Even brand new windows might look bare without window blinds or curtains. But if your house has old windows with a few flaws, dressing them up and decorating them might be even more important.
Do you have a vintage or farmhouse decor? Or perhaps you prefer something more eclectic and unique. Here are nine ideas how to decorate an old window to look its best:
1. Paint the window frames with a contrasting colour
The look of an entire room can instantly change if you paint the trims, including the window frames, with a contrasting colour.
Before painting the frame of an old window, however, you should fill any nail hole on it with putty. Then, sand the wood down, especially if it has previously been painted or varnished.
Next, apply some primer, then at least one coat of paint to transform the look of your window.
2. Get great window blinds
Window blinds are among the most popular window coverings, often the only finishing touch a window needs. You may prefer vertical blinds, Venetian blinds, motorized blinds, or Hunter Douglas blinds. In addition, there are smart blinds that can be controlled with an app. Regardless of your preferences, choose window blinds that complement your decor.
Window blinds can be made from different materials, including plastic, metal, wood, faux wood, and fabric. Each material has pros and cons, but synthetic materials are generally more durable than natural materials.
3. Get or make stylish Roman shades
Roman shades are a traditional type of window covering made from fabric or natural materials like jute or bamboo. When Roman shades are raised, they fold into themselves.
While buying Roman shades to decorate your old windows is possible, you can easily make your own with a piece of wood, dowels, cording, and the fabric you choose.
If you are interested in such a project, you can easily find a Roman shade tutorial online. It’s even possible to make it a no-sew project, to simplify things.
4. Don’t hesitate to put curtains over your blinds
Can you decorate an old window with curtains and window blinds? Of course, you can.
If you want to install curtains or fancy draperies over your blinds, just be sure you pick colours and styles that don’t clash. For example, if your blinds are a crisp white, don’t pick curtains or draperies of a different white, as it will not look good. Go for a contrasting colour instead.
And if the fabric of your curtains will have colourful patterns, it’s best to keep your blinds free of patterns.
5. Make sure your curtains are unique and match your decor
Speaking of curtains, finding unique curtains to decorate your old windows should be easy. Or perhaps you have old curtains that could use a makeover or plain curtains that could be made more interesting.
You can easily decorate curtains with stencils and fabric paint, dip dyes them, or stitch cute pompoms to their edges. The possibilities are endless.
It’s also possible to create unique curtains from a tablecloth, pillow cases, tea towels, shower curtains, or any piece of fabric you like.
6. Make a customized cornice or valance
If you like to keep things simple, you could make a customized cornice or valance to decorate your old window.
What is the difference between the two? A valance is a short drapery panel that will only cover the top of your window. It can be installed on a curtain rod or stapled to a backboard.
On the other hand, a cornice is a board that can be cut into different designs. For example, it could be made from reclaimed barn wood for a rustic look, and its purpose is to decorate the top of the window while hiding hardware.
7. Use fancy napkin rings to tie draperies
Decorating an old window with draperies is easy. And if you want a stylish and affordable accessory to tie your draperies, you can use a napkin ring.
8. Cover your window screens with floral lace patterns
Do you think old window screens are ugly? You could give them a makeover by covering them with lace or replacing them with lace.
Lovely floral patterns will give your windows a charming vintage look. But if your windows tend to get dirty very quickly, lace screens might not be such a great idea. Instead, think about covering the glass of your old windows with decorative window films.
9. Install vintage indoor shutters
Finally, if you just love the farmhouse aesthetic, you could install wooden shutters instead of curtains or blinds to cover your windows.
You can make your shutters if you have the required skills and tools, or you can shop for vintage shutters in yard sales and flea markets. If you find some very old shutters, they might need to be painted or refinished so they can match your decor.
As you can see, there is more than one way to decorate an old window. Which one is your favourite?
