A Melbourne interior designer’s guide to choosing window furnishings
- Jun 23
- 3 min read
Choosing window furnishings can feel overwhelming, there are so many options, and endless variations within each one. Every window is different and calls for its own solution. Your aesthetic will often lead the way, but it’s worth staying open to products you might not have initially considered.
Before you get lost in fabric swatches and hardware finishes, it helps to think about purpose. Window furnishings do a lot more than look beautiful. Here are the key factors to work through.
Thermal properties and energy efficiency
If keeping heat in during winter and out during summer is a priority, drapery and cellular blinds are hard to beat. Drapes in particular offer exceptional thermal performance alongside incredible style flexibility, the range of fabrics means you can achieve almost any aesthetic while still getting a purposeful, tailored result.
For example, drapes with a 3-pass blackout lining offer maximum thermal efficiency and complete light block-out, making them ideal for bedrooms. If you want thermal benefits without full blackout (not uncommon in a living are) a single-pass lining traps a pocket of air between fabric layers while still allowing soft light to filter through.
Orientation and light
For windows with afternoon sun or a westerly aspect, blackout or opaque furnishings are worth serious consideration. UV light is damaging to interiors and can cause significant fading over time, as well as making a room uncomfortably warm.
As a general guide, a translucent fabric allows natural light in while maintaining privacy. Roller blinds, roman blinds, cellular blinds, and curtains all offer varying levels of light reduction, the weight and texture of the fabric will determine how much light comes through.
For drapes and sheers specifically: thicker fabrics like velvet, linen, or lined polyester will dim light without a full blackout effect. If using natural fibres, keep in mind that they’re prone to fading, a dim-out lining can protect the fabric while softening the light coming in.
Durability and maintenance
All natural fabrics will eventually fade or fray if left unprotected from UV light. For this reason, synthetic blends are often the more practical choice, they hold their colour better and have less movement over time. Natural fabrics, on the other hand, tend to drop from their original measured height, which is why puddling is typically recommended if you go down that path. Just don’t forget to factor in the cleaning requirements if you have pets or high-traffic areas.
Drapes and sheers are undeniably beautiful, but they do require more maintenance than roller blinds, cellular blinds, roman blinds, or venetians. The latter options don’t tend to hold dust, mould, or mites and are generally much easier to keep clean.
Window type, shape, size, and how it opens
How your windows open matters more than people often realise. Windows are important for airflow, so you want to avoid a furnishing that blocks ventilation.
If your windows open up and down (double-hung), roman blinds or cellular blinds are a natural fit. For angled or awkward windows, sheers can still work beautifully, just make sure they’re made to stack off the window to the side so airflow isn’t compromised.
Acoustics
Acoustics don’t always come up in window furnishing conversations, but they’re worth thinking about, especially if you’re after a cosy, warm atmosphere. Drapery and cellular blinds absorb sound well, making them a great choice for bedrooms and dining rooms where you want a sense of intimacy and quiet. The thicker the fabric, the better the acoustic and blackout performance.
Aesthetics and budget
Start with your budget and work from there. Any of these options can look beautiful when approached thoughtfully, it’s about considering the space holistically. Think colour, texture, shape, and pattern to add interest and tie the furnishing into the rest of the interior. Don’t forget the view from outside either: a well-chosen blind or sheer can be just as striking from the street as it is from within.
The good news is that most window treatments now offer modern, custom variations at a range of price points, so you don’t have to compromise on style to stay within budget.