The Shade Store

The Shade Store Blog

You are here: Home / Archives for Drapes

Drapes

Window Treatments for Tall Windows

By

How to Dress Tall Windows

If you’re wondering how to dress tall windows, it may seem challenging to choose window treatments that will fit. Not only do tall window coverings need to be large enough to fit properly, but they also need to be structured to complement these bigger-than-average window sizes. So it’s important to choose window treatments for tall windows that highlight the height of the window, while also providing enough privacy for your home.

If you are struggling to find window covering ideas for high windows in your home, don’t worry — this post provides ideas and options for choosing window treatments for tall windows. So when you ask yourself, “How do I make my high windows look better?” you’ll know The Shade Store has excellent custom Shades, Blinds and Drapery options.

Curtains and Drapes for Tall Windows

Consider using drapery for your large windows. You can customize the length of your drapery and curtains to accentuate the window’s height. Long drapery panels make great tall window curtains because they help to draw the eye up to see the full height of a window, which creates a bold statement that highlights large windows, and can make your room look bigger, as well.

When choosing drapes for tall windows, it’s essential to get the correct measurements and choose sturdy, eye-catching drapery hardware that will support the weight of the drapery fabric. As you’d expect, tall window curtains carry some extra weight with them (especially if you choose a thicker material), so you need to make sure your curtain rods are up to the challenge of supporting them.

To get the perfect fit, we recommend letting our Measure & Install professionals hang your curtains on your tall windows. Request a free measurement today to get started!

Blinds for High Windows

Curtains and drapes aren’t the only options for tall window treatments. Blinds are also a great window treatment choice for covering a large window’s top or bottom half. It’s worth noting, however, that blinds for high windows are not the best choice if you need to open or close your windows frequently throughout the day, as their control mechanisms may be difficult to reach and operate.

On the other hand, blinds for tall windows are an excellent choice for consistent light control or privacy in kitchens or bathrooms – rooms where you can expect to leave your blinds open or closed for extended periods of time. So, if you’re wondering, “what is the best blind for a large window,” the answer is one that you don’t have to adjust or open and close frequently.

Shades for High Windows

Shades can also make great window treatments for high windows. Since shades come in a variety of styles and fabrics, they can be customized to fit the room’s style, location, or light coverage needs, as well as be modified to fit larger sizes. The Shade Store offers four great options of shades for high windows:

  • Solar Shades: Since large windows naturally let in more light due to their large size, extra protective solar shades are an excellent treatment idea. They are effective shades for high ceiling windows that receive a lot of sunlight throughout the day.
  • Roman Shades: Roman Shades are another popular option for high ceiling windows that provide a dramatic look and more coverage.
  • Top Down Bottom Up Shades: Top down bottom up shades provide excellent coverage without blocking the entire window. They allow you to block or let light in at the top or bottom of a high window.
  • Cellular Shades: Made with a unique honeycomb design, our Cellular Shades are some of the best energy-efficient window treatments you can find. Their cells trap air, providing excellent insulation and helping maintain comfortable temperatures. Available in light-filtering and blackout options, Cellular Shades can soften natural light or block it out completely, while providing complete privacy.

Motorized Shades for High Windows


One of the inherent issues with installing shades for high windows is that they may be hard to reach and manipulate. This is where motorized shades come in handy. Motorized shades are a popular choice for window coverings for high windows, or extra tall windows. Motorized window treatments are an excellent choice for tall windows, as the automatic control makes it easy to lower and raise the shades with the click of a button.

Energy-Efficient Window Treatments for High Windows

At The Shade Store, we also have several options of energy-efficient shades for high windows:

  • Our Cellular Shades provide excellent insulation and help reduce energy bills.
  • Our Solar Shades reduce glare, protect against fading and filter out harmful UV rays.

Many of our custom Drapery fabrics like Holland & Sherry Wool Flannel and Emerson are great for covering drafty windows.

Installing Window Treatments on Tall Windows

Installing window treatments can be difficult, but it can be even more challenging when dealing with tall or high windows, due to the height of the ceilings, weight of the drapery, and requirements for accurate measurements.

When measuring and installing window treatments for tall windows, we recommend having one of our Measure & Install Professionals complete the process to ensure an accurate and secure fit. Simply request a free measurement to get started today!

Visit Your Local Showroom to Find the Best Shades or High Ceiling Windows

Whether you need inspiration or some high window curtain ideas, or you would like to receive professional input on measurement and installation, The Shade Store is here to help. To get started selecting and installing your shades for high windows, find a showroom near you or request a free design consultation today. Our expert Design Consultants are happy to help you find the best window coverings for every room in your home.

How to Measure for Curtains and Drapes

By

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.

 

 

Choosing Contemporary Window Treatments for Your Home

By

Flat Roman Shade — Victoria Hagan Tidal Line, Moon

 

Contemporary design is a style that generally incorporates neutral colors, clean lines, and natural materials. It’s popular for its simplicity and classic elegance.

Contemporary vs. Modern Design

Often, “contemporary” and “modern” design styles are easily confused. While they bear some similarities (for example, both contemporary and modern styles are relatively minimalist), the major difference between the two styles is that “modern” refers to the design of a specific time or era, whereas “contemporary” refers to the aesthetic. This means “contemporary” design is constantly changing.

Home elements such as furniture, paint selection, accessories, and, of course, window treatments, can help to enhance your contemporary design look. For example, if you are looking to incorporate contemporary window treatments, you should choose white, grey and other natural colors, as well as lighter-colored wood finishes. These design choices naturally lend themselves to the signature look of contemporary windows. In this blog post, we’ll go over a few considerations for contemporary window treatments.

Contemporary Blinds

2” Faux Wood Blinds — 2” Faux, Blanc

Unbelievably versatile and available in a variety of styles, blinds are a great choice for contemporary window treatments. Gone are the days of plastic white blinds — you now have a wide selection of options to choose from to fit your desired aesthetic. To incorporate contemporary style in your blinds, we recommend choosing natural-looking materials and colors, such as wood (or faux wood) and complementing them with bright accents.

Wood Blinds

2” Wood Blinds — 2” Painted, White

Wood blinds are an excellent style of contemporary window treatments. Our natural finishes work well with contemporary homes, and pair with neutrals and bright colors alike — and we also offer a beautiful selection of painted styles. Wood blinds are available in neutral colors and natural materials, so you can easily find a style that not only works for you, but also fits your price range.

Contemporary Drapes

Tailored Pleat Drapery — Martyn Lawrence Bullard Nomad Stripe, Onyx

Drapery is another versatile option of contemporary window treatments. Despite having an “old-school” affiliation, there are many new styles of drapery that work perfectly in any contemporary home. When choosing drapery for a contemporary home, shoppers look for lighter fabrics and avoid dark, rich tones.

Grommet Drapery

Inner Layer: Waterfall Woven Wood Shades — Artisan Weaves Cove, Ash / Outer Layer: Grommet Drapery — Velvet, Camel

Grommet Drapery features strong features, clean lines and a symmetrical aesthetic — perfect for achieving a unique, modern and stylish look on the window. Grommet Drapery offers a welcome update to traditional drapery and can be the perfect window treatment solution for your contemporary home.

Ripple Fold Drapery

Inner Layer: Flat Roman Shades — Grassweave, Snow / Outer Layer: Ripple Fold Drapery — Sheer Wool Blend, Cloud

Ripple Fold Drapery is another excellent drapery option that complements a contemporary style. Ripple Fold Drapes feature clean, even lines and are available in simple, neutral colors.

Contemporary Shades

Flat Roman Shades — Victoria Hagan Sankaty Stripe, Sand

In addition to drapery and blinds, shades are an excellent window treatment option for contemporary homes. If you’re shopping for shades for your contemporary design, we recommend light fabrics to naturally brighten the look and feel of your space.

Woven Wood Shades

Inner Layer: Solar Shades — 5%, Black / Outer Layer: Waterfall Woven Wood Shade — Artisan Weaves Cove, Beige

Woven Wood Shades offer clean lines and are made from natural materials in a neutral color scheme. Many woven wood shades are made from eco-friendly materials and woods like bamboo. If you’re interested in adorning your windows in all-natural materials, we highly recommend our Artisan Weaves collection!

Roller Shades

Roller Shade — Sheila Bridges Florentine, Grigio

As the name implies, Roller Shades roll up for a neat and clean visual impact. Roller Shades offer simplicity and privacy, as well as the ability to choose sheer light fabrics, heavier dramatic prints and blackout styles. They are one of the most versatile window treatment styles, which makes them very popular for contemporary design aficionados.

Find the Best Contemporary Window Treatments for Your Home

Ready to find the perfect window treatments for your contemporary home? Reach out to The Shade Store’s Design Consultant team online or at one of our nationwide showroom locations to find the best window treatments for your home. You can also visit our website to view and order free swatches.

 

Draperies and Curtains: A Guide to Custom Drapery Types

By

Tailored Pleat Drapery — Martyn Lawrence Bullard Nomad Stripe, Onyx

 

With so many options available, choosing draperies and curtains for your home may seem a bit overwhelming. There are many decisions to consider when it comes to form and function, so in this post we’ll go over the eight distinct drapery styles The Shade Store offers — each with its own design aesthetic and list of benefits. We are here to help you understand the different types of draperies and curtains and how to choose the perfect style for your windows.

Ripple Fold Drapery

ripplefold drapery style

Ripple Fold Drapery is one of our best-selling curtain styles. It’s sleek and modern, but also functional and easy to operate. This drapery design is a great selection if you plan on opening and closing your draperies and curtains every day, as it glides effortlessly along a track. It’s also a particularly popular choice for sliding glass doors because of its ease of movement along the track.

Inner Layer: Solar Shades — 10%, White / Outer Layer: Ripple Fold Drapery — Holland & Sherry Wool Flannel, Glacier

We are also seeing a layering trend with draperies and curtains, where sheer, solar or light-filtering materials are layered under a heavier drapery fabric as shown in the image above. This technique adds depth and dimension to your windows and enhances the visual appeal of the space.

Tailored Pleat Drapery

tailored pleat drapery style

Tailored Pleat Drapery is another best-selling drapery design at The Shade Store. It’s fuller and has an understated elegance. Its waterfall pleats are held stiff with a buckram stiffener, allowing this type of drapery to be functional and easy to operate. Similar to our Ripple Fold style, our Tailored Pleat draperies and curtains are available in many different colors, patterns and materials.

Tailored Pleat Drapery — Linen Sheers, White

If you are looking for a lighter material, our Linen Sheers may be a good solution for you. Alternatively, if you need something more substantial to help block a drafty window, our wools and blends collection is worth consideration for your draperies and curtains.

Pinch Pleat Drapery

pinch pleat drapery style

Our Pinch Pleat Drapery is classically beautiful. The pleats are pinched 4 inches from the top of the curtains, creating a simple but stunning shape. Similar to Tailored Pleat, this drapery style is held stiff with buckram fabric, making it easy to operate and functional.

Inner Layer: Roller Shades — Sullivan, Sand / Outer Layer: Pinch Pleat Drapery — Holland & Sherry Wool Flannel, Walnut

While the pinch pleat drapery style is more traditional, it’s easy to give it a contemporary upgrade with layers.

Inverted Pleat Drapery

inverted pleat drapery style

Inverted Pleat Drapery is a unique curtain design in that while it’s neatly pleated, it still has a casual and relaxed character.

Inner Layer: Solar Shades — 10%, Black / Outer Layer: Inverted Pleat Drapery — Wool Blend, Fleece

This drapery style is better suited for decoration — not ideal for frequent opening and closing. If you need to control light, we suggest layering it with a roller or solar shade.

Goblet Drapery

goblet drapery style

Goblet Drapery is designed with a sophisticated shape, showcasing large goblet pleats along the top of the panels.

Inner Layer: Roller Shade — Prince, Ivory / Outer Layer: Goblet Drapery — Silk Dupioni, Leaf

Similar to our Inverted Pleat Drapery style, our Goblet Drapery is best used as a decorative accent and is not ideal for frequent use. Goblet Drapery has a large stack, which means that when open, more fabric will cover your windows.

Grommet Drapery

grommet drapery style

Grommet Drapery, as its name suggests, is hung from a rod with grommet rings. In addition to the many material and color selections at your fingertips, our grommets come in attractive finishes. We recommend matching the color of the grommet to the drapery rod and hardware.

Inner Layer: Waterfall Woven Wood Shades — Artisan Weaves Cove, Ash / Outer Layer: Grommet Drapery — Velvet, Camel

Grommet Drapery has a dramatic appearance, thanks to its deep folds. It’s primarily a decorative curtain style — not ideal for frequent use. It’s important to note that the fabric of the grommet drapery measures one inch above the actual rod, due to the grommet inlay within the fabric.

Rod Pocket Drapery

rod pocket drapery style

Our Rod Pocket Drapery is a classic, casual and traditional choice. The fullness of this drapery design is created by the gathered fabric near the rod pocket. Rod Pocket Drapery works best as stationary panels, as they’re not ideal for frequent opening and closing.

Inner Layer: Roller Shades — Cora Blackout, Shell / Outer Layer: Rod Pocket Drapery — Shoreham Stripe, Oatmeal

The pocket for the drapery rod is able to accommodate up to a two-inch diameter pole. In contrast to the goblet and inverted pleat drapery styles, our rod pocket draperies and curtains have a medium stack.

Cubicle DraperyTSS2018_Drapery_20

Our Cubicle Drapery is a great option if you’re looking something a little more budget-friendly. This style is incredibly versatile and functional, making it perfect for everyday use. Small grommets attach to hook carriers, allowing the cubicle curtain to glide easily along its track. The cubicle drapery style has our most minimal stack.

Cubicle Drapery — Sheer Wool Blend, Grey Owl

Want to see how each of our draperies and curtains look installed on your windows? Request a complimentary rendering or explore our inspirational draperies and curtains photo gallery.

We’re Here to Help

Know exactly which draperies and curtains you want, or do you still have some questions? Either way, our expert Design Consultants are here to help. Visit one of our nationwide window treatment showrooms, give us a call, or email us at design@theshadestore.com to get started today!

3 Window Treatments Your Indoor Plants Will Love

By

Inner Layer: Solar Shades — 5%, Black / Outer Layer: Waterfall Woven Wood Shades — Artisan Weaves Cove, Beige

 

Indoor plants are a great way to add interest to your interiors. Traditionally, they require little maintenance, but there are a few things to keep your eye on. When it comes to sunlight, some plants thrive in indirect sunlight, while others need full sunny-day rays. Here are a few window treatment ideas to help you control the natural light that enters your home — your plants will thank you.

Solar Shades

Inner Layer: Solar Shades — SunbrellaⓇ Solar Collection 5% Solistico, Oatmeal / Outer Layer: Ripple Fold Drapery — SunbrellaⓇ Ventana CollectionⓇ Vitela, Heather Beige

Because Solar Shades come in a variety of transparencies (1, 3, 5, 7 and 10%), they’re the perfect window treatments to get the perfect amount of sunlight for your plants. With Solar Shades, the higher the openness percentage, the more transparent the material is — the lower the percentage, the more opaque the material is. So if you find your plants only need a little bit of sunlight, consider a 1% transparency. Do they need a little more sunlight? Then 10% is the way to go. Just remember: The lower the percentage, the tighter the weave. The tighter the weave, the less sunlight gets through.

Roller Shades in Light Filtering Materials

Venetian Roller Shade — Seaside, White

Similar to Solar Shades, our Venetian Roller Shades and Light Filtering Roller Shades will open up your home to gorgeous natural light. There are no percentages here, so we recommend ordering some free swatches, holding them up to your window and seeing which options provide the right amount for you and your plants. With a variety of beautiful materials to choose from, you’re sure to find something your plants will love.

Sheer Fabrics

Ripple Fold Drapery — Basket Sheer, Winter

Unbelievably soft with lovely texture, sheer fabrics will filter natural light into your home, saving your plants from harsh direct sunlight. Both Roman Shades and Drapery can be made with sheer fabrics, so there’s no shortage of styles to choose from. Browse our collection of beautiful sheer materials and visit our photo gallery for inspiration.

What to Consider When Choosing Window Treatments for Rooms with Plants

When choosing custom window treatments for rooms with plants, there are just a few things to consider:

The Direction Your Room Faces

If your room faces a direction that gets a lot of sunlight, we recommend Solar Shades for your windows. Not only do they allow natural light to filter in for your plants, but they also help protect your space — furniture, artwork, floors — from harmful UV rays.

The Effect You Would Like to Achieve

If you would like to fill your space with soft, comfortable natural light your plants will love, our Design Consultants recommend Light Filtering Roller Shades, as well as Roman Shades and Drapery in sheer materials. You may also want to consider a layered approach with shades and drapery — our Design Consultants are happy to help you with everything.

To learn more about controlling the natural light in your home, request a complimentary design consultation today.

Continue Reading
Sign Up
Close

Order 20 Most
Popular Swatches

All swatch orders are free and arrive in 1-3 days.

Close

Sign Up For A Free
Professional Measurement

THANK YOU FOR YOUR
SWATCH ORDER

ORDER #

Thank you for ordering swatches from The Shade Store. They will be sent via Priority Mail and arrive in 1-3 days. Enjoy!

YOUR REQUEST HAS
BEEN SENT!

Thank you for your professional measure request. One of our Design Consultants will be contacting you shortly to discuss your project and schedule your measure appointment.