7 summer window treatment ideas that designers say are worth the investment

The article presents seven expert-approved summer window treatment ideas designed to refresh home interiors for warmer months, enhancing aesthetics and mood by allowing more natural light while maintaining comfort. Nastassja Bowman of Kristen Elizabeth Design highlights the practical benefits of window treatments in summer, including keeping homes cool, reducing energy bills, and protecting skin and furnishings from harsh sun rays, in addition to framing outdoor views. The first suggestion involves incorporating ruched and relaxed Roman blinds. Unlike their traditional, structured counterparts, relaxed Roman blinds offer a less formal, more inviting look, making them suitable for both modern and traditional decor. Kristina Khersonsky of STUDIO KEETA notes that these blinds, especially when made from creamy linen or subtle stripe fabrics, evoke a breezy, effortless summer ambiance. The second idea emphasizes the use of linen and other breathable materials. As temperatures rise, lightweight natural fabrics become crucial for maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. Tori Murphy, an award-winning curtain and blind maker, recommends materials that block heat but allow light, ideally wafting in the breeze. She also suggests layering sheer fabrics, such as a relaxed blind over a café-style curtain, to achieve varying levels of privacy and an elegant look. Interior designer Benji Lewis advises opting for unlined linen or muslin curtains to maximize daylight, while acknowledging they may lead to earlier mornings. The third recommendation is to consider shutters. Sam Tamlyn of California Shutters explains that shutters provide excellent light control, ventilation, and privacy, making them a versatile choice year-round. Tier-on-tier shutter designs, in particular, allow independent operation of the top and bottom halves, offering flexible light and shade control. Tamlyn also points out their effectiveness in regulating room temperature by keeping cool air in and warm air out. While not ideal for complete blackout, they can be layered with lightweight drapes for enhanced light blocking and aesthetic appeal. The fourth approach involves layering different window treatments. Designers often combine summer-appropriate and heavier drapes to ensure preparedness for all seasons. Caroline Milns of Zulufish suggests using sheer fabrics for delicate details, which can be layered with heavier drapery for insulation in colder months and removed for a lighter summer feel. Bowman reiterates the benefits of multiple layers, enabling precise light control. She advises using thin linen linings for passive light during the day and pairing them with bolder, heavier drapes for accent and year-round protection, also emphasizing the importance of blackout linings in bedrooms and specialty linings for floor protection. The fifth idea advocates for woven blinds made from natural materials like bamboo or rattan. Heather Peterson of Heather Peterson Design suggests these blinds for their organic feel and effectiveness in filtering light without fully blocking views, especially for spaces that are too bright for sheers. She also mentions solar shades as a minimal yet effective option for light blocking. Chik blinds, made from woven grass or reeds, are noted for their unique texture and natural cooling properties, effectively filtering light into a space. The sixth suggestion encourages mixing patterns and prints. Summer is an ideal time to introduce lively designs, such as floral motifs, checks, and geometric shapes, into home decor. Combining different patterns creates a layered look, while pattern drenching—matching a print to wallpaper or upholstery—remains a trend. Holly Vaughan of Vaughan Design & Development highlights gingham for its nostalgic association with British summertime, recommending versatile gingham with a classic, neutral palette for broader appeal. The final idea focuses on sheer drapes. Designer Dina Bandman emphasizes that sheer white window treatments instantly impart a summery feel, blending seamlessly with most decor styles and softly blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. She explains that lightweight linen fabric, with added trim for structure, can create a bright, breezy breakfast room ambiance. Sheer drapes allow natural light to filter through, producing a soft and inviting atmosphere ideal for maximizing sunlight during warm months. #SummerWindowTreatments #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #WindowStyling #RomanBlinds #LinenCurtains #WindowShutters #LayeredWindowTreatments #WovenBlinds #PatternMixing #SheerDrapes #SummerWindowTreatments #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #WindowStyling #RomanBlinds #LinenCurtains #WindowShutters #LayeredWindowTreatments #WovenBlinds #PatternMixing #SheerDrapes