How to Choose Window Treatments That Complement Your Home’s Architectural Style

Selecting the right window treatments is one of the most effective ways to enhance your home’s architectural character. Whether you live in a modern minimalist apartment, a historic villa, or a breezy coastal New Zealand home, the right curtains, blinds, and shutters can elevate both form and function — providing privacy, light control, and timeless style.

At Redgraves Home Fabrics, we combine over 60 years of textile expertise with local craftsmanship to design custom-made curtains, blinds, and shutters that harmonise beautifully with your home’s architecture.

Modern Minimalist Homes

In modern or contemporary spaces, less is more. Think clean lines, open layouts, and natural light — so your window treatments should enhance these features rather than compete with them.

• Recommended window treatments: Roller blinds, sheer curtains, or motorised blinds for a sleek finish.

• Fabric choices: Lightweight linens, cottons, or sheer voiles in neutral tones such as white, taupe, or soft grey.

• Design tip: Choose floor-to-ceiling curtains to elongate windows and maintain architectural flow.

Historic Villas and Character Homes

Traditional villas and bungalows often feature high ceilings, elegant mouldings, and classic joinery — all calling for window treatments that celebrate craftsmanship.

• Recommended window treatments: Double pinch pleat or box pleat custom curtains, Roman blinds, and timber shutters.

• Fabric choices: Velvet, brocade, or damask for formal spaces; soft washed linen for a more relaxed heritage feel.

• Design tip: Layering lined curtains with Roman blinds enhances insulation and adds depth to bay windows.

Scandinavian-Inspired Interiors

Scandinavian design embraces simplicity, natural textures, and light-filled spaces. Window treatments should feel effortless and complement the pared-back aesthetic.

• Recommended window treatments: Sheer curtains, linen Roman blinds, or neutral-toned roller blinds.

• Fabric choices: Textured linens, cotton blends, and organic weaves in shades of oatmeal, white, or cool greys.

• Design tip: Mount blinds inside the window frame for a clean architectural finish.

Coastal New Zealand Homes

Homes by the sea deserve window treatments that maximise natural light while protecting interiors from sun glare and salt air. The aim is a relaxed, breezy elegance.

• Recommended window treatments: Light-filtering sheers, woven blinds, or plantation shutters.

• Fabric choices: Coastal blues, sandy neutrals, and textured cottons or performance fabrics with UV protection.

• Design tip: Sheer curtains paired with shutters let you shift easily between privacy and views, ideal for beachside living.

Mid-Century Modern Homes

Mid-century architecture highlights simplicity, warm materials, and indoor–outdoor connection. The goal is to honour that balance with understated yet rich design choices.

• Recommended window treatments: Panel glide blinds, simple pleated drapery, or sleek roller blinds.

• Fabric choices: Retro-inspired weaves, earthy tones, and textured neutrals.

• Design tip: Prioritize horizontal lines to complement signature mid-century windows.

Finding the Perfect Fit with Redgraves

At Redgraves Home Fabrics, every curtain, blind, or shutter is crafted to suit your home’s unique character and dimensions. Our experienced design consultants can guide you through selecting styles, fabrics, colours, and hardware that complement your home’s architecture — and your lifestyle.

Visit our North Shore showroom to explore the latest textile collections from global design houses, or book a complimentary in-home consultation. Let’s transform your windows into timeless works of art that enhance every room