How to Choose the Right Window Treatments for Your Home

The architecture of your home should always guide your choice of window treatment.

A Georgian townhouse, a stone cottage and a contemporary extension all have very different proportions and deserve a considered approach.

Rather than following trends, choose treatments that complement the character of the building and feel as though they belong there.

Simple, well-proportioned curtains are often far more timeless than elaborate window dressings.

While blinds certainly have their place, curtains generally create a softer, more luxurious feel.

Even if privacy isn't required, curtains add texture, improve acoustics and make a room feel complete.

Full-length curtains also help emphasise ceiling height, creating a greater sense of scale and elegance.

Where practical, we often combine curtains with discreet blinds, giving you the flexibility to control privacy and light without compromising the overall aesthetic.

One of the most common mistakes is hanging curtain tracks too low.

Where ceiling height allows, curtains should be mounted as close to the ceiling as possible. This naturally draws the eye upwards, making windows appear taller and the room feel more generous.

Even in period properties with picture rails or decorative cornicing, careful positioning can dramatically improve the proportions of a space.

Luxury is often found in generosity.

Curtains should have enough fullness to form soft, elegant folds rather than appearing stretched flat across the window.

As a guide, we generally recommend around two to two-and-a-half times the width of the window when calculating fabric fullness.

Similarly, curtains should extend beyond both sides of the window so they can stack neatly without blocking natural light.

The heading style has a significant impact on the overall feel of a room.

Double pinch pleat curtains offer a timeless, tailored look that works beautifully in both traditional and contemporary homes.

Wave headings provide a cleaner, more contemporary appearance and suit minimalist interiors.

The best choice depends on the architecture of the home and the atmosphere you're trying to create.

Natural fabrics rarely go out of style.

Linen remains one of our favourite choices, thanks to its relaxed drape, subtle texture and timeless character.

Wool blends, cottons and lightweight sheers can also work beautifully depending on the room and the amount of privacy required.

Rather than choosing fabric for colour alone, consider how it will catch the light and soften the architecture throughout the day.

Curtain linings are just as important as the face fabric.

A quality lining improves the way curtains hang, protects fabrics from fading and enhances insulation.

In bedrooms, blackout lining provides a darker sleeping environment, while living spaces often benefit from lighter linings that gently diffuse daylight.

Every room has different requirements.

Bedrooms often need blackout curtains for restful sleep.

Bathrooms and kitchens usually require moisture-resistant blinds or shutters where space is limited.

Living rooms and dining rooms benefit from softer fabrics that introduce warmth and help create an inviting atmosphere.

Choosing window treatments based on how a room is used will always lead to a better result than selecting them purely for appearance.

Curtain tracks and poles should support the design rather than dominate it.

Slim ceiling-fixed tracks often create the cleanest appearance, allowing the fabric to take centre stage.

Where curtain poles are visible, choose finishes that complement the wider material palette, such as aged brass, bronze or painted timber.

The most successful details are often the least noticeable.

Combining different types of window treatments creates a home that's both practical and beautiful.

A sheer curtain can soften daylight while maintaining privacy.

A blackout blind hidden behind full-length curtains provides darkness at night without affecting the appearance of the room.

Layering allows the space to adapt effortlessly throughout the day and across the seasons.

At Six Walls Studio, we believe window treatments should feel like part of the architecture, not simply something added once the renovation is complete.

Natural fabrics, generous proportions and carefully considered detailing create rooms that feel softer, quieter and more welcoming.

Like every element of interior design, it's often the subtle decisions that have the greatest impact.

Beautiful curtains aren't about making a statement. They're about framing the architecture, controlling light and bringing warmth and texture to a home that feels timeless for years to come.