3 Reasons Curtains Might Be a Major Mistake, According to Designers
When designing a space, adding curtains often seems like a given. Besides being functional, light-blocking pieces of fabric, these textiles have a way of tying a room together. At the same time, if something tells you your window doesn’t need this finishing touch, you may be right.
To prove my theory, I asked experts when you can forgo hanging drapes — whether it’s for a practical reason, like wanting to bring more natural light into a dark, drab room, or simply not obstructing a pretty outside view. And of course, you can always leave windows totally bare, but the pros also love a good curtain alternative. Check out these designer-backed tips to determine whether or not to use curtains in your space.
Obstructed Windows
Ask yourself: Is there something in the way of my window? If the answer’s yes, maybe curtains aren’t right for this spot. “Drapery works best when it can be mounted above and beyond the window frame and draped all the way to the floor,” says Adam Skalman, vice president of brand experience at The Shade Store. “Windows that have radiators, HVAC units, or other obstructions under the sill are not well-suited to drapery. Additionally, windows and doors that open inward might not be great for drapery due to obstructed operation.”
Magnificent Views and/or Stunning Architecture
Whether you live in a house or high-rise building, don’t let excellent views hide behind curtains. “In our primary bathroom, we have a large double casement window that looks out over the backyard,” says digital creator Lexi Poer of @strollinginthesuburbs. “So, in an effort to not lose the beautiful view, we skipped the curtains so that nature remains the focal point. This window is also within a wall of marble, which is another reason we decided against any window treatments here.”
Lone Windows
Do you only have one window in your kitchen or bathroom? You may want to rethink installing curtains; otherwise you’ll be preventing what little natural light you do get from coming in. A single window may also require custom curtain dimensions. “Kitchen windows can be a bit of an odd size, which makes finding the right curtains challenging,” says Tom Magill, senior home stylist at Anthropologie. “Instead, I like a simple shade in a textured neutral like bamboo for the kitchen. And, because no one sleeps there, you don’t need to worry about full light coverage.”
Curtain Alternatives
Sleek Shades
If you want a more streamlined aesthetic, curtains might not be what you’re looking for. Consider installing motorized shades that’ll create a fancy, hotel-like statement in your home. “A Roman shade made of fabric will finish the space and give a tailored touch,” says designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard. “This can work especially well in a space that has sliding doors, where the shade can be pulled high enough to allow access but lowered to finish the space and look of the room.”
Go Green
Besides the shades mentioned above, you can lean into the transparency of a window in a more creative manner. Consider cling-on privacy film, which now comes in designs that mimic leaded and stained glass windows in addition to the typical frosted “glass” styles.
Want a “living” solution? “For a bathroom window that needed a bit of privacy, another idea I’ve had is placing glass shelves attached to a wall in front of the window,” Poer says. “Then, I add plants on them to create a greenhouse-like window feature.”
Further Reading
We Tested (and Rated!) All the Sofas at Ashley — Here Are the Best to Suit Your Style and Space
We Tested (and Rated!) All the Sofas at Pottery Barn — Here Are the Best for Every Type of Need
