Pull back the curtain
At the helm of Guthrie Bowron Tauranga, Margaret Gill knows interiors. Here, she shares an insider’s guide to window coverings.
At the helm of Guthrie Bowron Tauranga, Margaret Gill knows interiors. Here, she shares an insider’s guide to window coverings.
Window coverings have a major influence on a room’s functionality and ambience — a fact that’s both exciting and makes knowing what to choose a little daunting. The following insider info might help you decide what’s best for you.
Your first consideration? Function. Living spaces may need a sun filter treatment to manage glare during the day. Bedrooms benefit from blackout curtains to aid sleep. Window treatments will also offer additional insulation if your home is lacking in that department.
Will curtains or blinds be best? Curtains visually soften the hard edges of a room, while providing warmth and privacy. Roman blinds provide a streamlined look for the minimalists among us, and are ideal for high or small windows.
What size are your windows and how much wall space is there on either side? The answers may lead you to floor-to-ceiling curtains for spacious rooms, while blinds will be great for small, narrow or awkwardly placed panes.
Keep roller blinds, venetian blinds, vertical blinds, honeycomb blinds and shutters on your radar too. All have their advantages and limitations, depending on your home’s unique requirements and the look you love.
Enjoy using your window treatments to express your creativity. Whether
you gravitate towards soothing neutrals, energising bright hues or statement-making bold patterns, there’s such a wide range of fabrics available that you can take your pick when it comes to style, colour and texture. Most curtain fabrics can also be used for roman blinds, allowing you to maintain a consistent scheme throughout the house. Then tie it together with other soft furnishings such as cushions, throws, bedding and upholstered furniture. Or make a feature out of an exceptionally special textile. For example, a printed velvet, intricate jacquard or highly textured boucle.
The secret to your success lies in talking to an experienced curtain and blind consultant at the beginning of your decorating project. At Guthrie Bowron Tauranga, you’ll find all the latest collections from UK textile brand ILIV, as well as top-notch New Zealand suppliers. Are you ready to get started?