I feel like window treatments are one of those things people accidentally leave until the very end.

You pick the sofa.
The rug.
The paint.
The lighting.
Maybe even the throw pillows.

And then suddenly you’re standing in the room thinking…

Wait. What are we doing with the windows?

But honestly, window treatments can change SO much about how a room feels.

They can make a room feel taller. Softer. Warmer. More finished. They can help with privacy, filter harsh light, darken a bedroom, and make a window feel way more intentional.

So no, they are not just the little finishing touch we tack on at the end.

They’re part of the design.

First: What Does the Room Actually Need?

Before I even think about fabric, trim, or pattern, I want to know what the window needs to do.

Because a bedroom and a living room are probably asking for two completely different things.

In a bedroom, I usually want privacy and real light control. If you’re someone who needs the room DARK to sleep, this is where blackout lining becomes your best friend.

In a living room, I may want to keep as much natural light as possible but soften it a little so you’re not getting blasted by the sun at 3 PM.

And if the room faces a sidewalk or a neighbor’s house, privacy might be the first priority.

Start there.

Function first. Pretty second. Then we make them work together.

Roman Shades or Drapes?

This is probably one of the questions I get the most.

And the answer is… it depends.

I love a Roman shade when I want something tailored, clean, and contained. They’re especially good when there isn’t a ton of wall space around the window or when I want the window itself to feel like a little design moment.

Drapes bring something totally different.

They add softness. Height. Movement. A little drama.

And sometimes?

I want both.

A Roman shade can handle the privacy and light control, while the drapery brings in that softness and makes the whole room feel more layered.

That combo is GOOD.

One of My Favorite Tricks: Go Higher.

If you’ve ever put up curtains and thought, “Why does this still feel a little off?” check where your rod is.

I usually like to take drapery higher than people expect.

Instead of hanging it right above the window, bring it closer to the ceiling.

It pulls your eye up and can make the whole room feel taller.

And if you have enough space, let the panels extend past the sides of the window too.

You don’t want all that beautiful fabric sitting directly over your glass when it’s open.

We want the window to feel bigger, not smaller.

Don’t Block Good Light Just Because You Think You Need a Curtain.

This is a big one.

Not every window needs to be fully covered all day.

Sometimes a sheer, woven shade, or light-filtering fabric is enough to soften the light without taking away that bright, airy feeling.

I am always looking at the way the sun actually moves through the house.

Where does it hit in the morning?

Where does it get harsh in the afternoon?

Is it fading the upholstery?

Is there glare on the TV?

That stuff matters.

Window treatments can be beautiful AND solve a problem at the same time.

That’s the goal.

This Is Also Where You Can Have a Little Fun.

People get scared to do anything interesting on windows because they think it has to be super neutral.

It doesn’t.

A tiny stripe.
A soft floral.
A woven texture.
A contrast trim.
A really good warm neutral.

Even the smallest detail can make the room feel more custom.

And sometimes the window treatment isn’t supposed to be the star at all.

Sometimes it’s just the thing that makes the whole room suddenly click.

That moment where you walk in and think:

Ohhh. NOW it feels finished.

So Here’s My Tuesday Tip:

Don’t wait until the room is done to think about the windows.

Think about them while you’re making the rest of the design decisions.

What do you need them to do?

How much light do you want?

How much privacy?

Do you want them to disappear into the room or become part of the personality?

Because once you answer those questions, the pretty part gets a whole lot easier.

And if you’re looking at your windows or honestly, your whole room and thinking “I have no idea where to start,” that’s exactly what we’re here for.

We offer custom window treatments AND full Design Services at MegMade. We can help you pull together everything from fabrics and window treatments to furniture, rugs, lighting, layouts, and all those little decisions that make a room finally feel right.

And here’s the best part: your Design Services deposit becomes store credit that you can use toward your purchases for the project.

So instead of guessing your way through it, let’s make a plan together.

Ready to get started? START YOUR DESIGN PROJECT HERE → 🤎

Xoxo,

Meg