Curtain Alternatives For Any Space

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There are many curtain alternatives to choose from, and it can be difficult to decide on the perfect one. Curtains are not the only option when it comes to window treatments and covering your windows! In this blog post, we will discuss 11 different alternatives to curtains that will make your home look stylish and unique. From using shelving to cover your windows, to installing traditional blinds or shutters, there are many options available that will fit your needs, taste and budget. So don’t be afraid to get creative with your window treatments!

Table Of Contents

Alternatives to Curtains

Alternatives to Curtains

Roman Shades

Roman shades are a type of window shade that consists of fabric panels. Roman shades are a popular curtain alternative because they provide privacy and can be opened or closed to control the amount of light that enters a room. Roman shades are available in a variety of colors, patterns and styles to suit any home decor. In this photo the used roman shades instead of traditional curtains. The shades match the medium gray wall color almost exactly. The roman shades in this space are perfect when they are up the windows provide ample natural lighting which allows the vaulted ceiling to really shine. When the shades are drawn down they allow for maximum privacy and an almost blackout state.

Shelving Window Covering

This beautiful kitchen has a shelf covering the window. This shelf can be used as a curtain alternative. The subway tile backsplash is blue and coordinates well with the wood cabinetry — Via Green Bay Remodeling

Another great curtain alternative is to use shelving as a window covering. This can be a great way to add character to your space and make it more unique. A window covering shelf can also be a great way to display items such as plants, books, or art. In this photo, the shelves are used to display pottery collection and artwork. While this alternative to curtain idea may not give you 100% privacy (depending on what’s on your shelf) it does provide some level of privacy and would be great for smaller homes with less storage space.

Privacy Screen

A privacy screen is a great alternative to curtains if you are looking for something that provides maximum privacy. Privacy screens come in a variety of styles and can be made from materials such as wood, fabric, or metal. In this photo, the privacy screen is made from a nice neutral fabric and has a simple yet stylish design. The privacy screen is a perfect curtain alternative if you need something you can move from room to room or from one area to another or if you can’t affix anything to the walls.

Barn Door Shutters

This homeowner decided to use a sliding barn door instead of curtains. The barndoors are painted a lovely white and the hardware is a black color giving good contrast to the bedroom. — Via Home Depot

Barn door shutters are a great way to add some character to your home. Barn door shutters can be made from new wood, reclaimed wood and can be stained or painted to match your existing decor. In this photo, the barn door shutters are made from wood and have been painted white to match the trim and walls. Barn door shutters are a great way to add farmhouse charm to any space. Barn Door shutters can be a great DIY project or you can buy a ready made kit from any home improvement store. Barn doors are a simple yet stylish alternative to curtains.

Bamboo Blinds as an Alternative to Curtains

This girls bedroom uses bamboos curtains as an alternative to curtains or drapes. The room has a coordinating sisal rug and a lovely pink headboard. — Via Mindy Gayer Design Co.

Bamboo blinds are a popular curtain alternative because they provide privacy, allow light to enter the room, and can be easily opened or closed. Bamboo blinds come in a variety of colors and styles to suit any home decor. In this photo, the bamboo blinds are a natural color and provide just the right amount of privacy while still looking great and being a functional part of the spaces decor. I love how the bamboo blinds coordinate nicely with the area rug and blend in with the rest of the space.

Glass Block as a Curtain Alternative

This kitchen has glass block windows instead of using curtains. The kitchen has white granite countertops and white marble flooring. Plenty of natural lighting is coming in through a sliding glass door. — Via Cardamon Design

Glass block windows are a great curtain alternative if you are looking for something that provides maximum amounts of privacy but also allows light to enter the room. Using glass block ensures that you will not have to use heavy curtains or drapes. This home owner used glass blocks in a high up window where installing curtains would be very difficult. The glass block allows tons of natural lighting into this kitchen while keeping prying eyes out.

Traditional Blinds as a Curtain Alternative

This bedroom has the blinds open allowing tons of natural light to come through. The room consists of a lair bed, accent chair and striped white and brown walls. — Via Webb & Brown-Neaves

Traditional blinds are probably the most popular alternative to using curtains or drapes. They provide a lot of privacy and blinds can be opened or closed to control the amount of light that enters a room. Blinds are relatively inexpensive and can be installed by virtually anyone. Blinds can be made from aluminum, wood or vinyl.

Curtain Alternatives: Macrame

This bedroom uses a macrame as a window treatment as a curtain alternative. There is a lovely wooden dresser next to the window with fresh flowers atop. — Via Koyle Stark

This curtain alternative is for the more crafty among us. This homeowner created a beautiful macrame hanging curtain to hang in their window instead of using drapery. The macrame curtain is beautiful and provides a little privacy while allowing plenty of natural light to enter the room.

Valances

This coastal kitchen contains a large window with blue and white spotted valance. The cabinetry and counter tops white and fresh greenery adds a pop of color to the lovely kitchen. — Via Albert, Righter & Tittmann Architects, Inc.

Valances are a great way to add style and personality to your space without using heavy curtains or drapes. Valances come in a variety of colors, patterns, and styles. In this photo, the valance adds just the right amount of color and pattern to this space. Admittedly, valances do not provide much in terms of privacy like a curtain would but if you are looking to add color and a focal point on a higher point in the space then a valance might be the perfect curtain alternative.

Wood Shutters

This small bathroom has a window with an interior wood shutter they use as an curtain alternative. The bathroom has a lovely slate black tile and wooden cabinetry. — Via NB Design Group

Wooden shutters are a great and stylish and durable curtain alternative if you are looking for something with a ton of privacy or something that can totally block out the natural light. Wood shutters can be painted or stained to match your existing decor. The wood shutters shown here provide plenty of privacy when closed but when open allow light and sunshine to illuminate the room.

Frosted Glass as a Curtain Alternative

A frosted glass window in a bathroom is a great alternative to using curtains. — Via Allen Built

Frosted glass is another great bathroom window alternative to using curtains and drapes. Frosted glass come in two varieties. Manufactured frosted glass, this is glass that was frosted by the manufacturer. The other variety of frosted glass is DIY frosted glass this variety usually comes in rolls and can transform any window into a frosted glass. Frosted glass ensures maximum privacy but unfortunately doesn’t allow as much sunlight to shine through as some other curtain alternatives do. The DIY route is perfect for renters as once it’s time to move again the frosted glass film is easily removable and doesn’t damage the window. Frosted windows are particularly popular in bathrooms where privacy is a must.

This kitchen uses interior shutters instead of curtain or drapes. There is an eat in dining room with small kitchen island. — Via Mohawk Flooring

In closing, there are numerous curtain alternatives that you can choose from. Some alternatives provide more privacy than others and some allow more light to enter the room than others. It really depends on what your needs are for the space as to which curtain alternative will work best for you. There are many stylish and unique curtain alternatives that can add personality and style to any space without compromising your sense of style.

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Curtain Alternatives For Any Space