Large windows play an essential part in your home’s architecture. They make a small room appear larger, bringing in natural light. The size of these windows creates a seamless transition from your indoor to outdoor living area, expanding your entertainment space. Overall, large windows provide performance and aesthetics to your home’s design. But they do need the right window furnishings so that you can enjoy their benefits.
How do you choose window coverings for large windows?
Window treatments come in a wide variety, each designed to suit a specific type of window and space. For instance, outdoor blinds are ideal for patios or verandahs because they block rain, wind and heat whereas Roman shades are perfect for bedroom windows because their tailored look creates sophistication and delivers privacy.
Although some window treatments for large windows, like plantation shutters, can be versatile, considering your priorities can help you make an informed decision. A misplaced window covering can diminish the beauty of any space and prevent you from enjoying your home.
Consider the following factors when deciding on window coverings.
Large window coverings can be challenging to operate. Their massive scale can mean exerting effort and time you may not have when it comes to cleaning. When opening or closing them, you’ll want a quick and simple way to operate them.
Modern window coverings for large windows can feature automation. You could be on the couch or the bed and be able to control the covering with the touch of a button.
What window covering would enhance or complement your home’s interior design? Do you want the window covering to be a focal point? Which space needs a window treatment? These considerations allow you to narrow down your options, from the design and colour to the type of window covering.
When you want a window treatment that will blend in, vertical blinds make a good option as modern window coverings for large windows. Its vertical slats enhance the height of the large window and provide adequate privacy in home offices. But if you want window treatments with more personality, plantation shutters come in different styles and finishes.
It makes sense to want privacy in your bedrooms and even a home office. The dilemma with window treatments, like drapes or curtains, is that you don’t get enough natural light or access to outside views.
When prioritising privacy for your window treatment, consider how it will still allow you to have some light and views.
Energy efficient window treatments ensure you enjoy the space without worrying about energy costs. But having large windows can sometimes make it difficult to insulate a room. Other than installing energy efficient windows (e.g., double-glazed, low-emissivity coatings), choose window coverings that also offer good insulation. Plantation shutters offer good insulation, saving you up to 33% in energy costs.
Effective light control lets you focus on a task without the glare. A flood of natural light transforms any space (and saves you money on energy costs), but too much brilliant light can be distracting. When you want just a bit of daylight to filter through, blinds and plantation shutters can work.
Once you’ve figured out your priorities, let your creativity shine through by dressing up your windows with the right furnishings.
Window covering ideas work well when incorporated into the interior design of your home rather than as an afterthought. If you’re not big on curtains because of the maintenance, other options can provide the textured look you’re after.
Try the following large window covering ideas.
You don’t have to settle for just one window treatment. Multi-tiered window coverings present a customised look to your home while enhancing energy efficiency and better light control.
Layered styles create depth and richness in your windows, giving your home added visual appeal. Depending on the window covering you pick, multi-tiered could also enhance the warmth and cosiness of your interior spaces.
You could add textured panels over light, sheer fabrics. This style allows you to pull up the panels to let daylight into a room while still having access to outside views or pull down the panels for privacy in the evening. You could also mount two shades on top of each other, using the one underneath to filter light and the one over for privacy.
Some people install three window treatments, combining a valance with blinds and drapes for a striking look.
Simplicity is always a good thing, but it does not mean dull. The key to going with simple, easy window coverings is to pick a classic style. Shutters meet that criterion. They’re sophisticated, very functional and a favourite among home buyers. They also come in different designs, from bi-fold plantation shutters for sliding doors or kitchen windows to hinged plantation shutters for big picture windows.
When you want more personality, a touch of colour is the easiest solution. It adds visual interest without overwhelming the space. You can choose virtually any type of furnishing and you’ll introduce colour into the space. Even outdoor window treatments, like roller shutters, come in a wide range of colours.
You can go with shades of blue to evoke calmness or reflect your location (e.g., beachside). You can also do earth tones associated with luxury and depth like soft coral and blue, forest brown and olive, or cognac and terracotta.
Sometimes, the window treatment market lacks the options you want. When you can’t find the perfect shutters or blinds for your large windows, customise your window coverings.
With customisation, you get several more options that match perfectly with your windows. This service also gives you access to professionals who can recommend the right furnishing. For instance, you may have your heart set on roller blinds for your kitchen, but professional installers know that this window treatment does not do well in high-moisture environments.
Customisation also ensures the treatment fits your window. When the covering is made to measure, the shutter or blinds installation will go smoothly.
Finally, with large windows comes the undeniable drama; this architectural feature makes quite a statement. So it’s only fitting to lean into that visual impact with window coverings that catch the eye. Even a simple space, like the breakfast banquette, can turn into a conversation starter with bi-fold louvre shutters in a deep, rich colour or Roman shades with patterned drapes that gently graze the floor.
There are many more shutters or blinds for large windows ideas to elevate your home. But you can start with these five ideas, and play around with which concept works for your vision.
When you need more inspiration, Modern Group is Australia’s trusted home improvement company with a team of experts who’ve worked on more than 500,000 homes. We specialise in high-quality, Australian-made plantation shutters, roller shutters and outdoor blinds.
Contact us today for free on-site consultations and expert advice on your window coverings.
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