Curtain Call: How To Dress Up Your Windows In Style

Huddling up indoors this autumn, the dangers of the wet and windy world will be securely banished beyond the window pane. But as we look out (wrapped firmly in blanket, hot chocolate mug clutched in hand) to appreciate the red-golden hues of the falling leaves, you want to ensure that your view is suitably framed. And so, as the winter months approach, window dressing becomes more important than ever. Here’s the window dressing trends that we’re loving right now. 

Our Favourite Window Dressing Trends

Hillarys

Heritage Revival

Following the recent news that Morris & Co. have restored an archive of William Morris’ works which were once lost to time, it seems that heritage designs are bigger than ever. From lamps inspired by archived fabrics, to sofas upholstered with designs sourced from the V&A, home owners are increasingly turning to the past to provide their homes with a timeless feel. As history inspired trends such as cottagecore and rococo revival hit the mainstream, now’s the time to dress up your curtains with some period drama. ‘Grandma’s curtains are officially cool again and I am so here for it,’ says Hillarys trend expert Victoria Robinson. ‘Florals, chintz, and artisanal motifs are bringing softness, character and a connection to nature this season.’

Biophilia

Inspired by William Morris’ nature-infused designs, as you retreat from the outside world, bring the natural world into your home. Despite its historic draw, products and trend manager Helen O’Connor at 247 Blinds explains that ‘Biophilic design is a relatively modern trend that has emerged from a desire to bring nature indoors – a shift that coincides as we spend more time inside. This trend promotes creativity and tranquility, fostering an emphasis on connection to nature through lighting, materials, textures and colours.’ From curtain patterns inspired by flora and fauna to wooden blinds, bringing the outdoors into your home can have a calming effect on your space. 

When it comes to perfecting your colour palette, continue to look outside for inspiration, drawing on the autumn colours of spiced terracotta, bitter chocolate, wine reds and earthy greens. ‘The shades we choose for our window dressings don’t just frame a view – they frame the whole mood of a room,’ says Robinson. ‘The deep, comforting colours of this autumn/winter absorb light beautifully, reduce stark contrasts, and make spaces feel instantly warmer.’

Hillarys

Pattern Play

While dots and spots have taken the fashion world by storm this year, stripes are dominating interiors. If you do opt for some stripey curtains or roman blinds, don’t be afraid to play around with the pattern. Vertically striped blinds, for example, can create the illusion of a longer window while horizontal lines will visually stretch it lengthways. ‘The structured, versatile pattern can be made more playful when layered carefully throughout the room,’ explains O’Connor. ‘Introduce them in various widths and directions across the space – think vertically striped blinds paired with a horizontally striped throw or fine-lined vase.’ To stop the design descending into complete and utter chaos, pair these bold patterns with a cohesive colour scheme so the look feels intentional. To soften the look, add organic touches such as a vase of fresh flowers or a cushion with a subtle floral print, balancing the lines and bringing a sense of cohesion to the decor.

Cocooned And Cosy

During the winter months, you want to ensure that your blinds and curtains aren’t just working to block out the barely-there light, but to trap in the little heat you have too. Windows can account for up to 20 percent of a home’s heat loss, meaning that insulation of draughty windows needs to be a crucial consideration in your design. ‘Homeowners want their homes to feel warm and inviting without facing spiralling bills,’ Robinson explains. ‘Thermal window dressings, like insulating honeycomb blinds, can reduce heat loss by up to 55 percent, turning chilly spaces into cosy retreats.’ Layered window dressings – from thermal lined curtains to Roman blinds in luxurious fabrics – can provide insulation and tactile warmth for those cosy nights in. 

Let The Light In

While it’s crucial that you keep the heat in, at the same time you want to ensure that you don’t block the light out. By opting for curtains and blinds which allow you to control how much light filters in, you can stop your home feeling to dreary on those overcast days. ‘Natural fabrics like linen for curtains offer a softness and breathability that complements natural features like wood flooring and furniture,’ says Tapi Carpets & Floors interior trends expert Johanna Constantitou. ‘Blinds are another excellent option, especially when paired with curtains, offering versatility in controlling light and privacy. Opting for materials such as bamboo or wooden slats can reinforce that connection to nature and add further warmth to a space, while not dating quickly, making them enduring staples in a mindful and slow-paced home.’

On The Wall

However you choose to dress your curtains, you need to ensure that the design flows seamlessly with the rest of your room. While you may want to make your blinds pop by pairing a bright and busy design with pale walls, on the other hand colour-drenching your space through the matching of your blinds and walls can create a cosy and cocooning feel. ‘Colour drenching in blue can be achieved by adding full length curtains against a dark blue wall to give an on trend look for 2025,’ explains Matt Thomas at Apollo Blinds. ‘Add a roller blind in a bright-blue to create a contrasting striking feature against neutral walls. And for a more luxurious finish, inky blue Roman blinds combined with warm bronze or rust curtains deliver real drama – perfect for formal living spaces or moody bedrooms.’

Beyond The Curtain

Whether you have leftover fabric, or simply want to delineate some space in your home, curtains don’t have to be reserved to window dressing alone. ‘Curtains are no longer confined to the role of window dressing – they’ve become a versatile design statement,’ says Rebecca Hughes of Rebecca Hughes Interiors. ‘We’re using them as soft space dividers, to frame cosy nooks, or to introduce a layer of texture and opulence through sumptuous fabrics. When chosen thoughtfully, they merge form and function beautifully, transforming the atmosphere of a room while adding a sense of theatre and intimacy.’