Latest in window coverings
Latest in window coverings
Belinda Hill, July
2014
What are windows wearing today?
Simplicity and minimalism, with an emphasis on crisp, clean lines appears to be leading the trend in window coverings today. Gone are the days of heavy draped effects using jabots and swags, tab curtains or gathered valances. Whether it’s floor-length sheers or pleated blinds, window dressings can dramatically change a room’s appearance and beautifully frame the world outside. Here we take a look at on-trend options that create wonderful windows that work.Brilliant blinds
A permanent all rounder. They are versatile, neutral and functional. From Roman and roller blinds to shutters, there are a number of different styles to suit every home. According to Neil Cooke from Sun Solutions in WA, proving popular today are sunscreen roller blinds – which allow you to look outside while keeping the heat and glare out – and shutters. Roller blinds are easy to operate, versatile and come in a variety of styles. “We offer all internal and external products including Venetian, aluminum and timber, roller, Roman, vertical, panel glides and awnings,” says Neil. “At the moment the trend is towards more natural inspired styles with textured natural colours. Vertical blinds were the rage 10 -20 yrs ago, but now the roller blind is the flavour of the month.”Plantation shutters
One of the most popular window coverings at present. Aside from becoming part of the architectural detail of a room, they offer good light and insulation and are easier to clean than timber veneticians.Exquisite gossamer sheers
Yes, sheers are still popular, but worlds away from the familiar frilly or harsh-textured polyester ones you might remember from yesteryear. They now have subtle iridescence and are interwoven with unexpected materials, or have embossed or printed patterns. Melissa Spano from the Window Workshop in Armidale, Victoria says, “Sheer curtains give a lovely soft look to a room and appear particularly stunning in warm charcoal colours with matching coloured lining. Sheers in dramatic colours, like cocoa and smoke is a trend, as is combining two tones of sheers.”Curtains calling
It could be eyelet-style emerald-green drapes one day and sophisticated triple-pinch pleats on a Marimekko fabric the next; whatever your choice, curtains are one of the best ways to transform or update a room. With a number of different header styles, textures, colors, and trims, curtains are perfect for stamping your personality on a space. The most fashionable colours for curtains at the moment are soft dove greys, warm charcoals and deep espresso tones, and with this neutral palette your upholstery can be bolder. Often an accent of strong colours like camellia, chartreuse, teal or saffron can give a room a real point of difference. Longer, looser pleats (approx 15cm long) are now popular – they look less prim and proper than shorter, tighter ones. Double, rather than triple, pleats are used for the same reason.