The warm days of summer are finally here, so why not make the most of your window space? With crisp fresh linens, flowers and subtle touches you can transform your home. Dressing your windows for summer doesn’t need to be expensive, if you change your window treatments seasonally you could save cash by picking up items at carboot sales and charity shops. We have put together some of the best seasonal window treatments and decorative ideas that will give a bright and breezy appearance to any window.
First things first
This could be the start of a long hot summer, so take down those heavy winter curtains and change them for some light fabrics. These will let in sunlight and give your room a warm glow. When dressing your window, think about whether you are trying to create privacy or shade.
Melissa Butler’s blog ‘Windows by Melissa’ has this advice: “Obviously privacy is a large factor to consider when selecting window treatments. If your windows are facing the street or a neighbor’s house, you’ll want to make sure you not only select a window treatment that can completely cover the window, but also a fabric that is well lined.”
If you’re after complete privacy, or trying to hide an unattractive view, you can add frosted window film to your panes. This method does not sacrifice the natural sunlight. They are easy to apply and remove, and come in many designs. Pretty nets and voile sheer curtains are another great addition to windows if you wish to have both shade and privacy. Available in a variety of colours and made from light fabrics that help disperse sunlight, they look lovely blowing through open windows.
Choose fabric designs that give a sense of summer, such as those with flowers or birds. If you have patio doors or French windows adding full length interior slatted shutters in bright colours such as white or yellow, which fold away neatly to the sides. These will let light stream into your room on bright sunny days, and will look bright and cheerful at night.
Summer themes
When dressing your windows you should follow a theme. For instance, adding blue and clear glass bottles to your windowsill will create a “sun catcher” effect. Combine these with seashells and frame the window with blue and white striped linens to achieve a casual beach look.
For a cottage garden look, hang cotton curtains with a flowery or butterfly design. Add a jug of delicate summer blossoms or some sunflowers on the sill. Other additions might include clip-on birds and butterflies, hanging shawls, pearl buttons or fairy lights and feathers. Flower curtains can be made by threading silk flower petals onto fishing line and hanging them from the top of the window. Small details like these can change the look and feel of any room.
Finishing touches
With you window dressed for summer, you can now coordinate your room. Find items that match and compliment your chosen window theme, such as bright cushions, throws, rugs, candles, light shades and maybe add an indoor water feature to create a calm relaxing atmosphere.