The idea of minimalism encompasses a return to simplicity. Reducing the number of objects in your living space, to leave only the most necessary of items. Less clutter to make the most of your available space.
Crisp lines, maybe some quieter color tones, and the silent allure that define minimalism have been shown to nurture a healthier sense of stillness and well-being.
Maybe Zen isn’t exactly your thing, but consider the relaxing benefits of keeping objects and clutter to a minimum in your home. Everything in its place, without anything you don’t need. Imagine minimalist window treatments to keep things simple, practical, and aesthetically beautiful. Here are three tips to help you bring that kind of minimalist feel into your home.
1. Minimalist Window Treatments Should Be Functional
Minimalist design emphasizes the importance of every included element in a space having a tangible, practical function.
Think about the simplistic elegance of roller shades. Cordless (especially motorized) roller shades crisply pull down to where you need them with just a gentle tug. No cords, no clutter. Top Down Bottom Up cellular/honeycomb shades work in a similar manner, but with some additional applications. You can get your TDBU cellulars to open from the top down also, offering you plenty of outdoor light, and privacy at the same time. They also provide a soundproofing effect for a quieter interior, and they are energy-efficient at the same time.
Shutters offer a nice minimalist look and feel as well. Throughout the day, you can tilt the louvers exactly where you need them to be for the right amount of lighting that you want. Whenever you need to, just shut the louvers completely for full privacy. Let the full light in with a wide open view when you swing open the panels entirely.
Solar shades not only offer a crisp, minimalist look (like roller shades), but they also help protect your floors, furniture, and framed items from the harsh incoming UV rays. And they help preserve your view.
Fabrics vary in openness factor (typically 1% to 14%) to increase UV protection and reduce glare or to allow a better outward view when they’re closed. For rooms where you want some natural light coming in, but you want to maintain privacy at the same time, they’re perfect.
And don’t forget bamboo/woven woods. What could be more Zen/minimalist looking than natural bamboo minimalist window treatments?
2. Minimalist Window Treatments Should Be Set in Close to Your Window
One thing minimalist designers make a point to do is to use as little space as possible. They might implement a desk or table, but without bulky lamps, large plants, or “clutter-ey” items to throw the clean, tight design off-kilter. In a similar manner, minimalist window treatments should be set in snugly to the window, without fussy cords, frills, or fabric spilling outward and onto the floor.
Roller shades, cellular shades, shutters, bamboos, and solar shades all lend themselves well to this idea of physical closeness to their windows. Remember that “minimalism” implies being direct in your design, and that “less is more.”
Speaking of set close to your window: Similar to the textures offered by cellular shades, panel tracks can offer a warm, personal touch with various options in textured upholstery and fabrics, in a variety of colors, including neutrals.
Since a tight fit is important for your minimalist vibe, note that custom panels can very elegantly frame your windows, while offering ample cover. Just remember not to let saggy fabric or uneven floor gaps between panels throw off the precision of your minimalist look.
large/wide windows and glass doors.
3. Minimalist Window Treatments Don’t Have To Be Neutral
Minimalist designs have been traditionally known to utilize neutral whites, blacks, and grays. But this isn’t a requirement. Consider eye-catching splashes of color, including on your minimalist window treatments. Color can really add some nice accents especially if the furniture in your room features a neutral palette. Without color, your space can look and feel cold and impersonal. If you already have some color accents (e.g., rugs, furniture, pillows), neutral window treatments might be the way to go.
Select Blinds Staff Recommendations
Here are some minimalist window treatments our staff loves and offers as recommendations.
Classic Fabric Room Darkening Roller Shades
Lifestyle Light Filtering Cellulars
With the wide variety of fabrics, textures, styles, and colors available to you, finding the perfect custom minimalist window treatments should be a breeze.
