Here are some of the coolest and most innovative window coverings for you to UPGRADE your shabby set…

Magnetic Curtain

These cool magnetic curtains allow you to shape them to any form allowing you to creatively control the light coming in as well as the feel of your window.  They are made by Swiss designer Florian Kräutli and are currently only a prototype.  According to the designer’s site, they will soon be available through Droog Design.

Hannah Allijn’s Faceted Curtains

"Born out of irritation with the heavy, massive curtains which absorb the light even when they are open" designer Hannah Allijn created the Faceted curtains to solve the problem of changing a big surface into a small one in different ways.  The design looks similar to the magnetic curtains above, but they operate a little differently…

Pull the cords beside the curtain and the curtain will begin to move. The triangles are fold together one by one. The curtain forms and changes all the time, it becomes alive. Geometric shapes are formed. Until the form will be stopped in the corner. A weight will unfold the form after releasing the cord.

They are available on request on her website.

Better View Blind

Better View is a series of perforated black out blinds that allows light in through a series small cut outs.  The result is an image of a city by night that provides an interesting facade for you windows while still allowing some natural light in.  This would be perfect for windows that look out on less attractive views.  The series currently includes views from Helsinki and Tokyo that were photographed by the designer, Elina Aalto of Fiasko Design.  She is currently working on views of Stockholm and Paris. Each blind is custom made by Aalto from vinyl-coated polyester.  To order you can contact her directly at elina [at] fiaskodesign.com. 

Nola Star Design It Yourself

These DIY (Design It Yourself) curtains by Nola Star are made up of 8×8 inch rounded edged plastic tiles.  Each tile has a hole on each side that allow you to connect them with metal rings.  They come in a variety of colors and patterns and can be put together to suit almost any space.  They can also be used as a room divider or wall covering that can fold up, out of the way.