Summer Curtains And Window Treatment Ideas

Give your windows a summery refresh with these lighter options. From double height drapes for drama, to delicate sheers that filter harsh sunlight and still offer plenty of privacy, we've found some of the loveliest summer window treatment ideas.

You can make your curtains work harder for you by choosing a fabric that actually purifies your air. This innovative mineral-based treatment (opens in new tab) works to break down common air pollutants, like chemicals from cleaning and pet odours. It's activated by outdoor and indoor light, meaning you’ll be breathing cleaner air all year round.

Read Also:The £25 IKEA curtains that clean the air in your home (opens in new tab)

Look to delicate sheers to provide privacy while filtering harsh sunlight. Quite a few sheers now come in double widths of 300m for the wall of glass often found in new extensions. Link to the outdoors with tones of green along with natural materials.

Ceiling-mounted tracks offer a simple look that doesn’t detract from your windows or views. Sheers are a wonderful choice when it comes to dimming summer sun and by generously layering on the fabric, you’ll create enough fullness to add a satisfying pleat when pulled back.

Got a bay window? Give it a fresh look by taking the classic pair of curtains and maxing it up. By creating four individual drapes, you get ultimate impact for minimum effort. Plain fabrics work best as they keep the focus on shape. Add extra panache with some luxe tie-backs.

Have a large picture window? Consider using the extra wall space above as an excuse to install full-length curtains with an eye-pleasing gap above and below the window.

With double-height windows it’s all too easy to fall back on some go-to whitewashed shutters, but take the opportunity to add drama to your space. Go heavy on the drape factor by choosing an extra-long length to create a luscious piling at the base.

Crittall doors (opens in new tab) are the latest alternative to bi-folds, but they can be difficult to dress. Keep things fresh by using a white recessed ceiling track, to keep the eye on the Crittall prize, and have it shaped to bend around the corner. Material-wise, stay with industrial style with something like a grey linen.

Read Also:Crittall-Style Doors, Windows And Room Dividers (opens in new tab)

Last but not least, a bright sunny shade will keep spirits high – even if the Great British weather doesn’t live up to our daydreams.

Window treatments can make or break a room and can be a considerable investment to last for years. To help you select the best types of window treatments for any room, we've compiled summer window treatment ideas to help you create the room of your dreams.

Transform your windows with these summer window treatment ideas...

With double-height windows it’s all too easy to fall back on some go-to whitewashed shutters, but take the opportunity to add drama to your space. Go heavy on the drape factor by choosing an extra-long length to create a luscious piling at the base. Get the look: Walls in Natura Flat Pink Damask OC-72; window frame in Natura Semi Gloss Chantilly Lace OC-65, both from £23 for 0.94L, Benjamin Moore. For similar curtain fabric, try Prism Plains in Parity 440159, £29m, Harlequin at Style Library

Look to delicate sheers to provide privacy while filtering harsh sunlight. Quite a few sheers now come in double widths of 300m for the wall of glass often found in new extensions. Link to the outdoors with tones of green along with natural materials. Get the look: Curtain in Monza in Aqua, polyester, £51m, Designers Guild. Belladonna sofa, around £2,375, Sika-Design. Basket table, £323, Alain Gilles at Vincent Sheppard

Crittall doors are the latest alternative to bi-folds, but they can be difficult to dress. Keep things fresh by using a white recessed ceiling track, to keep the eye on the Crittall prize, and have it shaped to bend around the corner. Material-wise, stay with industrial style with something like a grey linen. Get the look: Curtain in Sackville, linen, £89m, GP&J Baker. Recessed curtain track 6243, from £50, Silent Gliss. For similar Crittall-style windows, try D&R Design

Make your curtains work harder by choosing a fabric that actually purifies your air. This innovative mineral-based treatment works to break down common air pollutants, like chemicals from cleaning and pet odours. It is activated by outdoor and indoor light, meaning you’ll be breathing cleaner air all year round. Set up in a bedroom to help ensure a good night’s sleep. Get the look: Gunrid air purifying curtain, £25 pair, Ikea

When working with a large picture window, consider using the extra wall space above as an excuse to install full-length curtains with an eye-pleasing gap above and below the window. Using something like this design, inspired by Japanese artist Katsutoshi Yuasa’s artwork suggesting tree branches and sky, nicely echoes the view outside. Get the look: Curtains in Katsura in Peacock 9066/02, £103m; cushions in (from left) Mitoku in Avocet, £119m; Aiko in Peacock, £115m; Otaru in Ink, £145m, all Black Edition

Look towards ceiling-mounted tracks for a simple look that doesn’t detract from your windows or views. Sheers are a wonderful choice when it comes to dimming summer sun and by generously layering on the fabric, you’ll create enough fullness to add a satisfying pleat when pulled back. Get the look: Curtains in Breeze Collection in Sepia, Warwick

Give a bay window a makeover by taking the classic pair of curtains and maxing it up. By creating four individual drapes, you get ultimate impact for minimum effort. Plain fabrics work best as they keep the focus on shape. Add extra panache with some luxe tie-backs. Get the look: Sofa and curtains by Concept Bespoke Interiors. For similar curtain fabric, try Salon Silk in F5980-02, £54m, Osborne & Little. Arctic Pear chandelier, Ochre. George Spencer has similar tiebacks

Even if the Great British weather doesn’t live up to our daydreams, going for a sunshine-bright curtain will keep spirits high. When choosing a made-to-measure curtain like this one, you’ll have a number of choices for shaping, but a contemporary wave header keeps things effortlessly flowing. Get the look: Impala Citrine curtain, from £263 for H137xW127cm, including measuring and fitting, Hillarys x Livingetc