How to choose window coverings for period and character homes

Older properties - Victorian terraces, Edwardian semis, Georgian townhouses, thatched cottages - deserve window treatments that respect their character rather than fight it.

The biggest mistake is fitting a contemporary roller blind to a bay window with ornate mouldings. It is not that rollers are bad blinds; they are simply wrong for the context. A Roman blind in a rich linen or a full-length curtain in a woven jacquard sits far more comfortably alongside original plasterwork and deep timber sills.

Roman blinds are arguably the most versatile choice for period rooms. They fold into neat horizontal pleats, so when raised they sit neatly at the top of the window without obscuring the architecture. When lowered, the soft fabric cascading in folds adds warmth and texture.

Wooden shutters - either plantation style or solid panel - complement Georgian and Regency properties particularly well. Many homes of that era had internal shutters as original features. Reinstating them with modern hardware feels authentic and delivers excellent insulation.

For bay windows, curtains remain the classic treatment. A made-to-measure curtain on a bespoke bay track follows the curve without gaps. Interlined curtains add weight, drape, and thermal performance that no blind can match.

Sash windows have their own quirks. The recess is typically shallow, which limits the blind types that fit neatly inside. A Roman blind with a slim headrail is usually the best option. Alternatively, a café-style shutter covering only the lower sash provides privacy while leaving the upper portion open for light.

Colour and fabric matter as much as the blind type. Muted tones - stone, sage, ivory, charcoal - complement exposed brick and original woodwork. Bold patterns should be used sparingly and in fabrics that have a heritage feel: damasks, florals, tartans, or ticking stripes.

We carry a wide fabric collection and bring swatches to your home so you can assess them beside your existing décor. Measuring, making, and fitting are all included.