Curtain style ideas

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Mix panels of plain and pictorial fabric for a window that's a real work of art

A fabric with a pretty pattern is a great way to dress up a window with an uninspiring view. Use plain fabric for two-thirds of the length, with the panelled pattern on the lower third.

Create visual separation between the two with a ribbon braid, finishing off with a trim below. An eyelet heading on a pole means the fabric won't fold up, so the pattern can be seen clearly.

Keep the curtains to sill height so they hang properly, draw easily and don't block heat from the radiator.

Stylist's tips

Choose a plain fabric in a paler contrasting colour and trim the join to make the print stand out.

A length of pretty beaded trim in a complementary colour makes a pair of sill-length curtains feel more glamorous.

Soft waves of fabric create a smart but simple finish that's easy on the eye

A wide Tempo heading pleat makes curtains fall in soft, regular waves, so they will always look just right.

Team it with a sleek, modern suspension rail that the curtains glide below – that way nothing will distract the eye from the even perfection of the waves.

Let the curtains sit flush with the floor so they'll look neat open or closed.

Stylist's tips

A cut-velvet pattern adds a luxurious edge to this otherwise pared-down window treatment.

Tempo heading tape creates perfectly even waves, uninterrupted by gathering fabric or curtain rings.

Create an eye-catching effect for a plain window with a vivid leading edge

A curtain with a leading edge is a real show stopper. A contrasting fabric from the back of the curtain is continued to the front, and simple holdbacks allow even more of it to be on show when the curtains are open.

Use a simple pencil pleat and an unfussy pole to keep all the attention on the curtains themselves.

You can enhance the effect of this stunning treatment by choosing a pole that's slightly wider than the window, which tricks the eye into thinking that the window is bigger than it really is and allows you to hold the curtains back without blocking light.

Stylist's tips

A satin-finish fabric for the leading edge gives it even more attention-grabbing shimmer.

If you're using a busy print on the curtains, stick to a pole and holdbacks that are as simple and streamlined as possible.

A neat, modern pelmet creates a smart, fuss-free finish in a large bay window

For a contemporary take on a traditional curtain finish, use a small pelmet that picks up one of the colours in the curtains.

It gives a sophisticated finish to a bay window and means you can use plain curtain track around the bay as it will be concealed by the pelmet.

Team it with a curtain in a pinch pleat heading that creates regular gathers for an equally understated effect. A pair of holdbacks that match the pelmet is all that's needed when you want to draw the curtains back and let in maximum light.

Stylist's tips

For a hotel-chic window treatment like this, choose striped satin for a tailored look and give the pelmet a touch of decorative detail with a fringe trim.

Use plain track in a bay so the curtains will run smoothly, but hide it away behind a stylish modern pelmet.

Need to dress your window for privacy and prettiness? A double pole lets you do both

A clever double pole design means you can hang both a sheer and a curtain around the bay window, but draw them independently.

Brackets normally get in the way of curtain rings being pulled around a bay, but this design uses passing rings that allow the curtains to be drawn all the way round.

A standard heading tape left ungathered on both curtains creates a soft, informal effect. Keep the sheers sill-length for a neat finish and go for floor-length curtains to create real impact in a bay.

Stylist's tips

Team a bold, modern, floral curtain fabric with a floral patterned voile for a modern take on a curtain and sheer.

A double bay pole with passing rings is the neatest option if you want a curtain plus sheer.

Dress up your bay window with four sweeping curtains for an elegant finish

A pair of curtains hung centrally, plus a curtain to each side of the bay, makes an opulent alternative to a single pair of curtains.

A flat-faced pole in a wood-effect and metal finish is a feature in itself – use a suspension-rail system so that the fabric gathers neatly below the pole and doesn't hide it.

Position a holdback for each curtain two-thirds of the way up the window, so the curtains can be draped across the top part of the window when drawn open.

Allow plenty of length on the curtains so they pool on the floor to complete the lavish look.

Stylist's tips

Repeating the colour of the curtain pole in the fabric's trim pulls the whole look together.

Hang curtains from a suspension-rail system if you want to show off a stylish bay pole as well as the curtains.

Make your windows a stunning focal point

Roll-up blinds are a fuss-free way to dress a bay. Go for a bold pattern that can be seen in all its detail and choose a complementary plain fabric for the back of the blinds so your window looks good from outside, too.

Combine with an attractive pole around the bay and narrow dress curtains at either side. These provide a soft framing effect for the window, but can't be drawn closed.

Snap-together rivets attach the curtain fabric to the pole for a neat, modern finish that doesn't require heading tape.

Stylist's tips

Choose the same fabric for the dress curtains and the back of the blinds, as this will be on show when you roll them up during the day.