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Behind the Curtain
Blinds may have risen in popularity in recent decades, but at House of Hackney, we can’t resist the draw of curtains. Depending on which fabric and colour you choose (not to mention the print), drapes have the power to dramatically change the feel of a room. But did you know that they can affect the feel, quite literally, by keeping your home cool in summer and warm in winter? Get ready to see the classic window coverings in a whole new light...
A cool, cool summer
If, in the immortal words of Bananarama, the heat has got right out of hand, then you might want to close the curtains. Yes, really. While your first instinct on Cruel Summer days is likely to fling the windows wide open, all this will do is let the heavy, dry air straight into your home. Instead, try keeping the curtains drawn and windows shut during the hottest hours of the day – only cracking them open in the evening, once it starts to cool down.
Curtains in neutral or lighter colours will reflect the sun’s rays out of the room, doubly so if backed with an ivory lining. Blackout curtains also work wonders in warding off the sunshine, helping rooms to stay cool. The light, airy feel of cotton-linen makes it an irresistible fabric for the warmer months; you can just picture it now, romantically billowing in the breeze (once you’ve finally opened the window, that is). Dark, thick curtains will trap the heat in – so either keep them open, confined to spaces that face away from the sun, or bring them out only in winter, when the weather really is cruel.
"A window cloaked in velvet is sumptuous and sophisticated, while it simultaneously reduces draughts and adds an extra layer of insulation"
A HAZY SHADE FOR WINTER
The thought of shutting the world out and snuggling up in front of the fire is an enticing one – especially when, outside, the leaves are brown and there’s a patch of snow on the ground. (Spot the Bangles lyrics? Our love of the 80s is clearly not confined to opulent window dressings.) But just as you may have been surprised at our suggestion to close the curtains in summer, the opposite is also unexpectedly true in winter. Letting in sunlight – or what precious little there is – during the day will fill your home with natural warmth. By drawing the curtains as soon as dusk falls, you can then maximise each room’s potential to retain that heat.
A window cloaked in velvet is sumptuous and sophisticated, while it simultaneously reduces draughts and adds an extra layer of insulation. Again, blackout curtains are a wise choice, preventing warm air from escaping through the windows. As for colour? Anything goes. Dark shades are cosy and comforting; conversely, brighter tones can lift the spirits on even the greyest of days.
It’s worth noting however, that once your curtains arrive – adorned with the House of Hackney print you love – it may be tempting to keep them permanently drawn so you can admire them all year-round. In which case, feel free to disregard everything you’ve just read…
"A window cloaked in velvet is sumptuous and sophisticated, while it simultaneously reduces draughts and adds an extra layer of insulation"
Our House in your Home
Whether you’re searching for design ideas or trying to imagine how a certain print would look in your space, why not browse our gallery to see how others have made our House their own…
@burbeckprojectmanagement
@gen_assembly
@jesuisannemarie
@katemossagency
Open up windows of opportunity
Explore our collection of made-to-measure curtains and blinds – or, if you’d like advice on which window coverings would best suit your space, book a complimentary Decorating Consultation with our experts.
