When styling two windows next to each other, you first need to consider the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Are you aiming for a traditional, modern, or eclectic vibe? The windows’ architectural style and the room’s existing decor will also impact your options. Though it may seem tricky at first, keep in mind that just about any double window can work in any design scheme with the right styling choices.
We’ll explore how to accentuate and beautify your dual windows in a cohesive, purposeful way. You’ll discover useful design guidelines and creative DIY tips to style your paired windows with confidence. Soon, those windows will go from being a decorating dilemma to a stunning style statement. Let’s dive in!
Consider the Windows’ Architecture
Before decorating, note the architectural details of the windows themselves. Are they tall and stately with traditional muntins? Or are they clean-lined and contemporary in style?
Pay attention to the windows’ height and shape as well. A pair of rounded windows will need a different decor treatment than two rectangular windows. Observe if they’re identical or if there are slight differences in size too. You can also explore how to decorate between two windows.
Knowing the windows’ existing design will help guide your styling choices. For example, ornate windows call for an elegant, dressy look while modern windows can handle a more sleek, pared-back style.
Choose a Unifying Design Scheme
Since you’ll be styling two separate windows right next to each other, you need a cohesive decor theme to make the arrangement look purposeful.
Some effective design schemes for dual windows include:
- Symmetrical – Where both windows feature identical, balanced styling.
- Complementary – Using different but coordinating styles and colors on each window.
- Vignette – Turning each window area into its own distinct scene or “vignette”.
- Bold focal point – Making the windows the star of the room with an eye-catching treatment.
- Neutral backdrop – Downplaying the windows to blend with the wall, letting other decor shine.
Decide which approach best fits your room’s existing style and the look you want to achieve. This will guide all your material and color choices.
Dress the Windows in Fabric
From breezy curtains to stately drapes, fabric window treatments never go out of style. They soften hard edges, filter light, and add warmth. For double windows, fabric can also help the two look more cohesive.
Some eye-catching fabric options include:
- Floor length drapes in luxurious materials like velvet, silk, or brocade
- Whimsical mismatched curtains with contrasting prints or colors
- Roman shades mounted directly on the window frame for a tailored effect
- Double rod treatments, with sheers and blackout curtains, layered
- Cafe-style curtains gathered on a rod at window height for a casual vibe
When selecting fabric, stick to your room’s color palette. For a symmetrical look, match the fabric and style on both windows precisely. Or get playful with complementing patterns, textures, or accent shades.
Incorporate Blinds and Shades
For function and versatility, incorporate window blinds or shades. Hang them under your curtains or drapes to control privacy and light filtration.
Opt for roller shades or Roman blinds for a streamlined look. Add warm wooden blinds to play up the natural texture. Get a soft layered effect with breezy sheer shades mounted behind darker drapes.
To unite your dual windows visually, select shades and blinds in the same neutral color. Or mimic the windows’ architectural style with choices like faux-wood blinds or shaped Roman shades.
Tip: Install shades and blinds inside the window frame so they don’t interfere with decorative window trim when drawn.
Say It With Shutters
Interior shutters instantly add polish. They’re perfect if your twin windows have a traditional, cottage, or farmhouse vibe.
Consider wide-slat shutters flanking both windows, closed to echo the symmetrical shape. Or open the shutters for an airier feel with quick privacy control.
For a casual accent, add shutters only to the lower third of each window. Top with cafe curtains or roll-down shades.
Paint or stain your shutters in a color that complements the room’s palette to tie the whole arrangement together.
Add Drama With Drapery Hardware
Window rods, finials, brackets, and holdbacks provide opportunities to embellish your treatments. So don’t shy away from some extra hardware!
For traditional windows, carved wood pole rods and finials add ornate elegance. Crystal or ceramic accents and tieback holders make a glamorous statement.
On modern windows, sleek metallics like oil-rubbed bronze, chrome, or nickel have an ultra-contemporary vibe.
For a lighter look, skip rods and hang curtains directly from discreet ceiling mounts or eye hooks. Dual windows can handle the drama of oversized statement hardware too.
Match metals and finishes on both windows to keep the look cohesive. But don’t be afraid to mix and match a little for some eclectic personality!
Incorporate Coordinating Valances
Valances are horizontal fabric treatments mounted just above the window frame to conceal and beautify blinds, shades, and curtain rods.
On paired windows, a continuous valance stretching across both frames makes the two look like one big statement piece. Valances can incorporate trim, contrast piping and ruffles for dimension.
For ease, buy ready-made valances or sew your own custom version using accent fabric that pulls in room colors. Display printed or embroidered valances that reflect other decorative touches in the space.
Aim for an overall streamlined shape on modern windows, or soft waves, points and swags on traditional ones.
Add Warmth With Window Cornices
More substantial than valances, decorative window cornices box in the top of window treatments for a built-in look. They come in different materials like wood, MDF, and foam.
For two windows, an extended cornice provides sheltering symmetry. Go for corner blocks, layered trim, dentil details or raised panels that echo traditional architectural styling.
Paint or finish cornice materials to match furniture or wall colors. Wallpapering cornice surfaces can incorporate fun prints too.
If your windows sit in an alcove, take the cornice across the whole wall for a striking enveloped effect.
Show Off With Swags, Cascades and Jabots
Swags, jabots, and cascades are gathered and draped fabric used to embellish window treatments. They create softness and movement.
On side-by-side windows, place two matching swags above each frame to accentuate the symmetry. Or add two different but complementing options, like a sleek swag on one and a voluminous cascade on the other.
For a window box or bay window treatment, a continuous swag or cascade can enhance the way the windows join. Jabots lend a playful, ruffled touch.
Echo swag and cascade shapes and colors in throw pillows or other decorative fabric in the room.
Use Window Coverings Creatively
Get creative with funky window covering options like:
- Roman shade mounted in front of curtains for pattern mixing and light control.
- Half-drawn roller shades to reveal a peek of the outdoors.
- Cafe curtains topping slatted wood blinds for a cottage vibe.
- Macrame, crochet or tapestry window hangings add boho flair.
Put different colors, textures and coverings on each window to accentuate their individual panes. Or treat them as one big window canvas for an eclectic collage-effect.
Highlight With Trim and Molding
Interior trim molding adds architecture and enhances windows as the focal point. There are many creative ways to use trim:
- Frame each window individually by adding matching molding around the inside of the frames.
- Install a continuous head casing stretching over both frames to unite them.
- Add thicker decorative molding around the windows to define them as an accent wall.
- Paint trim in a contrasting color to make the windows pop.
Trim can also conceal unattractive window edges and flaws. Use extra-wide trim if walls are uneven.
Get Whimsical With Window Boxes
For a charm boost, install window boxes on the bottom sill of each window. Fill them with seasonal flowers or greenery to complement your decor.
Match the window box style to your interior; ornate for traditional spaces or sleek for modern ones. Paint them in accent colors that tie to room details.
For small paned windows, choose narrow window boxes to fit below each pane. On wide windows, one long box can stretch across the entire sill.
You can also mount window boxes on the inside rather than outside to enjoy flowers and plants indoors. Use faux greenery and blooms if you don’t have a green thumb!
Change up contents seasonally or for holidays to keep your windows looking fresh all year long. Window boxes lend a cute cottage character to any room.
Become an Expert Layer-er
One of the best tricks for styling windows beautifully? Layering! Mix and match an assortment of treatments for eclectic charm:
- Sheers behind drapes or blinds
- Cafe curtains above wood blinds
- Roller shades combined with tab tops
- Curtains, swags, and cornices layered together
Vary textures like slubby linen with sleek velvet. Play with light filtering and privacy levels. And collect special accents like tiebacks and finials over time.
Layering window elements creates a collected, dreamy look. Don’t be afraid to pile on the pretty!
Freshen Up With Paint or Wallpaper
Want an instant window transformation? Paint or wallpaper the wall around them for dramatic impact.
Use paint to make the windows pop:
- Contrasting colors define the windows as an accent wall
- Soft neutrals to blend the windows into the background
- Fun bright or dark hues to energize a room
Or cover surrounding walls in wallpaper:
- Patterned papers to complement window treatments
- Flocked or textured wallpaper for interest
- Trompe l’oeil panels extending the “view”
- Removable papers for an easy refresh
Painting or papering builds ambiance and makes those windows shine!
Add Function and Privacy With Window Films
Window film treatments stick directly onto glass panes and add both aesthetics and utility. They come in many varieties:
- Frosted, stained glass, textured and faux-mullion films for decorative touches
- Sun filtering and UV blocking films to reduce heat and glare
- Privacy films that obstruct views from outside while allowing light through
- Blackout films that fully block outside light for sleeping
Install matching solar or privacy films on side-by-side windows for powerful impact. Use fun stained glass films to differentiate each window’s “view”.
Display Artfully Arranged Accents
Your twin windows become the perfect backdrop to artfully display:
- Botanical accents like succulents, ferns, fresh flowers
- Collections of glass objects, shells or decorative boxes
- Stacked coffee table books or decorative baskets
- Seasonal knickknacks, from autumn leaves to evergreen boughs
- A mounted wall mirror reflecting the windows’ light
Cluster coordinating accents on each windowsill, or do one big display stretching across both. Change them up regularly for a fresh seasonal style!
AddLuminous Lighting Layers
The right lighting can make any double window shine:
- Table lamps on accent tables between or near the windows.
- Sconces or pendant lights mounted on surrounding walls.
- Backlight curtain panels from behind using cleverly concealed LED strips.
- Position floor lamps or tree lamps behind the windows to make them glow.
- Use smart bulbs to create ambient mood lighting reflecting off the glass.
Dim lights at night to showcase window displays and treatments. Accentuate architectural details with a targeted sconce or picture light.
Bonus Window Styling Tips!
- Crown molding, chair rails, picture ledges and other millwork add polished detail.
- Pull in furniture like settees, window benches and accent tables to utilize the space.
- Repeat window fabric patterns and colors in throw pillows, rugs and other soft furnishings.
- Recessed nooks around windows are perfect for built-in storage, desks or cozy reading spots.
- Add energy efficiency and comfort with cellular shades, thermal drapes and draft blockers.
With the right mix of creativity and practicality, your double windows can shine in any room!
5 FAQs about Styling Two Windows Next to Each Other
What’s the best way to make two different windows match?
- Install matching hardware like rods and holdbacks
- Choose the same window treatments in a shared color palette
- Use consistent trim and architectural detailing
- Layer both with complementary sheer panels
How do I decorate two small windows together?
- Float a shared window cornice above both windows.
- Install mini cafe curtains.
- Use matching narrow window boxes.
- Place a console table with lamps in between.
What window treatments work with two large picture windows?
- Sheer curtains to softly filter light
- Roman shades or blinds to block glare
- Roller shades to open views or create privacy
- Tiebacks to pull back fabric as needed
How do I decorate two bay windows together?
- Use rod pocket curtains gathered in the corners.
- Float solid valances across the bay shapes.
- Add throw pillows to window seats or benches.
- Style vignettes on each side with books, plants etc.
Should you hang curtains or drapes over double windows?
- Both work beautifully! Choose drapes for elegance and curtains for casual style. Make sure lengths are even on both windows.
Conclusion
No matter what challenges your side-by-side windows present, with a thoughtful decorating approach they can be transformed into an amazing focal point full of style and personality.
Start by following basic design principles like choosing a unifying theme and echoing architectural details. Use lush layers of well-coordinated fabrics, trims, and accents to play up your windows’ shapes and details.
Take advantage of the generous surface area double windows offer to get creative. Don’t overlook the fun of using paint, wallpaper, lighting and collectibles to enhance the windows and make them shine.
While it does take a bit more finesse to style connected windows cohesively, the results are well worth the effort. Soon that awkward wall opening will become your favorite spot, graced with a pair of windows outfitted to perfection. So embrace the possibilities and let your creative spirit soar!