Window Treatments - Other

Transform Your Home with Stylish Window Treatments in the UK

Why Window Treatments Matter More Than You Think

Window treatments do a lot more than look pretty — they control light, give privacy, improve insulation, and can completely change the mood of a room. Think of them as the jewellery for your windows: the right pair of blinds or curtains can make a basic room sing, while the wrong ones can drag the whole design down. Whether you’re after a clean, minimal roller blind or a soft, textured Roman blind, choosing the right option in the UK market means balancing style, function, and budget.

Popular Types of Window Treatments Available in the UK

There’s a huge range of window treatments out there, each with its own personality. Roller blinds are smart and low-profile; Roman blinds feel cosy and tailored; Venetian blinds add precision control over light; and shutters give a classic, architectural finish. Don’t forget verticals for sliding doors and thermal-lined curtains for cold winters. You can mix types in a home — for instance, shutters in the living room and roller blinds in bathrooms — to get the best of both worlds.

Roller Blinds

Roller blinds are perfect if you want a sleek, modern look. They roll neatly into a cassette and come in blackout, light-filtering, and sheer fabrics. Brands like Himla offer textured fabric roller blinds in natural tones that work well in Scandinavian-inspired interiors, while UK retailers such as Dunelm and John Lewis stock a wide range of budget and mid-range roller options.

Roman Blinds

Roman blinds add a soft, tailored look and work wonderfully in bedrooms and dining rooms. They stack neatly when raised and provide a warm, fabric-filled aesthetic when lowered. Himla’s Miramar Roman blind designs are a great example of how good-quality natural materials can elevate a window without being fussy.

Venetian and Wooden Blinds

Venetian blinds — aluminium or wooden — give you granular control over light and are ideal for spaces that face direct sun. Wooden slats warm a room’s palette and work well with neutral interiors, while aluminium is perfect for kitchens and bathrooms because it’s moisture resistant.

Shutters

Plantation shutters are an investment, but they last for years and offer excellent light control and insulation. They suit period homes and modern kitchens alike, and because they’re a fixed feature, they often add value to a property.

Featured Nordic Brand: Himla at Nordic Nest

Scandi design is beloved in the UK for its simplicity and calm, and Himla is a classic example of that aesthetic. Nordic Nest stocks a range of Himla window treatments that lean on natural fabrics, neutral shades, and understated textures. If you’re into linen-look fabrics and muted colours, Himla offers Roman and roller styles that feel both modern and timeless.

Examples of Himla Pieces and Their Sizes

If you’re visualising how these might fit your windows, here are some Himla models and approximate imperial sizes you’ll see at Nordic Nest and similar online retailers:

- Himla Sunday Blind (approx. 63 inches by 71 inches) in Oatmeal — a broad, soft roller that suits living rooms and bedrooms.

- Himla Miramar Roman Blind (approx. 39 inches by 71 inches) in Oatmeal — a slim Roman style good for narrow windows.

- Himla Sunday Roller Blind (approx. 32 inches by 71 inches) in White — a compact roller that’s great for bathrooms or kitchens.

- Himla Ebba Blind (approx. 63 inches by 71 inches) in Natural — textured fabric for a relaxed, earthy look.

- Himla Ebba Blind (approx. 43 inches by 71 inches) in White — mid-width option that works well in many window openings.

- Himla Sunday Roller Blind (approx. 32 inches by 71 inches) in Ash and a slightly wider Chalk version at about 43 inches by 71 inches — subtle tone choices for a calm palette.

Top UK Retailers for Window Treatments

The UK market is packed with specialists and general home stores that offer blinds and curtains. Here are a few to know about, and why you might shop with them.

Hillarys and Blinds2Go — The Made-to-Measure Experts

Hillarys and Blinds2Go specialise in made-to-measure blinds. If you have awkward window sizes, bay windows, or need precise fitting, these retailers are built around that service. They also offer in-home measuring and fitting options, which can save time and frustration if you’re not handy with tools.

John Lewis & Partners — Quality and Aftercare

John Lewis is a go-to for those who want reliable brands and solid customer service. Their curtain and blind lines cover a wide price range, and their in-house design advice is useful if you’re matching fabrics and textures across a room.

Dunelm — Budget-Friendly and Wide Selection

Dunelm offers competitive prices and often has quick-delivery stock blinds in common sizes. It’s a great first stop if you want to test styles or need a replacement quickly without bespoke costs.

Wayfair UK, MADE and The Range — Variety and Style Choices

Online marketplaces like Wayfair, MADE, and The Range provide huge ranges from multiple brands, including contemporary and budget options. They’re particularly handy for comparing styles and prices quickly, and you can often filter by size, colour, and fabric.

How to Choose the Right Window Treatment for Each Room

Choosing the right treatment depends on how you use the room. Bedrooms often need blackout options for better sleep, while living rooms can benefit from light-filtering fabrics that keep privacy without blocking daylight. Bathrooms require moisture-resistant materials, and kitchens need something that’s easy to wipe clean. Consider the direction your windows face, too — south-facing rooms may need solar-control blinds to reduce glare and overheating.

Privacy vs Light: Finding the Balance

Privacy and light control are a balancing act. Sheer fabrics give you daylight with privacy during the day but not at night, whereas blackout blinds offer full privacy and darkness. Top-down / bottom-up mechanisms are a neat feature if you want to let light in at the top while maintaining privacy at eye level.

Insulation and Energy Savings

Window treatments can make a measurable difference to how warm a room feels. Heavy lined curtains, cellular blinds, and shutters can help retain heat, cutting heating bills. In the UK’s cooler months, upgrading to thermal-lined curtains or cellular blinds is a smart move if you want to keep rooms cosy without constant heating.

Measuring and Installing: Tips to Get It Right

Measure twice, cut once — that old saying holds for blinds too. For inside-mount blinds, measure the recess width and drop at three points (left, middle, right) and use the smallest measurement for a snug fit. For outside-mount, measure the total area you want to cover, adding overlap for better light blockage. If math isn’t your thing, many UK retailers offer measuring services, and for made-to-measure blinds this is often worth the small extra cost.

DIY Installation: What You’ll Need

For most roller and Roman blinds, installation requires a drill, screws, brackets, and a spirit level. If you’re fitting inside a recess, be prepared for a tighter fit and use shorter screws. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions — mounting brackets need to be level, or the blind won’t hang straight. If you’re unsure, booking a professional fitter removes the risk of incorrect installation and will usually come with a guarantee.

Sustainable and Natural Options

Sustainability is on the radar for many buyers. Natural fibres like linen, cotton, and hemp, as used by brands like Himla, are popular for their low-key aesthetic and lower environmental impact. Look for retailers that disclose fibre content and manufacturing origins if sustainability is a priority. Recyclable or biodegradable fabrics and low-VOC dyes are other green flags when selecting window treatments.

Reusing and Upcycling Old Curtains

If you’re redecorating, consider upcycling old curtains into cushion covers or re-lining them to increase thermal performance. It’s a creative way to reduce waste and retain sentimental pieces while giving them practical new life.

Care and Maintenance for Longevity

To keep blinds and curtains looking fresh, regular maintenance is key. Vacuum fabric blinds with a soft brush attachment to remove dust, and wipe down faux-wood slats with a damp cloth. For tougher stains, follow manufacturer instructions — many fabric blinds are spot-clean only. Routine care extends the life of window treatments and keeps colours looking true.

Budgeting: What to Expect to Pay in the UK

Prices vary widely depending on size, fabric, and whether you opt for made-to-measure. Expect ready-made roller blinds in common sizes to be quite affordable, while bespoke Roman blinds or plantation shutters are a higher investment. Consider lifecycle cost: buying a better-quality blind that lasts longer can be more economical than frequent replacements.

Where to Buy: Quick Comparison

If you want a quick shopping strategy: go to Dunelm or Wayfair for fast, affordable options; choose Hillarys or Blinds2Go for made-to-measure and professional fitting; browse Nordic Nest or John Lewis for curated brand-led collections like Himla; and opt for The Range or MADE for something more design-led but still affordable. Comparing materials, return options, and delivery times will help you pick the best retailer for your needs.

Final Thoughts Before You Buy

Window treatments are a small investment that can transform the look and comfort of your home. Think about how you use each room, prioritise function over style where necessary, and don’t be shy to mix types for different windows. Natural fabrics like those from Himla give a timeless feel, while UK specialists offer tailored options if your windows are non-standard. With careful measuring and a clear brief — light control, privacy, or insulation — you’ll find solutions that look great and perform well for years.

Now that you’ve got the lowdown, why not measure one window today and start comparing styles? You’ll be surprised how quickly a new blind or set of curtains can lift a room.