The Arts and Crafts decorating style is in direct contrast to the fussy and heavily ornamented design of the Victorian style. Victorian decorating was just winding to an end when the simple style of the Arts and Crafts movement started to gain in popularity in the late 1800s. When decorating the home in the Arts and Crafts style, window treatments are simple in design and natural in color. Does this Spark an idea?
Colors
The popular colors for curtains and drapes in the Arts and Crafts decorating style include blue-gray, terra cotta, green, brown and gold. The fabric colors for Arts and Crafts window treatments are muted, natural and soft in contrast to the bold, rich colors used in Victorian décor. Floral designs also use the natural motif that is common for the simple decorating style.
Fabric
Natural textures such as muslin, cotton, lace, linen, wool and voile are common choices for Arts and Crafts window treatments. The fabric designs included stripes, solid colors, small patterns such as dots and embroidered plants to maintain the natural look in an Arts and Crafts home. Curtain and drape styles are simple, such as layered half curtains. The simple curtain style is a modest design and in stark contrast to the elaborately draped window treatments of the prior decorating period.
Rods and Hardware
Curtain rods in the Arts and Crafts style are made of wrought iron, brass, wood or copper. The hardware is simple in design without ornamentation. Curtain rods and rings are used to hang panels in the Arts and Crafts style, but shirring the fabric directly on retractable rods began during this decorating period as well.
Glass and Blinds
Roller blinds with decorative pulls and embroidery offer privacy and a subtle decorative element to the windows. Cotton and linen are natural fabrics used on Arts and Crafts blinds. In addition to embroidery, stenciling directly on the blind fabric adds a decorative touch to the window treatment. Art glass with a floral or geometric design adds to the decor and filters the sunlight coming into the room.
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