By Julie Estes, Interior Designer & Window Treatment Enthusiast Since Day One

Here’s a little-known fact about me: my journey into the world of interior design started with window treatments. Yep— my very first “project” was our first baby’s nursery, where I found myself learning to sew custom drapes because I couldn’t find anything just right. That was over 25 years ago, and window treatments have held a special place in my heart— and in our design firm— ever since.

Why? Because they’re more than just the icing on the cake. Window treatments can completely transform how a room looks, feels, and functions. And while they may look like a simple detail, they require a whole checklist of thoughtful decisions to get right. That’s where having a design professional (with lots of experience!) can make all the difference.

The Two Big Categories of Window Treatments

Let’s start by breaking it down into two general categories:

Privacy/Functional Treatments: These do the heavy lifting— literally and figuratively. Think shades, blinds, shutters, or drapery panels that are meant to block light, offer privacy, manage temperature, or all of the above. They serve a purpose and often come with lots of customizable options: linings, blackout features, top-down/bottom-up, cordless, or even motorized systems.
Decorative Treatments: These are the polish— the soft layers that add depth, texture, and sometimes just that perfect frame to a window. They might not open or close, but they can elevate the entire room. A beautifully tailored panel or a perfectly placed valance can visually anchor a space or even balance architectural oddities.

What Makes a Window Treatment Work

There are a few key principles we always guide our clients through:

Start with the Goal: Are you trying to block the harsh afternoon sun? Soften the look of a large expanse of glass? Add privacy at night while keeping a view during the day? Knowing the function helps narrow the field in a meaningful way. Too many people start with fabric, but we like to start with why.
Know Your Window: Every window has a personality: the shape, the dimensions, the depth of the casing, and its placement in the room all determine what’s possible— and what’s not. Some treatments need space to stack; others require a certain type of mounting. What works for a big, arched window may not be right for a tight corner above a kitchen sink.
Understand Fabric and Materials: This is where experience really shows. Some fabrics drape beautifully and create soft, elegant folds. Others might look perfect on a sample card but hang stiffly or fade quickly. Then there’s the question of lining— do you want blackout? Interlining for added body? The choices matter not just in how the treatment looks, but how it performs over time. And it’s not just about fabric. Shades come in woven wood, linen, vinyl-backed options—you name it. Shutters can have wider or narrower louvers. Blinds can tilt or lift. Every choice affects both form and function.
Professional Installation is the Final Step— And It Matters: The most beautiful design can fall flat without proper installation. Measuring precisely (to the eighth of an inch in some cases), selecting the correct hardware, and knowing how to hang treatments so they fall just right— it’s both a science and an art. That last 10% of the process is what takes a window treatment from “almost” to “absolutely nailed it.”

Details, Details…

Battery-operated lift systems? We love them. Cordless options for child safety? Absolutely. Custom banding, contrast pleats, inside vs. outside mounts, layered looks with woven shades and panels— it’s all part of our world. And it’s a lot to sort through if you’re trying to DIY.

That’s why we love helping our clients through it. Because when it’s done right, it doesn’t scream “custom” or “complicated.” It just feels good. Settled. Finished. Well done.

And when it’s not done right? Well, let’s just say window treatments are one of those things where you can tell. The hem that’s a little off, the rod that droops, the fabric that doesn’t behave like you hoped— it shows.

So if you’re thinking about tackling your windows, whether it’s one room or a whole home, we’d love to help. We’ve been guiding clients through all the options for decades, and we still get excited about every shade, shutter, and swoop.

Let’s get your windows dressed to impress— and to function.