Getting your window dressings right is key to making your living room feel put together. The options for styling your windows are pretty endless, and there’s loads of opportunity to change up the vibe - even if you don’t have much of a picture-perfect view. In this post, we’ve rounded up 8 window styling ideas to inspire your next living room makeover.

Curtain tracks

Small living room? Running curtain tracks around the whole room or much further beyond the edges of your windows helps make the space feel much bigger than it is. Use this way of hanging curtains to create textured backdrops behind furniture and in corners. Hide the curtain tracks where the wall meets the ceiling for a neater look, and choose a light colour to keep an airy, bright feel.

Light-filtering linen

Linen’s always been popular in interiors for its breezy feel and natural woven finish. If your living room is south-facing, try using linen curtains to diffuse harsh light without making the room feel dark. This fabric is the ideal way to create a really relaxed feel and its versatile nature means linen curtains work with practically any interior style. Choose neutrals as a base for colourful furniture and walls, or add colour with earthy tones like olive green and ochre yellow.

Shutters

If you’re looking to create a traditional or modern farmhouse look, consider shutters. This type of window dressing works best in period homes or any living room with large bay windows. Not only are shutters super easy to clean, they’re also great for houses where the living room window opens out onto the street. Tilt them open to let the light in without compromising on privacy from pedestrians.

Double-layer curtains

Image: @akdecor via Pinterest

Double-layering your curtains gives a polished hotel-like feel. Add a bit of luxury to your living room by opting for floor-length curtains with a double rail. Pair a sheer curtain underneath for light filtering, and add a thicker fabric over the top for when the temperatures outside drop. Going for contrasting textures and colours helps create depth and adds more interest to your windows. When layering up, keep things neat and make sure both your curtains are the same length.

Heavy fabrics

If you get a bit of a draft, heavy fabrics are great for keeping the warmth in during the winter months (and keeping your living room cool during summer). This look works best in homes with larger bay or floor-to-ceiling windows. Use Velvet or Chenille fabrics, and contrast them with the other fabrics in your room. For a more pared-back look, neutral versions also work well. Make sure heavier curtains can be tied back so they don’t block any light throughout the day.

Window film

Image: @lukearthurwells via Instagram

Make sure the neighbours and passers-by can’t peek into your living room by using window film. Film can be cut to size for any type of window and is a great option for houses that have living rooms at the front. Keep your privacy whilst still being able to enjoy the view by putting window film over just the lower panes, or halfway up your living room window. Add the height you want plus extra, go outside and review, then lower it as needed.

Complimentary colours

Image: @arosenvinge via Pinterest

It goes without saying that you should think about how the colour of your curtains/blinds will go with the rest of your living room. As a general rule of thumb, it’s best to go either multiple shades lighter or darker than the walls to create contrast. Use curtain colours to tie the whole room together and nod to smaller details like the colours of your artwork or decor.

Wood blinds

Image: @littlemcrhouse via Instagram

It’s easy to get too textile-heavy in living rooms, which ends up making the space feel smaller and crowded. Break this up by using a different material for your window dressings, like wood blinds. If shutters aren’t in your budget, wood Venetian blinds are the next best thing. Use light colours to allow light to flood through when you want it to.

How do you dress up a living room window?

There are lots of ways to dress up a living room window. First, think about your interior style, and the type of living room window you’re dressing. Add curtains, blinds or shutters that compliment your living room style whilst still functioning how you need them to. Consider if you need light-filtering or blackout window dressings, and pick fabrics that give you the right amount of light you want.

How to decorate a living room with lots of windows?

If you’re decorating a living room with lots of windows, choose lighter window dressings so it doesn’t end up feeling too textile-heavy. Consider which way your seating faces vs the aspect of the room so you’re not facing direct light at any point during the day - this will make it more comfortable. Create zones between each window and use them as a feature alongside artwork, shelving or wall lights. Use taller items like side tables or plants to break up the space, or, place an accent chair between two windows.

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