Seven Designer Tricks & Tips for Window Treatments

Window treatments are the cherry on top of beautiful interior design. When you've built the perfect space and added your favorite furniture, the final step is hanging the right curtains to pull it all together. 

When designed correctly, your window treatments blend into the background while providing the detail that really makes your design themes pop. Not to mention the form-and-function balance of beautiful curtains that also control light and privacy in the ways you prefer.

How do designers find the perfect window treatments for every room? Let's dive into a few professional designer tips and tricks for window treatments at home.

Hang Curtains Above and Below the Window Frame

As a general rule, curtains should be hung as close to the ceiling as possible. Plan for a widespread when the curtains are open and an elegant framing above and below the window frame.

Hang your curtains above the top of the window and let them hang below the bottom of the window sill. Many designers recommend

Create Beautiful & Functional Layers

Layers are a classic trick used by designers for window treatments. Soft, filmy layers closest to the glass diffuse sunlight into the entire room.

Heavy drapes provide black-out for movies, protection from the winter chill, and are the main bold fabric statement of your window design. You can also layer pull-down shades for more precise control over sunbeams and light levels in each room.

Consider Exterior Curb Appeal & Interior Privacy

When designing your window treatments, consider how they look from the outside - and what passers-by can see when they look in. Beautiful curtains draw the eye, so consider both the exterior curb appeal of your windows and privacy for family members inside.

While window treatments can (and should!) be unique to each room's interior design, the exterior impression can match with the use of clever layering. For example, it's very common to use the same shade of filmy inner-curtain in every room so that from the exterior, your window treatments all match and look elegant with the front of your home.

Keep It Simple

A little design goes a long way with window treatments. Don't overwhelm your room with a too-busy pattern or curtains that only look right when pulled open. Instead, focus on the key elements of your window treatment design.

Define your color palette and fabric style Use layers to create that palette without any single element overpowering the room or window.

Strategize Your Bay Windows

Bay windows offer you two options when it comes to window treatments. You can line the inner space and create cozy window seating or the perfect deep windowsill garden.

Alternately, you can design tall draperies that line the outside of your bay window, framing it like a more traditional window that does not have a seating surface. Some homeowners decide to do both for the flexibility of using the space.

Plan for Seasonal Window Treatments

Lastly, don't forget the seasons when designing window treatments. In the winter, you'll want heavy curtains you can close against the chill - especially at night. During the summer, you'll want filmy curtains and heavy shades to control the amount of sunlight you welcome into each room.

Many homeowners change out window treatments when the seasons change, while others only unfurl the heavy curtains when the weather turns cold. Changing the window treatments also creates an opportunity to redecorate when you feel inspired. 

Designing Your Window Treatments 

Every home needs window treatments, ranging from practical to stunningly beautiful. Whether your home is modern chic with automatic shades and perfectly cut curtains or classic Victorian with layered curtains and valances, we can help you bring your window treatment vision to life - with more than a few professional designer tips and tricks to enhance your design along the way.

Contact us to start a consultation on your window treatment design.