Expert advice

Camille Dubuis-welch shares the key design points you need to consider

If it’s the first time you’ve changed curtains, or if you’ve renovated and are looking at bare windows, wondering how to dress them, it may come as a surprise to find out how many window treatments there are to choose from.

There are lots of considerations to factor in when it comes to defining this part of a room, but function is as important as style. It must keep your privacy intact, draughts in check and, of course, add personality to your space.

Light or dark

When picking your fabric, think about how different materials will fall and look, and how they will perform in terms of filtering light. As people have switched to working more from home, there’s been a trend for

‘warm minimalism’ to create a productive environment. To fit this style, Roman blinds and curtains that allow more natural light in are preferable. Lighter linens or Venetian designs also let light filter through while offering privacy.

To keep bedrooms dark for optimum rest, blackout blinds in heavier materials, cut to fit to the edges of the window, will block out the bright morning sunshine.

Temperature control

When it’s cold, honeycomb or cellular shades are the most energy-efficient option, bringing superior insulation and a clean-cut design, and helping to keep bills down. Thermal blinds are backed with a reflective silver layer to stop heat escaping. Or look at hanging lined curtains and Roman blinds.

The right window dressings can help prevent homes feeling overly hot in summer. Venetian blinds can be partially opened to shade rooms from direct sunlight while still letting the air flow through. Sheer fabrics can help diffuse light, and honeycomb shades can trap hot air to keep spaces cool.