How to Design Perfect Window Treatments for Your Home

When selecting window treatments it is smart to look at the room's design, existing furniture, the window type and your personal needs to find the perfect match for your space, said Jeff Katz, owner of Fabrics and Home. Our guide to choosing window treatments tells you everything you need to make the best choices for your home.

What is your room style?

Start by thinking about the vibe you want for your room, suggested Luke Schwartz, brand president of Bumble Bee Blinds. “Are you going for something classic, contemporary or maybe a bit more modern?,” he said. “Your window treatments should reflect that."

Drapery panels (like this goblet pleat, for example) are perfect if you’re aiming for a formal, polished look, he advised. "They’re heavier and often lined," Schwartz explained. "Curtains, on the other hand, are lighter and let some sunlight in, giving a more relaxed feel.” 

You should complement the existing furniture and décor, according to Jon Christensen, CEO of Bidmii, a home renovation company. “Consider the color palette and materials already present in the room,” he said. “If the space features bold furniture, opt for understated window treatments to maintain balance. Conversely, in a more neutral room, window treatments can serve as a focal point, adding color, texture or pattern.”

The role of window treatments is more than just decoration, you should also think about how you need them to function, according to Tony Hoang, owner of What a Room. For example, layered treatments are suitable for rooms where controlling light is essential, such as home offices. In those cases, “cellular shades should be used together with drapery, which provides an option to use in layers and makes the room feel warm,” said Hoang.

It is important to understand the basics of drapes, sheers, shades and blinds since each has its own benefits. According to Schwartz, drapery panels are thicker and feel more formal, while curtains, which are lighter, offer a more casual vibe. Sheers allow natural light in while maintaining some privacy. The lightweight fabric adds an ethereal, romantic look to your room.

Shades offer a bit more privacy and a streamlined look. “They roll up neatly and can be combined with other treatments like drapes or valances for a tailored finish,” Schwartz said.

Other looks you can consider include:

Roman shades provide a tailored look but still allow light in.

Blinds also give great control over light and privacy, and work well in spaces where you want a clean, functional look.

Motorized treatments are energy efficiency and a good bet for large or inaccessible home windows.

What type of windows do you have? 

“The type of window you're working with is a significant factor,” said Adam Chahl, an interior design specialist with Vancouver Home Search. For instance, bay windows, sliding doors and casement windows all require different approaches. “It's essential to choose a treatment that complements the shape and function of the window,” he explained. “For example, Roman shades work beautifully on standard windows, while floor-to-ceiling drapes can add drama to larger, more prominent.” (FYI: Fabrics and Home can custom design Roman shades for you!)

Consider what treatment optimizes a space. With a big picture window, for example, you’ll want to maximize its view. So you’d want to choose something to highlight that benefit — such as curtains or drapes that can be easily pulled back.

Using layered treatments, such as pairing Roman shades with curtains, is a trend that brings depth and flexibility to your design, offered Chahl. “I find this approach particularly useful for rooms that need varying degrees of light control throughout the day.”

What material is best for a space?

The material you select for your window treatments will impact the look and durability. “Linen and canvas are solid choices for everyday use because they drape beautifully and last a long time,” said Schwartz. “If you want something more luxurious, silk or velvet can add a touch of elegance, especially in a formal setting” (Fabrics and Home offers so many fabrics to choose from).

Some materials aid comfort and privacy, such as blackout curtains, which work perfectly for bedrooms or media rooms. Their heavy, opaque fabric blocks out light completely and can provide privacy.

Whatever material you choose, proper measurements are important. “Inside mounts give a clean, tailored look, while outside mounts can make your windows—and by extension, the room—appear larger,” explained Schwartz. “A good rule of thumb is to mount your drapery rods a few inches below the ceiling to visually extend the height of the room.” 

When are custom curtains necessary?

Custom curtains allow you to personalize — you can choose unique colors, styles and materials, according to your home’s needs. If you require specific functions like light blocking, or sound or heat insulation, custom curtains can help.

When your windows veer outside standard sizes, customization becomes important. You’ll get a perfect fit — something you might not achieve with off-the-shelf window treatments.

But customization is not only about a window’s size, sometimes supplies a need or is necessary for a design. “It is essential to have custom shades or drapes if you want to match minute details within a space,” said Hoang. “You could also select a fabric lining for your curtains to block UV rays from entering the room and prevent furniture from fading due to excessive sunlight exposure. Well–fitted window dressing can address other issues, too, like poor soundproofing in large echoing rooms.”

What are current window treatment trends?

Trends are fun to watch, but they can also become dated quickly. “While following the latest trends is tempting, it's crucial to consider your home's overall style and personal preferences,” offered Gal Cohen, field area manager at JDM Sliding Doors. ”Sometimes, it's wiser to steer clear of trends in favor of timeless, classic window treatments that will endure.”

Here’s some to try this year:

Eco-friendly: Sustainable materials like bamboo or recycled fabrics are popular right now, according to Christensen. “These not only contribute to a greener home but also add natural texture and warmth to a space.”

Natural and neutral tones: Popular curtain colors in 2024 may tend to be a combination of greens, neutrals and warm tones, which are classic and easy to match, said Jane Zhang from Livranger Interior Design Studio.   

Innovative materials and designs: Unique textures, exquisite embroidery and more are currently in vogue. Textured fabrics such as linen or jute are recognized for their understated beauty and eco-friendly qualities, said Vincent Larson, lead interior designer at CopperSmith. Bold patterns and rich colors used to make a statement also are trending, according to Christensen. “This is especially popular in otherwise minimalist spaces, where the window treatment can act as a focal point.”  

Simpler styles: Simple-style window treatments such as certain cafe curtains are good for modern and minimalist homes.

At Fabrics and Home, we specialize in custom window treatments. We work with a variety of types, including drapery, shades, valences and café curtains.

All photos provided by Bidmii.