How to dress sash windows

Inspiration

BY Abi Clewley

Published: 23 May 2022 Updated: 07 November 2024

Inspiration
Tags: Shutters, Blinds, Trends

Typically found in Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian-era properties, sash windows have a timeless charm and classic elegance and their classic lines and traditional design can enhance both period properties and modern homes seeking a touch of vintage charm. However, dressing sash windows can present unique challenges. Read on for our solutions.

Dining room with three windows on a curved wall dressed in white cafe style shutters, closed with louvres open, pale blue walls, modern glass dining table with wood and metal chairs, white low sideboard.

Sash windows exude a sense of history and elegance, making them a focal point in any room. One of the primary benefits of sash windows is their ability to provide excellent ventilation, as you can open the top and bottom sashes simultaneously, allowing warm air to escape through the top while cool air enters through the bottom. This feature also allows for ample natural light to flood the room.

Cream bedroom with two adjacent windows dressed in white shutters, closed with louvres open, Queen Anne-style dresser and bed with cream bedding and aquamarine throw, turkish-style rug in muted blues and pinks under dresser.

Despite their beauty, sash windows can pose challenges when it comes to selecting the right window dressings. Their sliding mechanism means that any dressing must allow for easy access and smooth operation, and they can often be an unusual shape or size.

A pair of blue solid shutters fitted to tall rectangular shaped windows in a bedroom decorated with grey walls, bed and wooden breakfast table

Ensure that your window dressings are proportionate to the size of your sash windows, which tend to come in a far greater variety of size than standard windows. Overly heavy or voluminous dressings can overwhelm the space, while too-small treatments may look out of place. These narrow and tall sash windows benefit from the streamlined look that solid shutters bring.

White bedroom with window in alcove dressed in tier on tier white shutters, top half partially open, bottom half closed, louvres open on both above white bath, arched window on right dressed in white shutters closed with louvres closed.

Choose window dressings that allow for the smooth operation of your sash windows. Shutters with easy-to-operate louvres or blinds with simple mechanisms are ideal choices, as they allow easy access to the window.

Bedroom with window dressed in white tier on tier shutters, closed with louvres open, dark blue walls, white bed with grey and dusky pink cushions, grey upholstered stool at bed, archway with white moulding.

Layering at sash windows creates a stylish, versatile solution that highlights the unique character of these classic frames and the large, uninterrupted panes make them an ideal canvas for layered treatments. By combining options like Roman blinds or Venetian blinds with curtains, you can maximise both functionality and visual appeal. Fit the blind within the recess to preserve the clean lines while allowing flexible control over light and privacy. Adding full-length curtains further enhances insulation, especially valuable for older sash windows that can be prone to drafts, and adds a soft, elegant frame that accentuates the vertical lines of the sashes. Together, these layers create an adaptable window dressing that provides practical benefits—like privacy and energy efficiency—while also enhancing the architectural beauty and historic charm of sash windows.

Dressing sash windows requires a thoughtful approach to balance style, functionality, and ease of use. By selecting the right window dressings, you can enhance the natural beauty of your sash windows, improve your home’s interior aesthetics, and enjoy the practical benefits these classic windows offer. Embrace the charm of your sash windows and transform your space into a stylish and inviting haven.