How To Dress A Window Without Curtains

Nick Durante
by Nick Durante

A bare window can be overpowering, and more importantly, they don’t always look good. Curtains are the most traditional way to dress a window, but that isn’t the best option for all homeowners. Many homeowners wonder how to dress a window without curtains, and it’s easier than you might think.

Put a shelf in front of your window topped with plants or artwork and trinkets to dress it without curtains. Install a decorative window grille or colorful string lights to add character to your window. Shades, macrame, blinds, and a window cling can all limit sunlight and make your window more lively.

The perfect window dressing for you depends on your taste and how much you want to restrict the sunlight. Some options, like string lights, may not be for every homeowner because they can draw attention. Follow along to learn how to dress a window without curtains to suit your home’s aesthetic.

Alternatives to Curtains

Curtains are the traditional way to cover a window, but they are far from the only option. You can dress a window without curtains in countless ways decorative grills, plants, macrame, and more. Let’s take a look at the best alternatives to curtains to dress your window.

1. Plants

Plants are the most lively and diverse way to dress a window without curtains. Not only will you dress your window, but the plants will add charm and character to the room. The plants will thrive in the sunlight and flourish so their appearance will improve over time.

You will achieve a unique look whether you hang plants to dangle in front of the window or put them on a shelf. Put your plants on a shelf if you want to be able to easily adjust and water them without much effort. Use the shelf as a way to dress your window as well with a unique paint finish or rustic wood texture.

Hanging plants look great in front of a window and eliminate the need for curtains. English Ivy, String of Pearls, Morning Glory, and Boston Ferns are the best plants you can hang in front of a window. Houseplants have never been so popular, and they make for a lively and colorful window dressing.

2. Blinds

Blinds and curtains go hand in hand, but they are quite different ways to dress a window. They are better for small rooms than curtains are and you can find a wide variety of blinds to suit your taste. Much like curtains, blinds are available in a variety of materials and designs to complement different aesthetics.

Venetian blinds are among the most decorative option, particularly if they are made of wood. Wood blinds are diverse and can either look smooth and sleek or rustic and organic. That is part of why blinds are so expensive, and it all comes down to the material you choose.

Vertical blinds are a great option if you want to allow the most amount of light into the space. You can simply open them slightly so that they still cover the door without blocking the light. There is no wrong choice when it comes to blinds whether they are Venetian, sheer,

3. String Lights

String lights brighten the room, window, and your home. You can liven up the room with string lights, and the tone that you create varies based on the lights you choose. String lights allow you to make a colorful statement or simply add a subtle brightness to the window.

Choose string lights that either blend with the surrounding room or contrast them for dramatic effect. They look the best at night when the brightness will stand out against the darkness outside. String lights may not look as vibrant during the daytime, but they still look good if you have colored bulbs.

One of the benefits of string lights is that they are cheap and you can easily swap them out. Swap between cool and warm string lights depending on the season or take the opportunity to represent a holiday with your window dressing.

4. Shelf

Window shelves aren’t just for plants, and they are a great opportunity to display decorations. Place unique décor and art on a shelf in front of the window to make it more attractive. There are endless options whether you want to set out a large number of small trinkets or a few larger objects.

A busy and cluttered shelf filled with unique items is an artistic and visually appealing option. Decorative vases look great on a window shelf. Be careful with what you put on your window shelf if you have pets that could easily knock them over.

Some homeowners use a window shelf to display Halloween decorations or other seasonal holidays. A shelf is a great option because you can always swap out your décor with plants in the future if you want a change.

5. Window Cling

There is no shortage of options when it comes to window clings. They are a great way to dress your window without curtains and come in countless styles. A window cling is essentially a plastic film that you apply to your window to transform its appearance.

You can find window clings in every style imaginable whether it be stained or frosted glass. Consider a window cling as a temporary way to dress your window without curtains. Window clings are temporary and you can easily remove yours if you change your mind.

6. Privacy Screen

A window privacy screen completely removes the need for curtains, and it is one of the best alternatives. Privacy screens vary in tone and appearance based on the material that they are made of. For example, an old metal window screen evokes a rustic aesthetic whereas vinyl is much more modern.

Metal privacy screens are the best, and many new models feature a rust finish to look older. However, a cleaner finish can add a vibrant sheen to your window dressing. As the name suggests, they also provide privacy which is invaluable in any home.

7. Shades

Shades function largely the same way as curtains, but they have a much softer appearance. Roman shades, roller shades, and balloon shades are among the most common variety. Window shades are among the most diverse curtain alternatives because of how many styles there are.

Light can still enter your home with shades, but the fabric will soften it significantly. Custom shades allow you to match your shades perfectly to your window. You can also customize shades based on materials, style, and color.

Shades are only as strong and effective as the material that they are made of. Cotton, canvas, and velvet are the softest and most extravagant materials for window shades. It doesn’t hurt that you can save money with shades as they are energy efficient, particularly if they are dim.

8. Decorative Window Grilles

Decorative window grilles allow you to dress a window without curtains in a timeless fashion. Window grilles don’t have a singular visual style and there is plenty of room for customization. Metal grilles are the most durable and classic option, but they aren’t ideal if you live in a humid climate.

Some decorative windows attach to the inside and outside of the window. The design of a window grille is important because it splits your windows up and can limit your view. However, part of the appeal of a decorative window grille is that they provide a unique design to see through.

Standard window grilles feature square and rectangular shapes. However, decorative grilles are not limited to any particular visual theme. Choose a Victorian or artisanal design if you want your decorative window grille to display class.

9. Macrame

Bohemian décor has become more popular with each passing year, and that includes macrame. The macrame resurgence even applies to fashion as it does window dressing. Hang macrame in front of a window to make it look appealing without dulling all of the light.

The unique appearance of macrame lets the sunlight take on an interesting shape as it enters your home. Macrame window dressings are also affordable because you can make them without professional help. Much like decorative window grilles, there is no shortage of macrame designs available.

You can also commission a custom macrame decoration to hang in front of your windows. Macrame allows you to dress your window without curtains in a Bohemian and artistic way.

10. Retractable Window Screen

Retractable window screens aren’t as decorative as curtains or blinds, but they are practical. As the name suggests, you can retract your window screen when you don’t need it to allow full sunlight. This affordable way to dress your window without curtains costs an average of $80.

However, retractable window screens cost between $10 and $150 or more depending on the brand and material. Retractable window screens come in light and dark options that have unique appeals. Choose a darker screen if you want to increase privacy and limit sunlight.

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Nick Durante
Nick Durante

Nick Durante is a professional writer with a primary focus on home improvement. When he is not writing about home improvement or taking on projects around the house, he likes to read and create art. He is always looking towards the newest trends in home improvement.

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