Anonymous wrote:Curtains and heavy window coverings are generally out. Exception is for people who are intentionally including them in a traditional design aesthetic, or alternatively, in a quite modern space with loads of tall windows where they soften the room (and are very simple). Unfortunately, most people I know in DC with curtains are just doing middle of the road pottery barn with their heavy curtains, so yeah, these curtains look dowdy and dated.
When we lived on a very busy street in a row house, we had sheer honeycomb blinds. I've also used roller shades in a home recently. So while some windows definitely need coverage, there is clearly a movement to "less is better".
Anonymous wrote:I have a very old home with tall ceilings and big windows. When we bought it I took down all the curtains and painted the window trim. I think the windows are so beautiful and I feel like they stand out more and it feels more open and full of light.
I also feel like curtains are dirty?? they collect dust. Just my opinion! I'm sure i'll change it in a few years![]()
Anonymous wrote:I think it depends on your style and on the view. There are a couple of areas I've decided to do away with curtains in the house. We have big picture windows in the living room that look out to a really nice view. I also have a big fireplace in the living room that is the main "focal point" (to the side of the windows). Taking the curtains down and adding trim around the windows really suited what I was going for in that room - lightening it up and drawing attention to the view/fireplace.
Other areas I still like curtains. They warm things up and make it cozy.
What looks good in photos/for staging isn't always what looks good when you're living in it. Luckily this is an easy one to try out or even to take a photo of the room and use one of the many apps to try out curtains on the windows and without.