Window treatments provide homeowners with a sense of privacy, while also adding to the decor of the room. Some window treatments look great with hardwood floors, while others clash in unfavorable ways. The type of custom window treatment you choose for your historic home will have a huge impact on the style and overall feel of the space, so you should consider your options thoroughly before committing to something that you are less than crazy about. If you’re in need of some inspiration, check out these 3 ultra-cool window treatment ideas that could breathe life and character into your historic house!

Install or Update Interior Shutters

We’re all familiar with shutters on the outside of the home, but adding these features to the inside of your home is a sure-fire way to add dramatic flair to any space! They will also help protect against pesky winter drafts. Reminiscent of New England’s colonial era-homes, windows with a completed interior shutter treatment are far too elegant to hide behind curtains. Instead, they are grandiose enough to stand alone. If your historic home is like many, its windows may already be covered with interior shutters. In that case, consider updating their look by replacing them with modern plantation shutters, which are available in many beautiful stains and paint shades that would work well with any period look.

Shades

If your heart is set on keeping the row of eye-level windows in the kitchen of your historic home that allows you to admire the views of the back yard, but are concerned about privacy issues or the glaring sun, consider installing simple roller or pleated shades. The easy-to-use window treatment may seem uninspiring at first thought, but you don’t want to draw the attention away from the intricate details of your historic home. And since the shades can be adjusted to block or allow the sun at different times of the day, they make for a convenient and attractive option. Also, maintenance will be a breeze if you opt for shades made of 100% polyester or some other material that is both nonabsorbent and easy–to-clean. This holds true especially if you have hired a restoration company for home clean up for mold or flooding.

Venetian or Georgian Blinds

Before you curl your nose, it’s worth noting that Venetian blinds have a colorful history when it comes to interior decoration. If you have purchased a historic home you probably appreciate history, so don’t count this option out too quickly.

If you want to stay true to the style of your old home, what says “historic” more clearly than Venetian Blinds? Generally, they are made of 2″ slats, and Georgian blinds have slats ranging in size from 1″ to 3″ wide and were held together by a long, flat piece of cloth. They could be stained any color to match the look of your home, though dark cherry and walnut were the most popular during the Georgian Era. For the finishing touch, add a cornice to create an instantly more dramatic look. 

This guest post is courtesy of Proctor Drapery and Blinds of St. Louis, a veteran window treatment company of 35 years with a mobile showroom!