Choosing Curtains and Blinds for Open-Plan Renovation Projects

Why Open-Plan Spaces Need More Thought

In a standard room, window dressing decisions are relatively straightforward. You choose a style, a fabric and a heading. In an open-plan space, the decisions are more complex because everything needs to work together.

Different windows and doors within the same space can face different directions, let in different amounts of light and need to function in completely different ways. What works for a set of bi-fold doors opening onto the garden will not necessarily work for the windows at the opposite end of the room.

The most common mistake in open-plan spaces is treating each window independently and ending up with a collection of different styles and fabrics that makes the space feel disjointed. A considered approach from the outset, where all the windows are planned together, produces a much more consistent result.

Balancing Light and Privacy

Light and privacy are the two competing priorities in most open-plan renovation projects, and they are rarely straightforward to balance. Large windows are installed to bring light in, but they can also compromise privacy, create glare at certain times of day and make the space difficult to use in bright sunshine.

 

Bi-Fold and French Doors

Bi-fold and French doors present a particular challenge because the window dressing needs to work in two very different ways. When the doors are open, everything needs to stack back completely to allow free movement between inside and out. When closed, the curtains or blinds need to provide full coverage for privacy and light control

Curtains are a popular choice for bi-fold doors because they stack back efficiently to the sides and have minimal visual impact when the doors are open.

For French doors, a roman blind can work well depending on how much space is available either side of the door frame, as it stacks flush with the top of the frame when raised and keeps the doorway completely clear.

Floor-to-Ceiling Windows

Large windows are often installed specifically to frame a view or maximise light, which means heavy or opaque window dressings can work against their purpose. For these windows, a layered approach works well. A sheer or lightweight blind provides daytime privacy and reduces glare without blocking the view, while a lined curtain or heavier blind can be drawn across in the evening when full coverage is needed.

This combination of sheers and lined curtains is one of the most practical solutions for open-plan spaces with large windows, as it gives you full control over light levels at different times of day without compromising the look of the room.

 

Skylights

Skylights are often left undressed, but they can contribute to overheating in summer and heat loss in winter. Blinds designed specifically for skylights can make a noticeable difference to comfort levels throughout the year. If your open-plan space includes skylights, it is worth discussing the options with our team.

Creating a Consistent Look Across Multiple Windows

Visual consistency is what separates a well-planned open-plan space from one that feels like several rooms awkwardly joined together. When you have a range of window styles all in the same space, keeping the look connected requires a clear approach to fabric, colour and style.

 

Fabric and Colour

The simplest way to create consistency is to use the same fabric or colour palette throughout. This does not mean every window needs to be treated identically. A roman blind in a dining area and curtains on the bi-fold doors can both work in the same fabric, which ties the two together without making them look like an exact match. Similarly, using the same lining throughout helps the windows look consistent from the outside of the property.

 

Mixing Curtains and Blinds

Mixing curtains and blinds in an open-plan space is perfectly achievable and often the most practical solution, since different window types suit different treatments. The key is to establish a connection between them, whether that is a shared fabric, a shared colour tone or a consistent track style.

Curtains on the bi-fold doors and roman blinds on the smaller windows can look very deliberate and considered when they share the same fabric or are closely coordinated.

 

Heading Style and Track

In a large open-plan space, the track and heading style you choose for the curtains has a visible impact on the overall look of the room. A consistent heading style across all the curtained windows gives the space a more finished feel. Mixing heading styles in the same room can work but is generally better suited to rooms where the windows are clearly separated rather than in the same sightline.

Practical Considerations for Renovation Projects

If you are dressing an open-plan space as part of a renovation, it is best to think about curtains and blinds before the build is finished rather than afterwards.

Knowing what window dressings you want helps you make better decisions about the rest of the space. The fabrics you choose will influence how the room feels in terms of colour and texture, and it is much easier to coordinate everything when decisions about flooring, paint and soft furnishings are made together.

Made-to-measure curtains and blinds also take time to produce, so planning early helps avoid being left with bare windows once the work is complete.

Finally, ceiling-mounted tracks work best when the correct fixings are installed before plastering is completed. If you know you want ceiling-mounted curtain tracks, it is worth discussing this with your builder early in the project.

Planning Your Open-Plan Window Dressing

At Greens Furnishings, we work with homeowners at all stages of their renovation projects, from early planning conversations through to measuring, making and fitting. If you are planning an open-plan renovation and want to think through your window dressing options, we are happy to help.

Visit our showroom in Kirkheaton, Huddersfield, where you can explore our full range of curtains and blinds and see the different heading styles we offer. Our team are on hand to talk through what will work best for your space. Just bring along any plans, room dimensions or photographs of your project and we can provide expert guidance.