Anyone who has ever put window treatments up in their home knows it can be a big decision. They can be the perfect finishing touch for a room or the beginning of an entire design, depending on which way you approach it. They can also be somewhat of a long-term commitment and an investment. Changing out all of the curtain panels in a room isn’t nearly as easy as changing up your pillows when you just grow tired of them.
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Can I be completely honest? I did fall in love with the big yellow pattern that I used in our breakfast room. But, they will probably be one of the only window treatments that aren’t going to make the cut for the new house. I would never have thought about changing them out if we’d stayed (because I committed!). But, now that there’s an opportunity for a fresh start, I’m kind of done with the pattern. . .Which brings me to my point: there’s beauty in choosing wisely when it comes to windows. Neutral curtains, especially layered over neutral walls, can have such a luxe feel—and can easily stand the test of time.
Mark D. Sikes
Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles
I’ve recently learned about Barn & Willow, a unique company who makes and sells high quality draperies online, while giving back. (Learn more here.)They work with some of the finest factories around the world, based on the best craftsmanship, business ethic and price. They offer fewer product choices, just focusing on the essentials for the home (i.e., neutral drapes), which can also mean less confusion when making a decision.
Their Belgian linen drapery collection is a classic:
They’re made from 100% Belgian linen and are fully (cotton) lined, giving them a really pretty texture and weight.
If you’re looking for another treatment or style, they also take custom orders and have designers who can help.
And, as long as you’re browsing, they also sell these great cotton throws and pillows on their site:
Convinced you need some beautiful, neutral drapery in your life? Barn & Willow is giving away a $120 drapery credit to their site. Enter using the Rafflecopter form below:
Thanks to Barn & Willow for sponsoring this giveaway.
Emily, I did the same thing when we moved – the buyers of our last house bought our custom made window treatments and although I loved them it was kind of fun to go with all neutral curtains in our next abode. It definitely provides the opportunity to change up a room more easily with just pillows and accessories! Thanks for hosting this giveaway – this company sounds great!
I totally agree. This is our go-to look with possibly some custom trim to make it relate to the fabric choices in the room. It is so refreshing and clean looking! Thanks for the into to Barn & Willow! Will check them out. xo Nancy
I’m glad I read this. I have neutral curtains throughout our main floor and sometimes I wonder if I’d like a pattern better. You’re so right that neutral panels can stand the test of time more and allow for rethinking the room’s decor. Thanks for posting.
I’m in LOVE with that first pic.
I LOVE choosing neutral curtains just for the sheer fact that they are expensive, so you can change around inexpensive accessories instead :)
Great round up of photos!
I am in love with that bedroom pic!
Love neutral fabrics on windows. I always think they look so sophisticated!
I agree with you 1000%! Our new house has white walls and just the slightest stripe pattern in the white curtains. Although they are very old, I’m in no hurry to replace them because they work so well and are such good quality (Belgian linen; pinch-pleats). Of course, if I were to win this raffle, my tune would change! Glad to know about this company now. :)
I’m the opposite! I like to keep furniture neutral and I don’t like many accessories. (House is so busy with six kids, and accessories just seem to end up looking like clutter.) So I love bright colors and big patterns for window treatments. In fact, just this week I bought blue/cream ikat fabric for new curtains in my front room.
Great to learn of this company. I like using neutral colors in curtains because they are so easy to work with.
Shelley
Totally agree. I admire print draperies but don’t think I could do it in my home. I also prefer solid white for shams and duvet and bathroom towels. I tire of prints very easily.
Linda
I agree with you. I just bought 20 yards of cream twill to replace striped panels in our dining room. I’m going to interline them with flannel and use a black & cream geometric tape on the leading edge with a euro pleat header. Classic and hopefully will be around for a long time.
Also, what are your thoughts on valances? I have a little workroom and get lots of request for “toppers.” I’m not a huge fan, but they seem to be making a comeback.
I’m personally not a huge fan, just because I think they’re a little more traditional/formal than my style.
I agree with you about making your big decision points neutral. We are all trained by the shelter magazines to love lots of prints on furniture and curtains. The reality is that they are expensive to reupholster/remake. Most of us cannot afford to totally redecorate when we get tired of a pattern. HB, AD, Veranda, etc. are focusing on families who can afford to have multiple homes that they can redecorate when they want. For those of us who can’t do that, having the most expensive items neutral works – it is much easier to change out pillows and accessories than a sofa or curtains.
So…are the yellow curtains for sale??? If so, I’d love first dibs on them! Everything you do is beautiful, Emily! Love your style.
They probably will be once the house sells. Stay tuned…
I found this post to be interesting and helpful. After 30 years in the custom window treatment business, I’ve seen many types of treatments/fabrics come and go. But, in the end whenever I was doing window treatments for our newly built home; I decided to keep everything simple and neutral. I love pattern and I love color – but, I know the neutral draperies will always remain classic.
Can’t thank you enough Emily, I’m so excited to finally get some drapes to hang in our house!!
Emily, these curtains look absolutely gorgeous and I love your taste! I would love to visit Barn & Willow just to see these beautiful curtains that you are showing us. I’ll have to see if I can get something like this for my front room, thanks a whole bunch for sharing this beautiful brand.
The first picture is a home at Alys Beach by Marcus Mahon! http://marcusmohon.com/interiors/alys-beach/
I loved when you mentioned how installing window treatments in a room can help you start your design and decor. It is important to remember that doing some research can help you find the best curtains for your home. My wife was talking about how she wanted to get some draperies that can match our decor, so I’m glad I found your page.