The Top 4 Window Treatment Blunders We See Homeowners Making, Plus How to Avoid Them

Well-made window treatments are such an important piece of good design, but they often get overlooked because when done right, they often look effortless.  On the other hand, badly done window treatments will stick out like a sore thumb.  Today I am sharing common mistakes to avoid when selecting your window treatments along with some insight (and images) that show well designed window treatments.

Drapery Image Courtesy of Unsplash

Mistake #1: Improper Placement When Mounting Treatments

When mounting window treatments, you want to make sure the placement is at the proper height and width.  For example, if you hang drapery too low, it can make the ceilings in that room appear lower.  To ensure proper installation, make sure you have a plan in place before hanging.  If using off the rack drapery, consider hanging it at least 4″ above the window, however you may need to adjust that to find the proper length.  If we are hanging custom window treatments, we always require professional installation so that the desired length is achieved and draperies are properly trained.

Drapery & Shadings Image Courtesy of Hunter Douglas

Mistake #2: Poor Judgment When Choosing Treatment Length

Like a pair of pants that don’t fit properly, hanging drapery at the wrong length can make them look sloppy if too long, or awkward if too short.  When we order custom drapery, we typically plan on hovering just above the floor for a clean, modern look.  Pooling is also an option if you are going for a more traditional and romantic feel.  All of these measurements are carefully planned so that when the drapery is hung just where it should be, it creates the perfect look.

Drapery Image courtesy of Unsplash

Mistake #3: Too Little Material Used When Fabricating Treatments

Hanging draperies that are narrow or skimpy can make them look cheap, even if you are using a good quality fabric. Generally, the drapery panels should be 2 to 2.5 times the width of the window to achieve a tailored look. One of the key benefits of having custom drapery made, is that we always carefully calculate the fabric needed to ensure proper fullness. This also ensures the panels beautifully frame the window when open (known as the stack back) and still provide complete coverage when closed for traversing panels.

Roller Shades (Image courtesy of Hunter Douglas)

Mistake #4: Not Adding Motorization When Installing Treatments

If you are planning on staying in your home for a long time or have windows that are hard to access, automation is a great option.  With a touch of a button,  you can operate blinds, roller shades or other window treatments.  You can easily control windows in out of reach places such as skylights or windows over bathtubs.  You can schedule your window treatments to open and close at certain times, which can help with energy efficiency as well as security.  While it adds some cost upfront, the extra expense can be worth the extra convenience and bring added livability to your space.


Going custom ensures that your window treatments are perfectly tailored to your home and is something that off the rack options don’t offer.  By working with a certified window treatment designer, you can avoid all of these common mistakes and gain expert guidance for a beautiful result that you will love for years to come!

Wondering how to pick the perfect window treatments for your home’s unique design? Book a discovery call or visit our website to get started!

https://calendly.com/jamie-ebonyandoak/complimentary-30-minute-discovery-call

https://ebonyandoakinteriors.com

Warmly,

Jamie

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hudson, ohio