Window Decoration Inspiration for Living Room Style

Windows bring life and vibrancy to living rooms. Strategic window decorations maximize natural light, frame beautiful views, and complement your style. Whether you prefer an elegant, modern, or cozy look, creative treatments inspire. We've gathered window decor ideas to elevate your living room.

Thoughtful window decorations transform living spaces. Let's explore inspiring ideas to decorate windows for stylish, functional living rooms.

Types of Window Treatments

Numerous window treatment options exist. Consider your decor goals, window features, and lighting needs when selecting styles. Here are popular living room window dressing choices:

• Curtains: Flowing, soft curtains lend elegance. Pick from various fabrics like linen, velvet, or printed cotton. For full coverage, choose blackout curtains or layer sheers behind heavier drapes.
• Blinds: Adjustable wooden, faux wood, aluminum, or vinyl blinds offer privacy and light control. Tilt slats to direct sunlight.
• Shades: Roller, roman, cellular, and woven wood shades filter light well. Cordless options improve safety.

Key Factors in Choosing Window Treatments

Consider these factors when selecting window decor:

• Window Type: Treatments must suit window operation. Casements open sideways needing narrower curtains or shades. Double-hungs open vertically accommodating wider treatments.
• Window Size: Scale curtains and shades to window proportions for optimal coverage and style.
• Light Control: South-facing rooms need filtering. North-facing spaces need insulation. Blackout treatments block most light.
• Privacy Level: Opaque curtains or closed blinds prevent visibility. Sheers allow filtered views.

Curtain Designs

Curtain designs range from casual to formal. For traditional rooms, embroidered or jacquard curtains in damask or brocade suit. Modern spaces may feature solid colored linen or textured cottons. Here are popular curtain styles:

• Pencil pleat with rings: Neat, tailored look. Pinches fabric into tight pleats.
• Grommet curtains: Casual style with holes for rod insertion.
• Tab top curtains: Simplicity with tab openings instead of pleats.
• Back tab curtains: Refined style with hidden tabs.
• Rod pocket curtains: Relaxed style with rod inserted into top pocket.

For fuller curtains, choose widths about 2-3x the window's width. High-quality, lined curtains ensure light blocking. Hung near the ceiling, curtains visually expand space. Add stylish layers with paired swags, cascading jabots or valances.

Blind & Shade Options

Blinds neatly frame and shade windows. For privacy, tilt slats downward or angle vertically. Consider these blind varieties:

• Venetian : Slatted aluminum or wood; adjustable vanes control light.
• Vertical : Plastic or fabric slats traverse side-to-side.
• Woven wood : Natural aesthetic; manually raises or lowers.

Roller and roman shades also filter incoming light. Cellular shades with honeycomb pockets enhance insulation. Lower shades to desired levels to dim or darken rooms.

Top Window Treatment Materials

Fabric and texture choices create different moods. Here are popular materials for curtains and shades:

• Cotton: Natural fiber breathes well, available in range of opacities.
• Linen: Lightweight with textured look; relaxed drape.
• Silk: Luxurious with elegant sheen; needs lining.
• Velvet: Rich density blocks light; shows colors vividly.
• Polyester: Affordable, durable and wrinkle-resistant.

For eco-friendly style, pick natural materials like bamboo, jute, hemp, or sustainably sourced woods for shades.

Window Decor by Style

Match window treatments to your living room's decor. Here are ideas tailored to popular styles:

Traditional Window Decor

Formal, elegant fabrics like damask, brocade, velvet or silk complement traditional interiors. Opt for generous triple curtain lengths with valances for ornate style. Accent with tassels or fringe. Period window hardware also enhances the look. To insulate old drafty windows, layer glass curtains behind blackout drapery panels.

Modern Window Decor

For contemporary living rooms, less is more. Frame windows with unadorned panels in muted solids or subtle geometric prints. Add covert privacy and UV protection with solar roller shades. Herod pleated shades also suit modern spaces. For industrial flair, utilize wood blinds or barn door style coverings.

Eclectic Window Decor

The eclectic look blends varied elements. Incorporate characteristic asymmetry with mismatched window panels and visually interesting fabrics like lace or floral prints. Repurposed antique textiles make unique window valances in bohemian rooms. Contrast billowy sheers against industrial metal shades.

Cozy Cottage Window Treatments

Cottage style rooms benefit from casual, natural decor. White eyelet or embroidered cottons trimmed with ruffles or pom pom fringe add homemade personality. For whimsy, use gingham or calico prints. In farmhouse living rooms, repurposed grain sacks or faded floral sheets become charming curtains.

Creative Window Decor Ideas

Thinking beyond standard curtains and blinds creates captivating window decor. Consider these creative alternatives:

• Display framed artwork, mirrors or wallpaper on window panes to mimic stained glass.
• Install a window seat with storage below; top with cozy pillows.
• Suspend beaded strings, crystals or macrame pieces in front of glass.
• Paint windowsills an accent color to complement interior hues.
• Hang a wooden valance board across the top; decorate with flowers or greenery garlands.
• Use patterned contact paper or adhesive stained glass film to transform plain glass.

For large picture windows, keep coverings minimal to showcase views. Floating shelves flanking the glass provide display space. Frame the window with trim molding or wallpaper for added definition.

Choosing the Best Window Decor

Assessing your decor goals, window attributes and lighting needs guides selections. Here are key considerations when planning window treatments:

• Optimize sunlight and views based on window direction. South-facing spaces may need light filtering. North windows likely need insulation.
• Select easy-to-operate systems for hard-to-reach or tall windows. Cordless shades are convenient options.
• Choose child and pet friendly styles without loose cords. For homes with young kids, avoid curtains that could be pulled down.
• Measure accurately for proper coverage. Allow for stacking room with curtains and shades.
• Coordinate with interior design. Formal rooms need refined treatments. Casual spaces can handle playful window decor.
• Check that windows open and close freely after installing treatments. Verify blinds or shades don't obstruct operation.
• Look for thermal insulating window treatments to reduce energy costs. Cellular shades, blackout curtains and quilted drapes help.
• Consider ease of cleaning when choosing window decor materials and textures.

Proper installation also ensures window treatments function as intended. Mount curtain rods securely and hold taut. With tracks or shades, verify level hanging. Follow manufacturer instructions for optimal performance and safety.

Creative window decorations infuse living rooms with personality while regulating light and privacy. Curtains, blinds and shades come in endless styles to match any aesthetic. For small windows, drama awaits with long, sweeping drapes or richly colored fabrics. Large expanses shine with minimal coverings to highlight views. Unexpected window accents like artwork, shelves and built-in seating offer novelty. Assess your lighting, design scheme and functional needs, then dress windows to enjoy an enhanced living space.

You're sure to find options that match your living room decor with a wide range of window treatments. Whether you prefer an exotic Moroccan vibe with vibrantly patterned drapes, or a serene spa-like atmosphere with bamboo shades, windows provide a convenient platform for creative expression. Remember to balance aesthetics, functionality and your home's architecture when designing the perfect window decor. Thoughtful details like lined curtains, layered sheers and window boxes elevate the look while adding comfort and privacy.