Stylish Window Treatments for Spring: Lambrequins

Have you ever heard of a Lambrequin? The chances that you haven't! Their origin lies in a piece of cloth which was used to cover the back of a knight's helmet in Medieval times. It's also know or referred to a short piece of rigid cloth window treatment.

Basically a Lambrequin is a decorative pelmet that is made to fit into the top half of a window and rather than just being a piece of fabric the Lambrequin's fabric is glued or stapled over MDF (similar to a headboard). Usually there are no curtains or blinds used with them so theoretically you can only use this style of window dressing in rooms which don't have a privacy issue such as hallways. However modern styles mean you could use them in conjunction with a roller blinds or curtains. As Lambrequin are neat and tidy they are ideal for windows which are hard to reach or where voluminous curtains would swamp the room or area.

You can make your own Lambrequins relatively simply buy using curtain fabrics and designing yourself a template. Don't forget that the fabric will be stretched so be wary of pattern distortions, fraying etc. A medium weight fabric is ideal.

Another tip – don't get carried away making intricate designs on your first attempt, also make sure that the size of the Lambrequin balances with the size of your window.

There's plenty of interior design ideas for dressing your windows this Spring – let your windows make a real statement in your home

Stylish Window Treatments for Spring: Wooden Blinds

Wooden blinds are an all time classic for dressing windows. Once thought of and considered to be a cheap window dressing (think along the lines of bamboo roller blinds and student digs) today's wooden blinds are still inexpensive however, their kudos has moved up within the world of interior design and they are now being viewed in a completely different light.

With a wide range of colours, styles and design the humble wooden blind is being used in many interiors either as the sole window dressing or in conjunction with cheap curtains to create window dressings which are practical and functional.

With new designs and revolutionary technology it's now possible to find wooden blinds made from lightweight flexible wood-weave, grasses and reeds which can be used to make Roman blinds due to the suppleness and flexibility of the materials.

Of course manufacturers are also leaning heavily towards making wooden blinds from renewable sources and well managed forestry to keep ahead of consumer and interior design trends.

I think the best aspect of wooden blinds is their ability to blend with any colour scheme and it's been said, on more than one occasion, by interior designers that those who struggle to find a window dressing colour to match their décor should opt for wooden blinds as they provide a natural and alluring look to windows of all shapes and sizes.

Image: Things That Inspire

Stylish Window Treatments for Spring: Palazzo Curtains

Inspired by fashion Palazzo curtains have to be made from soft floaty fabrics such as silk (real or faux) or lightweight fabrics which catch the breeze of open windows. They also have to be voluminous and full length if they are to replicate Palazzo trousers correctly. Be sure that your curtains look like chic and sexy Palazzo trousers rather than bell-bottom pyjamas if you want to pull this style of window dressing off correctly.

The curtains have to be grand, sleek and eye-catching, in a similar vein to body shapes Palazzo curtains are ideal window dressings for tall, long windows (rather like fashion models) rather than short and squat shaped windows which won't really do them any justice.

With sheer lightweight fabrics it's easy to make your own cheap curtains in the Palazzo style – just make sure that you allow for plenty of fabric with and length and a neat heading (rather like a waistband on trousers) which gathers the volume of fabric up to a neat finish.

If you're looking for interior design ideas you won't go far wrong looking at the latest fashions – once the fashion shows are over we always see interiors following suit to a certain degree.

Image: Design Inspiration

Stylish Window Treatments for Spring: Warm Yellows

At long last Spring seems to have arrived and despite the hose-pipe ban being enforced in many parts of the country, we all know that warm summer days are on their way. Warm yellows are the ideal colour for Spring – typically associated with daffodils – yellow brings a natural warmth to our homes and offers a sunny disposition to any room in your home.

It's easy to add flashes of warm yellow to your rooms using soft furnishings and window dressings. Cheap curtains in yellow will add a Spring like feel to your rooms and see you right through this season and into the next. Other simple yellow additions could include kitchen blinds, duvet cover sets, cushions and throws.

Although we might think yellow a little passé and even old fashioned, it's a superb accent colour and can be used in conjunction with a multitude of other colours, from black to white and virtually every colour in between; so don't pass the opportunity of bringing a fresh Spring look to your home it can work wonders in perking up your home and bringing a smile to your face!

Stylish Window Treatments for Spring: Sheer Voiles

There's no getting away from it I admit that I love voile curtains and detest with a passion traditional net curtains – maybe it stems back to my childhood and the memories of nosy neighbours reporting back to my parents my every move! Voiles are also on-trend and can be used in a number of different ways to dress windows. Here's my top 10 reasons you should use voile curtains in your home:

1. They can replace traditional net curtains and bring tired looking rooms up to-date.

2. When full length the add much needed height to some rooms.

3. Used on their own they add a delicate, feminine touch to windows.

4. Voiles are ideal for creating a stylish double layer affect.

5. Lined voiles are available to help prevent (although not stop altogether when an inside light is switched on) prying eyes seeing inside your home.

6. From dreamy whites and ivories to bright bold colours voiles suit all styles of interiors.

7. Voiles must be the easiest style of cheap curtains to hang.

8. Trendy eyelet or tab-tops allows them to be used for more than just window dressings – for example on terraces during the summer.

9. Their lightweight allows them to fall gracefully and pool onto the floor.

10. My favourite is the way they billow in the breeze coming from an open window to create a refreshing airiness to rooms.

Versatile, practical and very affordable voile curtains are the ideal window dressing.