Draperies are a particular passion of mine. That’s why I offer separate, custom window treatments as a featured service. The right curtains can do so much for a room, from light control to being a key player in introducing accent colors. They add an aspect of both texture and atmosphere. Now, you might look at your windows and think, “These are strange sizes, or are at weird places in the house, or they aren’t conventional, rectangular shapes.” And that’s okay! Even those windows can be dressed appropriately with purpose and style. Don’t despair! I have some great tips on how to approach dressing windows (even the difficult ones).
Get the Right Measurements
This might seem like an obvious one, but measurements that aren’t exact can throw the whole thing off. When I go into a client’s home, I thoroughly measure the windows (and measure them again) to make sure everything is correct. That way, when I order drapes or shades or cornices, everything fits perfectly. This is a vital step, but one that you can do yourself too! Many of my E-design clients will need to provide these measurements themselves because we don’t live close enough for me to pay a visit to their home. But there are great guides out there to walk you through the steps for each type of window treatment, so don’t panic.
One of my favorites is this guide from Carole Fabrics.
Get the Right Fabric
I know it’s hard when there are so many great designs out there. But the truth is that the way the room will be used, its position in the house (i.e. what time of day the sun hits it the most), the general feel of the room, and the other elements in the room will all help determine what type of fabric might be best. For example, a sunshiny room that’s painted in an eggshell blue, where you’ll want to spend your mornings with coffee and a good book should probably have lighter curtains than the bedroom where you’ll sleep and want to block out the streetlight that’s on the corner. All of these factors come in, so it’s important to pick a fabric that suits the space’s functionals as well as its vibe.
Keep Length in Mind
Curtains do not have to be standard or fitted to the exact size of your windows. Low ceilings are greatly complemented by curtains that stretch well beyond the window and puddle on the floor. WIth different lengths you can create drama, space, and even use them to accentuate a certain style.
Technology is Your Friend
If you have high ceilings in your home then you’ll probably crane your neck to see the tops of those windows. You might think it’s impractical to even try and put window treatments on those because how on earth will you close them? But we’re living in a technological age which means that two-story or hard to reach windows can be dressed using motorized applications that do that work for you! It’s a wonderful thing, and I love integrating this technology into homes because we can use all the same fabrics and fixtures without the hassle of figuring out the technical side of getting them closed. This technology is also great for anyone with disabilities—it’s a great win-win for the window covering world!
Accessorize!
Okay, so this type of accessorizing is a little different than usual. The main point is to pay just as much attention to the curtain rod and its finials as you do the curtains themselves. Curtain rods, finials, and brackets come in a huge variety of styles with lots of different details that can add so much to the whole room’s aesthetic and look. Even the way the curtains attach to the rod can vary and change the whole style of the curtain. It’s also important to consider what type of pleats you want, if you want swags, what type of tiebacks would work best, and if you want to incorporate shades as well.
Every room you decorate will most likely need curtains or window treatments of some sort, and these 5 tips are a great place to start. One you have an idea of what you might be looking for, the next step is a consultation with a designer who can help you choose fabrics, make final calls on styles, and even recommend what might be best for your windows.
Looking for affordable, ready-made window treatment options? Check out one of my favorite vendors Half Price Drapes!
Your design partner,
This post may contain affiliate links but I would never recommend any products or brands I wouldn’t use in my own home.
