Interiors: It’s curtains for winter
Holly Cozens looks at the latest trends in curtains and eco-friendly blinds ready for Spring
As Spring begins to venture out from behind the dreary clouds and help to remind us what sunshine actually looks like, it is also helpful to remember that with the changing weather comes a whole new season of curtains and blinds. As well as a fresh bloom of designs and colours, go crazy for those that are economically pleasing to the soul.
A lighter shade of pale
No longer do we need to hide ourselves away; blinds shut, curtains closed in an attempt to pretend that the sound of rain is simply your imagination, or the inability to open your front door due to several foot of snow is really just a dodgy hinge. Let the crisp February afternoons beam down through your windows and fill your rooms with a new brightness that encourages both a smile and the need to clean all those corners that were less visible through the winter.
Delightful shades of yellow, greens and blues are making a stunning appearance this year in the form of simple light fabric blinds. Perfect for rooms such as the kitchen and bathroom, they can be protected against moisture whilst allowing light in and still creating privacy when down.
If you are more a curtain hanger, these colours that are reminiscent of warmer times translate beautifully into half or full length curtains, while patterns produced from similar shades can help to liven up any room if you choose to have a more intricate look.
Green with envy
Let’s not forget the need for a environmentally sound household that is good not only for the Earth but for the purse strings. Some companies provide solar protective blinds, effective in blocking out the sun’s heat in the Summer, keeping rooms cool and less likely to pump up the air conditioning. Doubly useful, in Winter they insulate by helping to keep more warmth in and heating costs down.
If your window is more suited to a shutter, a range have been designed using sustainable wood taken only from designated managed tree areas in different parts of the world. The trees grows faster than they are cut down, with many more being planted every time one single trunk is used. Some companies also run their plants with renewable business sense, using sawdust to power their generators and cutting out any plastic packaging, relying on purely recyclable sources.
You can do more than simply squashing down your milk cartons and these eco-friendly blinds are a great start to a greener home. Embrace the spring and illuminate the rooms in your house with a brighter blind or pair of curtains and feel all so sunnier for it.
Image 1: M&S Georgia Medium Sofa in Helix Heather £1,399; Georgia Loveseat in Socorro Stripe Rosewood £749; Embroidered Cushion £35; Isabella Velvet Cushion £19.50; Velvet Print Cushion £25; Faux Silk Curtains £109, Marks & Spencer, www.marksandspencer.com
Image 2: Floral Blind from £35 €48 Basket Pendant £28 €38 Chime Mirror £125 €172 Accessories from £16 €22 Cushions from £12 €16 Monty Snuggle Chair in Capri Light Natural £750 €1121 Stripe Rug from £80 €110, Next, www.next.co.uk
Words: Holly Cozens
