Art of window dressing

Sharmila Chand

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Window dressing is a very crucial aspect of décor and without window treatments, the space looks unfinished.

However, it is important that it is done in sync with the overall design and ambience.

Selecting the right window curtains is a story on its own. If you choose the wrong style or the wrong colour, it can completely ruin the entire look of a room.

Keep it dynamic

Window dressing enhances the character so one must not repeat the same style of treating the windows in every room. Understand the need of a particular room. Understand the correct function of a curtain and then go by your personal style and aesthetics you want it to reflect. For example, bedrooms need privacy so there you need heavy drapes or lighter curtains paired with a heavy one in layers. While sheer drapes are the best bet for living rooms to provide natural airy light and feel.

Cornice for elegance

Looking for an elegant touch to a dining room window? A cornice is a great stylish option.

Wood cornices are one of the most classic and traditional window treatment ideas. When used alone, these create a sleek, modern look. Though these can be paired with curtains - stained or painted, wood boxes are perfect for the kitchen and bath, where fabric can succumb to water damage. Cornices hide curtain hardware and blend well with luxurious detailing, like crown molding, to give uncluttered gracious, regal look.

Swing-arm curtains

This is a unique style, ideal for bedrooms to block light easily. They require a special hinged curtain rod that allows you to move the curtain to stand out at a 90-degree angle from the window.

Opaque panels

Add a bit of luxury to your home decor with the opulent panels. They lend a rich feel, especially in velvet, they render a Palace-type look.

Velvet is a hot trend that never seems to go out of fashion. Designers feel that velvet is the best material for drapery. Velvet's beautiful drape allows it to look its best when tied back and allowed to cascade to the floor. Other great choices for opaque panels include suede fabrics, chenille weaves and silk damask. Choose the right colours for better visual impact in both traditional and modern setting.

Sheer style

Sheers are very trendy these days. Interwoven with interesting materials, embossed or printed patterns are in vogue.

This style adds instant elegance and brightens up your decor. By and large these look great in every room and do not cost a fortune. Sheer panels offer privacy while still allowing for plenty of light in your room.

Sheers in pastel hues look the best. They create a light, airy feel and have an amazing look when hung from floor to ceiling. Coordinate with the texture of the wall material or add a touch of color to a neutral room by choosing sheers in the right shade that works with the overall palette of the room. Experts say, sheers in dramatic colours like cocoa and smoke are a hot trend, as is combining two tones of sheers.

Materials are important

From linen window coverings to gorgeous silk panels, the options in curtain material are endless. Fade-resistant fabric is good if the room gets a lot of light while silk sheers look pretty in living rooms and can create a dramatic transformation in the look of the room.

Shades in wonderful natural fibers, such as bamboo, hessian, and banana leaf are available these days. They add character and texture to a room, especially when layered under traditional silk or linen drapes. On a practical note, they can also be used to keep out light.

Stick to a theme

It is essential to coordinate the curtains with the running theme. This does not mean that curtains should match perfectly with furnishings but they shouldn't clash with the decor. Make sure that the materials are not in sharp contrast to other materials in the room, the colour works well with the overall palette and the thickness of the material works with the feel of the decor.

Quirky patterns

Fun off-beat patterns that exhibit a sense of whimsy are becoming more popular. For example, zebra stripes and giraffe spots are emerging patterns. They go well in kids' rooms.

The final word

Consider the mood of the room. For a formal space, silk or velvet is the best. More practical and washable options include silky rayon blends and cotton satin. For a casual feel, there is linen and voil. Finally, cotton and cotton blends work with any type of decor and bring a crisp, neat feel.

Layering looks pretty 

The layering of unlined drapes is a favourite style of designers today. They like to use two or three layers of curtains in different weights or shades to give a variant feel and greater choice as to how they hang, move, and let in or keep out light. 

For glimmers of light to filter into your rooms, layers are a great option than lined and interlined drapes, which appear much more bulky. 

 You can mix different weights, colours and textures - the choice is endless and the effect is stunning.

When using a sheer fabric as an under curtain, there is the option of adding a third layer - such as a shade, series of banners or screen - to cut out all light.

— The writer is a freelance writer and author of "CHEERS - 365 Cocktails & Mocktails"