Natural light really does wonders for a room’s mood—totally with you there. I’ve noticed clients often underestimate how much heavy curtains can weigh down a space, both visually and literally. Bamboo blinds are a smart swap, though I sometimes suggest linen sheers if you want a bit more softness. As for humidifiers, I’ve had similar issues... those things can get gross fast. The bowl of water trick is old-school but surprisingly effective, especially if you’re careful with the oils (some can stain radiators). Ever tried a small indoor plant for humidity? Snake plants are low-maintenance and add a nice touch.
Bamboo blinds look great, but I’ve actually found them a bit tricky for privacy at night—maybe it’s just the ones I tried? I ended up layering them with some super light cotton curtains, which kind of gives the best of both worlds: lots of light during the day, but not feeling like I’m in a fishbowl after dark. Linen sheers sound nice too, though I worry about how easily they wrinkle (pet peeve of mine).
On the plant front, snake plants are cool, but I read somewhere they don’t really add much humidity compared to something like a peace lily or even a Boston fern. Tried a fern once and it shed everywhere... maybe that’s just me being unlucky. Honestly, I’ve gone back and forth on the bowl-of-water thing—it works, but only if you remember to refill it. Half the time mine just sits there empty for days.
Bamboo blinds at night are definitely a bit of a gamble—I’ve had the same issue, and honestly, I just swapped them out for cellular shades. Not as “natural” looking, but the privacy is way better and they still let in a nice glow during the day. As for ferns, I hear you... mine basically turned my windowsill into a graveyard of crispy leaves. I actually had more luck with a rubber plant—doesn’t do much for humidity, but it’s tough as nails and doesn’t shed everywhere. The bowl-of-water trick? I always forget too. Ended up with more dust than humidity half the time.
Cellular shades really do make a difference, don’t they? I hesitated at first because I loved the look of bamboo, but privacy at night was just too important. I ended up layering a light cotton curtain over mine—kind of a compromise, and it actually looks pretty cozy. As for plants, ferns were a disaster for me too. Snake plant’s been my go-to; it’s basically indestructible and doesn’t mind if I forget to water it for a week or two. The humidity thing is tricky... I tried those pebble trays, but honestly, I’m not sure they did much besides collect cat hair.
I ended up layering a light cotton curtain over mine—kind of a compromise, and it actually looks pretty cozy.
That’s a smart move. I did something similar but with thrifted linen panels—super cheap, and they soften the look. I hear you on the ferns. I tried to keep one alive in my old apartment and it just crisped up no matter what. Snake plants are my MVP too. For humidity, I started grouping plants together near a bowl of water (no pebbles), and it seems to help a bit, plus it’s less of a dust magnet.
