Alternatives to tulle for window decoration: what to choose?

Blinds

Modern blinds are a set of plates or slats that change their position using mechanical or electronic control. The design allows sunlight to enter the room, but hides it from prying eyes from the street. Blinds look great paired with curtains or Roman blinds.

They can be attached to the wall, ceiling or window frame. Blinds can be horizontal or vertical: the former visually expand the room, while the latter resemble ordinary curtains and visually lengthen the room.

Kiseya

Also called thread curtains. They solve the same decorative and practical problems as tulle: they diffuse light and protect from prying eyes. They suit most styles, are inexpensive and easy to care for.

They are made not only from synthetic threads, but also from natural ones. They can be supplemented with beads, glass beads, be braided into a spiral or pigtail. They are connected with a braid that is attached to the cornice.

Macrame

The art of knotted weaving is most often used to create wall panels, flowerpots and bags. To create curtains that will replace tulle, you should not choose complex patterns: the product will turn out heavy and pretentious. Also, curtains will require a lot of patience, so we recommend weaving the most simple patterns.

If you are a beginner, it is enough to learn a few simple knots, study a couple of weaving techniques and, having decided on the size of the future curtain, purchase consumables.

Windows with bevel

This option cannot be called budget, but it is much cheaper than real stained glass, besides does not violate the integrity of the window. Patterns, fragmentarily decorating the window, are attached using a special UF glue and consist of glass. To imitate stained glass, craftsmen fix a metal stretch along the perimeter of the beveled glass and complement the composition with special colored stickers.

Windows with beveled glass are spectacular and look like an independent element, but they do not block the light, so they need to be supplemented with curtains.

Pleated

This alternative to tulle is a piece of fabric gathered into an “accordion” and secured with cables that prevent it from sagging. Pleated blinds are attached to the cornice using a bracket or double-sided tape. Often installed on frames and can be lowered or raised in both directions.

Suitable for all modern styles and add elegance to the interior. They are easy to maintain. They help to diffuse or completely block light: functionality depends on color and material. They go well with fabric curtains.

Roman blinds

The product is a straight piece of fabric with transverse slats. When raised, Roman blinds gather into even picturesque folds. They are universal, since they are appropriate in both classic and modern interiors, and are also suitable for rooms of any size.

You can choose the level at which to install the curtain yourself. This is the main difference from tulle – the penetrating light can be adjusted. Can be combined with traditional curtains or used as an independent window decoration.

Roller blinds

An excellent solution for sun-drenched rooms: the design allows you to quickly shade the window. Roller blinds can be translucent, textured, perforated, and also completely block light. Therefore, if you plan to watch TV or a projector in the room during the day or want to protect yourself from the hot summer sun, your option is blackout fabric.

When raised, roller blinds look as laconic as possible, so they are ideal for the minimalist style. If the windows are high, it is appropriate to use an electrically controlled design to regulate the raising of the blinds with a remote control.

Smart film

An ultra-modern solution that will replace tulle and surprise with its technological sophistication. Smart film is an electrically controlled coating with a light-diffusing element. After pressing the button on the remote control, the frosted glass becomes absolutely transparent: special crystals change their properties under the influence of current, arranging themselves according to structure.

The film protects the room from ultraviolet radiation, it can be glued to any glass surface. This is a budget alternative to smart glass. When turned off, the film makes the glass matte, and when turned on, it makes the glass transparent.

Japanese panel curtains

The products are made of fabric and are sheets with weights at the bottom. They move along the cornice using mechanical or electronic control. Japanese curtains will be an original replacement for tulle, since in our country they are much less common than transparent fabric or roller blinds.

They are well suited for a bedroom or a spacious kitchen, easy to care for. With their help, you can create interesting compositions in window decoration, combining with fabric curtains and canvases of other shades.

Cafe curtains

The products are divided into two types: the first look like short curtains that cover the lower half of the window, and the second are called “hourglass” and are a fabric panel gathered in the middle.

For the installation of cafe curtains, mini-rod curtain rods are used. The upper part of the window remains open, so the products are not suitable for complete darkening or protection from views from the street. They fit perfectly into the marine style, as well as country and Provence. They are appropriate for the kitchen, veranda, living room and children’s room.

Garlands or flowers

If a window without tulle seems poorly decorated to you and simple curtains are not enough, create the decor yourself. Decorating an opening with a garland does not require much expense: you only need fishing line or strong thread, paper, scissors and glue.

If you like indoor plants, large or climbing specimens will serve as an excellent alternative to tulle. They can be placed on a windowsill or hung on a curtain rod. Flowers will make the window decoration more complete, and transparent fabric will not hide their beauty from view.

Choose the most suitable option so that the window opening in the room not only looks harmonious, but also helps to organize everyday life with comfort.