wow’ factor, consider installing interior window shutters, which are a stylish alternative to curtains or blinds. Although inspired by designs from the 18th and 19th centuries, today’s interior shutters are suitable for both traditional and contemporary homes.

As well as effectively cutting out light, shutters help to reduce draughts and noise from outside. Shutters are a real asset to period homes with original windows because their insulating properties mean they act like a form of double glazing.

You can choose from a number of specialist wood finishes for your shutters so you can create the exact look you’ve been dreaming of. Alternatively, opt to colour match the shutters with your existing paintwork or decorating scheme.

Problem windows
If you have windows in odd shapes or those that look onto unsightly views or give you little privacy, don’t despair. There are plenty of practical solutions available to solve all these problems.

Small or odd-shaped windows need a very simple window dressing, such as a roller blind or a pretty voile. Make the most of bay windows by using a specialist curtain pole that follows the window’s natural shape. For a streamlined look, use a pelmet to hide the curtain track.

For windows with a less than perfect view, there are several options available. A ‘bottom-up’ blind will allow you to pull the blind up to the required level to banish the view, and still let light in from the top. You could also try using frosted window film, which restores privacy without sacrificing natural light. This is especially suitable for bathrooms and small windows.

TOP TIPs
• You can still add texture to your window by fitting sheer curtains above the shutters.
• Look for shutters crafted from FSC certified wood to ensure the materials have been sourced from sustainable forests.

Accessorise
It’s the little details that will help to make your curtains, blinds or shutters really stand out. For curtains, choose tie-backs made from tassels or glass beads or more substantial hold-backs in metal or wood. Update your blinds instantly with pretty brooches and change the look of your wooden shutters with different varnishes and paint finishes. 

TOP TIPs
• Look for shaped pelmets to add extra interest to your windows.
• Choose designer window film to add an individual touch.

SHOPPING DIRECTORY
Brume 01364 73951; www.brume.co.uk
eclectics 0184 3608789; www.eclectics.co.uk
IKEA 0845 355 1141; www.IKEA.co.uk
Next 0844 844 8000; www.next.co.uk
Novatec 0184 3608790; www.novatec.co.uk
Shutterly Fabulous 0845 644 2873; www.shutterlyfabulous.com
House Couturier 020 7371 9255; www.housecouturier.eu
Sunway Blinds 0161 442 9500; www.sunwayblinds.co.uk