After 27 years in the custom window covering business, we’ve learned that great design is rarely complicated. Small decisions make a big difference. The right shade, blind, or shutter doesn’t just cover a window, it shapes how light moves through a room. It changes how a room feels and functions. It changes how a space looks and feels throughout the day. Window coverings might be the last detail homeowners think about, but it’s often the first thing a guest will notice.
Here are 27 of the most useful, practical design tips we’ve learned along the way.
1. Consider the Light
Before choosing fabrics or finishes, decide how much light you want in the room. Light control should always come first. Sheer, light filtering, room darkening, blackout, the choice is yours.
2. Always Order Samples
Materials behave differently in real homes than they do on screens. Samples prevent surprises. Take advantage of our free samples and order up to 15 at a time to see them in your home.
3. Think about Your Room’s Purpose
A bedroom, kitchen, and living room all need different levels of privacy, durability, and light filtering. Consider each room separately. Light doesn’t behave the same way in every room and…
4. No Two Windows Are the Same
No matter how similar some of the windows in your home may look, they are rarely the same size. Always make sure to measure each window individually and follow our simple guides. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call!
5. Texture is Underrated
Color gets most of the attention, but texture can make a room feel warm, layered, and finished. Materials like woven woods, linen rollers, and textured cellular fabrics add depth without overwhelming a space. If a room feels flat, adding texture can help bring it to life.
6. Motorization Changes Everything
Motorization is one of those upgrades that quickly becomes part of your daily routine. From easy-to-reach motorized wands to full smart home-connectivity, these shades match the rhythm of your day-to-day. Better light when you want it, more privacy when you need it, and a home that works for you in the background.
7. Cellular Shades for Energy Efficiency
These unique honeycomb-shaded shades add insulation by helping to trap air at your windows. A perfect way to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Customize yours with an endless amount of colors, light filtering and lift options.
8. Neutral Backings for Consistency
Neutral backings and consistent colors keep the outside of your home looking polished. That’s why the majority of our window coverings include white-street facing liner in the back. It’s an HOA-friendly detail that automatically improves curb appeal.
9. Layering for Variety
Combining different window treatments, specifically drapery with blinds or shades, creates flexibility throughout the day. You can soften light in the morning and increase privacy in the evening without changing the entire look. Layering also adds depth and dimension to a room.
10. Top Down/Bottom-Up Rules
A top down/bottom-up lift gives you the perfect balance of light and privacy. Being able to lower the shade from the top, as well as raise it from the bottom makes it act like a giant censor bar. They’re especially useful for street-facing rooms, populated areas, bedrooms, and bathrooms where you want brightness without feeling exposed. If you know, you know!
11. Inside Mounts Keep Things Neat
Inside mounts sit within the window frame for a clean, built-in appearance that works especially well in modern and transitional spaces. They’re a great choice when your window trim is attractive or when you want the treatment to feel subtle rather than dominant. Just keep in mind that accurate measuring and enough window depth are key. It’s about precision!
12. Outside Mounts Keep Things Covered
Outside mounts will block more light, can visually enlarge windows, and even hide uneven (or unsightly) window frames. This style is especially useful in bedrooms, living rooms, and media rooms. If necessary, an outside mount won’t just cover the window, but improve the proportions in your space.
13. Think About Every Time of Day
A room can feel completely different in the morning, afternoon, and at night. Think about your window coverings performance inside AND outside of your home at these times. Think about how much light you want, how the room looks when shades are closed in the evening, and how your windows appear from the street at night. Your choice should be designed to work from sunrise to bedtime.
14. Blend In or Stand Out
Window treatments can quietly complement a room or become a focal point. It depends on what you want. Neutral tones and subtle textures help shades blend into the décor, while bold colors or patterned fabrics can add personality and energy to the room. If the room is already busy, blend. If it feels flat, window coverings are a great place to add intrigue.
15. Bedrooms Love Blackout
You don’t know how good you’ll sleep with blackout shades. It’s incredible. There’s a reason all the best hotels in the world have them. You’ll create a darker, more peaceful environment and you’ll wake up feeling more rested. You’ll never go back!
16. Cordless is the New Standard
After years of advocating for cordless blinds and shades, not only for their streamlined look, but for their safety benefits in homes with children and pets, they are now the standard in window coverings. They’re even easier to use than standard blinds. What took so long?!
17. Larger Windows = Larger Slats
There’s a reason we offer so many slat and pleat sizes. Matching the scale of the product to the scale of the window creates a more balanced look. Bigger windows deserve bigger slats. Too many small slats on a large window can look dizzying. Just something to keep in mind!
18. Neutrals Aren’t Boring
Popular for a reason, neutral window treatments don’t have to feel flat or plain. Soft whites, warm grays, and natural textures add depth without overpowering a room. It’s an easy look to live with.
19. Kitchens Need Durability
If they can’t handle the heat, they don’t belong in the kitchen! These window treatments should resist everything from steam to splashes. Faux wood blinds and easy-clean materials (like vinyl) will hold up better to humidity and cooking residue.
20. Glare Sucks
Not all light is created equal. Incoming sunlight reflecting off your screens can ruin the mood (and an entire movie). Home offices and media rooms benefit from materials that diffuse light or block it out completely. We suggest trying light filtering fabrics first to keep spaces bright, but softened.
21. Simplicity Ages Well
Trendy patterns come and go, but clean lines and classic materials will always stay relevant. When window coverings truly fit your space and lifestyle, the whole room will feel right. And it will for years. Don’t get me wrong, we love a jaw-dropping statement, but don’t be ashamed to play it safe.
22. Function Beats Fashion
Looks matter, but daily use matters more. A beautiful shade that doesn’t meet your needs or operate smoothly won’t feel beautiful for long. Think operation and light control. You want your window treatments to be able to support your daily routine. When function comes first, style will follow.
23. Vertical Blind Alternatives
They’ve been a staple for decades, but patio doors aren’t limited to vertical blinds. Panel tracks, sliding shutters, and vertical cellular shades are all viable options. Don’t dismiss a pair of drapery panels, either.
24. Match Tones, Too
Two colors can technically match but still feel off if their undertones clash. Warm beiges, creams, and woods work best together, while cool grays and crisp whites pair more naturally. Paying attention to undertones helps a room feel cohesive without trying too hard.
25. Colorful Blackout
Modern blackout liners allow light fabrics to block nearly all incoming light. That means you can keep a bright, airy design while still sleeping in total darkness. We have blackout shades in all sorts of colors, styles, and textures.
26. Your Outdoor Oasis
Outdoor shades do more than block sun. These shades make patios, porches, and outdoor seating areas usable for more hours of the day. An easy way to extend your living space. By reducing glare, heat, and wind, you can beat the elements. Powerful stuff. A simple way to make outdoor spaces more comfortable and private all year long.
27. The Right Coverings Disappear in the Best Way
When your window covering is a perfect fit, they don’t demand attention. They simply make the room feel comfortable and balanced. That’s when you know the design is working. It may be a subtle change, and one you maybe not noticed directly, but one that will shape how your space feels the moment someone walks in. That impression makes all the difference.
As a family-owned, women-led company, we’ve always believed homes should feel personal and comfortable, not staged and intimidating. Your home is about you and we want you to love your view.
Great design isn’t always about making bold statements. It’s about making everyday living easier and more comfortable. One window at a time. With over two million windows covered after 27 years in business, we’ve learned the smallest details matter most.
