The English Home

Frame the view

Dressing windows combines practical considerations, such as privacy, light diffusion and thermal performance, with more aesthetic concerns to create a beautiful adornment and feature of the room. Often, layering treatments helps to address both these aspects, offering the creative use of fabrics or other materials to bring colour, pattern and texture with flexible ways to block out light or create privacy when needed. Here, we look at ways to use curtains, blinds and shutters on their own or together to offer practical and adaptable treatments that look beautiful too.

SOFT TOUCH

Curtains are a favoured choice for window dressings as they allow for colour, pattern and texture, add softness and luxury as well as being aesthetically pleasing. Practically, they are easy to adjust for light, darkness or privacy simply by drawing them shut or opening and can be layered with other treatments, such as a blind or a voile, should an extra layer be needed.

The style of curtain and the way it has been finished can greatly impact on the character of a room. Long heavy drapes with elaborate pleats or a swag or pelmet, will add grandeur, whilst a simpler ruffle or cottage pleat will suit a more informal space. The size of the)

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from The English Home

The English Home2 min read
The Edit
A new collaboration between The White Kitchen Company and English Heritage has resulted in a kitchen range reminiscent of the beautiful interiors of historic stately homes such as Apsley House and Brodsworth Hall that reflects a deep respect for the
The English Home3 min read
Stars of Summer
If there is one flower associated with June it must surely be the rose. Right now, passionate rose growers are almost certainly assessing their collections and wondering if there is room for just one more. Those bewildered by the choice available cou
The English Home3 min read
Designer Roses
Award-winning garden designer Jo Thompson (jothompson-garden-design.co.uk) loves roses, pairing them with carefully chosen underplanting. She’s a fan of soft-toned palettes, noting that “pastels are so easy on the eye; you can almost touch the atmosp

Related