12 Ideas for Contemporary Window Dressings
Sleek and Modern Looks for Privacy or Light When You Want It
I am an architectural design writer who often focuses on how environment can affect behavior. Before consulting privately, I received my MA in writing and ran a design boutique in Los Angeles.
I am an architectural design writer who often focuses on how environment... More »
Houzz member cje4 recently asked about how to dress a large window in her Grand Rapids home, to create privacy with a Scandinavian modern twist:
"I'm not totally sure what would be ideal for dressing it. I like the idea of having a valance, but I also need to have the option of privacy as that window looks out into a shared courtyard and I'd rather not have it exposed at all times. Any suggestions of how to accomplish privacy that is both attractive and modern?"
In the process of helping her find what she was looking for, I began to think about modern and sleek options for window dressings. These examples let light in while allowing for privacy, with a sleek and modern look:
"I'm not totally sure what would be ideal for dressing it. I like the idea of having a valance, but I also need to have the option of privacy as that window looks out into a shared courtyard and I'd rather not have it exposed at all times. Any suggestions of how to accomplish privacy that is both attractive and modern?"
In the process of helping her find what she was looking for, I began to think about modern and sleek options for window dressings. These examples let light in while allowing for privacy, with a sleek and modern look:
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| These sleek slate-toned shades provide the needed balance between light and dark in this gentle and beautifully simple bedroom. The slightly darker shade adds dimension without drawing attention to the shades themselves. |
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by Tervola Designs
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| This modern-with-an-Asian-flavor bathroom provides privacy and natural detail with wood shades that tie in with the cabinetry. |
To me, this is the perfect balance between creating total privacy without blocking the outside world entirely.
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A softer take on modern, this fabric softens a living room while keeping things simple. It adds straightforward detail through the geometric pattern.
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| This bold mod kitchen gets a slightly gentle touch with the patterned neutral shades. |
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by AMI Designs
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| Similarly, a contemporary vibe floats through this Edwardian-inspired breakfast nook of this coastal home. The shades add detail but keep things light and white. |
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by Tenshon, LLC
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| I adore this concept, not just for an outside patio, but an eco-intelligent indoor living room that lets in natural light but needs shade as well. |
| This spanning kitchen area offers a vast surface of beautiful wood, and the shades contribute to the overall continuity while receding up or down when not needed. |
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| These shades recede entirely when not in use, allowing for this amazing view. |
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Similarly, this room takes on an entirely different look when the full shades are drawn to the floor for privacy.
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In this modern and lush bedroom, bold dark fabric similar to the bed linens dress this window, allowing for the effects of bold light or darkest night.
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This simple Asian-inspired space offers two kinds of window dressings, keeping the space unique but simple with its understated and natural-looking fabric choice.
Have you found a way to successfully dress your modern window space?
Next: Browse more home design photos
Have you found a way to successfully dress your modern window space?
Next: Browse more home design photos
Comments
Christina Ebbers Wow! I'm honored that you took my little comment and pulled together a whole ideabook from it! I really like the shades in the first picture, and that semi-sheer shade in the bathroom with the purple flower is really lovely!
2 years ago · Like
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hhein Love the look of shades but, with a south-facing living area, they just aren't practical with the all-or-nothing amount of direct light. Any ideas for cool blind options?
2 years ago · Like
bksatwh Are there any waterproof retractable shades made? I would like to put in the shower area.
2 years ago · Like
Lydia Woodard Any ideas on shading trapezoid shaped windows?
2 years ago · Like
Pangaea Interior Design, Portland, OR Flat Roman shades inset within the window frame are my favorite for privacy and a sleek look. Some also have a sheer honeycomb attached to the bottom so you can either have the opaque Roman shade or the sheer honeycomb showing which really helps with privacy even though it is not totally opaque. I also would say the top down/bottom up version of any shade would be best so you can let in light above while screening people's view in to your home. I also love a very simple upholstered cornice combined with drapery panels. Using a contemporary fabric is what makes the window dressing stand out. Oh, and solar shades are water proof. Might consider that?
2 years ago · Like
marilynstorm THANKS to you & CEbbers-- I NEED this info. please give more info re sources for treatments in 3rd,7th, 9th, 10th & 11th photos Thanks
15 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on Jan. 31, 2011.
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