Black and White Curtains | Window Treatments

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Contrasts in color schemes enliven a room’s décor. Black and white curtains can be a delightful addition to the decorative scheme by selecting a pattern that gives pizzazz to this seemingly ho-hum combination. Because black and white are neutral, any color palette can be used for walls, furniture and carpeting. The patterns and designs of textiles and accessories will tie it together.

Pattern and Design

The density of pattern, boldness of the design and overall style of motif will set a decorative tone. Depending on your decorating style, patterns can be modern, geometric, floral, striped or checked. The size and density of the pattern should complement the size of the room, other patterns and the overall decorative theme.

Bold geometric patterns complement Art Deco themes. Repeating motifs of diamonds, circles, rectangles and triangles with outlined and filled forms blend well in this style. The Prairie Style emphasizes clean lines and uncluttered space. Furniture is rectilinear with some organic shapes; curtains can echo these patterns. Small motifs work well on small windows or in a small space. Bold motifs bring the eye to the window. If other patterns are sparsely displayed in the room, the window becomes the focal point.

In modern décor, large panels of plain white with a black border exude elegance. A full, gathered curtain tied to the sides emphasizes the cascade. Pulled across the window, the curtain is accentuated. A valence with reversed color scheme, a black panel with white border, adds an interesting contrast.

Arts and Crafts-style large-patterned floral designs blend well with both country-cottage and shabby-chic themes. Full-length curtains are formal; sill-length curtains are casual.

When choosing a pattern for black and white window curtains, remember that several yards of fabric displayed on a window will look different than on a bolt or in a package. Saturated black may not be appealing in large panels in a room without much light, while a white background with black patterns may brighten the room.

Fabrics

Ready-made curtains are available in a plethora of fabrics from silks to polyester. Material by the yard for custom curtains is also readily available. The weight of fabric, transparency (light-emitting quality), nap and texture affect the overall look on the window.

For rooms that do not require privacy, sheer fabrics such as voile and batiste allow transmission of light. Heavier fabrics such as silks, heavy cottons, jacquards and damasks block light and provide privacy, but may need to be lined to keep the black from fading.

Black and white curtains make a bold statement in the room décor, accentuating the whimsical and creating an enchanting ambience.