How to Choose Window Furnishings for an Open Plan Living Space

Open plan living is a staple of contemporary Australian home design — blending kitchen, dining, and living zones into one seamless space. It creates flow, encourages social interaction, and maximises natural light. But this design also comes with specific challenges when it comes to window furnishings: how do you manage light and privacy without disrupting the harmony of the space?

At Security Plus Shutters, we’ve helped Australian families for over 30 years to find tailored solutions that are practical, stylish, and secure. Whether you’re renovating or building from scratch, here’s everything you need to know to choose the perfect window furnishings for your open plan home.

Start with the Purpose: Function First

Before choosing fabric swatches or shutter finishes, take a moment to consider the purpose of each window covering. In open plan areas, window furnishings aren't just decorative — they’re hardworking features that support the liveability of your space.

Key roles include:

• Controlling natural light to reduce glare and protect furniture
• Enhancing privacy while keeping a sense of openness
• Regulating temperature across large, open zones
• Reducing external noise, particularly in busy suburbs
• Adding style cohesion across zones with varied use

👉 Tip: Make a list of key window “zones” and the challenges each one presents. That way, you can choose treatments that perform exactly where they’re needed.

Prioritise Design Consistency Across Zones

In an open layout, everything is on display — so mismatched or clashing window furnishings can interrupt the aesthetic. The key is coordination, not necessarily uniformity.

Harmonised doesn’t mean identical. You can mix furnishings as long as they share complementary colours, textures or materials. For example:

• Use plantation shutters in your lounge for their clean, timeless look, and roller blinds in the kitchen with matching white or timber tones.
• Blend blockout roller blinds with sheer curtains in living spaces to offer flexibility without compromising flow.

If your open plan extends to the outdoor area, consider continuing the visual line with outdoor blinds in colours that mirror your interiors.

Match Materials to the Environment

Each zone in an open plan home has different demands. Window furnishings must withstand varying conditions — from cooking steam in the kitchen to strong sun near glass doors.

Here’s how to match the right material to the right space:

• Kitchens: Use moisture-resistant, easy-clean fabrics or PVC plantation shutters. Avoid heavy drapery that can trap odours.
• Dining Areas: Go for sheer blinds or elegant indoor blinds that filter soft light, perfect for entertaining.
• Living Spaces: Consider layered solutions like roller blinds with sheers or plantation shutters to give you total control over brightness and mood.
• Alfresco/Openings: Protect the transition between indoor and outdoor with motorised outdoor blinds — ideal for all-weather usability.

Zone With Furnishings, Not Just Furniture

Window furnishings are a clever, often underrated tool for subtly defining zones in an open plan space.

For example:

• Use full-length curtains or vertical blinds in living zones to soften the area and enhance acoustics.
• Install bold plantation shutters in reading corners or media zones to create a defined atmosphere.
• Choose uniform roller blinds across kitchen and dining to maintain a unified look while adapting to practical needs.

This helps each part of your open plan room feel intentional — not just a spill-over from another zone.

Think About Light — All Day Long

Light changes throughout the day. What’s bright and fresh in the morning can become harsh glare by midday, and a privacy concern at night.

Your window furnishings need to adapt.

• Sheer blinds provide beautiful daytime light diffusion while maintaining a connection to the outdoors.
• Blockout options like roller blinds or external shutters are essential for privacy at night or TV time.
• Motorised roller shutters can be set on timers for optimal light and insulation — and are a fantastic security upgrade.

👉 Pro tip: Consider the orientation of your home — north- or west-facing rooms typically need more robust light and heat protection.

Embrace Energy Efficiency

Open plan homes often feature large expanses of glass — which can be beautiful, but also lead to heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. Choosing energy-efficient window coverings is essential for comfort and lowering your bills.

Here’s how our products help:

• Roller shutters insulate against heat and cold, and can reduce heating/cooling use by up to 30%.
• Outdoor blinds block harsh sun before it even hits your window, dramatically reducing indoor temperatures.
• Insulated indoor blinds (like honeycomb or dual roller systems) trap air between layers, enhancing thermal performance.

Custom is Key — Every Home Is Unique

No two open plan spaces are exactly alike. That’s why custom-made furnishings are so important. At Security Plus Shutters, we tailor everything — from measurements and material choices to motorisation and colour finishes.

Whether your windows are oversized, oddly shaped, or part of a newly built extension, we can design a solution that fits like a glove and works flawlessly every day.

Why Choose Security Plus?

As a family-owned business with 30+ years of experience, we’ve built our reputation on quality, service, and trust. Our customers across Melbourne and Sydney count on us for:

• Expert advice backed by real experience
• Premium Australian-made products
• Affordable, flexible solutions
• Local support — from quote to install and beyond

We don’t just sell window furnishings. We help create spaces where families feel comfortable, safe, and free to live their way.

Ready to Elevate Your Open Plan Living?

Let’s bring your vision to life. Contact us for an obligation-free consultation, and explore how our range of shutters, blinds, screens, and doors can transform your home.

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