When it comes to transforming a room, window dressings are the unsung heroes of home interiors. Whether it’s adding style, enhancing privacy, or managing light, the right blinds or curtains can completely transform your space.
To dig deeper into what makes great window dressings, we sat down with Yvonne Keal, the Senior Product Manager and window dressing expert at Hillarys, who have been crafting made-to-measure window dressings for over 50 years. Discover their top tips and a few insider secrets!
1. Tell us a bit about Hillarys
Yvonne Keal, Senior Product Manager at Hillarys
Hillarys has been a trusted name since 1971, helping people bring their interiors to life through beautifully made-to-measure blinds, curtains, and shutters. Over time, we’ve expanded our range to include outdoor options like awnings, pergolas, and even garage doors. What really sets us apart is our in-home service, where our advisors help you choose the ideal solution, measure up, and fit everything to perfection.
2. What should you consider first when choosing window dressings?
Think about the function first. Do you need privacy, light control, insulation, or a bit of everything? Once that’s clear, consider the room’s style and how the window dressing will complement it. For instance, roller blinds are ideal for kitchens and bathrooms because they’re moisture-resistant. Alternatively, Roman blinds on their own or layered with curtains add elegance and warmth to living rooms and bedrooms.
3. How do you decide between curtains and blinds?
It’s all about the look and feel you’re going for. Blinds create a clean, modern style, perfect and practical for smaller spaces. Curtains, on the other hand, bring softness and ambience, especially in larger rooms. You can even layer them, pairing a Roller or Roman blind with curtains gives you the best of both worlds.
4. How can you maintain privacy without blocking light?
Sheer blinds or voiles are perfect for this. They allow natural light to flood the room while preventing a clear view from outside. Day and Night blinds are another clever option, thanks to alternating sheer and opaque fabric panels which give you precise control over both light and privacy, just by adjusting their position for the right balance.
Another stylish choice is café-style shutters, which cover the lower portion of the window, keeping your space private without sacrificing sunlight. Hillarys also offers Triple Shade blinds, which combine the softness of a curtain with the functionality of a blind, and Diffused blinds are ideal for glazed doors, softening light while still offering coverage.
5. Which window dressings work best for bay windows or large glass doors?
Bay windows really benefit from made-to-measure solutions such as Roman blinds or shutters that follow the curve of the bay. For large glass doors, we recommend tracked shutters or Intu blinds, which fit into the door frame and allow easy, unobstructed access. It’s also worth considering electric blinds, as you can open them with a simple remote, or pair them with a smart hub. You can use an app or even a Google or Amazon device to control it with your voice.
6. Any top tips on how to make getting measurements easier?
Use a metal tape measure for the most accurate readings and always measure in millimetres. Take the width and drop measurements in three places (top, middle, and bottom) and use the smallest figure. Or, better yet, book a Hillarys advisor and let them handle it for you.
7. Can window treatments help save energy?
Absolutely. Thermal linings on curtains and blinds can help regulate temperature, keeping warmth in during winter and blocking heat in summer. We also recommend specialist blinds, like Duette® blinds, which feature a honeycomb structure that traps air, stopping it from escaping out your window.
8. Are smart window dressings worth it?
Yes, they really are. Not only are they incredibly convenient for hard-to-reach windows, but they make everyday living a breeze. You can set timers on the app so your blinds open with your morning alarm to help you get out of bed or close at dusk for privacy. They’re even handy for home security — program them while you’re on holiday so it looks like someone’s in.
9. Which colours and styles are trending for window treatments?
Right now, earthy tones like terracotta, olive, and sand are proving very popular, as are textured fabrics like linen and velvet. Bold prints are making a comeback too, especially in Roman blinds and curtains, adding a touch of personality to any space.
10. Do window dressings reduce noise?
Yes, they can, especially if you go for heavier fabrics. Layered treatments such as curtains with blackout or thermal linings and shutters can significantly reduce outside noise, making them ideal for bedrooms or homes near busy roads.
11. How often should I update my blinds and curtains?
There’s no hard-and-fast rule, but generally, around every seven to 10 years is typical. Of course, if you’re moving or refreshing your interiors, that’s a great time to reassess your window dressings and see what new styles might suit your space.
12. How can I make my windows a standout feature in the room?
Dress them up! Frame your windows with bold curtains, patterned Roman blinds, decorative curtain poles, or stylish pelmets to make them pop. Want to take it further? Highlight your window with a contrasting wall colour or a striking wallpaper design.
13. Can window dressings help protect furniture from sun damage?
Yes, and they’re a smart investment for this reason. Many of our fabrics and specialist blinds have UV protection, which helps stop fading on furniture over time. If you’ve got a sun-soaked room, blinds with this feature are a must.
14. What’s your top furniture pick from the Oak Furnitureland range?
Parquet sideboard | @willowandmaine
The Parquet sideboard is a personal favourite. Its timeless oak finish pairs beautifully with both classic and modern interiors. It’s the perfect piece to style with a statement lamp or vase, and of course, looks gorgeous framed by layered window dressings.
Ready to elevate your interiors? Whether you’re redecorating or just seeking a fresh look, these tips from Hillarys’ experts are the perfect starting point. Visit hillarys.co.uk to explore its full product range.
