Everything You Need to Know About Window Treatments

Rip & Tan: At what point in a redesign do window treatments typically come into play?

Linnea Schooley: We typically don’t order window treatments until we are in the soft goods portion of the design process, which is when we determine all fabrics and make final furnishing purchases. However, we take window treatments into consideration from the very beginning or as soon as our windows are in, in case there are any structural elements we need to alter such as recessed tracks for draperies or adding electrical for motorized shades.

While window treatments are necessary for practical purposes, people often think of decorative window treatments as an unnecessary and expensive accessory to a home. However, I believe they are one of the most important and impactful. Window treatments add much-needed warmth and texture to the largest hard surface area in your home, and are one of the simpler things that can completely alter the feel of your space. 

Rip & Tan: Any particular styles that tend to feel the most versatile? 

Linnea Schooley: Flat Roman shades can feel cohesive in pretty much any application—from the most modern to the most traditional.

Rip & Tan: Any general rules of thumb to keep in mind when deciding which may be best for your space? Or a room in particular? 

Linnea Schooley: Keep in mind the size and shape of your windows, how you will use them, and how the treatment will look in the scale of your particular window. Ask yourself would a shade make this window difficult to open and close? Would drapes overwhelm this window? 

While there are always nuances, a very general rule is that larger/wider windows are typically better suited for drapes, and smaller/narrower windows are typically better suited for shades. You don’t want a shade to look like a big hanging sheet over a large window.

Rip & Tan: Can you share any tips for planning and measuring?

Linnea Schooley: We love to make our windows appear larger and more luxe, which you can achieve by measuring around 10-12 inches wider than the window frame on each side and 10-12 inches above the window for draperies. This also allows for your drapery stacks to sit clear of the window or door so it doesn’t get in the way of functionality. 

For shades, the 10-12 inches above the window rule still applies, allowing your shade to clear your window when raised.

Rip & Tan: So you’ve chosen a window treatment, and it’s ready for install—what’s on your checklist? Any advice for where and how high to hang them?

Linnea Schooley: We like to have our draperies kissing the floor (meaning touching but not pooling), so we will measure from the floor to about 10-12 inches above the window and when installation comes around we hang at our pre-determined height!

Once installed, you’ll want to give them a good steam and then stack them up to train the pleats into place. We like to leave them stacked for a full 24 hours before using so the pleats have time to sit and will stay in place.

Rip & Tan: What are some of your current favorite window treatments?

Linnea Schooley: I am currently loving the combination of pinch pleat drapes and relaxed Roman shades!

Rip & Tan: What’s a newer style of window treatment you’re loving lately? 

Linnea Schooley: Not necessarily a newer style, but I love the look and feel of sheer drapes. There’s nothing prettier than a beautiful sheer linen with light filtering through. While lining is sometimes necessary, it can sometimes take away from the beauty of the fabric. 

Rip & Tan: And a trend you don’t see lasting long? 

Linnea Schooley: Window treatments made of synthetic materials! I am optimistically hoping that people are moving away from the heavy use of synthetic materials in general that has been pushed heavily on us over the last several decades.