dressing windows
the what, the when, and the how of window treatments
Pick your poison
We get so many questions from our beloved clients wondering where to start with window treatments, such as HOW, and WHAT? We’re here to break it all down for you. There are so many options available to us and each will require a little creativity and an open mind. Let’s begin
Custom - if you’re going the custom route, the world is your oyster. There are online retailers, Etsy makers, or sewists who can create whatever window treatment you desire to your exact specifications. Custom is more of an investment as you’re paying for skilled labor and premium quality materials.
Off the shelf - there are endless options. We like to apply our ethos here- look for natural materials like linen and cotton. Black-outs usually are synthetic, but even a heavy cotton velvet can block a lot of light and could be layered with a roman shade or cafe curtain.
DIY - if you have a sewing machine and very basic sewing skills, there’s a lot you can do to spruce up or create custom window treatments. We’ll cover some favorite DIY resources below.
Question number 2: WHAT are we buying? Oftentimes the window itself and the function of the room will determine what’s needed. Let’s dig into the big 3: curtains, roman shades and cafe curtains.
Curtains
Curtains add softness, height, drama and are probably the most common way to bring in a pop of personality with pattern or color. They also offer a lot of control in diffusing light and creating privacy.
Where to hang?
Typically the advice is to hang your rod close to the ceiling to create height in the room. The exact distance will depend on your unique window situation. (but this is a perfect question to bring to our Slack group) Here’s a good breakdown if you need more rules.
Hardware Tips and Tricks
We go for pinch pleats with rings or rings and clips for the look and ease of operation. We also love this track system for floor-to-ceiling drama and minimal visual hardware. A double rod can be a good way to get more light blocking and add more visual interest
DIY tips and tricks
Never for the faint of heart, the time-poor, etc. etc. I love a good DIY, so I’m happy to share my tips with you! -Linny
First, any curtain whether you’re making it or it’s off the shelf can be elevated into a pinch pleat by sewing on pleat tape. I have added this to anything from cherished vintage fabrics turned handmade curtains to plain Ikea curtains and it makes everything look that much more professional.
When it comes to hemming your own curtains - actually you can do this one by hand with an iron, a needle and thread. Or use hem tape with just an iron and a dream.
If you can stitch a straight line on your sewing machine, you can make your own custom drapery. We can crowd-source our places to get fabrics in Slack, I have a few favorites to share!
Another idea that you can do with curtains or shades is to use a plain textile and block print, stencil, free hand, or add an interesting trim.
Roman Shades
Roman shades can offer personality-flexible nighttime privacy when blinds aren’t for you.
An outside mount is best for faking window height or lack of architectural detail, whereas an inside mount is best for light blocking or showing off architecture.
DIY tips and tricks
I would love to figure out how to make cordless roman shades, but every tutorial I’ve seen involves taking apart an existing cordless blind which stresses me out (too complicated and doesn’t feel like the “right” way. Feel free to convince me otherwise.) As far as I can tell the mechanisms for cordless shades start around $100. That plus fabric and labor, you can see how somebody would just outsource this project. If I’m missing something I would simply love to be proven wrong. -Linny
My compromise has been using this turtorial for a corded roman shade. I’ve made this version several times and love it. This YouTuber walks you through customizations like making relaxed or more straight shade, with lined or unlined fabric. She even shows you no-sew tricks.
Another style that’s even easier to DIY is the roll up shade, something like this looks lovely.
Cafe Curtains
Cafe curtains are really having their moment and we’re proud supporters
They’re a sweet, nostalgic accessory, that serve a purpose - perfect for when you need privacy, but not light-blocking. They’re great for bathrooms, kitchens, or living spaces that face roads or neighbors. Even a simple white one adds personality and softens a room.
Hardware tips and tricks
If the rod will be permanently covered - this $4 one from Walmart does the trick, if not, maybe splurge a bit for this beauty which comes in tension mount (great for renters) or screw mount
DIY tips and tricks
Here’s an easy to follow DIY for an exposed rod and here is one for a rod pocket (it’s showing a sink skirt but the idea translates.) Here’s a no-sew option using hem tape
Wild Cards
Sometimes you need a custom solution or a bit of a wild card idea for certain spaces. Maybe you need more privacy, more visual interest, or your window is demanding you get creative. Here’s some wild card eye candy:
For more, we recently chatted all things window coverings and answered member-submitted questions in our most recent workshop, watch anytime free to subscribers: