Serving both pretty and practical purposes, home office window treatments are a necessary addition to most WFH setups whether yours is separate or integrated as part of a kitchen or bedroom.
The best choice can make all the difference when it comes to designing a space in which you can concentrate, feel motivated and productive (for the most part, anyway). So, whether you're looking to recreate home office ideas that add privacy or personality to your room, you're sure to find inspiration with our pick of the best shutters, blinds, curtains and more.
1. Create a calm, sophisticated finish with sleek shutters
White shutters make stylish and sophisticated window treatment ideas anywhere in the home and especially in a WFH space, offering privacy and interest without sacrificing light. Choose narrow slats with a push rod like in these shutters for a traditional look; wider slats and a concealed push rod will look more contemporary, and let in more light.
Pair with statement lighting – like these Titan Pendant Lights from Original BTC – and furniture with simple silhouettes for a smart and subtly industrial finish.
2. Add energy with pink venetian blinds
When you can't rely on coffee, you can always turn to brighter types of window treatments for your home office space. This dark blue office space is lifted with made to measure gloss pink and blue wooden blinds. The brightness of the blind beautifully offsets the inky tone of the paint work, creating an interesting and unique space. The addition of a glass chandelier further enhances the quirkiness of the space. Perfect for a little more charisma and to get those creative juices flowing.
3. Choose a window treatment that blends into the rest of your scheme
If you're designing a home office with a calming and cohesive feel – for many people this means white or light grey – opt for a window treatment that blends into the rest of your scheme. Roller blinds are a simple option, especially for busy rooms: they can be pulled right up to allow the room to flood with light, but when pulled down aren't bulky like more traditional blind fittings, making them ideal for a small space. Harry Cole, Founder of Loom & Last adds, 'Roller blinds are a perfect choice if you are looking to maximise daylight and make smaller windows appear taller. Neat and tidy they roll up and hide a small portion of the window pane ensuring full visibility and sunlight throughout the day.'
This all-white home office, styled by Ikea, is a perfect example of a soothing space designed with productivity in mind. The Skogsklöver Roller Blind only adds to this.
- All you need to know about choosing the best roller blinds in our advice feature.
4. Think of form and function
If you like the idea of a light-toned and spacious-feeling home office, but want to incorporate at least a little color or pattern, using window treatments to do so is a wise move. Why? Putting pattern at a window in fittings that can be drawn or raised will minimize its distracting impact during the day while you're working; at night, it will make the room feel dressed and cozy.
We love the use of this on-trend geometric print roller blind to add texture and interest to a space. Recreate this room with Ikea.
5. Add depth and richness to a room with dark wood shutters
For a home office with a more traditional feel, consider opting for dark wood shutters.
While this will impact the light and bright feel offered by light colored shutters, wood will successfully add a richer, more formal feeling to a space. Style as part of a scheme with complementary, rich woods in shelving units, the desk and on the floor, and match with Mid-century modern style light fixtures that will make the traditional finish a tad more contemporary.
6. Use window treatments to incorporate subtle pattern into a space
Opting for a light colored blind with a subtle – possibly gray toned pattern – is an easy way to incorporate interest when working with small home office ideas – without compromising the minimalist, distraction-free feel that so many of use crave while working. Find similar designs at Hillarys Blinds.
Tucked into a small corner, this home office proves that space-efficient design is key to creating an office in homes that are short on square footage.
7. Add to the natural landscape
This gorgeous Nostalgia Chalk Roller Blind from English Blinds is another gorgeous example of how effective intricately patterned, light-toned blinds can add interest to a home office with a simple scheme. Not only is it in-keeping with the minimalist look but it adds more to the gorgeous view outside.
8. Design a contemporary space with bare steel frame windows
In a contemporary home office, it doesn't get much better than bare types of windows, especially metal framed windows, and especially if they're overlooking a green, calm-inducing space.
If your home office is south-facing and you're concerned about being blinded by the sun during the warmer months, you can retro-fit glare resistant film to your windows (try Primrose). If you're starting from scratch with new windows, go to IQ Glass for expert advice.
9. Opt for a stylish repeat pattern
A window treatment with a stylish repeat pattern is perfect for injecting subtle color into a home office that's in need of a little life.
We love the contrast of this Angel Ferns Olive Roller Blind, available from from Blinds 2 Go, against a duck egg blue scheme.
10. Opt for a subtle finish with window film
If you're looking for a window treatment that offers some privacy without sacrificing light, window film could be the solution for you.
The frosted effect of this Cetus Patterned Window Film from Purlfrost means you won't have to worry about being overlooked – perfect if you store high value equipment in your office – while the simple repeat pattern adds interest to the space.
11. Cool curtainless options
This Infinity Centrepiece Window Film allows for privacy and a little escapism also with the subtle, sophisticated finish.
The best window films are ideal if you would rather not put curtains up too, say if you rent or simply aren't up for the DIY or cost of drapes!
12. Pick curtains for a cozy home office
If you're looking for an unused corner to create a make-shift home office, consider positioning a small desk in front of a large, unoccupied window. Dressing a window with light, airy linen curtains is perfect for giving the space purpose and creating a focal point, without losing out on light. Pair with light woods and plenty of greenery for a space with a motivational feel.
Recreate this look with John Lewis and Partners.
13. Use Roman blinds to introduce gorgeous fabrics
Home office window treatments don't need to be purely practical: Roman blinds are a sophisticated window treatment that are subtle, yet effective, at framing a window. A space-friendly alternative to curtains (on account of the need for less fabric) Roman blinds offer an easy way to introduce luxurious fabrics and texture into a space.
If this look has left you feeling inspired, browse our guide to choosing Roman blinds to find an option that works best for your space.
14. Ensure you're not overlooked with the addition of vertical blinds
If you're designing an office where privacy is a priority, consider opting for vertical blinds. While white can have something of a clinical feel as a home office window treatment, this is easily combatted if paired with the right color scheme.
Worried about using white? Consider opting for a light grey or even a dark wood effect. These Tiffany Vertical Blinds from 247 Blinds are available in five different shades.
15. Gilded curtains for drama
For a luxury finish in your home office space, go for gold. These heavy patterned drapes nod to the other gilded accents around the room – like that gorge pick of the best desk lamps. Note the duo with the roller blind, in choosing a similar motif with a complementing jet black backdrop is striking color combo we're sure you'll agree.
16. Layer for a light and airy finish
Complement uber modern home office interiors with soft layered curtains for a wholesome finish. This is one look that will let you dream and concentrate beautifully in tandem. Plus. all that natural light reflects so gorgeously from the slightly polished and glossy surfaces around the space. This is actually a kids' space but we would quite happily sit here to do our homework too.