Guest Picks: A Whole Lotta Wonderful Window Coverings
Blinds, drapes, shades and curtain rods to give your windows a polished, put-together look
Cindy Germann
February 16, 2014
Five years ago we fell in love with an 85-year-old house, and the house needed a lot of love! We've renovated most of the house and learned just how much we love revealing the beauty of an old house hidden beneath the layers of time.
Five years ago we fell in love with an 85-year-old house, and the house needed a... More
When my husband and I bought our house, dirty, broken blinds hung in every window. We’re slowly working our way through, removing blinds and finding replacements. Our goal is to have matching blinds in every window for functionality, with curtains layered over them. Curtains can add so much warmth and depth to a room, and they can also instantly brighten a space. While curtains can be pricey, they are often an inexpensive way to try bold patterns or refresh the room without the expense of a new rug or sofa. And even if you choose a neutral curtain, you can still add a lot of personality with hardware. — Cindy from The Flipping Couple
Curtains are fun, but first my husband and I need to update the blinds on all the windows. I love the deep, rich color of this one. It will add a unique layer to each window.
It’s hard to beat a white wooden blind. It’s so classic and classy, and it makes a great base layer. The windows in my home have white wood sills, so this is probably the route we’ll go.
I always try to let in as much light as possible, but sometimes you need privacy too. This shade offers both at the same time.
I thought shutters were rather old-fashioned, but this version is really beautiful and would add privacy and class to a formal living or dining room.
I would love to add these curtains to my master bedroom. The hard-to-find gray matches perfectly with what’s already there, and I like the pattern too.
I love how these curtains won’t block any precious sunlight and would add so much visual interest. They would look great with a bright wall color.
This curtain has so many beautiful colors to work with and an unexpected pattern — an oversize floral that doesn’t feel too stuffy. It would be perfect for a three-season porch but especially fun in a nursery.
No matter how hard I try to love something different, I don't think I can beat a classic striped drape.
Refresh an entire room with just this set of curtains. I love the ikat pattern, and the horseradish color is the perfect hue for spring and summer.
Someday I hope to have a home with a living room with several sets of French doors. And then I’ll have white curtains framing all of them. Fresh, white, floor-length curtains feel relaxing and peaceful.
My family and I live right in the middle of the city, so we deal with a lot of light pollution at night. I was considering blackout shades, but this room-darkening curtain is also a great option. I love that it’s available in light and airy colors.
But if I do decide to go with blackout shades, I might go for this one. It is affordable and comes in a variety of colors. I’m so glad blackout shades can be white!
Maybe I’m the only one, but I had no idea you could get curtain liners. They are the perfect solution if you really need blackout curtains but have already fallen in love with something sheerer. I love the concept, and the price is completely doable.
This is probably my favorite curtain rod ever. I love the gorgeous midcentury-style wood coupled with brass. It is subtle yet would add so much to the room.
This rope tieback would add so much character to a nautical-inspired room or a Western-themed bedroom. I would love to pair it with a thick-stripe curtain.
This curtain rod is simple, but I love the hand-hammered look of the finial.
Want to add gorgeous modern flair? This Lucite curtain rod would do it. The rod itself is beautiful, but the gorgeous polished bronze is the real showstopper.
I know we’ve all seen industrial pipe curtain rods before, but how about in gold? You can add so much character with a unique touch like gold pipe curtain rods.
Sometimes you just can’t beat a deal. At just $1.99 for a set of two, these are affordable enough for anyone.
If you find yourself falling in love with fabric but are hesitant to spend a lot of time sewing your own curtains, these clips will be your new best friend. Clip on the fabric, slide the rings over a rod and you’re done!
Next: How to Choose the Right Window Treatment
Next: How to Choose the Right Window Treatment
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@kctonya the blackout shades mentioned above can be found here, and they're only $42 for a 36"x 60" window. But, there are many more blackout shade options. Check them all out here.