This week we’ve decided to take a look at a decorative element that flies somewhat under the radar – curtains. Many people neglect this design component or don’t even consider it when redecorating a home. However, there is such a variety of window dressing designs and styles out there, and choosing the right one can give your space that little extra oomph. Read on to find out more.

Velvet vigor

Velvet is a gorgeously soft fabric that always provides a sense of luxury. Velvet cushions and pillows are found in many homes – you may already have a couple. Try matching your cushions with velvet curtains. This will offer an intimate and inviting feeling as the thick fabric gives a sense of coziness and security.

Right now there is a trend for colorful velvets in modern shades. Try a gentle turquoise or a burnt orange color, or perhaps a deep blue. These tones add color and textural depth to your home. A quick tip for small rooms with low ceilings: hang your curtains high to make the space seem larger. Designers always use floor to ceiling curtains to elongate low ceilinged rooms.

Voiles and voila!

Sheer curtains – also known as voiles – are without a doubt one of the grandest ways to reduce the sun’s glare in your home. They can function by themselves in rooms that do not require complete privacy or darkness, like in your conservatory or garden-facing lounge. They also work well in tandem with a pair of opaque curtains. This will create a more elegant, layered look, while also providing proper sun-blocking functionality. Lazing on your sofa on a hot summer’s day, while the gentle breeze flows through your window and blows your new voile curtains would make your home feel like the opening chapter in The Great Gatsby:

“The windows were ajar and gleaming white against the fresh grass outside that seemed to grow a little way into the house. A breeze blew through the room, blew curtains in at one end and out the other like pale flags, twisting them up toward the frosted wedding cake of the ceiling—and then rippled over the wine-colored rug, making a shadow on it as the wind does on the sea.”

A warming sensation

Does your home’s interior feel too dark in the late afternoons and early evenings, once the sun has passed around the building? Perhaps you have walls or furniture in dark, heavy colors. If that’s the case, then try hanging some light neutral fabrics at your window. Light-colored fabrics will create a beautiful balance in your room for a calming, warm impact. These shades are great in close, intimate spaces that need plenty of daylight – like home offices, living rooms, and hallways.

We offer a full range of window dressing services at Austin Home Interiors, to suit every home and every need. Come visit our beautiful showroom at 37 Tran Ngoc Dien, Thao Dien, to have a free consultation with our talented designers. Choose a style, design, and fabric, and then our installation team will deliver, hang, and steam your new draperies. Be sure to return to our blog soon to read a full guide to our drapery services. Some current examples of our window dressing designs can be seen below and in our showroom.