Shabby Chic Window Treatment Ideas

Are you wondering what to use for window treatments in your Shabby Chic decorating style room?  Here are several ideas to consider that are easy and will add that special Shabby Chic touch to any room.

We think of window coverings as something to provide privacy and to let in (or keep out) light, heat, or cold.  However, Shabby Chic window treatments are a great way to add decoration to a room by providing a “frame" for the window. 

In the Shabby Chic decorating style use fabrics that are simple and relaxed rather than fussy, use something soft rather than stiff, and use something which is loosely shaped rather than a tight configuration.  Window dressings with a rounded rather than a hard-edged look are more casual than formal and better fit the Shabby Chic decorating style.

For an unstructured, effortless look, windows can be swathed with an ample amount of loose fabric that is allowed to puddle gently onto the floor.  The simplicity of a plain white blind or a Roman shade works nicely to provide privacy.  If you want a more formal but casual Shabby Chic look, consider using light easy-care fabrics such as lightweight velvet, muslin or poplin to create a draping effect. 

One of my favorite Shabby Chic window treatments is to use small, wooden slat salmon-colored window shades with a medium-weight cream-colored lace valance.  It provides privacy as well as adds a soft touch of color to the room and the lace valence provides a touch of elegance.

A tapestry swag valance with a sheer underlining draped loosely over a curtain rod is another attractive window covering to use in a Shabby Chic room.  The curtains have a softer look while adding a touch of formality to a room.

►Reprint Rights◄

Log in to become a member of Lynn Cressy's Fan Club!

Comments on this article:

» left by Anonymous (207 days 8 hours ago.)
I'm looking for a chic urban kind of look for my closet. It's a walk in with an arch window. I want to put a bold color in there and curtins, but i wouldn't know where to start. Privacys kind of an issue too, condsidering the windows practiclly a display case. Im in highschool and don't want anything too childish. I love the classy kind of look, like something out of the CW show "Gossip Girl". Any suggestions?

Respond to this comment

» left by Lynn Cressy ^(3,265) (204 days 13 hours ago.)
Thank you for your comments.

It's great that you want to have a classy closet!

Arched windows are beautiful but present a problem when deciding on window treatments. If you need to cover the arched part, you can use a sheer on rod curtain but would need to get an arched curtain rod. I did an online search for "arched window treatments photos" and the first entry was a nice collection of photos. It really helps to see an actual photo to help you decide if you want fabric or some type of custom made window treatment.

If you want to paint the walls of the closet but feel a bold color would be too much on all of the walls, paint just one wall with the bold color. The other walls can be a softer, coordinating color. Make the bold colored wall the focal point of the closet and perhaps put a wall hanging on that wall if room permits.

Depending on the look that you want, you could use bold-colored baskets and bins or unique earth-colored bins and wicker baskets for storage. Either way you would add interest and character to the closet. Have fun with the project and let me know how it turns out!

Respond to this comment

Was this article helpful to you? Leave a Public Comment or Question: