9 Ideas for a Beautifully Draped Home
Go bold with your curtains and drapes for all the privacy you need and heightened drama too
When the light through yonder window breaks, most of us start the day by opening the curtains and peering out to see what the weather holds. For me the idea of curtains always conjures up images of mystery — neighbors peering from behind their shutters, or the dramatic swoosh of drapes to reveal a surprise. When I was starring in a high school play, I surprised everyone by mistiming my entrance onstage. I clutched each end of the curtains, parted them with a dramatic flourish and thrust myself center stage, realizing too late that I had made my grand entrance a scene too early. I yanked the curtains closed, cursing my adolescent self, and sheltered myself from humiliation behind the safety of the drapes.
Since then I’ve always had an interesting relationship with curtains and a fear of revealing what’s behind them. But for those of us without the ghost of awkward teen years past, curtains are not just a means of blocking or revealing light; they can go far in creating stylish, unique and practical solutions for rooms that need a finishing touch. So let’s tackle the curtain demons head-on with ideas that might challenge your preconceptions.
Since then I’ve always had an interesting relationship with curtains and a fear of revealing what’s behind them. But for those of us without the ghost of awkward teen years past, curtains are not just a means of blocking or revealing light; they can go far in creating stylish, unique and practical solutions for rooms that need a finishing touch. So let’s tackle the curtain demons head-on with ideas that might challenge your preconceptions.
Make the curtains more exciting than the view. I grew up in a home in a gully, and curtains were always about keeping in the warmth and creating a cozy environment. Rather than framing the landscape outside in rooms where what’s outside is not the feature, think about colors and materials, such as with these custom curtains in a trellis pattern, that can create rich and vibrant interiors.
Integrate patterns into the room. If you’re looking to add style to a neutral room, why not consider a bolder-than-bold curtain pattern? Before you do, consider the size of the room, competing furnishings and the likelihood of displaying the full width. In a room where you’re unlikely to close the curtains each evening, you’ll miss out on seeing the curtains in their full patterned glory.
Layering blinds behind bold curtains can give you complete control over light and privacy, and allow you to make as much — or as little — impact with curtains as you like.
Build a room within a room. Blessed with a large living space but unsure how to create smaller, interchangeable spaces within it? Curtains can be a clever and temporary solution for creating new spaces without building walls. Sheer curtains, in particular, are ideal and will help to section off lounge or dining areas within the house without restricting light or fresh air. For simplicity and elegance, keep the curtain texture and color subtle.
Frame long windows. Floor-to-ceiling windows are sometimes difficult to tackle with curtains, particularly if the windows are narrow. The wrong curtains can obscure this beautiful feature and close up the room, not to mention create complexities if you can’t reach the top of the curtains. Simple curtains in a bold color falling from a rod are a great solution, adding extra width and emphasis to the window.
Create outdoor rooms. Convert your balcony, patio or garden area into an idyllic outdoor retreat through the use of curtains. Look for a durable, weather-resistant fabric that will offer shade and protection. Lighter fabrics will let cool breezes through, create a tropical feel and provide privacy.
Enhance your favorite color palette. If you’re unsure about adding a new color to your room, using fabrics from the same palette can give it a stunning finish. From azure blues or turquoise tones to pastel pinks and ruby reds, you don’t have to leave the color family to style your room with warmth, flair and creativity.
Houzz guides to choosing and mixing colors
Houzz guides to choosing and mixing colors
Go high. While some curtains aren’t quite complete without a pelmet or decorative rod, a lot can be gained through the simple elegance of a built-in rod or runner just below the architrave or the picture rail, as seen here.
If your room already has strong features, such as statement furniture or boldly patterned soft furnishings, building the curtain fixture into the wall higher than the top of the windows will make the windows appear larger without competing with the other elements in the room. This look works best with curtains that are a soft, subdued color.
If your room already has strong features, such as statement furniture or boldly patterned soft furnishings, building the curtain fixture into the wall higher than the top of the windows will make the windows appear larger without competing with the other elements in the room. This look works best with curtains that are a soft, subdued color.
Shoot for sheer. For rooms that are predominantly windowed or have sliding doors, the sunlight pouring through them may need to be filtered. Perhaps you want privacy or you’re keen to create a softer light. A complete wall of sheer curtains is a method of creating a soft and subtle silken screen without restricting light. Best in lighter colors, a box- or pinch-pleat curtain fixed to a simple rod can create a relaxing and breezy space.
A primer of drapery terms
A primer of drapery terms
Double up. Particularly popular for bedrooms and living spaces, a double curtain can both keep the light out on an evening and let the light in during the day without compromising your privacy. With a sheer curtain for during the day and a heavier curtain for the evenings, the two curtains can feature contrasting colors and patterns, or can be within the same palette.
Are you thinking of new drapes for a room in your house? Please show us your ideas.
More: How to Get Your Window Treatment Right
Are you thinking of new drapes for a room in your house? Please show us your ideas.
More: How to Get Your Window Treatment Right