Our Guide to Window Treatments
Our Guide to Window Treatments
We’re pulling back the curtain on our approach and preferred formula to window coverings.
Color
AGH Favorite: Soft Neutral Hues
Our Why: When selecting window treatments, we prefer to go with soft neutral hues versus a true bright white. This helps add warmth to a space and creates the perfect ambiance. Drapery does not need to be the same color as the wall. There are times when we want to keep the color similar and add variation or texture through the material, but we also like a contrast! For instance, with a warm white wall, we may pair it with a sand or oatmeal; with a cooler wall, we may lean even warmer with a deeper natural color.
AGH Tip: We almost never select drapery that is lighter than the walls.
Material
AGH Favorite: Sheer Linen Drapery
Our Why: We always prefer to use sheer linen drapery in areas where privacy isn’t a concern. We love this look because it allows the natural light in, blending indoors and outdoors, while still adding layered warmth.
AGH Tip: When privacy is a factor in the space you’re hanging your drapes, this is the perfect opportunity to layer/install lined shades in with your sheer drapes. Alternatively, you can install a double rod and add two layers of drapery- one sheer and one with a privacy liner. The two tones and weights (if you use different colors) create a romantic contrast.
Style
AGH Favorite: Tailored Pleat
Our Why: Out favorite style of drapes has a European flair: the tailored pleat. The pinched sculptural illusion is voluminous and leans traditional. This style of drapes has stood the test of time and is dramatic yet ageless.
AGH Tip: In order to compliment the refinement of pleats, our favorite style of romans is flat shades. They feel relaxed yet formal and will be a timeless coupling.
Hardware
AGH Favorite: Oil Rubbed Bronze, French Return
Our Why: For drapery materiality, our go-to choice is oil-rubbed bronze with a soft rounded curved return. We prefer this European-inspired look over a 90 degree or a ball finial end cap to embrace organic form; it really elevates the look. We also almost always use round rings to hang for contrast against the structured style.
AGH Tip: Match drapery hardware throughout the entire home.
Installation
AGH Favorite: Hang the rod as close as possible to the ceiling; drapes should “kiss”/touch the floor
Our Why: The main style purpose of drapes is to create the illusion of height. To do this, try to hang rods as close to the ceiling as possible and have the drapes go all the way to the floor.
AGH Tip: You may ask, “when do I use roman shades vs. drapes?”. Shades are perfect for layering with drapes for privacy, as well as for narrow or short windows. Cafe curtains are a great option for windows that have a seat or a ledge below them and don’t need privacy. Drapes are best for larger-scale oversized windows typically found on the biggest walls/rooms of the home.
Shop our tried-and-true window treatment favorites
We also love (and highly recommend) using Everhem products in our projects.