Elevate Your Dining Room With A Chic Alternative To Traditional Window Treatments

Windows are one of the biggest assets in your home design, but some traditional window treatments might end up hiding their finest features. While curtains, shades, and blinds are common choices, more homeowners are seeing the value of doing away with them entirely. It's a trend that's quickly gaining popularity, as HGTV's Joanna Gaines ditches window treatments for a charming alternative, and lots of designers are embracing bare windows for a clean, modern style. Dining rooms are a great place to experiment with this approach because they don't require as much privacy as bedrooms or bathrooms, allowing you to take full advantage of natural light and a sleek aesthetic. That said, if you choose to opt out of traditional window treatments for your dining room, you can still benefit from a chic alternative that will elevate the space — painting your window sills and frames.

Painting the sills and frames of windows instead of dressing them is a great way to show off the details in your dining room design. Many professional designers believe that not every room needs window treatments, and instead recommend making windows a focal point by designing around them, rather than covering them up. There are plenty of ways to use this alternative in your space, and with the right approach, you can fully elevate your dining room for a more sophisticated look.

This clever alternative to window treatments is especially beneficial in smaller spaces like a dining room where bulky curtains can crowd the area. Painting your frames and sills not only opens up the room, but also acts to highlight your view and natural lighting. If you know that you want to paint the framing of your window but privacy is still a concern, consider creative window covering hacks like frosted film or stained glass clings that match your design. As for picking the colors of your window paint, you'll want to consider what kind of aesthetic will best fit your space.

For a striking contrast, consider the Property Brothers' trick for transforming windows — painting the frames with a dark and dramatic color like black. Bold shades are a great way to create a focal point, and also gives you the freedom to use a vibrant pop of color. However, it's important to pick a color that complements your space. To maintain a cohesive style, look at colors within your decor elements or wallpaper, and use them as a guide for your color choice. For those who favor a more understated look, soft, neutral shades of paint can maximize natural light and create a clean, minimalist look. Lastly, when choosing paint for your frames and sills, pick a high-gloss finish for its durability and ease of cleaning to help keep your windows pristine with fewer touch-ups.