Craftsman style homes have an appeal. From the expansive front porches to the exposed beams and detailed trimwork, these dwellings seem to whisper tales of simpler times.
Yet one of the most distinctive features of a Craftsman home remains the windows. Often adorned with decorative transoms, glazing bars, and wide casings, Craftsman windows serve not just a functional purpose, but an aesthetic one. They expand views, allow natural light to pour in, and provide architectural interest to any room.
The Craftsman Style and Its Windows
Emerging in the late 19th century, the Craftsman style was a reaction against the overwrought designs of the Victorian era. Craftsman emphasized simplicity, natural materials, and quality handcraftsmanship. Inside and out, the homes exuded an understated elegance.
When it came to windows, Craftsman designers took a creative approach. Large, double-hung windows provided ample daylight and ventilation. Special details like stained glass, prairie-style muntins, and wide casings added a touch of ornate beauty. Yet form followed function – even the loveliest accents served a purpose, whether displaying a scene or regulating light.
Why the Right Window Treatments Matter
In a Craftsman home, the windows are more than just functional elements. They’re an essential part of each room’s character and design. The right window treatments can complement their beauty while meeting practical needs like privacy, light control, and insulation.
Conversely, the wrong curtains or shades can detract from a room’s ambiance. Loud colors or busy patterns might clash with the home’s simple elegance. Materials that puddle onto the floor or overwhelm the windows’ detailing have the same disruptive effect.
That’s why expertly chosen window treatments are pivotal for bringing out the best in your Craftsman windows and home.
Curtain Options Tailored to Craftsman Windows
When it comes to Craftsman windows, not just any style of curtain will do. The treatments should suit the architectural aesthetics while meeting your functional needs. Here are some top options the design pros love:
Sheers and Drapes
No window treatment is more quintessentially Craftsman than the classic two-layer style: airy sheers hung closest to the glass, with heavier drapes layered over them. The sheers filter light and provide daytime privacy while allowing views. The drapes deliver full light control and insulation.
For the sheers, look for thin fabrics like silk, linen, or polyester voile. Warm ivory, ecru, and mocha work well. Mount them a few inches beyond the inner window frame to soften the view and show off decorative glazing.
For drapes, medium-weight fabrics like twill, poplin, or damask in soothing solids or subtle prints are ideal. Mount them wider to frame the window for a finished look. Linings will boost insulation.
Interior Shutters
Another classic choice suited for the style, interior shutters provide privacy while emphasizing the windows’ beauty. Louvered models allow you to control light and ventilation. When open, they showcase the handsome window framing.
Painted hardwood shutters complement Craftsman’s emphasis on natural materials. But for a lighter look, some designers use engineered wood shutters with a faux woodgrain finish. Natural, pickled, and whitewashed stains work well.
Embroidered and Stenciled Curtains
For a touch of understated charm ideal in bedrooms and baths, consider embroidered and stenciled curtains. Lightweight sheers and muslin work well, dressed up with subtle embroidered or stenciled designs.
Look for simple motifs, like florals, geometrics, or even animals, in colors echoing the room. Mount them inside the window framing to show off the architectural details surrounding the glass.
Bamboo Shades
With their natural, eco-friendly feel, bamboo shades beautifully complement Craftsman’s emphasis on organic materials. Made from sustainable bamboo reeds, these window shades are a green choice. When lifted, they allow full light and visibility while providing privacy when lowered.
Bamboo’s light color and grain offer a warm, inviting look. For rooms with oak trimwork, match bamboo’s blond tones. Some shades feature hand-stained colors for a decorative touch.
Macrame Lace Curtains
For an uncommon but creative approach, consider macrame lace curtains. Recalling the lacy patterns of William Morris and other Art Nouveau designers, macrame offers an earthy, artisanal feel suited for Craftsman style.
These curtains work best in kitchens, sunrooms, and other spots where privacy is less essential. Made from natural fibers like cotton or linen, they filter light beautifully while adding a touch of hand-crafted charm.
Design Tips from the Pros
When designing window treatments for your Craftsman home, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Use warm, earthy hues that blend with natural wood trimwork. Avoid loud colors that clash.
- Layer sheers and drapes to control privacy, light, and insulation.
- Mount curtains and shades inside the window frame to highlight architectural details.
- Choose simple, streamlined designs over loud prints or patterns that compete with the classic style.
- Incorporate natural textures and fabrics to complement the home’s organic feel.
The right window treatments not only meet practical needs but also honor the graceful simplicity of Craftsman design. With these insider tips, you can easily uncover the secrets to selecting window dressings to match your personal style.
With their understated charm and functional beauty, Craftsman windows bring elegance and character to every room. Dressing them in treatments suited for the classic style is key to enhancing any Craftsman dwelling’s ambiance.
By pairing airy sheers and rich drapes, wood shutters, embroidered muslin, and other natural choices, you can complement your windows’ detailing as both lovely architectural accents and vital light sources. Just remember to keep the selections simple and streamlined in line with Craftsman’s emphasis on subtle sophistication.
The secret to selecting the perfect Craftsman window curtains is easy to uncover. Before you know it, you’ll be dressing your windows with the stylish finesse of a true design pro!
