How to Dress Your Windows

I’ve been designing window treatments for my entire career. That’s 26 years of fabrics, trims, drapery rods and ladders! Today, I’m sharing some great advice on how you can dress your own windows like a pro.

Let’s talk DRAPERIES…
The first step is determining the correct length. At the very least, your draperies should extend from the top of your window trim to the floor. Ideally, I like to take the draperies 6” to 12” above the window so they feel a little more custom. Some designers like to take them way above the window, but that’s not my preference. In the photo below, I installed the rod about half-way between the top of the window and the crown molding.

Most ready-made panels come in standard lengths of 84”, 96” and 108”. My bedroom windows measured 84” from the top of the window to the floor and I didn’t want my rod right at the very top of my window. So, I ordered these 96” panels from Ballard Designs. I highly recommend these if you are in the market for ready-made draperies. They also come in a wider width for larger windows.

I like to do pleated draperies when I’m designing for my clients as it creates pretty folds, but those aren’t always available in ready-mades. A close second are panels that come with pins that will attach to rings. Don't use the clips, hook the pins to your rings. When you gather draperies, using a rod pocket, the look is a little messier than I prefer. Plus, the fabric always wants to creep towards the middle of the rod.

Using the right hardware is key to giving you a designer look. Go big or go home! I suggest these rods from Ballard Designs in the 1.25” size. They come in a ton of finishes, lengths and are easy to install. I also love a pretty finial, but if your window is close to a corner - a simple end cap works really well. Don’t go tiny with your rods, I promise you’ll thank me.

Another thing to keep in mind when you have a lot of narrow windows in a room (that are less than 40” wide) is to use a single panel on each window, like I did in this master bedroom. It allows more light when you have them open and it’s a lot less expensive.

I also highly recommend these panels from Pottery Barn. They check all my boxes - multiple lengths, lots of colors, lining options and pins are included. If you’re not sure which metal finish to use for your rods, then black is a safe choice like these from Pottery Barn.

Let’s talk SHADES…
I’m a big fan of roman shades when you have a window where draperies just aren’t practical; such as kitchens, breakfast rooms, bathrooms and on glass doors.

I have to admit that I’ve never purchased a ready-made roman shade, but Pottery Barn has tons of options on their website. The biggest issue I see with these are the limited sizes. If you need a custom size, check out The Shade Store as they have a ton fo fabric options and can make them in any size you want. Or you can find a local drapery workroom who can make one for you.

Here are the TOP THREE mistakes I see people make with their window treatments:

• Not getting long enough draperies. The fabric must touch the floor or barely come above it. 1/2” is the max.

• Not taking advantage of the space on each side of your window. If you have the room, extend your rod past your window on each side. It makes your window appear a little wider and let’s more light in. BUT, I don’t want to see any wall between the window and the fabric. Make sure you stack your panel so you cover the wall and side window trim (if you have it).

• Not using panels that are wide enough. If your window is over 6’ wide, please do wider panels. You really want your draperies to be in proportion to your window.

Let me know what your window treatment questions are in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you.

Thanks for Reading,

Jennifer