Explore Inspiring Design Ideas and Expert Tips for a Truly Tailored Experience
Have you adopted the “less is more” philosophy? It’s the cornerstone of modern design. As pared down as it is, though, modern style can also be a stunning display of refinement – the key word being can. In order to get the full effect, you have to pay attention to detail. Many people overlook window treatments and, therefore, underestimate their impact. But with the right modern shades dressing the windows, your interior design will fall right into place.
Some people substitute the word “contemporary” for “modern” – and vice versa – as if the two are interchangeable, but they are not. Contemporary refers to the here and now, which means it is constantly changing with the times. Modern style, on the other hand, was born from a defining movement (not surprisingly) known as Modernism. There are some influences of Scandinavian design and architecture, but mostly modern style grew out of the age of machination starting in the early 20th century.
As technology advanced, it created efficiencies in building and design. After World War I, architecture around the world employed steel frames with sleek glass facades – the simpler, the better. Every design choice was carefully edited for practicality. If a wall didn’t create privacy, it didn’t go up. If a piece of furniture wasn’t used, it was eliminated. Between the 1920s and 1950s, function always trumped form.
It should come as no surprise that simple window treatments are the preferred choice for modern design. While drapery can be used in these minimalist settings, Roman shades and woven woods top the list for their clean structure and lightweight feel. Learn more about these modern shades and how they coordinate with your home’s style.
Roman shades are a panel of fabric that hang down flat in front of your window. When inside-mounted, the shade is entirely contained within the frame of the window. The top of the Roman shade fabric sits flush against the top inside of your window frame. And, if custom cut correctly, the bottom hangs down just enough to cover the glass.
This type of mounting gives a subtle appearance, as if the window treatment blends in with the window itself. Pair that with a smooth linen fabric, and your room will remain clean and modern. Inside mounting also helps maintain the functionality of your window (remember function is key!). Let’s say you have a large picture window with a deep ledge for sitting or storing things out of the way. Inside-mount Roman shades hang right up against the glass, so there’s still plenty of room for you – or your cat – to cozy up.
Outside-mount Roman shades take a panel of fabric and attach it above the. This type of mounting completely covers your window’s frame on all four sides, particularly when you choose flat Roman shades with a straight edge on the bottom. For comparison, relaxed Roman shades have a little smile on the end, which can leave a sliver of light shining through the bottom corners.
Roman shades are innately modern because of their smooth, solid texture. Flat Roman shades are especially modern, though, thanks to the elegant folds in the panel. These folds create straight horizontal lines that stack all the way down the window and mirror the edges of your modern-style furniture.
Then, of course, there’s the mounting itself. Outside mounting has a sleek effect, because it gives the appearance of one unit. There are no interruptions between your walls and the windows. If you have ornate window trim, you can simply cover it up with an outside-mounted flat Roman shade.
Though woven woods are made from a different blend of material than Roman shades, inside mounting these window treatments is much the same. The panel sits right inside your window frame, so the entire pane is covered.
Worried about the fit along the sides? Woven woods are not your typical cotton drapes, which can be a challenge if you’re trying to DIY the project. At Everhem, we custom-cut all our window treatments, so there’s no guessing how your inside-mount woven woods will hang.
Bringing the outdoors inside is a popular theme in modern style and architecture. You can do it with wide French doors, live house plants or organic materials like woven wood window shades. This touch of nature is the perfect transition between the actual outdoors and your indoor living space.
Just like outside-mount Roman shades, woven woods can be installed on the outer perimeter of your windows. The shades will hang over the entire window – from the very top of the frame or wall just above the frame to the bottom of the window or sill.
With outside-mount woven woods, you get even more of that organic texture. Modern spaces inspired by Scandinavian design philosophies will appreciate the added earthiness, especially when paired with plain, matte black accents and potted plants.
Since outside-mount woven woods literally cover more square footage, this type of mounting can also make a window appear larger. This visual effect helps expand the room overall, giving it that open feel, hallmarked by modern homes.
It might be a close call between the top four modern shades highlighted above. After all, they will each earn you major style points. That said, there are a few ways you can narrow down the selection. Below are key factors to consider when deciding which of these modern shades are the right fit for your space.
Modern design is all about function over form, which is why the first thing you should account for is functionality. What is the purpose of the space you’re decorating? A kids’ playroom will require a much different level of lighting and mood than your bathroom.
Dining – Mood lighting is appropriate for a dining room. In addition to the right chandelier or pendant, you can use woven woods to let in a little bit of sun. These not-so-solid window treatments will cast dramatic shadows over your dinner table for a meal to remember.
Sleeping – No one wants to be woken up before their alarm clock. To prevent any premature sunlight in your bedrooms, add Roman shades or woven woods with blackout lining. If you’re decorating for a little one, consider custom nursery window treatments to promote optimal sleep at all times of the day.
Entertaining – Living rooms and other high-trafficked areas where guests gather need to feel cozy but not sleep-inducing. Depending on the fabric you choose, privacy Roman shades or unlined woven woods would work in these entertaining spaces. There is one caveat: home theatres. If your room is strictly for watching movies on a big screen, go for blackout Roman shades.
Prepping/working – Rooms like your kitchen, bathroom or home office need a lot of natural light when you’re using them, but can be shut down and closed off when you’re not. A solid flat Roman shade will do a great job of block light and conserving energy during those off hours. Besides, your home office and bathrooms require maximum privacy.
Standard rectangular windows can take either outside or inside mounting. The deciding factor is really the depth and shape of your window trim. For inside mounting, you need at least one inch of depth. Of course, you can get more details and tips by watching our video on when to choose inside mount window shades.
If you have oddly shaped windows or molding that doesn’t look very modern, outside mounting might be the way to go. It will even out any imperfections. In most cases, less molding means more flexibility with your window coverings. Meanwhile, more molding or multiple windows might force you to choose one type of mounting over another.
Window treatments should always complement your furnishings and accent pieces. In a modern-style home, that may mean letting your window coverings blend into the walls for a perfectly streamlined look. You can achieve that with outside-mounted flat Roman shades in the same color palette as your walls. Everhem’s 100% linen Roman shade in Cloud works well for pure white walls.
Or, you might want to use your window treatments to create contrast within the space. Inside- and outside-mounted woven woods add a nice pop of texture in a bold and exciting way. Not to mention, the golden undertones in certain woven wood shade blends are a beautiful match for trendy brass finishes often found in modern homes.
Ultimately, though, there’s no one way to do modern. You might cozy up to Scandinavian-style sleek or prefer to throw it back to mid-century modern. These preferences will influence which of these modern shades you choose for your home’s interior. Take this into consideration, or shoot us an email at hello@everhem.com if you have any questions. We’re happy to help you resolve any design dilemmas. But one thing we don’t want you to worry about is your window covering options. With our custom treatments, your modern design will pull together as easily as our shades pull up and down.
Did you know that 25-35% of your home’s heating energy is lost through your windows? That kind of expense is likely to jack up your next energy bill if you’re hitting a cold snap. Hence, why it’s so important to winter-proof your home with window treatments. Of course, not just any type of covering will do. The most energy-efficient window treatments are the ones that minimize heat transfer. Put another way, they keep the warm air in and the bitter cold where it belongs – in the winter wonderland outside.
To get a better understanding of how energy-efficient window treatments work, we have to talk a little bit more about heat transfer. The transfer of heat is measured in R-value. This number describes how much heat flows from one side of a barrier to another. An R-value can be applied to any number of building materials. In your home, R-value primarily pertains to your walls, windows and ceiling. However, window treatments can also have an R-value. When it comes to measuring R-value, a higher number signifies a better insulator.
As a point of reference, your home’s walls probably have an R-value of R-19. A standard residential roof, on the other hand, is closer to R-30 or R-40, illustrating that your roof is thicker and better at preventing heat loss. (As it should be!)
Now, you might be wondering what the average R-value is for window treatments. It should come as no surprise that these barriers don’t have nearly as high an R-value as your walls or roof. Depending on which type of window treatments you choose and how you install them, you can expect anywhere between an R-1.05 and R-10.
On the higher end of the R-value spectrum are shutters that feature an insulating core, vapor retarder sheath and a decorative covering. While all those layers do create a thicker blockade, this may not create the most attractive aesthetic. Not to worry, though. You can have energy-efficient window treatments without sacrificing style. Here are our top picks:
Drapery, in the most basic sense, is a piece of fabric hanging over your windows. As you know if you’ve ever curled up on the couch with a throw blanket, fabric is very effective at keeping you warm. In fact, most drapes can reduce heat loss by up to 10% in a warm room, according to Energy.gov, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) consumer resource on saving energy.
To get even greater benefit, the DOE recommends hanging your drapes as close to the windows as possible and to let them fall all the way to the floor. They also suggest two panels of fabric are better than one, especially if the panels can overlap a bit. This will allow for a tighter seal around the window and maximum heat protection.
Ordering custom drapery will ensure you get the best fit for your windows. At Everhem, we offer tips on how to measure windows for drapery and hardware. With that information, we can create the most energy-efficient window treatments for your home.
When choosing window treatments based on your home’s style, you might fall in love with Roman shades – and rightfully so. These pull-down window coverings can be dressed up or down to complement the tone of your room. Roman shades can also be very energy-efficient window treatments, thanks to the structure of the fabric and how close it hangs in front of the glass.
For windows with at least one inch of depth, you can inside mount your Roman shades. An inside mount installation positions the fabric almost flush to the window pane. That said, outside mounting works fine, as well. There are two main reasons you would choose outside mount window shades, one of which is to create privacy. Depending on the size of your window and any wood molding around it, an outside mount might give you a better seal from your nosy neighbors, from natural sunlight and from the winter elements.
If one layer of fabric can help keep you warm, you would think two layers must be even warmer, right? Indeed, adding a layer of fabric does make your window treatments more effective insulators. Remember those shutters with multiple sheaths and coverings that came in at R-10 on the value scale? The thicker, the better.
The good news is you can apply this same concept to your drapery and Roman shades by simply adding a blackout lining. A blackout lining is just as it sounds: an extra piece of fabric that is cut and sewn to your window covering. Everhem offers lining options for all of its window treatments (except sheers) in case you need the privacy for a nursery design or the protection for a cold winter.
Another way to enhance the R-value of your energy-efficient window treatments is to adjust the installation. According to researchers at Cornell University, drapery with a lining can be up to 25% effective at reducing heat loss (versus 10% when there is no lining) if you follow these winterizing steps:
The same researchers discovered that Roman shades can be 60-75% effective at reducing heat loss if you simply install a couple wood clamps on either side of your window. They suggest small, hinged wood clamps, which would only be engaged when your Roman shades are pulled down. This simple change can increase your lined Roman shades’ R-value to approximately 4.0, which is greater than Venetian blinds and roller shades.
In some cases you might consider adding both Roman shades and drapery. Doubling up is an especially smart strategy for large window coverings. But no matter what you choose for energy-efficient window treatments, it’s important that your home looks as good as it feels. At Everhem, we take pride in the quality of our fabric and hardware. We have searched the world over to find the finest linen and linen blends. We are certain our custom drapes and shades will not only warm your home, but will win your heart.
Just the idea of sleep can be a distant pipe dream. You may try to get to bed early, but there’s always a tempting television series or tantrum-throwing toddler keeping you awake. That’s why, when you are finally ready to hit the hay, you need a space that will help you nod off quickly. You need a sleep sanctuary.
Sleep is a sensory activity. It literally involves your five senses: sight, smell, touch, sound and even taste to a certain degree. In fact, there’s a direct connection between your senses and your brain that produces various hormone signals throughout the body. Depending on the types of signals being stimulated, your brain will either keep you awake or knock you out.
This doesn’t mean you need to a total room renovation. You just need to be sure you’re incorporating these key sensory elements into your sleep sanctuary.
Now it’s time to actually put all those elements into practice. Below are six easy ways you can stimulate your senses for a full and restful night of sleep.
Sensory element(s): Touch and Sight
Window treatments provide physical protection between you and the outdoors, which can be all the comfort you need to fall fast asleep. No matter what type of window treatments you choose, they will insulate your bedroom from the wind and cold air, so you feel ready to snooze.
That being said, blackout drapery may be the best option for your sleep environment. They not only add another layer of insulation, but they effectively prevent sunlight from slipping in. This all goes back to the brain-sensory connection. When the sun sets and the lights go out, your eyes signal your brain to produce more melatonin (aka the sleep hormone). The reverse happens when the sun rises. Your eyes see the light and tell your brain to pump the brakes on melatonin, which is why your body begins to feel more alert.
While Everhem offers both privacy and blackout linings for drapery and window shades, we suggest our blackout linings to keep your room adequately dark for a restful night. The darkness will help regulate your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle – no magic pills or fancy potions needed.
The best part is you can add a blackout lining to almost any type of window treatment, including drapery, Roman shades and even woven woods. The lining will add weight and structure to your drapery, which may be another visually pleasing element in your room’s design.
Sensory element: Touch
It goes without saying how important it is to have a quality mattress. Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all mattress. You have to research what works best for you and your family. Yes, you have to physically visit the stores and test different options. That being said, there are a few factors that will directly affect your sleep for better or worse, including size, support and breathability. A six-foot-four man would feel more comfortable in a king-sized bed the same way someone with chronic back pain is going to appreciate a very firm mattress. Keep these things in mind when you’re shopping.
Sensory element: Sight
It’s a difficult thing to ask and even harder to do, but getting rid of digital screens will significantly improve your sleep habits. Remember when we said sunlight inhibits melatonin production? Your brain responds the same way to the light emitted from your television, smartphone or tablet. In fact, blue light from these devices can actually delay your REM cycle, making you feel drowsy upon waking. If reading helps you wind down at the end of the day, pick up a hard-copy book or newspaper. You’ll get all the entertainment and none of the light.
Sensory element: Touch
The National Sleep Foundation recommends setting your thermostat between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit for a good night’s sleep. This might be a tough sell in the summer months. So if you’re still tossing and turning, use a fan to generate a little breeze. Sometimes, just a cool gel eye mask is enough to make you feel more at ease. Plus, it’s a great way to prevent puffy eyes come morning.
In the winter, you may need to adjust the temperature up. For rooms that get drafty – especially those with an exterior door – you might need to invest in a space heater. It’s also helpful to add drapery. Window treatments on French doors, for instance, serve as an extra layer of insulation between your bedroom and the outdoors. Otherwise, a pair of fuzzy wool socks and cable knit throw blanket will go a long way in keeping you warm.
Sensory element(s): Touch and Smell
Sensory element(s): Smell, Sight and Sound
Nature has a way of freeing the human spirit. When you’re immersed in the great outdoors, you feel like you can completely let go of any and all inhibitions. If this sounds like a recipe for relaxation, that’s because it is. Bringing the outdoors in will instantly ease your worried mind and allow you to succumb to your dreams.
There are several ways you can add a touch of nature. We already mentioned white noise machines. They mimic the sounds of nature, which are innately calming. You could also incorporate a water feature. A small fountain works double duty as a white noise creator and visually soothing décor piece.
If you have fond memories of camping as a kid or jumping in leaf piles, you might respond well to nature-inspired scents. Aromatherapy is another solution. A few drops of lavender essential oil in an aromatherapy diffuser may be just enough to calm your nerves. Diffusers have become such a popular home accessory that you’re sure to find a design that blends in with your style.
Of course, don’t forget nature itself. I would argue live plants are a must-have in any sleep sanctuary. Greenery, more than anything else, will infuse life into your space.
Do you have questions about designing a sleep sanctuary? Our years of interior design experience can help guide you to the perfect setting. Just shoot us an email at hello@everhem.com, and we’d be happy to talk about your dream bedroom!
Have you ever checked the retailer’s sizing chart before buying clothes online? Or, maybe you skimmed the reviews to see if someone commented on the fit. When you’re not entirely sure how a dress will hug your waist or whether it hits above your knees, the natural next step is to research. Believe it or not, the same due diligence applies to window treatments.
Drapery is particularly vulnerable to poor planning. The way your drapery hangs has everything to do with how the panels fit your windows. If they’re too long, too short, too narrow or too thick, your room’s design will suffer. Of course, all this can be avoided by learning how to measure windows for drapery and hardware.
It’s easier than you think, and Everhem is here to make sure of it. Below, we walk you through what and where to measure, so you can create your own drapery sizing chart. With the right touch points covered, there’s no question your custom drapery will look stunning when you bring it home.
Before you prepare a recipe, you have to gather the ingredients. Make sure you have these three essentials handy at the start, so you’re ready to make the right moves.
Tape measure – We recommend a steel tape measure, so you have less room for error. The metal is precisely straight and accurate. That’s why steel tape measures are most commonly used in construction. Plus, they’re compact and easy to handle.
Pro tip: When measuring for window coverings, round to the nearest 1/8 inch. If your tape measure falls on a 1/16-inch mark, round down to the next 1/8 inch.
Pen and paper – Even if you have a remarkably reliable memory, use pen and paper to record your measurements. You do not want to leave this to chance.
Step stool – Give yourself enough height to comfortably reach your room’s ceiling. For most windows, a step stool provides a sufficient advantage. If you need to measure for large window coverings that expand more than one story high, a ladder would be more appropriate.
With all your tools at the ready, it’s time to summon your inner designer. Here’s how to measure windows for your drapery and hardware:
You might have noticed drapery panels offered as 1X, 2X or 3X. This refers to the window width. For example, 3X drapes would be three times the width of your windows. If your window width measures 20 inches, 3X drapes would be 60 inches wide.
At Everhem, we only offer 2X fullness, which means our custom window drapery is designed to be double the width of your windows. We’ve found this level of fullness is the right balance of coverage and elegance. With twice the fabric, you know there won’t be any gaps around the edges of your windows. You’ll also notice that 2X fullness creates the most evenly spaced folds in the fabric. These beautiful waves will look well-tailored, regardless of whether your drapes are opened or closed.
When measuring window width, it’s critical that you measure in three different places: the top, middle and bottom of your window. First, wrap the hook of the tape measure around the side trim of your windows. Next, pull the tape measure cartridge straight across your window and stop when you reach the outer edge of the trim on the other side. You will repeat this at the top, middle and bottom of your window frame.
Your window’s height will help determine the length of your drapes. Ideally, you want drapery to be long enough to just kiss the top of your floors. If the panels are too long, fabric will puddle on the floor. This can make it more difficult to clean drapery, as the puddle of fabric collects and traps dust.
On the other hand, drapery that falls too short can visually cut off your design. Instead of a full, elongated aesthetic, you get a wall of high-water pants. In other words, it will look incomplete. But, with accurate window height measurements, you won’t have to worry about puddles or puddle jumpers.
Similar to measuring window width, you’ll need to measure the height in three different places: the center, right and left sides of the window. Drop the end of the tape measure, so the hook sits flat against the floor. Now, pull the cartridge up to the top edge of the window trim. Record those inches and repeat this in the center of your window, as well as on the right edge and left edge.
Stack width refers to the number of inches your hardware rod extends beyond the edges of your windows. You want your rod to be wider than your windows, if at all possible. Without a little slack on the sides, your drapery will overlap your window panes in the open position.
To measure stack width, place the end of your tape measure on the outside of your window trim. Now, pull the cartridge away from the window to see how much space you have. We recommend your hardware extend about eight inches on either side of your window, so your drapery has somewhere to “stack” up when the panels are completely open. If your windows don’t allow for eight inches, add as much as you can and record those inches.
The other factor that determines the length of your drapes is your hardware mounting height. The hardware rod will pull the drapes up toward the ceiling and away from the floor. At Everhem, we automatically factor in window height and mounting height, so you don’t have to do any subtracting. We do, however, recommend your mounting height measures 7 to 8 inches above your window trim. This will give the illusion that your windows are taller and ceilings higher.
To measure for mounting height, pull your tape measure out 8 inches and place the 8-inch marker line at the edge of your window trim. If you have less than 8 inches of wall space between your window and the ceiling, you’ll need to mount your hardware lower – and that’s fine. Record whatever space you have. Note: Everhem hardware requires at least 3-1/2 inches above the window trim for proper mounting.
Everhem understands not all windows are created equally, which is why we stress the importance of measuring. For any mounting heights below 3-1/2 inches, give us a call or email hello@everhem.com to discuss further. When it comes to designing custom window drapery, we’re flexible and love the opportunity to be creative. There’s no reason you can’t have the draperies of your dreams. As long as you know how to measure your windows properly and carefully record your findings, we’ll take care of the rest.
Gwyneth Paltrow’s cult lifestyle brand, Goop, is known for its highly curated pop-ups and intentional approach to all things wellness and home, so it’s only natural that her headquarters would be a reflection of that. The company’s recently renovated NYC office, nestled in a classic Beaux Arts building in the heart of the Flatiron District, is just as Instagram-worthy as you’d expect, but that wasn’t always the case.
It’s okay to admit that you’re addicted to home improvement shows. Watching a before and after renovation unfold in 60 minutes is truly awe-inspiring. Of course, you know it’s unrealistic to expect a complete home makeover in under an hour. But what may surprise you is the significant difference you can make with window treatments. Changing your window coverings will be the quickest – and possibly easiest – transformation you’ll ever see.
Here are a few examples of an Everhem before and after renovation to show you how it’s done.
French doors in a master bedroom -- especially ones that lead to a second-floor balcony -- often elicit a sense of romance. While this bedroom features those fairy-tale double doors, the overall style of the room is not that whimsical. This master reads more casual modern.
That may sound like an oxymoron, but you can see there’s a balance of fresh, clean lines and old world charm, especially in the doors themselves. The glass door knob, wood floors and curvy wall sconces look like they have a story to tell. Meanwhile, the walls are white and the window panes are large and perfectly square – just the way a modern minimalist prefers.
Choosing window treatments for French doors may seem tricky compared to a regular wall window covering, but it really comes down to the type of door you have and your main objective for the space. In this bedroom renovation, we were working with exterior French doors – ones that lead directly to the outside. As a result, the doors let in a hefty amount of natural light, which certainly needs to be tampered in a bedroom. Because of their grain, we knew woven woods would sufficiently block the light, creating a calming sanctuary.
Of course, we also considered the room’s style. Woven woods lend a casual vibe, which makes the room feel lived in. This is a bedroom, after all; you want to be free to relax. In choosing the exact color of woven woods, we opted for a lighter blend of fibers. The sandy tone lets the other features pop – like the shiny brass wall sconces and golden wood floors.
This is the same bedroom you see above with the French doors. Obviously, the neutral color palette extends all around the room and is punctuated with the crisp, white bedding. From this angle, you can see more of the modern elements peeking through: the low-profile bed frame, boxy nightstands and subtle geometric-patterned area rug. While minimalism is a smart design choice, the bare windows are a glaringly obvious opportunity. Not only do they, quite literally, add a glaring light to the room, the unmasked windows manage to make a simple space feel incomplete.
You might be wondering why we didn’t choose the same woven woods we used on the French doors. While they may have complemented the other window treatments in the room, they would not have harmonized with the overall design scheme. The goal was to maintain a soothing Scandinavian-inspired ambiance. Too much texture would interrupt the clean white walls.
Woven woods would also overpower the existing color contrast created by the wood nightstands and seafoam bed frame. Instead, we went with these flat Roman shades, which blend in with the backdrop. The simplicity of the Roman shades ensures that your focus stays on that magnificent bed – the piece de resistance.
You’ll also notice that we chose an outside mount for the Roman shades. This prevents any break in the sight lines. The outside mount creates a seamless flow from wall to fabric.
Even though the couch is a little more full-bodied, you can see there’s Scandinavian influence in this living room. The color palette is muted with grays and pastel pink, which whisper a welcoming invitation to come sit down. True to the trendy design style, there are matte black accents in the multi-purpose floor lamp and framed wall art. These help ground the light-and-airy space in a way that makes you feel comforted – like you can escape into a good book without floating away.
This front-facing window lets in a lot of light, which is a dream come true in minimalist design. That said, the best window coverings for large windows are the ones that provide privacy from nosy neighbors. Obviously, drapery offers substantial coverage, but it could look too heavy in this space.
Adding a light-colored Roman shade is a nice happy medium. It’s not completely sheer so that you could peer through when the shade is closed; but it’s also not a blackout fabric that would darken the room and dampen the spirit. Our Everhem linen fabric lends the perfect weight for this serene design.
To keep the peace, we outside mounted the Roman shade. There are a couple reasons for that. For one, fancy word work is rarely emphasized in modern or minimalist design. Secondly, it creates continuity from wall to window, especially since the fabric so closely resembles the paint color; it keeps the room clean and fresh. And finally, there was not enough depth to this window for an inside mount. You need at least 1” of depth to properly inside mount a Roman shade.
You can find these window treatments and many more at Everhem.com. We encourage you to comb through all the colors and styles. And if you need a little extra design inspiration, we have that, too. Or, you can always write to us with questions at hello@everhem.com. We aren’t afraid of any before and after renovation – and we don’t think you should be, either. Let us guide you through the process, so you can finally have your own home makeover story… in real life!
Large windows are a blessing. You might need a ladder to clean them, but the beauty and grandeur that picture windows bring to a home is well worth the extra maintenance. Of course, cleaning shouldn’t be your only concern. How you dress all that glass directly affects the mood and comfort of your home. It’s an easy fix, though, because you have a lot of options when it comes to large window coverings.
I’ll walk you through the most popular picks to help you narrow it down and find the right fit for your home.
Because of their unique size, shape and beautiful molding, large windows can be naturally decorative. You might even be tempted to leave them bare, but that would be selling your windows short. Here’s why you need those large window coverings:
Obviously, all window treatments provide some level of privacy. But when you have a very large window, it might be more tempting for nosy neighbors to peek inside. Prevent those peeping Toms with the appropriate window treatments.
Larger windows mean more glass, and more glass means less sheet rock and insulation. By covering your windows with large drapery or even Roman shades, you add an extra layer of protection against outside elements.
Large windows allow natural light to flood your home – and that’s a wonderful feature. Sometimes, though, all that sun can really heat up the place. With large window coverings, you can quickly and easily reduce the amount of light that comes in. This makes the room much less glaring and much more comfortable.
Indeed, flooding your home with natural light expands the look and feel of a room. But what happens when the sun sets? Having tall window treatments draws your eye up and creates visual height, so you can achieve the same design effect 24 hours a day. These coverings also help frame your large windows, giving them the attention they deserve.
Not all large windows are created equally. So, naturally, there are several types of large window coverings to accommodate the different shapes and sizes. Let’s review the most popular window treatments for tall, wide and difficult-to-cover windows.
Drapery is a classic covering for any window, but is especially elegant when it hangs from the top of your ceiling, all the way to the top of your floor. Of course, knowing what is the best fabric for drapery guarantees your window coverings hang properly and won’t weigh down the design. In fact, your fabric will largely dictate the room’s overall design. Choose a heavy patterned curtain, and your drapes will become the focal point. Go with a solid linen, on the other hand, and the rush of sunlight takes the reigns.
You can play around a little bit with the mounting of your drapes. Typically, the mounting height for drapery is above the top of your window (ranging between 7 and 14 inches, depending on the height of your ceilings). But the size and shape of large windows can throw that notion…well, out the window.
Sectional windows, for instance, might give you the option of positioning drapery hardware between two pieces of glass. As a result, the top portion of your windows would be completely exposed. This strategy works best in a two-story room, where the upper section is so high up that privacy isn’t a factor.
Windows with arches on top also offer the option of mounting in the middle of the glass. However, you will get much more height and visual expansion when you take the drapery hardware above the arch.
Because they’re made of one sleek panel of fabric, Roman shades are a cleaner, more streamlined look than drapery. They appear clean and sophisticated, especially when you choose the right fabric for your Roman shades. Their weight and structure creates a beautiful simplicity, which allows other elements of your home to take center stage.
Both flat and relaxed Roman shades work well for a various-sized windows. The tailored, tightly fitted panels accentuate the length or width of these rectangular windows. You can also use a few Roman shades in a row if you’re covering a multi-sectional window.
Use these tightly fitted panels of fabric to accentuate the length of rectangular windows. Whether you choose flat or relaxed Roman shades depends primarily on your style. Flat shades have repeating folds that create straight, horizontal lines that add a little texture to your walls.
On the other hand, relaxed Roman shades are smooth all the way down until they gather neatly at the bottom, creating a subtle smile at the bottom of the fabric. These are still exceptionally elegant, but a little less structured than the flat shades. . .
No matter which type of Roman shades you choose, inside mount vs outside mount is another very important decision. Reference our videos below to learn more:
As you might have guessed from their name, woven wood shades have a natural texture made of woods, reeds, bamboo, and grasses that brings a sense of warmth and grounding to your room. Woven woods are also surprisingly universal. They coordinate well with a variety of design styles – from purely traditional to Spanish Scandinavian and everything in between. While their woven structure does let in more natural light than drapery, woven wood shades can be pulled down to cover those large windows when you need privacy.
When choosing the type of woven wood you want, it’s important to consider the physical and visual weight they lend to your room. Woven woods can get heavy as one large piece. At Everhem, our woven woods are created with a lightweight blend of natural material . Best of all, we offer five material blends, each imparting a different color to your room.
The Seashell woven wood shade, for instance, would be a smart choice for one very wide window that spans across your living room wall. This softer beige helps keep the space light and bright. Whereas, the Cocoa or Onyx blends are much darker, which is more fitting when you have one or two smaller windows to cover.
You could also pair your woven woods with drapery. This combination not only adds a layer of privacy, but it balances the texture from the wood grain.
You’re probably thinking about how much goes into choosing one type of window treatment. Considering two types of large window coverings might be two too many – and that’s okay. We’re here to help guide you through these tougher design decisions. So lean on us if you have questions. You can reach us at welcome@everhem.com. While the sheer size may be overwhelming at first, adding these large window coverings will bring your home to a whole new level.
Does the holiday season feel merry and bright yet? It’s time to get there. Step one is to dust off the family menorah or go out and buy that big green tree. Next, swap out the covers on your throw pillows, hang festive towels in all the bathrooms and light a few cinnamon-scented candles. Now, you’re getting closer, but there’s one last décor trick that will make a significant difference: get your window treatments holiday-ready.
This doesn’t necessarily mean changing your drapery completely (though the season might be a good excuse to do so). What I’m talking about is preparing your windows in a way that brings the holiday spirit alive in your home.
There are so many benefits of window treatments, but some are specifically eye-opening during the holidays. After all, your windows are the pass-through between your home and the outside world. Leverage them to highlight your home’s best features in a way that is infinitely tasteful and delightfully spirited.
Use your holiday window treatments to:
Window treatments are a major element in your home’s overall interior design. Because of their large presence, they help set the tone. If you haven’t yet outfitted your windows, the holidays are the best time. You can use drapery to make your home feel formal for sit-down family dinners or cozy for unwrapping presents by the fire.
Whatever mood you want to create, Everhem offers a wide selection of drapery and woven wood and Roman shades to help you accomplish the holiday home of your dreams.
Your home loses heat through windows and doors, which means the right drapery can, literally, help warm up the space. By providing a layer of insulation, window treatments are a smart addition to your home, especially during the cooler months.
Of course, they also lend a warm design aesthetic. Consider a set of tailored Roman shades covering the windows of your eat-in-kitchen. You instantly feel at ease knowing the shade provides privacy while your family gathers around. It’s like a thick blanket tucking you in nice and tight.
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A bare window is like a white wall; it’s screaming for a little love. Without window treatments, you run the risk of your home looking bland and unfinished. By simply adding linen drapes, you instantly round out the design. And as any professional will tell you, a well-thought-out interior has the power to amaze.
This holiday season, make sure every room is dressed to impress. Everhem can help you choose the right window treatments based on your home’s design style and the effect you’re trying to create in each space. A living room window, for instance, will likely be bigger and more dramatic than a bedroom or kitchen window.
Are you ready to try your hand at holiday-izing your window treatments? Here are five ideas that will spark the spirit!
Okay, so this isn’t a holiday-specific décor tip. However, cleaning drapery before friends and family come over is just a smart move, in general. You’ll already be scrubbing the house until it’s spotless. You might as well take this opportunity to get your window treatments in order. Your curtains will not only appear crisper and more vibrant, but you’ll get rid of any embarrassing dust bunnies that have clung to the fabric.
Tying back your drapery serves two functions. For one, it lets natural light flood your home and gives you a peek outside at the fall leaves changing colors and white snow blanketing the ground. Showing off Mother Nature’s view is like adding a work of art to your walls.
Secondly, curtain tie-backs work as a decorative accessory in your space. That modest touch of metal, glass or ceramic hardware is an elegant décor choice. It shows that you pay attention to the finer details.
The best part is that you can find an array of options to fit your home’s personality – from butterfly motifs to more classic finials. I highly recommend choosing a tie back that fits your year-round design theme. From there, you can infuse the holiday spirit by using the knobs or rods to string pine cones, add a red bow or even hang your Christmas stockings.
Tying back your drapes or pulling up your shades also allows you to create your own picture-perfect wall art. With pleated fabric panels flanking either side of your windows, you get a soft, oversized frame that can be used to highlight your holiday decorations.
All you have to do is add a little greenery, a string of lights or a series of ornaments at varying heights. Take a page from home-styling expert Erin Francois of the Handmade Modern Home blog. She created her own Nordic-style Christmas window decorations with a very simple wreath she made herself with just a few craft-store buys. The DIY candle wreath doesn’t take up much of the window pane and leaves plenty of room for her to enjoy the winter views.
Candles are classic Christmas window decorations. In the U.S., the tradition dates back to the mid-seventeenth century when Catholic families left a candle burning in the window to let priests know they were welcomed in their home. While the gesture is not as symbolic as it once was, placing candles in your windowsill is still a worthwhile décor element. Flickering candles – even flameless ones – give off the kind of yellow glow that warms your soul.
There are a couple ways you can play up this effect. You can use those decorative tie-backs to keep your curtains open, so the candles are front and center. Or, you can hang linen sheers in your windows and let the drapery diffuse the light. This technique adds a little more storybook drama to your interior, amping up the holiday spirit. If you go that route, though, be sure to use battery operated candles for obvious safety reasons.
Do you change your throw pillows and focus on a certain color palette for the holidays? You can do the same with your window treatments. When you stay within the same type of window covering, you can easily swap out the panels for a new color. I’m not suggesting you run out and buy red velvet curtains or buy fabric with a buffalo check. It’s still important that you stay within your home’s overall design style.
Everhem’s selection of neutral-toned linen drapes are sure to keep your home looking clean, modern and stylish. For instance, our Agave color is soothing, but lends a little punch of unsuspecting greenery. Of course, if your drapery is already rich in color, you could use this time to lighten up the space. Our Cloud and Magnolia are lovely shades of white that mirror the jubilance of fresh snow.
As you can see, there are plenty of ways to create holiday-ready window treatments. Of course, we would say hanging high-quality window coverings is THE most important holiday decorating tip. But if you haven’t gotten there yet, we’re happy to guide you through the process. Reach out at hello@everhem.com, and we’ll help get your home primed for the holiday season.
Do you feast in your dining room year round, or is it more of a several-times-a-year situation? If your table sees more piles of unopened mail than it does casseroles and salad bowls, believe me: you’re not alone, and I’m not one to judge. The modern family seems to be much too busy – and too distracted – to sit down for a meal together. Besides, open-concept floor plans haven’t done any favors for the dining room. The space blends in so well to the rest of the living area that it’s easily overlooked and under-appreciated.
Of course, that doesn’t mean you need to build a wall to stimulate a change in behavior. By creating a dining room that feels warm and inviting, you’ll make the concept of regular family dinners much more appetizing. Not sure where to start? Follow these professional décor tricks. They’ll help guide you toward a fresher, more defined dining room that everyone wants to enjoy.
While your dining room may not have the largest footprint in your home, it does offer a lot of opportunity for creative design. I could go on and on about how to decorate a dining room from top-to-bottom, but it will be easier if we stick to some definitive dos and don’ts.
Once you’ve mastered these décor tricks, you can stretch your designer legs a little more – maybe even switch out items for holiday décor or seasonal themes.
But, first, get the basics down pat!
If your home has been blessed with a large dining room, you might be inclined to add a china cabinet or bar cart – or both – to fill in the square footage. These furnishings have a place and purpose. And, in many dining rooms, you can fit them in. But always keep focused on the overall scale and make sure you have the necessary pieces first -- like your dining table and chairs (obviously). If you feel there’s room and you genuinely need the storage in your dining room, go ahead and add those extras, accounting for size and visual effect. Thankfully, many furniture companies nowadays have designed these types of accents to be works of art themselves. So when you do need to fit in a bar cart or cabinet, it feels like it belongs in the room.
You’ve heard it before: “The devil’s in the details.” This doesn’t mean you stock your dining room with accessories (see my previous décor tip). The details include anything that influences the mood and makes the room feel special. An eye-catching light fixture works wonders, and we’ll cover that below. Other impactful ideas include:
Permanent table setting – A pre-dressed dining table signals guests to have a seat. Welcome them with irresistible place settings, like shimmering gold flatware, metallic plate chargers, fine cloth napkins and linen table runners.
Candles and candlesticks – Dimension is an important design concept, which you can easily accomplish with a few candles sprinkled around the dining room. You might spread a few across the table or strategically place them on a buffet table. In either case, candles are elegant and inviting.
Greenery – Plants not only improve air quality, but they bring a touch of life to your home. I would even argue every room should have a little greenery – and it doesn’t have to be real. Faux plants are equally as lively from a design perspective. Plus, they never go bad and require minimal maintenance.
Area rug – Another way to keep the focus on your dining table is with a stylish area rug. Rugs also lend texture to the space, especially if you go with a light pattern. Perhaps the best part, though, is that rugs soften the look and feel of your dining room. Literally, the floor will feel soft underneath your feet.
Lighting is one of the most important dining room design tips. A dramatic light fixture enhances the overall look and sets the tone for the room. This is where you can really show off your personality and be as eccentric or refined as you want to be. There are countless options for dining room lighting, including crystal chandeliers, farmhouse linear lights and abstract pendants. Be sure to choose a fixture that best suits your design style.
Of course, you can have more than one piece of lighting in your dining room. In fact, if your room lacks natural sunlight, you will certainly want to round out the space with different types of lighting. Wall sconces, for instance, are a smart addition to your dining room. These extra fixtures give you more range of light.
Admittedly, sconces are a little harder to install, because you may not have the wiring in your walls for it. To work around this, I’ve recently found a love for plug-in sconces. They mount to the wall with a cord running down. You just have to make the cord look intentional – like it’s part of the design. I promise the time and effort pays off.
Also, make the effort to find dimmable light fixtures. While adding sconces or floor lamps can help you control the level of light, dimmer switches take it to the next level. Being able to adjust the lighting levels in your dining room is the easiest way to manage the ambiance. Think of it this way: An adult-only dinner party, for example, requires much lower, more intimate lighting than a four-year-old’s birthday breakfast.
Your dining room window treatments also play an important role in lighting level. After all, they do cover the source of your natural light. Thankfully, you have lots of window treatment options to help you configure the right amount of light at any given time. Everhem offers drapery, shades and custom linings to help you find the perfect balance.
You can also dress your actual drapery. Adding a trim to your panels can create more visual interest and really liven up the dining room decor. At Everhem, we can help with this customization or talk to you about how to tackle trim as a DIY project. If a little fringe doesn’t tickle your fancy, you can always dress things up with tie backs. Tie backs are very easy to find and easy to install. Retailers like Anthropologie and CB2 have beautiful selections. These simple pieces of hardware can actually help pull together your entire design style (pun intended).
Keep in mind that window treatments are much more than a functional feature. These panels of fabric contribute to the overall design aesthetic and make a room look finished. That’s why the fabric you choose for your Roman shades or drapes is so important. A heavy velvet curtain would make your dining room feel dark and dramatic, while a linen looks refreshingly light.
At Everhem, we make our drapery and Roman shades with 100% linen or linen blends. The weight of this natural fiber allows the window treatments to hang just right – with those beautiful, tailored folds. They feel formal but not overdone. Plus, our color palettes lean toward neutral. We’re certain you’ll find a fabric that meets your design needs and still lets your dining room table remain the focal point.
If you’re not sure how to choose window treatments based on your home’s design style, don’t hesitate to reach out at welcome@everhem.com. By dressing your space with high-quality window treatments and employing these décor tricks, your dining room will become so much more inviting--not only to your holiday guests but to your everyday inhabitants.
Somewhere between the IKEA boom and the Marie Kondo effect, minimalism started taking a major hold on the design world. It’s not that people want less, per se. It’s that we want more from less. Just like the smartphones we carry in our pockets, we expect our 21st-century homes to be – and, more importantly, feel – efficient. This requires that every knick-knack, nook and cranny in your home get pared down with great deliberation.
Sound overwhelming? It’s not, especially when you focus on your home’s foundational features, first. I’ll walk you through the basics of minimalism, and then we’ll dive into how to choose simple window treatments that match this beloved design style.
“Minimalism” can be used to describe any number of things: architecture, fashion, art or even music. While simplicity is the common thread, there’s more to the definition than that. Specifically, when it comes to interior design, minimalism is all about function. Every chair, every picture frame and every coffee-table book serves a purpose. There’s no extra fluff – not one extraneous pillow.
What you will see in high volume is loads of natural light, which helps highlight unique architectural features. Minimalist design also has a soothing visual balance that’s created by thoughtful proportions throughout the space.
I mentioned before that window treatments are one of the foundational elements of a minimalistic decor scheme. Really, they’re a key piece in any design style. But here’s exactly what window treatments bring to a minimalist interior:
They can kickstart your design – Because simple window treatments are so bare-boned, you can treat them like a blank canvas. Let them be the base from which you build something spectacular in your home’s interior.
They are complementary – When you choose muted, monochromatic colors for your window treatments, you allow other elements in your home to take center stage. Instead of gazes going toward a lively pattern on your drapes, they’ll be directed to an artful light fixture or grainy hardwood floors.
They create calmness – With a 24-7 news cycle and a steady stream of Instagram Stories, our brains are constantly turned on. Coming home to a space that is clean and simple can actually soothe your nervous system and induce a sense of calm. Dress that big bay window in the right drapery, and you’ll have the most idyllic comfort zone you can dream up.
They are timeless – Talk about efficiency. If you redecorated every time the trends shifted, you’d have to take out a third mortgage. With minimalist window treatments, you can save yourself a lot of time, money and hassle. Their clean, classic designs have staying power. So, regardless of the current climate, your home will always look like it belongs.
Now that you’re excited to create a harmonious, hygge-filled home, it’s time to choose the right window treatments based on your style. It’s not a difficult process, but you’ll want to be sure you consider all the following factors:
Neutral colors are the obvious choice for a minimalist’s window treatments. White, gray and shades of blue are the most popular, because they’re closely associated with divine serenity. Imagine a clear sky with puffy white clouds and you get the picture.
At Everhem, we have a variety of neutral-toned fabrics for the picking. In fact, we have 26 fabric colors, ranging from dark to light and white to green. For simpler window treatments, however, you’ll want to stay on the lighter side. This will keep you aligned with the neutral color palettes of minimalist interiors.
You also could go with woven woods, which have a natural earthy tone. Everhem’s Chestnut, Khaki or Seashell woven wood shades would be the best option for minimalism. These lighter tones fade into the backdrop, so you can place the emphasis elsewhere.
See how the Goop’s East Coast office uses simple window treatments to offset their rose-petal wall color.
Fullness refers to how much fabric is used to create a panel of drapery. Let’s say your drapes have a fullness of 3x. This means the width of the drapery panel will be three times as wide as the window width. Fullness directly relates to how the drapes hang over your windows.
You might think less fullness is more appropriate in a minimalist design, but that’s actually not the case. A 1x fullness, for example, means the fabric is exactly the width of the window. As a result, you get a drape that hangs like a flat bed sheet. Doesn’t sound pretty, does it? It’s not.
That’s why, at Everhem, we use a 2x fullness for all our custom drapery. It’s the perfect option, because it’s not too flat or too full. In interior design, minimalism should look elegant. And that’s exactly what you get with the beautiful folds of a 2x drapery panel.
From a swagged fan pleat to a necktie heading, pleat styles can be very complex. In minimalism, those ornate folds would be a complete distraction, though. Instead, you want a pleat style that features straight lines – and not too many of them.
Everhem drapery comes in only three different pleat styles to keep it easy: boxed, tailored and pinched. Though they’re all viable options for a minimal design, the box pleat offers the absolute simplest look. Of course, if you have room for a little texture, don’t shy away from the extra folds in the tailored pleat.
With woven woods and Roman shades, there is no visible hardware to consider. But if you’re looking at drapes and curtains, you’ll have to pick a rod that makes sense for minimalism. French returns are a beautiful accent at the top of your windows, because the curtain rod returns back into the wall. It’s a direct route – no S-curves or kitschy finials to clutter the look. Everhem offers right angle return and curved return, which are both sleek designs and add a touch of character.
That said, you can get away with a modest, geometric finial in minimalistic interiors. This would include a basic square or ball on either end of the rod. Everhem’s drapery hardware is a great example of a minimalist-approved finial.
You’ll notice that in Swedish-inspired minimalism, the finishes are matte black or bronze. In a room that’s so light and bright, these contrasting colors bring a sense of grounding. On the other hand, a lot of new construction features brass hardware, which can also be a nice pop of shine against simple window treatments and a neutral color palette. Brass is exceptionally warming, which many minimalistic interiors need to avoid feeling too stark. The oil-rubbed bronze is also quite comforting, especially when paired with a light-colored linen drape.
At Everhem, we offer all three of the classic minimalistic hardware finishes: antique brass, matte black and oil-rubbed bronze.
A minimalist interior may feature all different types of window treatments, with variations from room-to-room. Some of the more common types of window coverings, however, include ceiling-to-floor drapes, flat Roman shades and woven woods. These are all sophisticated window coverings that have the kind of structure you want in a minimalist interior.
To guarantee that you get exactly what you’re looking for, choose custom-made window treatments. Everhem has a great selection of quality drapes and shades that will help jumpstart your move toward minimalism. Of course, if you need help choosing drapes, shades or hardware, don’t hesitate to reach out by emailing me at welcome@everhem.com. I know it’s not that simple to simplify – but it’s always worth it!
When decorating a home, most people put the focus on furnishings and wall color, as these are some of the easiest changes you can make. But if that means you’re letting window treatments become an after-thought, your design will fail. Think about it: The fabric you choose for your drapery is the one décor feature that influences both the inside and outside of your home.
And it’s not just an aesthetic upgrade. When you choose window treatments based on your home’s design style, you achieve a sense of comfort and enjoyment that even a sectional sofa simply can’t live up to.
Hard to believe? Let me prove it to you.
Saving money is important for everyone, especially to the new homeowner who’s still adjusting to mortgage payments, home owner’s association fees and insurance premiums. Sound familiar? Then you should probably prioritize quality window treatments that can conserve energy costs.
By covering the spaces with direct access to the outdoors, window treatments block heat and cold from seeping inside your home. Even a minor draft can alter the interior temperature and force your heating system to work harder than necessary. This is a significant problem in older homes, which are rich in character but poorly insulated.
That said, modern construction is not impermeable. In newer homes, the midday sun is the major culprit. As it pours into your home, the sun heats up your space and, therefore, drives up your air conditioning bill.
With window treatments, you can prevent all that. In fact, you can use window coverings to adjust your home’s temperature room-by-room. Perhaps, you want the living room to radiate with the sun’s rays, but you prefer the bedrooms stay shaded. You can make those adjustments with just the pull of a cord.
For even more control, consider layering your window treatments. A set of Roman shades tucked under linen drapery not only looks elegant, but proves to be functional. For instance, when you want a touch of natural light but not direct exposure, you can open the shades and close the drapes. Or, if you need more protection from the sun, pull down the shades and close the drapes – you’ll get double the coverage.
Think about when you travel. Do you stop your newspaper delivery and ask a neighbor to bring in your mail? If you’re gone for a couple weeks, you’d probably have a friend drive your car around – anything to show signs of activity. Indeed, these are all smart, protective maneuvers. Unfortunately, none of them matter if you don’t have window treatments.
Window treatments create a barrier between your personal space and the outside world. With the curtains drawn, unwanted onlookers won’t be able to peek inside your home and track your every move. If that doesn’t put your mind at ease, I don’t know what will.
Of course, privacy matters just as much – if not more -- when you’re actually at home. Imagine stepping out of the shower or getting dressed in your bedroom with a clear view outside. These are the kinds of intimate moments that beg for window coverings, so you may feel comfortable living in the place you call home.
To create privacy throughout your home, you’ll want to steer clear of sheers and choose a fabric with some slight density or a lining (privacy or blackout). Linen and linen blends are the perfect weight, because they let in a hint of light but still block sight lines from the outside.
Woven wood shades are another good choice for privacy, particularly in your bathrooms, where you don’t need total darkness. Your bedrooms and front-facing living rooms, on the other hand, might require more coverage. In those spaces, add layers or opt for a blackout lining on your drapery.
At Everhem, we can add a lining to almost any of our custom window treatments. Blackout linings are a popular add-on for all bedroom window treatments, but they’re especially beneficial in nursery designs, where privacy and sun-blocking are of utmost importance.
If Mona Lisa didn’t have eyes, the painting would look unfinished. There would be a very obvious missing piece, just as there would be if you didn’t have window treatments in your home. These panels of fabric do so much more than block sunlight and nosy passersby.
From a visual perspective, window treatments can be charming, elegant and even theatrical. For one, they frame your windows in a way that draws attention to them. This is most useful in home with arched windows or other architectural details that are worth exaggerating.
Window treatments also do a beautiful job of softening the tone of a space. Imagine a room with hardwood floors and zero furniture. By simply hanging curtains, you add warmth and invite people in. Should you want to infuse a little drama, you can always use floor-to-ceiling drapes. They mimic the excitement of a theatre curtain call and instantly elevate the ambience.
Of course, you don’t have to go to great (fabric) lengths to enhance your home’s décor. Even relaxed Roman shades can be an impactful design choice. It’s all about the style of your home and the tone you want to create in each space. In fact, style and tone will be your first considerations when shopping for window treatments.
If you’re not sure how to match your window treatments to your personal style, consult an interior design professional. At Everhem, we’ve worked with a variety of personalities and preferences, so we know how to adapt to your needs.
Not to mention, our custom-made Everhem window treatments are designed to be everlasting. Our high-quality linen fabrics and woven woods offer timeless sophistication that complements all décor styles – from traditional to modern.
Want to see your home come to life? Contact us today at hello@everhem.com for any and all design questions; we will be happy to guide you. We know that once you have window treatments, you’ll never not have them again.
Rarely will you walk into a well-lived home without finding at least one or two windows covered in panels of fabric. But just because curtains and drapes are the most tried-and-true window treatments doesn’t mean they need to be boring or basic. Nearly every day, I am amazed by how my fellow interior designers transform the simple concept of a window dressing into a dramatic statement.
It all starts with the type of fabric. Get to know the best fabric for drapery, and every decision after that will fall right into place – just like your window coverings.
Color and pattern are not the most important features of your drapery. The type of material you choose will have a much greater influence on your home’s overall design – and how satisfied you are with your window treatments – than details like the pleat style or embellishments. To help you clearly see the difference, we’ve broken down a few facts about drapery fabric.
Durability is always a consideration, especially in family homes. The more activity and exposure your window treatments experience, the stronger the fabric needs to be. Silk curtains, for example, are susceptible to sun damage and color fading. No matter how well you care for them, silk panels simply won’t hold their sheen for the life of your home.
Your best option is 100% linen or linen blended with rayon. These are much more durable fabrics that are resistant to wrinkling and won’t fade as easily. Better yet, invest in decorator fabrics like those from Everhem, and you can rest assured your window treatments have already been treated for optimal durability. Regardless of the fabric you choose, though, you’ll want to learn how to clean drapery. Caring for your drapery will help keep it looking new for years to come.
Certain fabrics do block out more light than others, simply because of their weight. Velvet is a quintessential heavy-weight fabric. And while you may be inclined to try velvet curtain panels for that reason, this material is meant to be used as upholstery fabric. The same goes for chenille; it’s simply too heavy for drapes.
So, what’s the alternative? Light- to medium-weight fabrics can effectively block natural light, while still maintaining their billowy flow. Pure linen, for one, shades the sun but does not thwart it entirely. To adjust the level of opaqueness, you would need to add a privacy or blackout lining. Everhem specializes in customizing window treatments and can add a lining to any of its drapery fabric, except sheer curtains (that would defeat the purpose of sheers, after all).
Like any investment piece in your home, you expect your drapery to last for as long as you live there. While we wish homeowners would purchase new drapes every year, the reality is that you pull the trigger once and never look back. We get it, which is why Everhem makes only the highest quality drapes that are sure to stand the test of time.
And we’re not just talking about their durability. (Refer to the first point on that.) Timelessness means it won’t fade with contemporary trends, but will, instead, flow seamlessly from one to the next. Luckily, Everhem offers a solid selection of linen drapery that is so classic, you’ll never worry about going out of style. Your drapes will be true to you and true to whatever is new in the moment.
The design effect of your curtains and drapes depends on how well they hang from where they are mounted. If the fabric is too light, your window treatments may not hold their shape. Or, consider a fabric heavy in texture. It could easily create uneven folding and leave your room looking messy and unfinished. Of course, measuring your windows for drapery and hardware will ultimately determine the way the drapes hang; too long, and they’ll pool on the ground unattractively. But after those initial measurements, the flow of your drapery is largely dependent on the fabric itself.
Again, cotton is a solid choice. It’s a very strong fabric that looks soft and flowy on your windows. Or, you could go with an entirely synthetic fabric, because it’s both affordable and durable. To achieve a more natural look, the best choice is a linen or linen blend. Linen offers the perfect balance of billowy and tailored, making it the best fabric for traditional and contemporary curtains, alike.
Your curtain options range from heavyweight brocade to light-and-airy lace. But, as you’ve seen already, not all fabric is created equally. Keeping functionality and fashion in mind, these are the three best fabrics for drapery:
The what: When a drapery fabric label reads “100% linen,” you are getting linen fibers and linen fibers only. These fibers are derived from the flax plant and, surprisingly, have a hollow construction. Despite their open interior, linen fibers have a naturally strong, crisp texture, which softens a little bit over time.
The why: Linen is a natural fabric that is neither too heavy nor too thick. Its hollow core allows air and moisture to flow through easily, which is why linen is an all-seasons fabric. It effectively
insulates your home during the colder months, while also keeping your home cool during the summer.
Linen is known to be one of the strongest natural fibers, so you can count on it to last a significant amount of time. These strong fibers are also the reason for linen’s exquisite structure. As drapery, linen hangs with just the right amount of weight to keep its shape from the top of the curtain rods to the top of your floor.
The what: Sometimes, linen is blended with synthetic fibers to enhance its properties and give it a slightly different texture. More specifically, linen and rayon are a popular combination for curtain fabric. Rayon is a unique fiber in that it is derived from wood and other plant-based products. Some would even argue it’s not a true synthetic, because it’s made from natural cellulose. In either case, rayon makes for a very versatile blend, because it has the ability to imitate other fabrics – like silk, wool and cotton.
Linen and rayon each offer different strengths and weaknesses, which make them a complementary pairing. This is usually the case with blended fabrics, but it’s especially helpful in designing window treatments.
The why: Blended fabrics combine all the best qualities of each fiber. When linen is blended with rayon, for instance, the end result has a slightly silkier texture and is easier to maintain. Both linen and cotton are prone to wrinkling, which is why these natural fibers are often blended with synthetics. With an ideal mix, the additional structure helps prevent wrinkling and moisture absorption.
The what: Linen sheers are still made of 100% linen fibers. The difference is in how the fibers are woven together. With sheers, the fibers have a looser weave, which allows the sun’s rays to almost completely shine through.
The why: Clearly, linen sheers do not provide much privacy. They do, however, offer an airiness that can be very impactful in your home’s overall interior. Take a nursery design, for instance. Linen sheers hanging in front of Roman shades helps soften the mood. (I don’t have to tell you that a serene environment is the best way to soothe baby to sleep.)
Sheer fabric is uniquely versatile. You can use linen sheers to balance a richly patterned room or to add layers in an otherwise simple design. You can also hang sheers to help create defining spaces in an oversized living room. The best part is that sheers are so...well, sheer...that they won’t cover or detract from any interesting architectural details.
Like it or not, store-bought drapes are incomparable to custom-made window treatments. For one, custom drapery tends to have a high thread count, which contributes to a more luxurious feel. Custom options can also be outfitted with a blackout curtain lining, providing as much privacy as you want.
More importantly, though, custom-made drapery is always cut to the exact specifications of your windows. Without these personal touches, you simply cannot guarantee a well-dressed window.
When you’re ready to make a statement with your window treatments, Everhem will be there for you. We specialize in customizing and will do everything in our power to help you find the best fabric for drapery in your home. Contact us today at hello@everhem.com and let us walk you through the next steps!
In the heart of the Flatiron district, past the tourists eyeing the Beaux Arts architecture and a stone’s throw from the creatives lunching at abcV, is a space that hoards all the natural light in Manhattan.
Welcome to goop’s New York office.
When Jaime Ray Newman brought her newborn daughter, Alma, home from the hospital, the nursery didn’t even have a crib. “It took us a very long time to have a baby after years of heartbreak,” explains the producer and actress, “so my husband and I decided to literally do nothing until Alma was born and safe and healthy. We finally had her via our wonderful surrogate.”
This made the room an extra-special project—and one that needed to be done right away. “I called Haley Weidenbaum frantically saying, ‘Help! I need a nursery ASAP,’” remembers the Ray Newman. “And because Haley is my soul designer and we’ve been working together for years, we already had a shorthand.” The designer promptly got to work designing a space that would suit the baby as much as the parents.
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Bringing a baby into the world is one of the most thrilling experiences of your life. It can also be one of the most overwhelming. You have a thousand choices to make right now. Compared to whether to name your little bundle of joy Alice or Aloysius and the always-feisty cosleeping debate, nursery window treatments may not seem like a high priority. But if you value being well-rested, heed our advice. Make this decision very, very carefully.
Having the right window coverings in the baby’s room can be the difference between a few hours of sleep and a few minutes. And as a once-sleep-deprived mother, I can assure you that every second of shuteye matters. (Hint: You won’t be getting much once baby is here.)
The good news is that, unlike babies, nursery window treatments actually do come with an instruction manual of sorts. Below, you’ll find tips on how to choose your nursery window coverings, what it means to have blackout curtains, plus window treatment inspiration to help you make the best selection.
Safety first! It goes without saying that your top concern is keeping your new baby happy and healthy. While preparing their room is super exciting, there are some serious safety considerations that need to be addressed in the nursery design. So, before diving into the details of each option, familiarize yourself with these dos and don’ts of nursery window treatments.
As soon as you start looking at paint chips and throw pillows, it’s time to think about your nursery window treatments. They play an important role in the overall nursery design. In fact, your window treatments can be the focal point of the room – next to your beaming bundle of joy, that is.
When planning the layout and décor, there are two important factors to consider with your nursery window treatments:
The main function of all window treatments is lighting control. They block natural light from flooding inside and heating up your space. This is especially critical in a nursery, where you need the room to feel comfortably cool but still sunny and cheerful.
A fully lit room, for instance, might feature drapery crafted from lightweight sheers. For a slight light reduction, you would hang something more dense, like 100% linen drapery or a linen blend. For even more light diffusion, consider adding privacy lining. If you want minimal sunlight (and maximum rest), blackout lining is ideal. Finally, if you want to achieve absolute darkness during daylight hours you might consider doubling up on blackout lined window treatments. By placing both blackout lined shades and drapery over the same window, you effectively eliminate all gaps and crevices that light can find its way around.
With window treatments consuming so much of the wall space, they can largely influence the mood of the room. Depending on the fabric and color you choose, you can either create a bright, bold design or something soft and tranquil.
While it might be tempting to look for prints, like a lively animal motif, on your window treatments, a rich solid color, like a carbon gray or indigo blue, can set a cheerful tone without the risk of being outgrown once your baby transforms into an older child who doesn’t like the animal motif. For a softer tone in the nursery, you’ll want to stick with a neutral color palette – shades of white or beige. As for fabric, the airiness of either 100% linen or linen blend drapery is instantly soothing. These are perfect for creating a Zen den. Meanwhile, woven wood shades or Roman shades offer added texture and heftiness.
Take your time sifting through fabrics and colors, as these decisions will set the tone for your nursery.
Once you’ve determined the mood and amount of natural light that you want, it’s time to go shopping. These are four of the safest and most stunning nursery window treatments you can buy:
Curtains and drapes are timeless window treatments, so you can never go wrong with these. But in a nursery, they are particularly helpful in blocking out light. Drapes cover the full width and length of your windows when the panels are drawn together. Plus, they come in several different fabric weights and linings, so you can decide how much light gets filtered through. From a style standpoint, drapes are exceptionally dramatic. So if you’re trying to make a statement, the delicate elegance of drapery will do.
Roman shades also come in a variety of fabrics and colors, making it easy to add these window coverings to any style nursery. But, perhaps, the best part about Roman shades is the fact that they provide the most light blocking of any window treatment. They leave little room for sunlight to slip through. Of course, how you mount your Roman shades does make a different. In a nursery, you’ll probably want to choose outside mount window shades to prevent light leakage from the sides of your windows. Even a sliver of light can keep baby awake or heat up their crib.
It may seem like a no-brainer to add woven shades to a neutral color palette, but these window treatments can do much more than blend in. Woven woods add much-needed texture, which can be a smart design choice against matte walls. Not to mention the natural materials they’re comprised of, such as bamboo, grasses and reeds, are the perfect complement to other wood elements in the room, including grainy floors or a wood heirloom crib.
When it comes to light blocking, woven woods are easily adjustable. When closed, they will cover the entire window pane; but they can also be pulled up to any level for more or less light. If you’re looking for total blockage, you can always add a custom-fit blackout lining to your woven woods.
Blackout fabric is a lining for your window treatments that creates total privacy and eliminates natural light almost entirely. One window treatment with blackout lining likely won’t create total darkness. Light can find its way around the sides of Roman shades and woven woods or above the top of drapery panels. To eliminate these coverage gaps and create a completely dark room in the middle of the day, you can always double up on the window treatments. Drapes and shades is a popular combination – especially in nurseries with large windows.
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At Everhem, we can add a blackout lining to all nursery window treatments, except linen sheer drapery. We highly recommend using blackout lining for your nursery! Trust me; I’ve been through the nursery phase and blackout window coverings were a lifesaver. If you don’t invest in them, you just may find yourself investing in extra double shots of espresso instead! As an interior design professional, my top priority is always my clients’ comfort. In nursery design, that also means paying close attention to how a newborn will feel in the space. Luckily, Everhem has a wide selection of fabrics and window treatment options that can accommodate any mood you want. With the customization we offer, you can create a nursery that leads to sweet dreams and happy babies and, hopefully, quasi-well rested parents.
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