Design your window treatments like a pro.
As an interior designer, I make it my business what you do with your window treatments! After all, shades and drapery affect both the aesthetic and the function of your space. So they hold the power to take your interior from good to great.
When it comes to choosing drapery, there is a lot to learn and a lot of little decisions to be made. Just because you aren’t working with an interior designer and custom drapery professional doesn’t mean that you should have to navigate all those choices alone.
Here are the top 4 Do’s and Do Not’s that you need to keep in mind when selecting drapery for your interior design. But don’t forget: If a few helpful hints aren’t cutting it, you can always schedule a Design Consultation with me!
DON’T: Get overwhelmed by choices
Take a deep breath. Remember, designing your home is supposed to be fun! I know there’s a lot to think about when it comes to drapery. But at the end of the day, function is the most important thing. So let the functional questions guide you.
Do you want to keep natural light in the space? You’re looking for sheers. Don’t get distracted by anything else.
Is this a high-traffic space? Avoid pooling, and opt for shorter window treatments.
See… You’re already making progress. But if you need more guidance, let’s schedule a 1-hour drapery consultation!
DO: Educate yourself on your options
At the risk of contradicting myself, I do recommend that you do a little bit of research and dig into the design options that are available to you. There are so many beautiful ways to create drapery, and you never know which one will speak to you until you start to look at what’s out there.
I’ve included 3 of the most common drapery pleat styles above. And that’s just one example of how you can get creative with your window treatments!
DON’T: Get too matchy-matchy
When it comes to interior design, coordination and cohesion are always preferable to “matching.” Yes, you want to have a clear and thoughtful color palette. But no, you do not want to get stuck within one or two colors and let a fabric you love pass you by.
Did you know that I offer a one-hour virtual consultation via Zoom? If you need some help with selections, let’s chat it out! I can help you bridge the gap between “too matchy” and “where did that come from?” Schedule it here.
DO: Order samples and experiment with your selections
I love online shopping as much as the next person. Believe me. But when it comes to fabric, a screen simply cannot do it justice. In most cases, you need to see, touch, feel, what you’re putting in your space.
Three words: Order. The. Samples. The overall process might take a little bit longer, but trust me… the results will be worth it.
DON’T: Get too caught up with size
Maybe your home is older and has smaller windows than you’d like. That’s ok! We can work with that.
Maybe you have large or uniquely shaped windows that make finding drapery a bit of a challenge. Don’t stress. We can find a window treatment that’s right for you.
There are no “problem” windows. Because there are so many drapery solutions out there.
DO: Think about scale
When it comes to designing drapery, scale (not size) is everything. Check out the image above. Can you believe that the window is exactly the same size on both sides??
The window on the right only appears bigger, because the window treatments were thoughtfully designed for scale.
In general, longer drapes will create the illusion of a bigger space. However, there are a lot of factors that you have to consider before you go buy the longest drapery you can find. How much space is there between the top of the window and the ceiling? How do you plan to mount your drapery? What kind of pooling style do you like?
My 1-hour drapery consultation is perfect for taking measurements, discussing scale and placement, and starting to create a design that will bring your space to life. Let’s schedule it!
DON’T: Settle
I see this all the time and I don’t want it to happen to you: You have the idea to refresh your drapery, and you’re really excited at first. You’re shopping. You’re exploring your options. You’re having fun… But then, you start to feel like goldilocks.
This fabric is perfect but they don’t have the right length. This company will install, but their designs aren’t your favorite. That vendor is within your price point, but the service sucks.
All of a sudden, this whole project feels like a chore and now you’re ready to just PICK one and get it over with.
Please, don’t settle! The right option is out there for you. And when you find it, you will look at your home in a whole new light.
DO: Choose custom when you can
The best way to avoid the Goldilocks effect is to create custom window treatments that are designed just for your space, your windows, and your unique style! Color. Texture. Details. Size. Scale. Installation. Everything designed with you in mind.
Ready to create the custom window treatments of your dreams?
The first step is a 1-hour Drapery Consultation. So what are you waiting for? Book it here.