When designing the perfect nursery for a baby, there are so many details to consider. One such detail that can pull a look together is the nursery window treatments. These decorative accessories do double-duty as a light/sleep solution and something pretty to look at, so it’s important to pick the right ones. 

In a baby or toddler’s room, safety is always first. This means no antiquated blinds with long strings hanging down that could present a strangulation hazard. It also means you’ll want to choose fire-safe fabrics and sturdy fixtures. Once you have solved for safety, then comes the fun part: Which window treatments work best in a baby’s room?

There are many factors to consider, including how much natural light streams in the windows and at what times of day. Sheer and gauzy curtains are beautiful, but they’re not the best for naptime. Valances can complete the look with a decorative and classic element…or they might seem too fussy in some rooms. Wood shutters and child-safe blinds are other options that may work, whether on their own or with curtains added for softness and texture.  

No matter what style of nursery window treatments you select, bear in mind longevity with this pricey purchase (here are some nursery ideas that grow with your little one). Order something that will still work in the room even if color and theme change over the years, especially if you choose something custom. Here are some of our favorite functional and beautiful window treatment ideas for baby rooms. 

Light and Airy Nursery Window Treatments

 

Photo: Making Thyme for Health

If the gauzy, breezy look speaks to your design concept for the nursery, consider soft, sheer curtains. You can find these in a variety of fabrics, and go for color and print or a white, bright look. If you’d like to block out more light, add interior-mounted shades or blinds for sleep time. Whether on their own or with additional solutions behind them, let these airy nursery curtains complete the look of your baby room with simplicity and style.

Dramatic Nursery Window Treatments

 

Photo: Grazia UK

In a classic, vintage, or fairy tale-inspired nursery, long curtains that extend past where they meet the floor are so elegant. Pick a color that complements the mood, stands out entirely, or blends in softly. Whether ordering custom curtains to fit this look or creating them yourself, aim for about 6 to 10 inches slack at the bottom of each panel to create this elegant look. An easy hack for elongating standard curtains is to attach another piece of fabric at the bottom for a color-block look, or have fringe attached.

Blackout Nursery Curtains

Photo: Pottery Barn Kids

From a practicality standpoint, nothing beats blackout shades for the nursery, especially if you have a lot of natural light coming in or live in an area that stays light late. There are a few options for adding blackouts. 

You can pair simple, pull-down panels with any other curtain look to keep a gauzy and pretty presentation by day…and have that extra layer for sleep. They also make blackout liners to pull across as an extra layer at sleep time. Or, you can go straight to blackout curtains that present like heavy, decorative window treatments but are specially designed to block out a significant amount of light coming in the windows.

Nursery Shutters and Blinds

Photo: Instagram/kjwinteriorsltd

There are a variety of window shutters and blinds that are safe and attractive for a baby’s room, and they all create a classic aesthetic that’s functional and calming. Wooden slats are operated by a poll in the center or on the side to allow light in when it’s wanted and shut it out when it’s not. Cordless blinds come in a variety of materials from aluminum to plastic and wood, offering lots of baby-safe options for a traditional look. 

If shutters or blinds on their own feel too stark, choose colorful ones or paint the ones you buy. Another option is to add sheers or drapes around interior-mounted shutters and blinds to dress up the windows.  

Nursery Window Shades

Photo: Pottery Barn Kids

Shades roll down from the top of the window for an adjustable amount of light peeking through. These attractive and classic window treatments are subtle and get the job done. They also adapt easily to any nursery style, fitting a decor scheme that grows as Baby does. 

Roman shades gather into themselves for a sleek, pleated look as they are raised. These do have cords on the inside but are safe from strangulation risk. Roller and honeycomb shades are less glam looking than Romans for the most part, and are completely cord-free for ease of use and safety. No matter what shades you select, these will help cut down on sun when you need them too, without overwhelming the room.

Nursery Window Valances

Photo: Collins Interiors

Historically, a valance was used at the top of the window to hide hardware and curtain rods. Though today we have options for interior mounting and sleeker hardware looks, these traditional features are still available and can look amazing. There are three main types of valances: Gathered, scarf, or straight—and endless styling options among them. 

Valances create interest in the window treatments in Baby’s room. It’s kind of like adding the bow on a birthday present—you don’t have to do it, but if you do, the gift just looks that more pretty and polished. Custom valances will be the perfect match, but plenty of retailers offer universal ones that can be added to your unique window plan. You can also go with a shade that has a valance attached, giving you a similar feeling without overwhelming smaller windows. 

DIY Nursery Window Treatment Ideas

 

Photo: DIY Decor Mom

Custom curtains costing too much or store-bought options not quite doing it? Lots of parents DIY their baby’s curtains for the perfect look. You can purchase simple panels from Amazon or Target and adorn with hot-glued pom poms or colorful fabric ties at the top where the curtain meets the rod. And adding trim is as simple as breaking out the sewing machine or ironing it on with hem tape. 

Another option if you do know how to sew is to buy a fabric you love and make simple curtains yourself; this handy how-to walks you through the process. This beginner level sewing project will walk you through making tie-top curtains. You can also DIY blackouts using the curtains of your choice with this tutorial. Creating your own window valance box is a no-sew solution that adds so much style without a lot of work. Finally, the particularly crafty who love a Roman shade but not the price tag of customs, can check out this lovely DIY idea for Baby’s sweet and stylish room. 

More Nursery Design Inspiration:

• What to Look for in a Nursery Crib
• Bright Ideas for Nursery Lighting
• Dreamy Nursery Wallpaper Designs
• How to Choose a Nursery Paint Color
• Modern Boy Nursery Ideas
• Modern Girl Nursery Ideas

View more posts tagged, nursery design

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Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.