When choosing window coverings, most of us focus on what looks good inside—coordinating with our décor, blocking light, or adding privacy. But there’s another view we often forget: how those same window coverings look from the outside.
Just like your front door or landscaping, your window treatments contribute to your home’s curb appeal. Inconsistent or mismatched coverings can make even a beautifully maintained home look cluttered or disjointed. The good news? Creating a cohesive exterior look with your window coverings is easier than you think.
Why Exterior Consistency Matters
First impressions start before anyone walks through your front door. Your home’s exterior tells a story—and messy, mismatched window coverings can send the wrong message.
Even small inconsistencies—like different curtain lengths or clashing colours—can distract from an otherwise beautiful home. On the other hand, symmetrical and coordinated window coverings make your house look polished, tidy, and thoughtfully designed.
Start by Looking From the Outside
Take a step across the street or snap a photo of your home’s façade. Focus on the windows that are clearly visible from the outside—these are the ones where consistency in window coverings will make the biggest impact.
Pay special attention to how your siding frames or highlights these windows, as mismatched coverings can stand out even more against a uniform exterior. Consider the visual relationship between upper and lower level windows, as differences in treatments can create an unbalanced appearance. Take note of side-facing windows, especially if your home is on a corner lot where more angles are visible to passersby. Also, observe large or prominent windows such as bay windows, which naturally draw more attention and can either enhance or detract from your home’s overall curb appeal depending on how they’re styled.
You might be surprised at just how visible your interiors really are—especially in the evening when indoor lighting brings your window coverings into full view from outside.
Stick to a Unified Base Colour
One of the simplest ways to create a cohesive exterior look is by using a consistent backing colour on all your window coverings. Most commonly, homeowners opt for:
- White or off-white
- Soft beige or grey
Even if the materials and colours vary inside, choosing window coverings with the same colour facing out—or using a uniform liner—keeps things visually consistent from the outside.
Match the Style, Not Just the Colour
Colour is important, but so is the type of covering. Mixing drapes with roller shades and Venetian blinds across your front windows can feel chaotic. If you’re going for uniformity:
- Choose the same style (e.g., all roller shades, all horizontal blinds).
- Stick to matching curtain lengths and folds if using fabric drapes.
- Avoid blackout curtains in one room and sheer panels in another without backing them in a consistent way.
The goal isn’t to limit your creativity, but to make sure the exterior-facing side of each window looks harmonious.
Don’t Forget About Shutters
Interior shutters are a timeless choice that looks neat and symmetrical from both inside and out. If your home has exterior shutters, consider coordinating the style and tone with your window coverings for a charming, unified feel.
Wood or faux-wood shutters, painted to match your trim, offer a clean and tailored appearance that enhances any home’s exterior.
Keep Your Window Coverings Looking Fresh
A final tip—clean and maintain your coverings! Even the most carefully coordinated setup can be ruined by faded, wrinkled, or dusty curtains and blinds. Regular upkeep ensures they look just as good from outside as they do from within.
Make a Strong Impression—From Every Angle
The right window coverings do more than add privacy or elevate your interior—they also complete your home’s exterior aesthetic. By choosing coverings that look clean, consistent, and thoughtful from the outside, you can boost your curb appeal without any major renovations.
Take a moment to look at your windows from the outside. Are they telling the story you want them to?