How to Choose a Window Treatment Design
Finding the right window treatments for your room depends on design, material and your functional requirements. Consider how much privacy you need and how much light you desire for your space.
Ready-Made or Custom?
Let your budget determine your approach to window design. As a general rule, premade drapes and curtains cost less than custom drapes, which can run hundreds of dollars per window. Another cost factor is the fabric and the design you choose.
Light & Airy
Some of the least expensive and most popular window treatments are sheer curtains. Sheers come in many colors and are easy to find. They give a room an airy feel. For bedroom or bathroom privacy, pair sheers with blinds or shades. Try hanging sheers that are a bit too long on rods placed a few inches above your window — let them pool on the floor for a luxe look.
A Layered Look
Don’t be afraid to get creative and try window curtain ideas such as layering. This technique allows you to add on to the design in stages as your budget allows. There are a couple of ways you can achieve this look.
- Use curtains as the top layer and then add shades or blinds in the window. This layering brings texture, as well as functionality to your windows.
- Layer sheers with a heavier curtain in the front. This allows you to control the amount of light that comes in. The sheers can filter the light in the day, while blackout or room darkening curtains provide privacy at night.
Window treatments should follow the overall design of the room. This doesn’t mean that you have to play it safe and make the curtains match perfectly, but they shouldn’t clash with the décor.
Make sure the fabric reflects the other design choices in the room and that the color works with your palette. Home design websites, blogs and magazines are excellent sources of inspiration.
Window Treatment Materials
Curtains and drapes come in a variety of materials and you'll find plenty of option at Lowe's. Here are a few considerations.
Linen
Linen or faux linen curtains are very popular right now -- and with good reason. It's a light and pretty fabric that hangs beautifully and works well in neutral spaces.
Velvet
Velvet is soft and luxurious fabric that works well in formal living and dining spaces.
Cotton
If your room gets a lot of light, cotton or cotton blends are a good choice because they're fade resistant.
Polyester
There are plenty of colorful and stylish selections in polyester. Polyester curtains are also machine washable. You can even find blends that mimic silk, so you get the look without concerns of fading or high cleaning costs.
Wood & Bamboo
Wood and bamboo shades are popular because they’re easy to clean and are often less expensive than curtains or drapes. If you like to layer window treatments, start with a cotton or bamboo shade and top it with linen or velvet curtains. It gives a warm and rich look to a room.
More Info
Learn how to select and hang drapes.
Check out these tips for choosing the best curtains.
Try these easy ways to make drapes look expensive.
Trends & Inspirational Ideas
Need a little inspiration? Take a look at some of the latest trends in curtains and shades.
Hang'em High
Here's a designer's trick worth noting: If you want your space to feel more expansive, place your curtain rods close to the ceiling. If you have the space, extend your rod 4-6 inches on each side of the window. It'll make the windows appear larger and taller.
A Dramatic Backdrop
In this image, the windows are the focal point. By adding sheers and another layer of heavy linen curtains, it creates a dramatic backdrop for this chic living space.
Layered Luxury
This living room gets a cozy update with reeded shades and dark velvet curtains. The shades complement the oak flooring, while the curtains give the room a rich, masculine feel. If you select curtains with a blackout lining, they'll provide privacy, as well as insulation from the heat and cold.
Reeded Shades
Reeded shades have made a resurgence in the last few years. They can be layered or used on their own. In this bedroom, the shades coordinate nicely with the wood flooring and ceiling trim.
Lovely Linens
Neutral linen curtains are a timeless selection that you'll enjoy for years to come. They're not only attractive, but they hang nicely. Double up your panels on either side of the windows for a rich, textured look.
How to Measure Curtains
You'll need to know the size of your window coverings and have an idea of the look you want to achieve before you buy. See our guide — How to Choose and Hang Window Curtains — for more details and step-by-step instructions.
Step 1: Sketch & Measure
Start with a sketch of your windows. If you need help, snap a picture with your phone to show a Lowe’s associate. Measure each window and write the dimensions on the sketch. For more accurate measurements, measure windows from top to bottom and side to side in three places.
Step 2: Determine the Width
Determine your hardware width based on the look you desire. You can hang the hardware 10 to 15 inches beyond the window frame on both sides to show more of the window when the drapes are open. For more coverage and privacy, hang the hardware 2 to 3 inches beyond the window frame to cover more of the window when the drapes are open.
Step 3: Determine the Height
Mount the hardware in the position you desire, considering these three common options:
- Flush: Hang hardware just above the window moulding
- Standard: Hang hardware 6 inches above the window moulding
- Dramatic: Hang hardware higher, even up to the ceiling
Step 4: Determine the Curtain Width
Measure the width of the window, including the trim. To look full when closed, curtains should have a combined width that is twice the window width.
Step 5: Determine the Length
Determine the right curtain length for your windows, including these options:
- Flush: 63 inches
- Floor length: 84 inches
- Pools on the floor: 95 inches
How to Measure Blinds and Shades
Blinds and shades often need to be cut to size. Whether your window coverings are inside- or outside-mounted, precise measurements will ensure a polished look.
Step 1: Determine the Mounting Type
Determine the type of shade your windows need. Inside-mount shades work for windows that are recessed. If your window is not square or has no recess, choose an outside-mount shade.
Step 2: Measure the Windows
Shades are more precise than curtains. Measure windows to the closest 1/8 inch. Be sure to measure the depth of the window for inside mounts. Outside-mount blinds may extend past the edges of the window, but don’t extend them beyond 2 inches on each side. Note any vents or other obstacles that might get covered.
Step 3: Choose Your Product
Head to Lowe’s and ask an associate for help. In-stock shades and blinds can be cut to fit while you shop.
More Info
Follow these instructions to measure for shades.
Learn how to measure and install blinds.
Try using our blinds visualizer.
Let's Get Started
If you're ready to purchase curtains or shades for your home, Lowe's has a wide variety of styles, materials and colors to choose from. Depending on your needs, there are standard or custom sizes available.
Select from the following materials:
Curtains & Drapes
- Linen
- Velvet
- Cotton
- Polyester or poly blend
Blinds & Shades
- Reed
- Wood
- Cotton
- Polyester
- Jute
Ready to get started? Lowe's has thousands of curtains, shades and blinds to choose from. If you're purchasing blinds, shades or shutters, we can measure and install them for you. Shop online or visit your local Lowe's store.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the current trends in window treatments?
Here are a few trends that blend style, function and technology.
- Bring warmth and texture to your space with shades in natural materials such as bamboo and woven wood.
- Layers add character and depth. Use layers of sheers and curtains or add a bamboo shade and top it with curtains.
- Trending hardware finishes include black matte, brushed gold or satin nickel.
- Smart and motorized shades that integrate with your home automation systems are growing in popularity.
What factors should I consider when choosing window treatments?
When you're selecting window treatments, it's important to think about a few factors including:
- Light control and privacy. Choose from sheers and light-filtering curtains if you want to let light in. For areas that require total privacy and darkness, consider blackout curtains.
- Temperature control. Certain curtains and shades can insulate your home from heat and cold, which can reduce energy costs. Look for thermal-lined or blackout curtains.
- Maintenance. Certain fabrics can fade over time or may require special cleaning. If you prefer to keep things easy, consider wood blinds and shutters or curtains that are machine washable.
Are custom/designer window treatments worth the cost?
If you want a high-quality product and/or a specific look, semi-custom and custom window treatments are a smart investment. Lowe's can come to your home to measure and help you choose the best blinds, shutters or shades. We'll provide a quote and even install them for you. Learn more about our installation services.