Lighten Up Your Window Treatments for Spring

Image via Architectural Digest

This past week I was bit by spring fever. My living room pillows are sporting new, yellow and cream covers. Forsythia branches are perched in tall glass vases on my dining room buffet. My heavy red throw blanket is about to be shipped off to the dry cleaners and then packed away until fall. If you are feeling the need for a little spring-ization you might want to give some thought to your window treatments.

There is something so beautiful about white sheers blowing in an open window. The Icon Panel from ZGallerie has a subtle circle pattern that adds a modern element. At $49.95/panel, the price is reasonable and the sheers could work with a second set of panels during the cooler months of the year.

Image from ZGallerie

When we moved into our newly built home almost 6 years ago, window treatments were a necessity ASAP. A former neighbor and recent design school graduate suggested that we try white wooden blinds or shutters for privacy and add panels later. We chose wooden blinds as they were more cost effective for covering every window in our new home. We liked the look of the windows without further adornment during the warm weather. If you have blinds or shutters, consider removing your panels during the spring and summer months. It really lightens up a space.

Image from Ethan Allen

Matchstick blinds also give that warm weather feel without the addition of side panels.

Image via Apartment Therapy

If you have a set of solid color panels that are yawn-inducing, consider adding a bit of trim or ribbon to the leading edge. I used simple, inexpensive black grosgrain ribbon to produce this Greek key pattern on my dining room window panels. Cream or white panels with the same pattern in yellow or turquoise would work beautifully for the warmer weather. (For complete directions, go here.)

Image from PBTeen

Window panels can be expensive. If you would like to change out the look seasonally without a lot expense, think about creating your own panels from lengths of fabric by adding a simple hem. No need to line them. Stitch-Witchery, my go-to product for creating hems without a sewing machine, makes crafting window treatments easy peasy.

Fabric.com is a great source for reasonably priced fabrics. You can find these collections of drapery fabrics among their selections:

Free Spirit Home


Amy Butler, some yardage as low as $6.49/yard

Robert Allen

For more tips and tricks for window treatments, check out this post.