7 Contemporary Ideas For Window Coverings

October 12, 2016
7 Contemporary Ideas For Window Coverings

Windows are great, but sometimes you need to shut out the light, so here are 7 different ideas for ways you can cover your windows.

1. Roller Shades

Available in a range of opacities, these window coverings are easy to use and can give a bit of extra privacy or be completely blacked out letting you sleep in total darkness. They’re on a roller that’s usually rolled up with an attached pulley system, but can also come in high tech alternatives that let you open and close your blinds at an easy press of a button.

This roller shade provides a way to partially block out the sun.
Designed by Muxin Design completed this modern office. Photography by Zhang Daqi.
This workplace has roller shades to provide shade and reduce glare on computer screens.
Designed by IWAMOTOSCOTT ARCHITECTURE. Photography by Bruce Damonte.
This window seat and window has three panels of rolling shades, allowing for different light options.
AO Studios designed this modern interior. Photography by Alvin Oh.

2. Shutters

Shutters are typically associated with older, traditional houses, but modern shutters do exist, and they can look amazing. With options for both interior and exterior shutters, they can be a stylish way to block out unwanted light and increase the privacy of your home.

This house has sliding wood shutters to protect the windows from the elements.
ARCS Architekten designed this modern house with sliding shutters.
Interior window shutters can be a playful element in a children's bedroom.
Alexander & Co designed this child’s bedroom with interior window shutters. Photography by Murray Fredericks.
Wood shutters with a pattern can be closed but still let the light through.
Mihaly Slocombe designed this modern wood house. Photography by Emma Cross.
Sliding wood window shutters provide protection from the sun and elements.
Aamodt/Plumb designed this contemporary farmhouse. Photography by Casey Dunn.

3. Frosted Glass

Frosted glass lets you enjoy the natural light coming through your window but ensures that nobody will be able to see into your home. You can frost an entire window for ultimate privacy or you can partially frost it so you can still enjoy the views outside.

A window transitions into a frosted screen at the touch of a button.
Fernanada Marques Arquitetos Associados designed this modern bathroom. Photography by Fernando Guerra | FG+SG.
A partially frosted window creates privacy for a bathroom without blocking the light.
Designed by Griffin Enright Architects.
A partially frosted window provides privacy for a modern bedroom and bathroom.
Designed by Griffin Enright Architects.

4. Curtains

Probably the most common window covering, curtains provide privacy, block light, and act as an important decor piece in any room. They can be made from virtually any material, come in endless pattern possibilities, and can make a space feel open and airy or quiet and dark, depending on the thickness of the material used.

Soft light billowing curtains add a a delicate touch to a large open plan interior.
Aamer Architects designed this house with large glass walls. Photography by Albert K S Lim.
A light white curtain is installed for daytime, while a black curtain blocks out the light at night.
Denis Rakaev designed this modern bedroom. Photography by Andrey Avdeenko.
Two layers of curtains create privacy and block out the light.
Denis Rakaev designed this bedroom interior. Photography by Andrey Avdeenko.

5. Roman blinds

Roman blinds, also called roman shades, are similar to roller shades but take on a different look when they’re pulled up. A special type of stitch is done along the sides to create folds in the fabric as it’s pulled open, which creates a distinct look at the bottom of the blinds. They can be made from gauzy fabric that’s more decorative than functional or they can be made from blackout material to plunge rooms into darkness when the blinds are closed.

A brown Roman window shade complements the wood found in this small room.
SVOYA Studio designed this bedroom. Photography by Tanya Kovalenko.
A black Roman shade on the window contrasts the white walls.
SVOYA Studio designed this living room / home office. Photography by Tanya Kovalenko.
Black roman blinds draw attention to the tall ceilings in this living room.
Designed by Baden Baden Interior. Photography by Marjon Hoogervorst.
Patterned Roman blinds add a fun accent in this kid's bedroom.
Architecture by Lauren Rubin Architecture. Interior design by Eric Perry. Photography by David Gilbert, Alyssa Kirsten, and Billy Siegrist.

6. Venetian Blinds

Venetian blinds are a simple type of blind that opens in two ways to give vary degrees of openness and light. When the shades are open, only a bit of light is let in and an element of privacy is retained. When the entire blinds are pulled up the windows are completely exposed and let all of the light from outside come pouring in.

White Venetian blinds cover a wall of windows in a modern concrete house.
Designed by Axelrod Architects. Photography by Amit Geron.
White Venetian blinds cover the large window in a modern bedroom.
Widawscy Studio Architektury designed this modern bedroom. Photography by Tomasz Borucki.
Wood Venetian blinds have been used to cover the windows in a steel kitchen.
Designed by Egue & Seta designed this modern kitchen. Photography by Vicugo Foto + Mauricio Fuertes.

7. Louvres

Louvers are a combination of shutters and Venetian blinds. To allow maximum light in, they open like shutters. But when they’re closed they have shades that can be tilted to allow varying degrees of light through them. While they’re typically horizontal they can also be made vertically for a more unique and modern look.

Blue louvres cover the bay windows and add color to the wall white home office.
Inspiration from the Shutter Store.
7 Contemporary Ideas For Window Coverings // Louvers are a combination of shutters and Venetian blinds. To allow maximum light in, they open like shutters. But when they're closed they have shades that can be tilted to allow varying degrees of light through them. While they're typically horizontal they can also be made vertically for a more unique and modern look.
Inspiration from The Blind Company.
7 Contemporary Ideas For Window Coverings