How to create a vintage cottage feel with window blinds

The Vintage cottage decorating motif is a timeless classic that, like fine wine, matures and grows with you. The style is determined with soft pastels of creams, pink, green and blue hues, with an inclusion of floral prints and natural wood, usually pine. Rustic cottage charm can be used in many different types of home and although it would be nice to live in an authentic cottage in the countryside, for many this isn't an option. However, creating the look is easy when you include a few key aspects.

Floral prints and chintz styles

Look for patterned roller blinds and cushions with dainty floral prints or chintz style prints for living rooms. These coordinate effortlessly with plain sofas and chairs, adding colour an interest to the room that is reminiscent of beautiful flower gardens and peaceful summer meadows. Roses are quintessential country cottage flowers and make a wonderful pattern choice especially in large living areas.

Patterned roman blinds

Patterned Roman blinds are fabulous for vintage cottage living rooms, traditional jacquard prints will add depth to the windows, while the pattern will give visual interest that is gentle on the eye. This style of window blind compliments a more formal vintage scheme, adding a touch of refined luxury to parlour style living rooms which lean towards Victorian décor.

Use soft colours that accent the room's colour palette to give a light and airy feel. In vintage style kitchens and dining areas gingham fabrics works well for curtains, window blinds and chair pads, offering a classic country cottage look. Alternatively wooden blinds in pale colours such as pine, beech, or painted cream or off-white wood blinds give a rustic look that will sit comfortably with stripped pine kitchen tables and old wooden stools. Brighter colours can be used in the kitchen with yellows and greens being ideal choices which offer a cheerful and sunny look and feel.

Soft pastel colours

In the bedrooms choose soft pastel blues or pinks to create a restful ambience. Custom blinds with blackout properties are an excellent choice and keep unwanted light out of the room to help you sleep. This style of blind will also help to keep bedrooms cool in the summer and snugly warm during the cooler months. Choose colours and patterns which compliment your bed linen to achieve a cohesive, well balanced look. Cream and duck-egg blues are gender neutral, while soft pinks will add a touch of femininity.

Considering bathroom windows

Bathroom windows can also have a vintage country cottage style using either faux or real wood blinds in pale colours. Opt for those will moisture resistant coatings as these offer longevity in humid atmospheres. Roller blinds will also look charming in either plain or patterned fabrics which are designed to withstand the humidity of steamy bathrooms. Choose pale colours such as cornflower blue or powder pinks to team with white roll top baths, pedestal basins and traditionally styled toilets to get the vintage look. If you have an over-the-bath shower, plain shower curtains or those with a small pattern will help to make small bathrooms appear larger.