White Curtains

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It is sunny today and breezy and with the windows open and the curtains billowing in the breeze, I am thinking about white curtains and what a quality of light it gives to the space. I like diffused light,  it is soft and has a subtle glow. It is calming. Some find it too cold.

I learned about curtain making in London, the dramatic and dressy effect well made curtains add to a room. Heavy curtains with interlining and trimmings and strong poles to support them, tie backs with tassels and jewels give a room elegance.

But in New York I came to appreciate the softness of a veil of fine white wool suspended in front of the large windows overlooking the sky, I found it equally elegant and ethereal. Here are some white curtains that have that feel:

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I like the way this curtain is a patchwork of white scraps sewn together suspended in front of a window and gives that lovely soft light, no idea what is on the other side.

Shady London

Green, dark, shady, leafy, this London summer the tree lined streets are like canopies, the layers of greens go from light to mid tone to dark, layers and layers of green:

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Moon Light

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I have always liked the paper lantern and for the money, you can't get a better quality of light: soft, diffused, ambient. It adds a piece of sculpture to the room. When lit it resembles a full moon.


It has a simple basic shape, a large circle, which distributes light evenly around the room. The variations of this shade are endless made in glass, plastic, layers of paper and so pretty in color.

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Very pleasant light over a dining table, much more flattering than a spot.

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Good even light over a work space.

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Dramatic grouped together in a large space.

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Festive, fun and romantic moon light.

Diffused Light

The sun has been shining all week over London. Everyone is smiling and enjoying the warmth, the blossoms and the trees with the fresh green of new leaves.

In the mornings there is very beautiful quality of light that comes from the sunshine through white fabric.

It is a quality of light I find very attractive and pleasant for bedrooms or any room, but particularly for bedrooms because it is a soft, relaxing and flattering light.

I have always found when window treatments whether curtains, shades or blinds, are white they create a glow in the room. Early in the morning, when the sun is strong at noon or late in the afternoon when you need to control the sun a white fabric diffuses the light creating wonderfully lit rooms

The white fabric on the window creates a quiet space with the soft diffused light, my favorite is white linen.