The UK has a rich architectural history with many different styles of homes available on the market. Each style has its own unique window shapes and sizes so it can be difficult to know how to dress them.. which window dressing works best for your style of home?
Here are a few pointers to get you started if you are moving home or just fancy giving your windows a makeover.
Modern New Build
It is most likely that if you're in a new build, or are designing one yourself, you have uniformed square windows. These are pretty much a blank slate and allow you to choose your dressings. For square windows, I personally like to use Roman Blinds which can add a touch of warmth and personality.
They are available in a huge variety of styles and colours that can be matched well to pretty much any décor choice. They can even come ready-made from somewhere like Blinds 2 Go or custom-made at Hillarys or similar - if your windows are a standard size this means they can also be affordable and quick to put up.
Victorian Homes
For period homes from the Victorian era, it's likely that you will have some stunning windows. As this was a time when people were living without electrical lighting, the windows of the period tended to be tall and rectangular to let in plenty of natural light.
For truly original Victorian properties these would be single pane but it is more likely that these have been brought up to date to keep in some heat. However, the best option would be some grand-looking, thick and warm curtains to dress your Victorian windows and give that authentic feel. If you do happen to have those single pane originals (lucky you), add an extra layer for insulation and include a blind in your dressings.
Georgian Houses
The distinctive Georgian-style homes have much more uniform and precise window layouts and formats than that of the Victorian era. The windows are most often similar in size and lined up symmetrically.
People still living without electricity the windows of the time were big so required something bold to suit the overall aesthetic. Roman blinds are a great option for Georgian windows as they will aesthetically fit the uniform windows, whilst also complimenting and enhancing the beauty of the lines.
Cottages
Shutters are a great choice when it comes to cottages. Usually, like the single panes of Victorian windows, these are thin and small in appearance. Shutters don't only provide the old cosy aesthetic of the room, but they will also help to insulate the home during the cooler months.
They can also be pushed right back to allow maximum light into the space, which often isn't the case with curtains or blinds in cottages due to the small room dimensions and ceiling heights.
Homes from the '30s and 40's
In the 1930s semi-detached houses become the most common houses on the UK market.
These homes were built during an economic boom between the two World Wars. Most of them have distinct panelled windows, which come together to form a curve called bays. Bay's come as single or doubles.
This beautiful window style deserves to be dressed to impress, and we suggest a set of three blinds as a great option or floor-length curtains.
After the Second World War, the government needed to rebuild many of the country's houses, and quickly. They built houses which used affordable materials and that they could factory-make, then construct on-site. These houses have small, non-decorative windows, built for purpose rather than for fashion.
If you live in this home style, you’ll most likely want to get as much light in as possible into your home. For this, your best options are either a Roman blind (which is an extremely versatile window treatment and comes in a great variety of styles to match your décor) or if curtains are more your thing, voiles give privacy while still letting in daylight. These can be paired with thicker curtains where room allows.
Now you know which type of window dressing suits your home you can make a start but if you’re still confused or would like help putting together a window specification for your home, please get in touch at 0208 133 0702 or email gina.everett@createperfect.co.uk