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Boho Chic Window Treatments

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When it comes to window treatments, many homeowners are looking for the best combination of functionality and style. Design aesthetic doesn’t have to take a backseat when it comes to window treatments. Window treatments can tie the entire room together, make the design feel more cohesive, and make your home a more comfortable place. If you want to create a bohemian style in your home, don’t discount your window treatments as a way to finish the look. Below, we look at four popular boho curtain ideas and how you can use them to create the perfect interior design.

ripple old drapery - material: netscape, color: cloud

What is Boho Style Décor?

Bohemian — or boho — style décor has become more popular in the last couple of years. With bright colors and mixed fabrics that hearken back to the hippie-era of the ‘60s and ‘70s, boho style is often defined by its lack of uniformity. There are a few key elements that characterize boho style, including:

  • Eclectic décor
  • A mix of patterns, colors, and textures
  • Design elements filled with earth tones and pops of color

How to Choose Boho Style Window Treatments

There are several different styles of window treatments that work well for boho decor, not just drapery, but also shades and blinds. When choosing window treatments for bohemian decor, the most important elements to consider are: color, pattern, and texture. We’ll help you choose the best window treatments to bring your bohemian vision to life.

Bohemian Curtains and Drapes

boho curtains and draper

The most obvious choice for bohemian window treatments are curtains or drapes. As emblems of classic bohemian style, curtains and drapes can both add a strong statement to any room with their bold colors and textures. But these window treatments don’t have to be bold; sheer, white drapery is often used to offer a soft, clean touch to boho decor.

If you want to use bohemian style curtains and drapes in your home, The Shade Store has excellent options to suit your design needs. The selection of Pinch Pleat Drapery is great for sheer fabrics, while the Ripple Fold Drapery is a great option for simple, bold colors that make an impact.

Bohemian Window Shades

Roller Shades, Material: Boheme, Color: Blossom

Window shades are a less obvious but stylish choice for bohemian window treatments. There are many variations that allow you to experiment with patterns, materials, and layering, all key elements of the boho style.

A number of different types of window shade styles fit into a bohemian design, including:

  • Woven Wood Shades – Incorporate natural materials, colors, and textures
  • Roller Shades – Provide a sleek, simple design with the ability to be customized with bright colors and patterns
  • Roman Shades – Can be made with bright patterns and colors, and feature natural fabric folds to add texture and dimension to the space.

Bohemian Window Blinds

Blinds are also great choice to integrate earth tones and accentuate a bohemian style undertone. While it’s true that classic white blinds might not check the box as a bohemian style staple, newly available options for wood and faux wood blinds capture natural materials such as bamboo, oak, cherrywood, and other exotic options, which can add a subtle boho emphasis in any room.

In addition, wood and faux wood blinds are moisture-resistant which makes them ideal for bohemian-style spaces in kitchens and bathrooms.

Bohemian Curtain Rods and Drapery Hardware

drapery rod - wrough iron collection

Finally, to complete the boho look, you can’t neglect the drapery hardware! When choosing drapery rods and hardware for window treatments, distressed metals can add a mix of old and new to a room. Alternatively, bright, metallic surfaces can also provide color and points of interest to the space.

If you’re looking for an option to incorporate a metallic touch in your bohemian-styled room, our Wrought Iron Collection provides an antique feel with bronze, copper, and rust accents.These accents pair beautifully with a pair of bright, jewel-toned drapes, or more breezy, bright curtains.

Order Your Free Bohemian Fabric Swatches Today

boho swatch materials

Are you ready to make some bohemian style adjustments to your home? Get inspiration for new window treatments and more with our designated bohemian fabric swatch mood board. You can shop all of The Shade Store’s fabric collections, including the bohemian collection, and order your free swatches today!

How to Measure for Curtains and Drapes

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Drapery Pairs: Tailored Pleat Drapery — Victoria Hagan Sankaty Stripe, Sand

Purchasing new curtains and draperies for your home is an exciting endeavor. From choosing the right styles and designs to watching everything come together perfectly, there’s so much to look forward to throughout the process. But before you get started, deciding on the size of the curtains or draperies you need is the most important first step you should take.

To help you understand how to measure for drapes and curtains, we’ve created this simple step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect fit. Read on to learn how to measure windows for curtains. (If you’d like to let our friendly team of professionals take care of it for you, simply request a complimentary measurement appointment online.)

Tools You Need to Measure for Drapes

Before you measure for curtains and drapes, make sure you have the right tools and resources to make it as easy as possible. This will ensure your measurements are accurate and efficient. Here’s what you should have on hand before you measure your windows for curtains:

  • Steel measuring tape
  • A ladder or step stool
  • Paper and pencil
  • Someone to help! (For larger windows or spaces)

Measuring for Curtains and Drapes

Measuring for drapery can be a simple process if you follow these steps. The instructions below will help you take accurate curtain measurements to find the best fit for your window.

Step 1: Choose Between a Single Panel or Drapery Pair

Before starting the measurement process, it’s important to decide if your drapery will consist of a single panel that covers the entire span of the window or a pair of panels that meet in the middle of the window.

To help you decide between the two options, here are the major benefits and defining features of single panel drapes versus a drapery pair: 

Single Panel Drapery

Inner Layer: Solar Shades — 5% Metallic, Zinc / Outer Layer: Single Panel of Ripple Fold Drapery — SunbrellaⓇ Ventana CollectionⓇ Alma, Beige

  • Made to cover an entire span or as a decorative stationary panel
  • Can be swept to the side for a styled effect
  • Great for corner windows

Drapery Pair

Drapery Pairs: Tailored Pleat Drapery — The Novogratz Family of Cranes, Waverly Blue

  • Drapery panels hang on both sides of the window and close to meet in the middle.
  • Recommended for sheer fabrics and layering.

Depending on which option you choose, the process of measuring for drapes will be different. If you choose single panel drapes, you should measure the full length of the window. If you choose a pair of drapery panels, you will measure the full length of the window divided by two. If you want an “unequal pair,” however,  you will need to order each panel individually as single panels.

Step 2: Measure the Total Drapery Width Coverage

After deciding between single or double panel drapes, measure the width of the window or area you would like to cover — this will be your ordering width. (Please note: The total width coverage you specify in your order will be automatically divided in two for Drapery Pairs.) If you have already selected hardware and you need your drapery to open and close, your total width coverage should equal the same span as your hardware, left to right.

Expert Tip

Whenever possible, we recommend extending your measurements out from the edges of your windows or doors as much as 6 to 12 inches on each side. This will help make the area look larger and maintain as much natural light as possible when the drapery panels are open.

Step 3: Measure for Finished Drapery Length

The last step in the process is to measure for finished drapery length. For wall mount drapery, measure from the top of where you will mount the hardware all the way to the floor. For ceiling mount curtains and drapes, measure from the ceiling to the floor.

Expert Tips

Depending on the unique style of drapes you choose, there may be other factors to take into consideration for your measurements. For example, if you want your drapes to be “puddled” we recommend adding 1 to 4 inches to the length of your measurements. For draperies that will be opened and closed frequently, simply subtract ½ inch for floor clearance to avoid dragging and wear and tear. Finally, if your floors are uneven, make sure you include a small break (¼ to ¾ inch) or puddle (1 to 4 inches) to cover any gaps you may have in the floor.

Find the Perfect Curtain Rods & Hardware for Drapes

The Shade Store offers a wide selection of curtain rods and hardware for drapes to suit your taste and complement your home décor. We invite you to explore each style in our nationwide showrooms and online — and if you have any questions, our expert Design Consultants are happy to help.

Save Time and Sign Up for a Complimentary Measurement Today

An accurate measurement is the most important step before ordering new window curtains. To achieve a perfect fit, we recommend requesting a complimentary measurement appointment with one of our friendly professionals. No matter where you live, The Shade Store can help you find, measure and install beautiful custom window treatments you will love for years.

 

 

How to Hang Curtains in an Apartment

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Tailored Pleat Drapery — Herringbone, Toast / Roller Shade — Nate Berkus Raffi Blackout, Onyx

If you’re renting an apartment, the last thing you want to do is make changes that will require extra time and money to repair if/when it’s ever time for you to move out. Luckily, The Shade Store has beautiful window treatment options that require little to no alterations to your living space. In this blog post, we’ll go over how to hang curtains in an apartment.

When in Doubt About Hanging Curtains in an Apartment, Keep It Simple


Pinch Pleat Drapery — Manor, Desert / Roller Shade — Bond, Black

Hanging curtains in an apartment is effortless if you have existing hardware — and if you don’t, we offer a variety of premium hardware, or you can find great options at most home furnishing stores.

The best way to hang curtains in an apartment is with Rods & Rings hardware, which is simply a rod that attaches to the wall or window frame at a few points. Because the drapery isn’t connected to a specially measured and installed track system, these hardware options allow you to simply take down your curtains if the time comes to move out and hang them back up again at your next apartment!

The types of window treatments that work perfectly with Rods & Rings hardware are:

Tailored Pleat Drapery


Tailored Pleat Drapery — Victoria Hagan Sankaty Stripe, Moon

If you’re hanging curtains in an apartment, one of our favorite window treatment styles is Tailored Pleat Drapery. Effortlessly beautiful with a neat drape, it features our signature waterfall pleat.

Pinch Pleat Drapery


Pinch Pleat Drapery — Linen, Ivory / Waterfall Woven Wood Shade — Artisan Weaves Breakwater, Brown

Continuously fashionable, our Pinch Pleat Drapery is a perennial classic that elevates every window in the home. Hanging curtains in an apartment has never looked better!

Inverted Pleat Drapery


Inverted Pleat Drapery (Shown with Track System) — Herringbone, Onyx / Solar Shades — 5%, Grey

Our Inverted Pleat Drapery is designed with hand-stitched inverted pleats for a relaxed look and simple elegance.

Grommet Drapery


Grommet Drapery — Velvet, Camel / Waterfall Woven Wood Shades — Artisan Weaves Cove, Ash

Add a touch of sophistication to your apartment with our Grommet Drapery. Designed with hand-pressed grommets, it’s perfect for stylish and modern interiors.

Goblet Drapery


Goblet Drapery — Silk Dupioni, Leaf / Roller Shade — Prince, Ivory

Time-honored style and sophistication combine in our Goblet Drapery collection, featuring carefully handcrafted pleats. It’s an easy way to transform your apartment into a sophisticated retreat.

Rod Pocket Drapery


Rod Pocket Drapery — Shoreham Stripe, Oatmeal / Roller Shade — Cora Blackout, Shell

A traditional and charming window treatment style, our Rod Pocket Drapery is perfect for creating a soft casual look. They’re a simply beautiful curtain option for apartments.

Have questions about how to hang curtains in an apartment? We’re here to help.


If you have questions about whether you can hang curtains in an apartment — or if you need assistance finding your dream window treatments, we’re here to help. The Shade Store offers expert services every step of the way — from inspiration to installation. Our team of Design Consultants is available to assist you with material selection, color coordination, measurement & installation scheduling and more, however you choose to shop. To get started, stop by your local showroom, visit us online or give us a call at 800.754.1455.

About The Shade Store

The Shade Store is a premium custom window treatment company with a rich heritage in luxury textiles and interior design. Its exclusive collection of more than 1,300 in-stock fabrics and materials provides customers with an unparalleled amount of style and customization options. Every window treatment is proudly handcrafted in the USA, hung and tested for quality assurance and ships free in 10 days or less. With showrooms nationwide, The Shade Store offers a complete range of in-person and virtual design services for consumers and design-trade clientele, including samples, complimentary professional window measurements and photo rendering. Additionally, the company is an advocate for environmental sustainability: For every purchase made, the company provides the ‘Gift of Shade’ by planting a tree in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation. For more information about The Shade Store, please visit theshadestore.com.

 

How to Install Drapery

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Curtain and Drapery Installation

Need help with curtain or drapery installation? This step-by-step curtain installation guide will help you get a perfect fit for your new curtains and drapery.

Drapery

Tools You Need to Install Curtains and Drapery

Before starting the curtain installation process, it’s important to have the right tools and resources to make installation as simple as possible. Here is a list of the items you should have on hand to install your curtains:

  • Drill
  • Metal tape measure
  • Level
  • Pencil
  • Step ladder

How to Install Drapery

Drapery

The information included below will provide general curtain and drapery installation instructions. However, make sure to check the installation guide that accompanies your drapes to see how to install window curtains and if there are any additional steps or considerations.

Step 1: Choose Your Drapery Height

The first step to install window curtains is to choose your drapery height. It’s important to take correct measurements for your drapery and decide where the drapery should hang. This includes how high above the window the curtains will be as well as how long they will reach to the floor.

To learn more about how to measure for curtains and drapes, check out this in-depth article.

Step 2: Install the Drapery Rod

The next step is to install the drapery rod. To install the drapery rod, you need to measure your space and mark the location of the brackets on the wall. Once you’ve marked the bracket placement with a pencil, use your level to make sure your pencil markings are even. Once you’ve marked the correct spots, install the brackets into place using a drill. Then hang the rod on the brackets.

If you need more guidance on how to install drapery rods, visit The Shade Store’s guide to installing curtains and rods.

Step 3: Hang Your Drapery

The final step is to hang your drapery. Most draperies can be hung directly on the drapery rod, but there are nuances to different types of drapery and how to install them. Here are some other drapery types and step-by-step directions for how to install them.

Installing Goblet and Pleated Drapery
Goblet and Pleated drapery are usually hung with drapery pins and rings. To install Goblet drapery or Pleated drapery, you need to insert the drapery pins through the eyelets of the curtain as well as the drapery rings. Once the pins and rings are installed, the drapery can be hung on the drapery rod.

Installing Rod Pocket Drapery
To install rod pocket drapery, the process is slightly different. With this type of drapery, you need to insert the drapery pole through the top of each drapery panel before placing the rod on the brackets.

Installing Grommet Drapery
Grommet drapery usually has some excess fabric on each side of the panels to ensure light coverage. To maximize this coverage, grommet drapery has a unique installation process. When installing Grommet drapery, you should insert the drapery pole through the Grommet holes in an S-like manner (illustrated below).

Grommet Installation

From there, once the drapery in on the pole, you should take the excess fabric at the end of each panel and fold it back towards the wall. This will complete a finished look for the grommet drapery.

Step 4: Dress Your Drapery

Once the drapery is installed and hung on the rods, they may appear wrinkled or folded from the packaging. This is normal, and these wrinkles usually even out once your curtains have been hanging for a while. If you want to expedite the unwrinkling process, you can use a garment steamer, either before or after installing your curtains. It’s easier to this after installation, since your drapery is already hung up and it’s easier to reach all the fabric. Watch your heat settings, however, and be cautious of your unique fabric material to make sure you don’t damage drapery through any streaming or pressing.

Get Professional Drapery Installation Assistance Today

There are many benefits of choosing professional installation over a DIY install. Professional installation provides a no-hassle, guaranteed fit for window treatments including drapery and drapery rods. And you can rest easy knowing your drapery will look and function perfectly.

If you need help installing your drapery, learn more about The Shade Store’s nationwide measure and installation services to guarantee a perfect fit right here.

How to Install Curtain and Drapery Rods

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Drapery rods are the perfect finishing touch for your windows. Depending on the style of your window treatments, installing curtain rods or drapery hardware can provide options for bold statement pieces or subtle accents that add clean lines to a room. 

No matter what curtain and drapery style you select, you will need to ensure you understand how to install drapery rod pieces properly. We’ve assembled these step-by-step instructions to make curtain and drapery rod installation easy.

Tools You Need to Install Curtain and Drapery Rods

Before you start the installation process, make sure you have the right tools and resources. Here’s a list of the tools you need for drapery rod installation:

  • Drill
  • Phillips Head Screwdriver
  • Meta tape Measure
  • Step ladder

If you don’t have these tools, or if you don’t feel comfortable using them, you may want to hire a professional to assist you with installation. The Shade Store offers nationwide measure and install services to guarantee a perfect fit.

Before You Install Your Drapery Rods

It is best to select your drapery before you choose your drapery rods, as the style of the drapery will influence which rod and design style will function optimally. It’s also important to know the length of the curtains, as this will influence where the rod will be installed on the wall. If you need help choosing a style or want to learn more about drapery options, check out our guide to different types of drapery.

Installing Drapery and Curtain Rods

Different types of curtain rods may have varied, unique instructions, but the information included here will provide general instructions for installing drapery hardware. No matter which type of drapery rods you choose, it’s important to read the instructions before you begin the installation process.

Step 1: Mark the Placement of the Drapery Rod

Ceiling Mounted Drapery

 

Before you even pick up your materials, you need to determine the exact spot where you want to install your curtain rods. Use a pencil to mark where you will hang the curtain rod. The best way to do this is to decide where you want the bottom of the curtain to fall, and then measure upward. Drapery rod placement will also depend on the type of drapery you’ve selected, as different types of drapery have unique lengths. For example:

  • Sill length curtains should reach the bottom of the window sill
  • Floor length curtains should hang just above the floor
  • Puddled drapery should touch the floor


Step 2: Mark Where the Curtain Rod Brackets will be PlacedIn general, most drapery rods are installed a few inches above the window frame. However, if you are interested in a more dramatic look, we recommend mounting the drapery higher than the sill and wider than the width of the window to make the windows appear larger. 

Once you’ve marked the spot for your drapery rod, you need to decide where to put the curtain rod brackets. 

Where Should Curtain Rod Brackets Be Placed?

Curtain rod brackets should be placed at the height determined by the drapery rod, and the brackets should be marked approximately 3”- 4” from the ends of the drapery rod (usually beyond the window frame to allow for the curtains to open fully). If you have selected longer or heavier-than-average curtain rods, these typically come with center brackets, which should be installed at the midpoint of the two end brackets.

Note: Any backing to the brackets should be removed in order to mark where the drill holes on the brackets should go. Otherwise, you may end up with an inaccurate marking. 

Step 3: Mount the Brackets

After you’ve measured and marked the spots for the brackets, it’s time to mount them. This part is relatively simple: all you need to do is drill pilot holes where you made your bracket markings.

Once you’ve drilled the pilot holes, it’s time to fasten the brackets to the wall using the provided screws or nails. Again, make sure that you check all pieces before beginning the drapery rod installation process to make sure you have all the necessary screws or nails. Once you’ve installed all of the curtain rod brackets, check to make sure they’re secure before you move on to the next step.

How to Hang Curtain Rods in Drywall

If you’re installing curtain rods on drywall, the installation process will vary from curtain rods on other surfaces. It’s important to either mount the brackets into the framing of the wall or use wall anchors for the installation. Otherwise, you run the risk of insecure brackets which may tear and fall out of the wall. 

Step 4: Attach the Drapery Rod to the Bracket

Once the brackets are secure, you can install the drapery rod. If you’ve measured the space and mounted the brackets properly, this last step should be easy. 

Some types of drapery rods come with finials or rings. These should be installed once the rod is in place. 

How to Install a Valance Rod

You can use a window valance by itself or with curtains and drapery to cover the upper portion of the window. Follow these steps to install a valance rod:

  • Measure and mark where you will place the curtain rod brackets
  • Mark the spot for the first valance bracket. Aim to place the valance bracket approximately 1 inch from your curtain rod marking. Use a different color so you can tell the difference between markings
  • Next, measure from your first valance rod marking to the opposite side of the window. Just as you did in the last step, place the second valance bracket mark 1 inch outside of the curtain rod marking
  • Use a level to make sure your bracket markings are aligned
  • Using your drill, carefully attach the valance brackets to the wall
  • Arrange the curtains on the rod and place the rod between the brackets
  • Once your curtains are in place, slide the valance onto the rod
  • Place the valance rod into the brackets
  • You may want to use a steamer to remove wrinkles or creases in the valance

Step 5: Hang Your Drapery

Drapery
Now that everything is in place, the final step is to actually hang your drapery. Hang your curtains on the rod and test that the rods and brackets are secure by opening and closing the curtains. The drapes should hang naturally on their own.

Skip the Hassle and Let Us Handle Drapery Installation

Now you’re equipped with all the steps to install new drapery rods in your home. If the process sounds complicated, don’t worry, we’re here to help. The Shade Store offers professional installation services nationwide. Let our team of experts take care of everything. 

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