Interior expert shares five window styling tips to transform your space

Windows are rarely treated as a design priority. Most homeowners focus on the light they let in, the ventilation they allow, or the view they frame — all of which matter — but stop short of considering what windows can do for the overall look and feel of a room. Styled well, they can anchor a space, lift its mood, and make it feel more open.

Arth Kumar, Founder of Shreem Interior Designs, shared his thoughts on the subject with HT Lifestyle, outlining how windows can be turned into genuine design features rather than afterthoughts.

"Windows let in sunlight, make our homes feel brighter and connect us to the outside world. They make our homes warmer and more welcoming. They are a vital design element as windows dictate the atmosphere of a room and seamlessly tie together your walls, floors and furniture," he said.

Kumar offered a practical guide to getting the most out of every window type.

1. Choose an architecturally considered window design

The shape and style of a window does more than frame a view — it defines the character of a room and influences how light moves through it.

Arched windows draw the eye upward and work particularly well in garden-facing dining rooms or bedrooms with balconies, where the goal is to blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors.

Slimline windows, with their ultra-thin frames, maximise natural light and lend any room a distinctly modern edge, also making the space feel wider. Bay windows project outward from the wall and are well suited to creating reading nooks, bright breakfast corners, or dedicated spots for indoor plants.

2. Consider the glass, not just the frame

Window glass has moved well beyond the purely functional. It is now a practical tool for managing light, privacy, and style simultaneously.

Tinted glass softens harsh sunlight while still allowing natural light to filter through — particularly useful during summer months. A black-tinted glass paired with a black window profile, for instance, creates a cohesive look while offering sun protection.

Frosted or fluted glass is the better choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways, where privacy matters but light is still welcome. Clear glass remains the most effective option when the priority is an unobstructed outdoor view, giving a room a clean, contemporary finish.

3. Use window trim as a finishing detail

Trim is to a window what accessories are to an outfit — it completes the look and brings intention to what might otherwise feel unfinished.

Coordinating trim colour with other finishes already present in the room — such as black, white, or matt gold — creates a sense of visual cohesion. Alternatively, framing a window in a contrasting paint colour draws the eye toward it deliberately, giving it the quality of a focal point rather than a functional gap in the wall.

4. Layer window coverings for depth and practicality

Curtains and blinds are not simply about blocking light — layered well, they add texture, warmth, and a sense of considered design to any room.

Combining fabric curtains with structured blinds or roller shades creates versatility, allowing for different levels of light control throughout the day. Hanging curtains on a ceiling-mounted track — and extending the width beyond the window frame on both sides — makes ceilings appear taller and windows look larger than they are. When drawn open, the fabric sits neatly to the side without covering the glass, keeping the window itself as the visual centrepiece.

5. Build a seating area beneath the window

A window with nothing beneath it is a missed opportunity. A well-designed window seat transforms a functional gap in the wall into one of the most used spots in the room.

A custom bench fitted with plush cushions and throw pillows — positioned directly under a bay or picture window — creates a natural place to sit, read, or rest. A daybed placed alongside floating shelves keeps books and essentials within easy reach.

Building hidden drawers or storage compartments into the base of the seating area makes the space functional as well as comfortable, providing a discreet home for blankets, cushions, and clutter.