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What are French Windows?

While we may not be able to frolic off to Paris at the drop of a hat, we can enjoy French architecture's beauty through French windows. Known for their large glass panels that typically open outward or inward from the center, French windows provide an unobstructed view and let in plenty of natural sunshine. Though similar to French doors, French windows operate solely as a window versus a way of coming in and out of your home. So, how does one cover these beautiful features in a home?

An interior room with three large French windows at Blind Scapes near Albuquerque, New Mexico (NM)

Create a Relaxing Sitting Area

After answering "What are French windows," the next question will be "How do you decorate rooms with French windows?" As mentioned, French doors provide lots of natural light and outdoor views. This makes rooms featuring them excellent for a cozy, relaxing sitting area. For example, placing a comfy chair near the window amongst bookshelves can make an excellent reading room. If you'd like this to be a seating area where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea with friends, we suggest positioning your seating to face the French windows directly, maximizing your views.

Select Complementing Colors

When selecting the color palette for the room, we suggest sticking to light and airy colors. Hues like cream, beige, light gray, or even soft pastel shades can help enhance the room's brightness and create a calm, breezing atmosphere for guests. Of course, there's nothing wrong with going bold! If you want a pop of color, selecting hues that complement your outdoor view will beautifully blend the outdoors with the room. For example, if your French windows look out into a beautiful flower garden, implanting earth greens and decorative colors reflective of flowers will tie the room together.

Enhance the Natural Lighting with Quality Window Treatments

The right window treatments can elevate your French windows without stifling their natural beauty. Some of our favorite styles from Hunter Douglas include:

Palm Beach™ Polysatin™ Vinyl Shutters

Available in three neutral colors, these custom shutters add a touch of brightness to the window while paying homage to its classical style. Resistant to moisture, heat, and sunlight, these shutters allow you to open your windows without worry of them warping, fading, or peeling. They are also excellent if your French windows are in a bathroom or kitchen.

Duette® Cellular Shades with TrackGlide™

Though beautiful, French windows can cause your shades to fly about if not correctly fitted. Duette® Cellular Shades with TrackGlide™ help keep the shade fitted to the window even when you open and close it. Their energy-efficient design also provides excellent insulation to help keep the space warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Vignette® Modern Roman Shades

For an elegant, minimalist look, Vignette® Modern Roman Shades are here to impress. With uniform folds and a wide array of rich colors, these cordless shades elevate your French windows and offer effortless operation. Plus, they add additional temperature and light control to your windows.

Shades and Blinds for French windows Near Albuquerque, New Mexico

French windows are a beautiful architectural feature that deserves to be highlighted in the home. From making them the focal point of a seating area to adorning them in classic window treatments, our team is more than happy to help you find the best styles and further inspiration.

To find French window décor that you love, contact us at Blindscapes today!

Plus, explore our promotions page for savings on Hunter Douglas products.

Blindscapes offers high-quality Hunter Douglas shades, shutters, blinds, operating systems, and more that you can shop for conveniently online. We proudly serve Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, New Mexico, and the surrounding areas.