By: Natalie Elmhurst
Updated: 1/9/2024
Looking for a stylish home that’s as comfortable as it is charming? That’s exactly what you get with a Spanish Colonial home. Known for its subtle aesthetic, this design can’t help but inspire a relaxed, feel-good vibe, perfect for the warmer climate in which it shines. It's most popular in areas with warmer climates and tends to do better away from colder, wet areas because of the material used in the construction.
While Spanish colonial homes come with several features we love, this design needs particular window treatments to help bring it and your home decor together seamlessly. But how do you know which window treatments will do best in a Spanish colonial-style home? We’re here to help you discover what colonial window treatments you should consider for your Spanish colonial-style home.
Spanish colonial homes have changed over the years, but they first emerged in the 1600s. Since then, they’ve spread to many areas where they remain a popular option to this day.
Typically, you can distinguish Spanish colonial style homes because of some distinctive features that set them apart from other styles.
You may have noticed that Spanish colonial homes are quite similar to Mediterranean-style homes. There are quite a few similarities, including:
But there are also very distinctive differences between the two styles. Mediterranean-style homes are elegant and often ornamented with more extravagant detailing — Mediterranean-style homes tend to have an appreciation for intricate design details. If Mediterranean homes are ornate and elegant, Spanish colonial homes are their charming and comfortable sister.
Spanish colonial homes are often one story, though it does vary by home. Mediterranean homes, on the other hand, tend to have multiple stories with higher architectural features, including larger ornamented windows as opposed to the smaller or narrower windows of Spanish colonial designs. Often, these windows are accompanied by grated window frames or external shutters.
Like Mediterranean homes, Spanish-style homes highlight natural lighting and are airy and natural. The exposed wooden beams so synonymous with Spanish colonial architecture, create a soothing, natural aesthetic.
These subtle and charming features make Spanish colonial homes a very popular style in places with hot, warm climates such as Florida, California, New Mexico, and Arizona.
Spanish Colonial windows have historically been narrower and smaller — but that is changing as the industry embraces larger windows. Regardless of the size of the window, any window treatment you choose for a Spanish colonial home needs to tie in effortlessly with the space.
Here are the top Spanish Colonial window treatment choices that will harmonize with your style and pull together in your home decor with ease.
Subtle and soothing, drapes can be an excellent way to soften up your Spanish Colonial home. The interior of Spanish colonial homes often include harder surfaces, including adobe or stucco walls, wood floors, and tile. By using drapes, you add just a touch of texture and softness for an understated contrast that pairs perfectly with the interior features of Spanish-style homes.
Because of the muted aesthetic of Spanish colonial homes, you want to choose a color that fits in with that same aesthetic. Go for neutral or creamy colors that don't clash with the subtle charm but instead complement the design.
Subtly detailed hardware is the way to go over ornate — just a bit of extra attention can go a long way in a Spanish colonial home.
Because Spanish colonial homes often have narrow windows, there's a chance you may not need wide-width custom drapery. There is a simpler alternative of drapery panels that may be the perfect solution. Be sure to mention the types of windows you have and the style of your home to your design consultant, and they’ll help you choose the best drapes for your Spanish Colonial home.
Colonial-style curtains can work well for Spanish colonial homes, although they're not going to provide as much quality as drapery. However, if you choose to use curtains you can have a little fun with colors using blue, green, or terracotta coloring to highlight those colors within the design.
Remember that natural element that Spanish colonial homes embrace? You can match that effortlessly with natural wood blinds. Functionally speaking, wood blinds can be a fantastic option for warmer climates where light control is what you need the most from your window treatments. Classic, clean, and simple lines will harmonize very well with a Spanish Colonial home.
Wood blinds are best used in areas with less humidity, such as Arizona or New Mexico. If you live in a place of high humidity or a wetter climate, faux wood blinds can be an excellent alternative. Just remember that faux wood blinds are meant to stay in place and be adjusted via their slats versus open and closed by lifting and lowering.
Want a little bit more versatility and options for your window treatments? Spanish colonial homes are subtle, simple, and comfortable — roller shades match all of those.
Not only are roller shades one of the most popular window treatments today, they also come in a variety of materials, textures, and colors so you’ll be sure to find exactly what you’re looking for.
Looking for neutral and natural colors? You’ll definitely find an array of different subtle colors so your roller shades don’t clash with the aesthetic.
Can’t decide between blinds and roller shades? This is for you.
Zebra shades have a slatted look, but are often made from cloth or vinyl like a roller shade. Just as subtle as a roller, they’re the perfect shade for both modern and classic styles alike. These beauties can give you an unadulterated view outside while opened, and still provide some light filtration. Closed, you get even more control over lighting and privacy with a unique style you’ll love.
Their unique appearance will provide just enough intrigue for your Spanish colonial home, without bringing too much attention and taking over the space.
Spanish colonial homes are so unique and beautiful — it can feel intimidating to try to choose just the right window treatments to go with the design. You would never want to tarnish that comfortable, breezy charm of this home style.
With Stoneside, you’ll find the best window treatment options for your Spanish colonial home in the quality you deserve. Our wide variety of styles, materials, and colors ensures you’ll get the look you want, and our highly rated process gives you all the support you could ever need.