Window treatments are the most underestimated design element in most homes. They affect how much light a room gets, how tall the ceilings appear, how private the space feels, and — more than almost any other decision — how finished a room looks. Bare windows are the single most common reason a room looks like it isn’t done, regardless of how beautiful the furniture is. At D. Marie Interiors, here’s how we approach window treatments for every room type.
The Rule That Changes Everything: Hang Curtains High and Wide
The most impactful and most commonly ignored rule in window treatment installation: hang the rod close to the ceiling (not the window frame) and extend it 6–12 inches beyond the window on each side. This makes the window appear larger, the ceiling appear higher, and the room feel more proportional. Most people hang curtains at the window frame, which makes the window look smaller and the ceiling lower. High and wide is almost always right.
Curtains and Drapes: When and How
Curtains (unlined, lighter fabric) work well in casual spaces — bedrooms, living rooms with a relaxed aesthetic, dining rooms that get strong afternoon light. Drapes (typically lined and more formal) are the right choice when you want blackout function, better insulation, a more tailored look, or a more formal room feel.
Linen and linen-look fabrics are our most consistent recommendation for residential curtains. They hang beautifully, filter light gently, and look elegant in both formal and casual settings. White, off-white, and warm linen tones work in virtually any room and with any wallpaper or paint color. If you have a patterned wallpaper, solid curtains in a color pulled from the paper almost always work better than a competing pattern.
Blinds and Shades: Practical Choices That Can Still Be Beautiful
Roman shades are our preferred blind/shade option for most residential applications — they stack neatly when raised, provide clean light control when lowered, and look far more finished than horizontal blinds in virtually every setting. Woven wood shades (bamboo, jute, and similar natural materials) bring warmth and texture to a room and work particularly well in mountain, coastal, and nature-inspired interiors.
Roller shades are a practical choice for rooms that need full blackout (primary bedrooms, home theaters) or where budget is the primary constraint. Choose a fabric-forward roller shade with a cassette header rather than a plain white vinyl shade for a significantly more finished result at minimal additional cost.
Layering: The Designer’s Move
The most sophisticated window treatment approach combines a functional shade (for light control and privacy) with a decorative curtain panel (for softness, height, and texture). A woven wood shade paired with floor-length linen curtains is one of the most consistently beautiful window treatment combinations we know — practical, warm, and works across styles from mountain modern to transitional to traditional.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Beyond hanging too low and too narrow, the most common window treatment mistakes are: choosing curtains that don’t reach the floor (curtains should either kiss the floor or pool slightly — never hang short), choosing fabric too light for the space (sheer curtains rarely look finished in a living room), and ordering the wrong width (curtains should be at least 2–2.5 times the width of the window when gathered).
Frequently Asked Questions
Should curtains touch the floor?
Yes — in virtually every residential application. Curtains should either just touch (“kiss”) the floor, break slightly (1–2 inches of fabric resting on the floor), or pool more dramatically (3–6 inches, for a romantic or formal effect). Short curtains that hang above the floor look unfinished regardless of how expensive the fabric is.
What’s the difference between curtains and drapes?
Curtains are typically unlined and in lighter fabric — they filter light without blocking it. Drapes are lined (sometimes interlined) and hang more formally — they provide better light control, insulation, and a more tailored look. Drapes are appropriate for formal living rooms, dining rooms, and primary bedrooms where light control matters. Curtains work well in casual, relaxed settings.
Should I use blinds or curtains in a bedroom?
Both — ideally layered. A blackout roller shade or roman shade provides sleep-quality darkness, while curtain panels on either side add softness, warmth, and visual height. This combination is more functional than blackout curtains alone (which are often hard to open and close fully) and significantly more beautiful.
How do I choose window treatment fabric?
Consider the room’s formality level, how much light you want to filter, and what materials are already in the space. Linen and linen-look fabrics work in almost every setting. Velvet adds drama and insulation for formal or moody rooms. Cotton is casual and easy to clean. For rooms with pattern-heavy wallpaper, solid fabric in a color drawn from the wallpaper palette is almost always the right choice.
Need Help With Your Windows?
Window treatments are one of those decisions where professional guidance saves both money and regret — a poorly chosen or incorrectly installed treatment is a significant investment to redo. If you’d like help choosing the right approach for your specific rooms, our design team offers window treatment consultations throughout Central Washington.