The Shade Store

The Shade Store Blog

You are here: Home / Archives for tailored pleat drapes

tailored pleat drapes

Ideas for Bay Window Treatments

By

Window Treatments for Bay Windows

Choosing window treatments for bay windows may seem tricky. You might ask yourself: Should each window be treated individually, or should the group be viewed as one large window? Where should shades be mounted? What about drapes? 

We have collected a few of our favorite bay window treatments with shades and drapes to provide you with some inspiration.

Narrow Bay Windows

Cellular Shades

What is the best window treatment for a bay window? There’s no one right answer, but we believe some of the best window treatments for bay windows are Cellular Shades. If you have narrow bay windows in your home, you may be worried that individual shades on each window could look awkward and too small. One way to combat this problem is to coordinate the color of your shades with your trim color.

The Cellular Shades below are inside mounted, so the trim of the windows is still on display. All three shades are white and have a blending effect with the trim, minimizing the narrowness of the separate windowpanes. Cellular Shades are uniquely well suited to bay windows because of their insulating power – perfect for both colder climates and very sunny areas.

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 full privacy.

cellular shades bay window treatments

¾” Single Cell Blackout Cellular Shades, White

Flat Roman Shades

Another way to make narrow windows look larger is to mount Roman Shades on the outside, so they maximize the width of the window area. Flat Roman Shades were mounted close together, forming a single visual unit with the bold pattern. If you have other interesting architectural details around your bay window, such as the detailed molding on the arch in these photos, a simpler style of shade like the Flat Roman will allow those details to shine while still providing interest with color and the softness of a fabric accent. When all three shades are raised, the neat stack of the Flat Roman can give the illusion of a fabric valance.

Soft and elegant silhouettes. The most luxurious fabrics. Showcasing made-to-layer materials in light-filtering and blackout options, our Flat Roman Shades collection bring striking sophistication to the window. Quality like this can only be handcrafted.

If you’re struggling with finding a drapery style you like for a bay window, consider Roman Shades, which add the same softness and fullness with fabric without the considerations of rods or length.

roman shades bay window

Flat Roman Shades, Futura

Wide Bay Windows

Roller Shades, Roman Shades & Drapes

What about wide bay windows? Layered Roller Shades, Roman Shades and Drapes look beautiful together on large sets of windows. Our custom shades can be made in wide widths, so make sure to talk to a design consultant about your options if you have a wide window. The Flat Roman Shades pictured below are available up to 120” wide. The sheer material keeps the large shades from feeling too heavy. Finally, Tailored Pleat Drapery frames the whole window unit.

The Shade Store also offers a selection of beautiful Cornices & Valances to give your bay window treatments a clean and finished look.

roman shades and drapery

Flat Roman Shades, Basket Sheer + Tailored Pleat Drapes, Fennimore

Woven Wood Shades

For a dose of natural texture, Woven Wood Shades add instant interest to a bay window. These shades are an outside mount, forming the look of one cohesive shade and the versatility of raising and lowering each section one at a time.

Our Woven Wood Shades collection Introduces rustic character to every space. Featuring sustainably sourced, all-natural grasses, woods and bamboo, this collection is crafted to complement interiors of all types.

woven wood shades bay window

Cascade Woven Wood Shades, Bryce

Materials Powered by Nature

All-natural materials and relaxed, casual couture come together seamlessly in our exclusive Artisan Weaves collection, bringing organic dimension and depth to the window. Each material is beautifully textured and made with only natural fibers to create a theater of light that softens every space.

Need Assistance or Have Questions About Window Treatments for Bay Windows? We’re Here to Help!

For more help with your bay window treatments, visit one of our nationwide showrooms or request a free design consultation. And don’t forget our Free Photo Rendering Service — our design experts will render your window treatment ideas into a photo of your room.  

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!

Inside Mount Window Treatments

By

Inside Mount Roman Shades

Relaxed Roman Shades in Linen Blend White. Design by Urbanology.

 

While shopping for custom window treatments, there are many questions to consider. In addition to selecting your style, material, and color, you’ll need to decide whether your shades will mount inside or outside your window frame. Sometimes, this choice is just a personal design preference, but there are practical benefits to both styles as well.

Outside mount window treatments are great if you want to make your windows look bigger, or to bring a more dramatic feel into your space. Inside mount shades provide a cleaner, more built-in look. Keep reading for more reasons to choose an inside mount!

Window Treatments for Small Spaces

Inside Mount Relaxed Roman Shades Allison Jennison

Relaxed Roman Shade in Linen Natural. Design by Allison Jennison.

Inside mount window treatments are the perfect solution for smaller spaces, as they don’t have to take up any additional room beyond your window. The necessary depth measurement for an inside mounted shade is 3/4” of space. As long as your window meets this requirement, your shade can be installed securely, and will take up minimal space beyond your window.

Aesthetic Choices

If your design style leans toward minimalism, inside mount window treatments are a great choice for you. They look very clean and modern.

Additionally, if you have beautiful woodwork and detailing in your home that you don’t want to cover, inside mount shades are the best choice. Whether your shades are raised or lowered, the frame of your window will never be covered, allowing the architectural elements of your home to take center stage.

Layered Window Treatments

Inside Mount Solar Shades in 7% Metallic Ink

Inside Mount Solar Shades in 7% Metallic Ink

Another great thing about inside mount shades is the opportunity that they present for layering! Layering your window treatments not only looks great, but it allows for flexibility in the amount of light you let in. Try an inside mount Roller Shade with an outside mount Roman Shade, or an inside mount Woven Wood Shade paired with Pinch Pleat Drapery. No matter what combination you choose, your windows are bound to look beautiful!

Our Design Consultants are happy to help if you have any questions about which mount type is the best fit for your windows. Visit one of our showrooms or give us a call at (800) 754-1455.

Arched Window Treatments: How to Use Window Shades on Arched Frames

By

Window Treatments for Arched Windows Fashionable Hostess

Pinch Pleat Drapery in Scatter Dot Ivory. Design by Amanda Gluck of Fashionable Hostess.

Arched windows add style and architectural interest to any space, but their unique shape can make it difficult to choose window treatments that look even and balanced. With our 70+ years of expertise, we have found several drapery and shade options that help your arched windows look their best. Whether you need full light blockage for a bedroom or you want to emphasize the arch in a living room, we have a window treatment solution for you.

Drapes Hung Above the Arch

Hanging drapes above arched windows addresses many potential drawbacks of other treatments. When hung high and pulled back, drapery can still allow the arched window trim to show and be appreciated. When closed, the drapes cover all of the windows and can help darken a bedroom or home office. Additionally, drapes mounted as high as possible elongate the walls and make ceilings appear taller.

If there is enough room on the wall above the windows, the drapery hardware can be mounted on the wall several inches above the arch. For a dramatic statement and for very tall windows, ceiling mounted drapes are an excellent choice. Both locations create a clean and streamlined look.

Drapes Hung Below the Arch

In multiple window situations where the arch rises above other rectangular windows, the drapery rod or track can be placed just below the arch and at the top of the other windows. This setup keeps the arch visible at all times, including when the drapes are closed. It preserves natural light while adding privacy to the lower portion of the windows.

Shades for Arched Windows

If other pieces of your furniture and décor have straight lines that you’d like to echo on the windows, sleek Roller Shades are a favorite for arched windows. In a light filtering material mounted above the top of the arch, the shade will allow the arched shape of the window to shine through when the shade is drawn. When raised, the shade closes into an inconspicuous roll, letting the windows remain the center of attention.

If you’d like to see what any of these window treatments for arched windows would look like in your home, take advantage of our free Photo Rendering Service. Send us a photo of your window and our designers will render the treatment of your choice in the proper location. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have by phone, email, or in one of our nationwide showrooms.

Styling Drapes for the Family Room

By

drapes for family room ms architecture

Ripple Fold Drapes. Design by M.S. Architecture.

As its name suggests, the family room is often where parents, children, and guests gather and spend time together. These multipurpose spaces incorporate lounging, television watching, playing, and all sorts of other activities. Such a versatile room requires window treatments that supply comfort and function, working hard to meet the needs of your family and your home. We recommend drapes as an ideal choice for the family room because of their adaptability. Drapes offer a multitude of available styles and materials and can fit into homes with young children, pets, unique windows, and more. Keep reading to see our tips for choosing and styling custom drapes in your family room.

Determine Function First

Before looking at drapery materials and color schemes, decide what purpose your drapes will serve in your family room. Do you need privacy at night? Are there drafty patio doors that you would like to address? These are the types of questions that will guide you in choosing the style of drapes, from decorative to everyday use, as well as the fabric and lining.

Choose the Right Material

Thicker materials like wool and velvet with a blackout lining have the power to provide complete privacy and add insulation to your windows. Sheer drapery, like the gray Ripple Fold Drapes in Sasha Berlin’s design pictured below, soften the light in your room and add a breezy feel. On a wall of windows like this one, they also make the room feel less cold and help create an intimate atmosphere. If you have babies or toddlers, you may want to consider a durable material like our stain resistant Sunbrella® Ventana Collection. These fabrics are easy to clean and look beautiful on your windows.

family room window treatments sasha berlin design

Ripple Fold Drapes. Design by Sasha Berlin Design.

Never Go Wrong With Neutrals

If you are stuck trying to choose drapes for your family room, you can never go wrong with a neutral shade in a classic, functional style like Ripple Fold or Pinch Pleat. Grays, taupe and sandy shades, and crisp white all have staying power and can grow with your space as your tastes evolve. Take a look at some of our best selling materials for inspiration.

Our Design Consultants will be happy to help you create the perfect drapes for your family room. Give us a call, send us an email, or visit one of our showrooms to get your free swatches and get started on your design.

 

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.