How to dress wide windows

Inspiration

BY Abi Clewley

Published: 07 January 2025 Updated: 18 February 2025

Inspiration
Tags: Blinds, Trends

Dressing a large window is an art that combines functionality, aesthetics, and innovation. In this article, we delve into the different schools of thought on dressing large windows, explore effective tactics and strategies, and offer some insight from our experts on their recommendations for the ideal solution.

Understanding the challenges of wide windows

Large windows are a stunning architectural feature, offering abundant natural light and expansive views. However, they also present unique challenges, including privacy concerns, light control, and energy efficiency. The key to dressing a large window lies in balancing these functional needs with aesthetic appeal.

White gable end kitchen diner with white tiled floor, island area with blue units and white worktop, three skylights, three landscape windows to left and gable end windows and doors all dressed in mid grey duette blinds, skylight blinds three quarters lowered, side blinds at varying heights, gable shape fully lowered and door blinds lowered at several heights.

Functional considerations

Light Control
Large windows can flood a room with light. Consider using shutters or blinds that allow you to control the amount of light entering the room – louvre blinds like venetian or vertical offer more control than the “all or nothing” styles like Roman or Roller.

White bathroom with wide window with shallow drop, dressed in stone-coloured faux wood venetian blind, lowered three quarters, tilted with rays of light coming through, tiling to walls from floor up to three quarters high in shades of grey, white bath on raised platform, white shelf with integrated sink under window, brown tiled floor.

Privacy

Privacy is a crucial consideration, especially in rooms like bathrooms or in urban settings. Sheer fabrics are a great way provide privacy without sacrificing natural light, and they’re available in a wide range of blind styles. In living rooms you can layer them with a heavier fabric for a snug evening look.

Bathroom with picture window in white wall, dressed in a cadmium orange blind in the middle of the window, side wall and floor tiled in metro stile in shades of brown, grey and copper, white bathtub in centre, pale wood shelf with white sink, cadmium orange towel on rail by window.

Energy efficiency

Large windows can lead to heat loss in winter and overheating in summer. Thermal curtains or energy-efficient blinds can help regulate the temperature in a room, making it a much more amenable year-round space.

Raised seating area in wood with white modern couch and glass oval coffee table, smoky blue throw on couch and wall to wall window behind and to right dressed in smoky blue Duette blinds.

Aesthetic considerations

Proportions
Avoid narrow panels – using blinds or curtains that are too small for the width will look out of proportion. Opt for wider panels or multiple sections to maintain visual balance.

Living room with white walls, two wide windows and one narrow on adjacent walls, all dressed in smoky blue duette blinds, lowered three quarters, grey sofa, two-tiered coffee table with grey surface, on a grey herringbone-weave rug, grey floor, dark grey sideboard, grey drum-style side table.

Colour

Lighter colours (whites, creams, soft neutrals) can help make a wide window feel airy and less overpowering, especially in smaller rooms. Darker tones (charcoal, navy, deep green) can anchor the space and create a cosy, intimate feel but may also make the window appear smaller.

Living room with white walls, deep bay window with wide central window, all dressed in beige duette blinds, lowered three quarter, dark beige cord L-shaped sofa in bay recess with cushions in shades of brown, cream and green, mid beige throw on seat.

Expert solutions

Abi Clewley, our product expert, knows all the tips and tricks to making the most of wide windows. Here’s what she has to say.

Go bold

“Windows are a focal point in a room, and big windows make a big impact. Lean into that, and go bold with a large pattern that really makes the most of that space. People often worry a pattern is too much but the more space at the window the less of an issue it is, and it can often become a piece of art in its own right.”

Neutral lounge with L shaped sofa with accent cushions in soft pink and floral matching two Roman blinds at window behind with medium sized pink and beige flowers, accent grey knot-shaped cushion on sofa.

A unified look

“If you prefer the look of one single blind at a window but have a really wide window that needs multiple blinds, consider blinds with a pattern in a single place, such as across the bottom, down one side or even on a diagonal. This creates the illusion of a single piece of fabric with a repeated pattern that your eye skims across rather than up and down, in one complete motion, tricking your brain into interpreting what it sees as one complete window dressing.”

Living room with gable end and sloped ceiling windows run full length and width of both sides with grey corner sofas and chairs and windows dressed in grey marbled pattern Roman blinds.

Break it up

“Make a feature of the width of the window by visually splitting it into smaller sections. Hang curtains at strategic points along the width of the window and you effectively create individual windows where you can control privacy and light independently of other parts of the window for a very versatile arrangement.”

Cream living room with wall of windows dressed in four pale green curtains, open, matching sofa opposite a cast iron fireplace with cream surround, large modern portrait on mantlepiece, cream rug on a pale wooden floor.

Make life easy

“Motorisation is really transforming the world of window dressings and it’s an absolute boon for wide windows that have multiple blinds. You no longer have to manually raise or lower blinds, struggling to get them all to the same level, or realise when you return to your seat that they’re not at the right point in the window to reduce glare, let light in, etc. From the comfort of your chair, sofa or even bed, a click of the remote can reposition any or all of your blinds at once, and with the addition of a smart hub you can use an app on your phone or even Google or Alexa to do it for you! Timers, scene setters and pre-programming to open your blinds when your morning alarm goes off so you enjoy the view on waking really helps you make the most of wide windows – and from personal experience I find it makes getting up in the morning just that little bit easier!”

Conclusion

Dressing a large window requires a thoughtful approach that considers both functionality and aesthetics. By exploring different styles, employing effective strategies, and learning from the experts, you can create window treatments that enhance your living space. Whether you opt for minimalist blinds, layered drapes, or a bold statement piece, the right window dressing can elevate the beauty and comfort of your home.