curtains for open kitchen/living

5 years ago

Hi all,

my new place has a biggish (for london) living area, with 2 windows directly above the kitchen units, 2 above radiators and 2 separated by a handrail (see photo). On top of this awkward set up, the ceiling is not very high (we're talking about 2m40/50), but having windows on three sides the living gets quite a lot of light during the day.

I'm debating what's the best option for curtains: long or short? My idea would be blinds in the windows nooks, the same material and type across all 6 windows, with a double layer of long curtains (1/2 inches above floor), one sheer and one slightly thicker but not black out, for the other 4 windows.

Would long curtains fit in this space? or should I just keep them short and above the radiators?

Also, if I went for long ones, would it make sense to have one long pole between the two windows on the short side of the room? despite the rail in between?

PS: apologies for the mess in the photo, I took it in a rush in the morning.

Featured Answer

minnie101

5 years ago

It doesn't look as if you need window dressings for privacy? Personally I'd go for Roman blinds hung outside the recess. Although the room is biggish, curtains will quickly visually fill the space. I'd keep the blinds similar in tone to whatever you change the walls to

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Comments (11)

PRO
Atom Interior Styling
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
HI Lidia,

Lovely living space.

The low ceiling can be easily sorted by doing a few steps when styling. The fact that you have darker walls and a lighter ceiling is spot on. Also as for the curtains, you need long ceiling to floor curtains hung at the highest point. Also even better if you can find a fabric that has a vertical strip even if its faint! It would be great if you could re locate the radiator so as not directly below the window.

I would keep the window that Is kind of a landing window with white wooden slated blinds. You can get this done on a pretty low budget too. I will say the worst thing you could do in my eyes is to have curtains that are short and above the radiator. . There are some great places to buy blinds and curtains online.

Keep me posted on what you decide.
Lidia thanked Atom Interior Styling
Lidia
Original Author
5 years ago
Thank you!

I have to say, the walls are not as dark as in the photo, and the ceiling is just a shade lighter, but I see what you mean. Unfortunately i don't have the budget to relocate the radiators, but I'm considering re-painting the walls relatively soon. I'll keep the neutral tones tho, so I shouldn't need new curtains.

If I keep the curtains long and sheer-ish, I'll probably need some form of blinds to keep the cold and light out (when sleeping on sofa and watching the not yet bought TV). Does it make sense to you? and would you suggest blinds inside the recess or outside?
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PRO
Atom Interior Styling
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
HI Lidia,

I would go for a more textured curtain, when you have floor to ceiling curtains it is good to have weight to them so they hang well and make a statement. You can still have them closing across the radiator, however if you had white wooded slated blinds throughout you wouldn't need to close the curtains on that wall at the same time keeping straying eyes out. I would make cure the ceiling is a bright white and go for maybe a dove Grey to the walls, then I slightly darker grey fabric for the curtains. With a vertical stripe or geometric stripe. Hang the blinds on the outside of the sill to keep a nice flush look. Check out blinds to go they tell you how to measure make sure you follow it exactly. I have left a link to a job I am doing for a client these blinds were purchased from Blinds to go.https://www.atominteriorstyling.com/projects/
Lidia thanked Atom Interior Styling
Lidia
Original Author
5 years ago
The link you attached has great ideas! And I love that you furnished the guest toilet exactly as I did mine, down to the very same mirror :D just miss the tiny paint, but at the moment that space is taken up by the ironing board
Lidia
Original Author
5 years ago
@minnie101, the flat is at the first floor in a built up area...so I really need something to keep some privacy. Roman blinds on the outside seem like a good idea, they should allow me to keep on using the windowsills for plants and decorations (at as bookshelves till I buy a nice bookshelf)
PRO
Atom Interior Styling
5 years ago
Hope it helps you keep me posted in what you decide.

:-)
Lidia thanked Atom Interior Styling
PRO
Atom Interior Styling
5 years ago
I chose Roman blinds for the clients bedrooms and dress room and lounge however the lounge also had floor to ceiling curtains to keep a cosy feel to the space. Again you can see these in the link as well.
Lidia thanked Atom Interior Styling
PRO
Feature Radiators
5 years ago
As a radiator specialist, we wouldn't recommend full length curtains going over radiators as it means a lot of heat will be lost out of the window.

Instead we would recommend going for blinds. You could always go for full length fake curtains either side just to get more of that look?

Radiators in eclectic settings · More Info
PRO
Atom Interior Styling
5 years ago
Yes ideally as I mentioned earlier, if slated blinds were used in that window the curtains wouldn’t have to be closed. On that window they would be used for dressing only.
PRO
User
5 years ago
Great space and lots of windows always good in a room. I would go for perhaps roman blinds inset into the windows maybe in a plain linen with a painted or wood poles over each window depending on other furniture. Then framed with beautiful voiles full length which could be for instance ombre or there are so many choices of designs now and would soften the room and light coming in as could be drawn during the day and romans left up for privacy. Or if you want more light you could go for a rollers inset and with the voiles.

curtains for open kitchen/living

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curtains for open kitchen/living

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