How to Pick Out Custom Window Treatments for Your New Home

A new home is filled with potential. The decor choices you make — like window treatments, for example — can have a big impact on your home’s style and energy. There are so many factors to consider, from curtains or shades, to the right fabric or materials, to how the design will function in each room.  

Before you get too deep into designing, though, select a brand that makes the entire process easy — like TWOPAGES^®. This company produces highly customizable, designer-quality window treatments at accessible prices, so it’s simple to order the ideal curtains, shades, or blinds for your space. To make it even easier to get started, we’ve answered a few of the most common questions that come up when shopping for window treatments. Happy designing!

Where to start with window treatments in a new home

The blank canvas of a brand-new home is so exciting — but can also be a bit overwhelming. Instead of trying to address every single window at once, start with the priority windows: the bedrooms and bathrooms. Window treatments will not only help you get a great night’s sleep, but also provide some privacy so neighbors can’t peek in. 

You have a little more leeway with the kitchen and living spaces, so take some time to plan your furniture and decor before committing to window treatments. Ideally, window coverings are a part of your interior style — not an afterthought — so spending some extra time considering exactly what you want will help you make the right choice for your space. 

How to choose between curtains, blinds, or shades

The type of window covering you choose is as much an aesthetic decision as it is a functional one. While both blinds and shades mirror the size of the window opening, curtains extend past the bottom of the sill — all the way to the floor, even. Curtains often feel warmer, softer, and more organic than shades because of the flowing fabric. Plus, the flow color and texture of the fabric can have a large impact on the room’s vibe. By contrast, shades or blinds that sit inside the window itself can be easier to blend in with the rest of the room, if you’re going for a more minimal, sleek look. 

You’ll also want to consider the utility. Shades or blinds can be quickly raised or lowered with a pull (or even a remote-controlled motor, in some cases), while curtains will have to be drawn open. Slatted blinds also let in more light than shades or curtains — although that depends on the material you choose, as well. There’s no right or wrong choice.

How to select a fabric or material for window treatments

Whether you order shades or curtains, you’ll want to carefully select the fabric to fit your space. First, think about how much light you want the window covering to let in. Blackout curtains are a popular choice for bedrooms where darkness is key, while linen or flax fabrics that are naturally more sheer could work well for an open, airy kitchen or living room. 

Don’t overlook privacy, either. Curtains tend to offer better soundproofing than shades, but either would be a good choice for private spaces like bedrooms, closets, and bathrooms, as long as you choose an opaque fabric. 

Finally, consider the visual impact of the material. TWOPAGES offers a wide range of fabric choices, from breezy floral prints to moody velvets to rustic linens. Choose a color, texture, and pattern that complements your home’s decor and palette to enhance the aesthetic.

How to layer two different types of window treatments

Some interior designers consider a layered window treatment the best of both worlds. Layering creates a multidimensional look that’s more sophisticated than just shades or curtains alone. 

Flowing drapery can add softness and ease to more structured slatted blinds or blackout shades, for example. Plus, when you’re not relying on curtains alone to block out more light, you can opt for a fabric that’s not completely blackout or opaque. The design options seem endless.

Layering curtains over blinds or shades can also give you more options for privacy and light filtration. Want to obscure the view in, but still let in a small amount of light? You might choose sheer curtains layered over bamboo shades, so you could open just the shades but leave the curtains drawn. That additional flexibility allows you to easily adjust the room’s light and overall mood throughout the day. 

How to measure for window treatments

Measuring your windows properly is crucial to ordering perfectly sized curtains or shades. For curtains, you’ll first want to determine the width of the curtain rod you’ll want to run across the top of the window. Then, consider the fullness of the curtains: TWOPAGES’ drapery measurement guide includes key details about how to calculate the amount of fabric you’ll need for either pleated, grommeted, or ripple folded styles to help you determine the overall width of your curtains. 

For shades, the first decision you have to make is whether you’d like to mount the shades inside or outside the window opening. An inside mount creates a more minimal, sleek aesthetic, while an outside mount might be a better option for oddly shaped windows or rooms where you want maximum light blocking. Whichever mounting style you choose, you’ll also need to measure the window’s width and height; inside mounts will also require you to measure the depth of the window opening. The shades measuring guide on TWOPAGES’ website offers in-depth instructions for exactly how to measure and order shades to fit your windows perfectly. 

If you’d feel more confident with expert help, you can even book a free one-on-one measuring consultation with a professional on Zoom to ensure you’re nailing each and every dimension.

How to visualize new window treatments in your home

Still feeling overwhelmed by all of the options? There’s nothing quite like seeing how a few different window treatments would look in your home to help you make a decision. 

TWOPAGES offers a free window treatment design service that includes design mockups on photos from your actual home, so there’s no guesswork about how the curtains, shades, or blinds would look. All you have to do is submit a few details about your color palette, window location, and measurements — plus a few photos of your windows — and the designers will handle the rest. 

When you’re ready to start shopping for window treatments, begin by considering the three main factors: the room you’re designing for, the type of window treatment, and the material or fabric. Then, decide if you’d like to layer curtains over shades or blinds, before measuring your windows and ordering your ideal window treatments. Your home will have a style upgrade before you know it!