Window treatments are often considered a finishing touch to a room, but it’s a mistake to think of them as merely decorative. Adding window dressings such as curtains, drapes, shades, blinds, or shutters can do everything from providing light and privacy control to helping to keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer without wasting energy.

From modern curtains to custom blinds, find the perfect solution for your interior with these window treatment ideas for every budget, style, and space.

WHAT IS THE MOST POPULAR WINDOW TREATMENT TODAY?

Roller shades are popular solutions for modern windows. Affordable and easy to use, roller shades can be rolled up and down manually or by remote control. Solar shades are a variation of roller shades that offer protection against UV rays. 

• 01of 56Roller Shades and Shutters deVOL KitchensSlim built-in painted window shutters can be closed at night for total privacy or closed on very hot days to help reduce the interior temperature without turning up the AC. In this space from deVOL Kitchens, a semi-transparent roller shade hung on the lower half of the window obscures the view from the outside without entirely blocking the view from within.Continue to 2 of 56 below
• 02of 56All-White Curtains Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Erin KellyCurtains can be used to add color and contrast to a room, or they can blend in with and complement the existing color scheme. In this all-white bedroom from Leanne Ford Interiors, floor-to-ceiling curtains on the wall behind the bed start at the ceiling and puddle on the floor, creating a cloud-like feel.Continue to 3 of 56 below
• 03of 56Floral Roman Shade Michelle Berwick DesignRoman blinds work well as permanent window dressing, particularly on fixed windows that don’t get opened and closed frequently. A colorful Roman shade in a floral pattern softens the black framed windows of this laundry room from Michelle Berwick Design.Continue to 4 of 56 below
• 04of 56Wooden Shutters deVOL KitchensInterior window shutters have an integrated feel that makes them feel like part of the architecture, like this traditional space from deVOL Kitchens. While there is an upfront cost to investing in wooden shutters, they’re easy to maintain and will pay off over time.Continue to 5 of 56 below
• 05of 56Warm Neutral Curtains Tyler Karu Design + Interiors / Photo by James R. SalomonAdd curtains to a room with wrap-around windows to add privacy and create an inviting feel. Tyler Karu Design + Interiors chose a warm neutral fabric that doesn’t weigh down the room and complements natural wood tones.Continue to 6 of 56 below
• 06of 56Hand-Painted Curtains Forbes + MastersFor a custom look, try matching the curtains to the wallpaper. Forbes + Masters kept this traditional approach modern with painted curtains and wallpaper in the same pattern. Tall wainscotting painted bright white helps keep things bright and prevents the pattern from overwhelming.Continue to 7 of 56 below
• 07of 56Light-Blocking Layers Louis Duncan-He Designs / Photo by Eymeric WildlingDon’t feel you have to choose just one window treatment depending on your needs. Louis Duncan-He Designs layered window blinds and lightweight curtains to filter and block light in this moody basement bar and lounge space.Continue to 8 of 56 below
• 08of 56Wall of Curtains Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Photo by Talitha PhotosCreate a seamless look in a primary bedroom by installing a wall of curtains behind the bed. Cathie Hong Interiors hung neutral pleated curtains in this primary bedroom that anchor the bed.Curtain MaintenanceCurtains need to be dusted regularly and cleaned periodically in order to keep them looking their best.Continue to 9 of 56 below
• 09of 56Cellular Shades Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Margaret Austin PhotoIf your windows face the street, consider installing cellular shades that can be easily raised or lowered depending on the time of day depending on the light and amount of privacy that you require. Or hang Roman shades from the lower panel of a window with a fixed window at the top to preserve light and views, like this living room from Cathie Hong Interiors.Continue to 10 of 56 below
• 10of 56White Blinds Design by Sissy + Marley Interior Design / Photo by Marco Ricca StudioMatch your window blinds to your window trim and walls for a seamless look. This crisp bathroom design from Sissy + Marley Interior Design has a strict palette of black and white that includes adjustable blinds on the windows that practically disappear.Continue to 11 of 56 below
• 11of 56Window Film Pluck KitchensOpaque privacy glass or removable window film can be used directly on the window panes themselves as an alternative to window dressing such as curtains or blinds. Pluck Kitchens gave the bottom third of this large window a sense of privacy while leaving the upper two-thirds of the window open to allow natural light to flood in.Continue to 12 of 56 below
• 12of 56High-Placed Curtains Kate Marker Interiors / Stoffer PhotographyHang your curtains above the windows to draw the eye upward and make ceilings seem taller and any room airier. Kate Marker Interiors paired white linen curtains with slim black metal rods for a tailored look that highlights the room’s vaulted ceilings and exposed beams.Continue to 13 of 56 below
• 13of 56Wooden Blinds Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Photo by Talitha PhotosWooden blinds are classic, versatile, easy to wipe clean, and will hold up over time. The corner windows in this space from Cathie Hong Interiors are equipped with wooden blinds that match the wood-framed windows and echo the view of trees beyond the windows.Continue to 14 of 56 below
• 14of 56Colorful Patterned Curtains Mary Patton DesignCurtains can either blend into the wall like wallflowers or make a statement by introducing color or pattern to the room. Mary Patton Design hung emerald green curtains in a striking pattern to add personality to the space and complement blush pink walls.Continue to 15 of 56 below
• 15of 56Loosely Woven Shades Becca InteriorsLoosely woven natural shades help to control light while adding warmth to a neutral space like this coastal farmhouse living room from Becca Interiors. In a room with abundant south-facing sunlight, consider more opaque shades or solar shades made from UV-resistant material that will block harsh direct rays.Continue to 16 of 56 below
• 16of 56Contrasting Blinds and Trim Design by Sissy + Marley Interior Design / Photo by Marco Ricca StudioPair black blinds with white trim for a graphic contemporary look. This kids’ room from Sissy + Marley Interior Design has black shutters on the window, white window trim and walls, and a graphic black-and-white wallpaper accent for a cohesive feel.Continue to 17 of 56 below
• 17of 56Patterned Solar Shade Design by Martha O’Hara Interiors / Photo by Troy ThiesSolar shades can block UV rays in any space and come in a range of colors, styles, and transparencies. A patterned roller shade adds interest to this basement bar window from Martha O’Hara Interiors.Continue to 18 of 56 below
• 18of 56Sheer Curtains Design and Photo by Ajai Guyot for Emily Henderson DesignSimple curtains are an affordable purchase or an easy DIY project for those who like to sew. Sheer curtains frame a small window in this apartment living room designed by Ajai Guyot for Emily Henderson Design to create a focal point.Continue to 19 of 56 below
• 19of 56Color-Coordinated Shades Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Tessa NeustadtWindow shades come in every color of the rainbow. In this coastal living room from Emily Henderson Design, a navy blue fabric accordion shade adds a coordinated look that matches curtains, throw pillows, and other decor accents in the blue-and-white room.Continue to 20 of 56 below
• 20of 56Opaque Window Shades Jessica Nelson Design / Carina Skrobecki PhotographyChoose natural woven shades with a tight weave to preserve privacy and block light. Jessica Nelson Design hung woven Roman shades on the windows of this bathroom above the tub that add warmth and soften the all-white space.Continue to 21 of 56 below
• 21of 56Floor-Kissing Curtain Kate Marker Interiors / Stoffer PhotographyHang sheer curtains so that they just kiss the floor for a light and airy look. Kate Marker Interiors chose sheer white curtains that diffuse light during daytime while preserving the leafy view outdoors.Continue to 22 of 56 below
• 22of 56Gathered Shades Mary Patton DesignUse gathered shades to soften the windows in a sleek black-and-white bathroom. Mary Patton Design chose a dark floral pattern to complement the vintage accents in this modern space.Continue to 23 of 56 below
• 23of 56Printed Roman Shade Tyler Karu Design + Interiors / Photo by James R. SalomonComplement bathroom wallpaper with window shades. Roman shades printed with a shellfish motif enhance the coastal feel of this Maine powder room from Tyler Karu Design + Interiors that is decorated with gray-and-white nautical wallpaper for a harmonious feel.Continue to 24 of 56 below
• 24of 56Farmhouse Florals Ashley Montgomery DesignFor a modern farmhouse kitchen, trade floral curtains for a floral window shade. Ashley Montgomery Design added floral Roman shades in muted tones to soften the windows of this cozy kitchen.Continue to 25 of 56 below
• 25of 56Dark Velvet Drapes Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Reid RollsFor a dramatic retro look, consider velvet drapes. Leanne Ford Interiors mixed oversized floral wallpaper, gilded accents, moody paint, and floor-to-ceiling velvet drapes in this vintage glam home bar.Climate ControlIf you live in a cold climate, heavy drapes will help keep heat from escaping and cold air from seeping in, potentially reducing utility costs and conserving energy.Continue to 26 of 56 below
• 26of 56Matching Shade and Curtains Mary Patton DesignCurtains and window shades in tonal colors and simple fabrics can add warmth to minimalist rooms. Mary Patton Design dressed the windows of this calming space with matching fabric on the window shades and curtains.Continue to 27 of 56 below
• 27of 56Lace Curtain Panel deVOL KitchensDon’t hesitate to bring some timeless charm to a traditional or historic home by hanging a fixed lace curtain panel in the kitchen window. In this space from deVOL Kitchens, the rustic wood window frame keeps the lacy curtain panel from feeling precious.Continue to 28 of 56 below
• 28of 56Black Kitchen Shutters Design by Sissy + Marley Interior Design / Photo by Marco Ricca StudioComplement industrial-style black windows with matching black window blinds, like this New York City kitchen from Sissy + Marley Interior Design.Continue to 29 of 56 below
• 29of 56Statement Shade Ashley Montgomery DesignIn an eclectic bathroom, choose a statement shade in an eye-catching pattern to create a focal point. Ashley Montgomery Design chose a colorful patterned statement shade for this ornate bathtub nook that stands up to the room’s bold finishes and fixtures.Continue to 30 of 56 below
• 30of 56Simple Roman Shades Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Reid RollsIn a bathroom with assertive wallpaper, add balance with simple solid window shades. Leanne Ford Interiors softened the graphic black-and-white striped walls of this bathroom with white Roman shades.Continue to 31 of 56 below
• 31of 56Mismatched Patterns Mary Patton DesignCombine patterns on window shades and other textiles to create a playful feel. Mary Patton Design mixed and matched patterns in this bold blue family room for an eclectic feel, from the checkered ottoman to the zigzag throw pillows to the black-and-white printed floral shades.Continue to 32 of 56 below
• 32of 56Decorative Trim Curtains Kate Marker Interiors / Emily Kennedy PhotoAdding custom trim to simple curtains can personalize your curtains or help them tie into the existing decor. In this gray and white living room from Kate Marker Interiors, gray trim ties the curtains into the room while adding pattern.Continue to 33 of 56 below
• 33of 56Privacy Half Curtains Becca InteriorsHalf-curtains are cozy and nostalgic. Becca Interiors added neutral patterned cafe curtains to make this bathtub nook feel private and cozy.Continue to 34 of 56 below
• 34of 56Great Room Drapes Desiree Burns InteriorsA wall of great room windows that floods your space with natural light by day can feel foreboding by night. Desiree Burns Interiors softened the wall of windows in this great room with floor-to-ceiling gray curtains.Continue to 35 of 56 below
• 35of 56Oversized Plaid Shade Ashley Montgomery DesignDress a bank of windows with an oversized shade. Ashley Montgomery Design draped a large plaid Roman shade across the triple windows above the sink in this spacious kitchen that lends it a genteel country house.Continue to 36 of 56 below
• 36of 56Semi-Opaque Curtains Becca InteriorsKeep a traditional room looking timeless with classic window treatments. White semi-opaque half curtains add privacy without compromising the light and airy feel of this bathroom from Becca Interiors.Continue to 37 of 56 below
• 37of 56Check It Out Mary Patton DesignMatch your curtains with your shades for a custom look. Mary Patton Design added large-scale check draped and a matching shade to the windows of this room that complement the light blue wall paint.Continue to 38 of 56 below
• 38of 56Contrasting Shade Forbes + MastersUse neutral shades to add balance to a room with lots of color. Forbes + Masters chose a black-and-white-striped shade to add a sober note to this colorful and ornate home office.Continue to 39 of 56 below
• 39of 56Neutral Patterned Shades Brophy InteriorsChoose neutral patterned windows shades to add texture to a room with a minimalist color palette. Brophy Interiors chose subtle graphic window shades to complement this white-and-gray TV room.
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• 40of 56Drop Ceiling Curtains Caroline Andreoni Interior Design / Photo by Sophie LloydHanging curtains from a false ceiling adds elegance and hides hardware for a seamless look. Caroline Andreoni Interior Design chose blush curtains that seem to flow directly out of the ceiling in this contemporary Parisian living room.Continue to 41 of 56 below
• 41of 56Pinch-Pleat Curtains Caroline Andreoni Interior Design / Photo by Sophie LloydPinch pleat curtains are elegant and timeless. Caroline Andreoni Interior Design carried the same curtains throughout the semi-open-plan living space in this Parisian apartment for a cohesive look.Continue to 42 of 56 below
• 42of 56Tie-Back Curtains Design by Emilie Fournet Interiors / Photo by Kasia FiszerWork around radiators or fireplaces with simple tie-back curtains. Emilie Fournet Interiors added a single curtain panel on each far end of a pair of windows flanking the fireplace in this London flat, tying them back to keep them from touching the radiators.Continue to 43 of 56 below
• 43of 56Natural and Neutral Shades Desiree Burns InteriorsPair natural woven shades and seating to add warmth to a modern dining room. A soft neutral-toned window shade allows the patterned colorful wallpaper in this dining room from Desiree Burns Interiors to stand out without competing.Continue to 44 of 56 below
• 44of 56Nursery Curtains A Beautiful MessGive a nursery a cozy and protected feel with a pair of heavy curtains. In this nursery from A Beautiful Mess, velvet black-out curtains help the baby sleep while the mustard color of the fabric stands up to the bright and colorful botanical print wallpaper.Continue to 45 of 56 below
• 45of 56Double Height Curtains Design by Marie Flanigan Interiors / Photo by Julie SoeferHang extra-tall sheer curtains from the top of a wall of windows or glass doors. Marie Flanigan Interiors hung semi-transparent white curtains from the top of a wall of windows in this high-ceilinged living room that helps to soften the room without blocking light.Continue to 46 of 56 below
• 46of 56Striped Tea Towel Curtains Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Erin KellyComplement a vintage kitchen with timeless window treatments. Leanne Ford Interiors hung black-and-white striped half curtains that look like giant tea towels on the lower half of this bank of windows that complement the rustic feel of the room.Continue to 47 of 56 below
• 47of 56Color-Coordinated Curtains Ashley Montgomery DesignMatch the color of your window shades with bed linens for a cohesive feel. Ashley Montgomery Design paired vintage green floral wallpaper with a soft rose pink window shade and bedding for a cozy and romantic look.Continue to 48 of 56 below
• 48of 56Blackened Shade Tina Ramchandani CreativeUse a blackened, semi-transparent window shade to add a moody feel to a family room or media room. Tina Ramchandani Creative fitted a blackened window shade across a wall of casement windows for a complementary feel.Continue to 49 of 56 below
• 49of 56Romantic Florals Mary Patton DesignHang gathered floral shades in soft colors to complement an unapologetically romantic bedroom, like this space from Mary Patton Design that is decorated with vintage and antique furniture.Continue to 50 of 56 below
• 50of 56Natural Wood Shutters Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Reid RollsChunky wood interior window shutters lend a modern rustic feel to this kitchen from Leanne Ford Interiors. The simple design and natural wood adds warmth to the minimalist black-and-white palette.Continue to 51 of 56 below
• 51of 56Short Curtains Ashley Montgomery DesignMinimize a less-than-scenic view from a window with limited natural light by hanging sheer curtains, like this kitchen sink window from Ashley Montgomery Design that obscures the view without blocking the available light.Continue to 52 of 56 below
• 52of 56Two-Tone Shades Finding LovelyHack woven window shades with a layer of fabric to make them feel more custom, like these kitchen window shades from Finding Lovely.Continue to 53 of 56 below
• 53of 56Matching Sink Curtain Mary Patton DesignCreate a romantic feel in a powder room with matching window shades and an under-sink curtain. Mary Patton Design paired the simple textiles with sky blue walls, silver fixtures, and Venetian mirror for a timeless look.Continue to 54 of 56 below
• 54of 56Opaque Cafe Curtains Ashley Montgomery DesignOpaque cafe curtains over the kitchen sink will add privacy without shutting out the light. Ashley Montgomery Design hung opaque cafe curtains on the bottom half of the kitchen sink window that can be swiftly pulled shut to block the view of the neighbors across the street.Continue to 55 of 56 below
• 55of 56Pastel Fabric Shades Mary Patton DesignPair bold wall paint and window trim with colorful shades in a complementary color for a high-energy feel. Mary Patton Design paired lilac walls and pastel pink Roman shades in this kids’ bathroom.Continue to 56 of 56 below
• 56of 56Puddled Curtains Design by Sissy + Marley Interior Design / Photo by Marco Ricca StudioPuddle your curtains on the floor to soften a modern minimalist space. In this bedroom from Sissy + Marley Interior Design, light beige drapes around the French doors puddle on the floor, softening the neutral-toned space.

How to Choose a Window Treatment

To choose the best window treatments for each room, start by identifying practical concerns such as how much privacy, light, and temperature control you need for each window. Keep in mind that south-facing rooms will require more shading than those facing east, for example.

Consider using black-out shades for the bedroom to help you sleep and privacy blinds or half-curtains for the bathroom. In a bedroom or living room, layer blinds with curtains for a more decorative look that provides light and privacy control options throughout the day.

Remember that windows come in a variety of shapes and anything but standard sizes, making buying off-the-rack shades and blinds challenging and custom curtains, drapes, and blinds relatively expensive. Measure twice before buying anything you can’t return, or hire a professional to do the work of measuring and installing blinds. Choose motorized smart blinds that open and close at the touch of a button for the ultimate convenience.

FAQ

• What is the drapery trend for this year?After falling out of fashion for many years, drapery is making a comeback. Current trends include pinch pleat drapes, statement drapes in bold colors and patterns, and drapery made from sustainable, eco-friendly fabrics such as hemp and linen.
• What can I put instead of curtains?If you don’t like curtains, try shades, blinds, shutters, or window film. Shade options include solid or patterned roller shades, solar shades, Roman shades, or black-out shades for privacy, light, and heat control. Install window blinds or interior shutters made from vinyl, metal, or wood. Window treatments can also be layered to create more light control options and visual effects.
• What is the most inexpensive way to cover windows?You can cover windows inexpensively with lightweight paper blinds or premade curtain panels in simple fabrics. Use sheets to make DIY curtains or hack a pair of IKEA curtains by adding elegant pinch pleats to make them look more custom.
• How do you make window treatments look expensive?You can make window treatments look more expensive by hanging curtains higher and wider than the windows to give them a grander appearance. Layer curtains with fabric shades or slatted blinds to give them a functional and high-end look. Be sure to dust and clean your window treatments regularly to give them a well-maintained look.