7 Super Easy Tips to Make Your Windows Look Bigger
by Esther Simpson
03 05, 2021 | Posted in Education | 0 comments
Nothing draws the eye in a room like large, beautifully dressed windows. But what if your windows are lacking- or, they simply don't live up to the proportions of the room? No need to worry! We have some super easy hacks on how to make your windows look bigger! Try These Simple Tricks Making windows look bigger often comes down to creating a trick of the eye. With the right fabric, rods, or even furniture arrangements, you can create an impact without investing in a renovation. Try these seven tips for big results:
- Re-Hang your curtain rod, cornice board, or lambrequin. Instead of hanging it just over the window, move it up and out. Interior designers have varying opinions on just how far to go, but most agree that four to eight inches in either direction can create the right illusion without looking out of place. For a more dramatic look, feel free to push the limit.
- Invest in longer, wider curtains or sheers. With your hardware extended, you'll likely need bigger curtains to cover the added real estate-ensuring the window covering extends all the way to the floor without draping, and reaches the edges of the new width boundaries. Your new dimensions may create unconventional sizing requirements. So, choosing custom window treatments will allow you the advantage of having curtains made to your exact specifications.
- Consider a new for color your window coverings. Light colors, in general, can make both your windows and room look larger. To really create a visual perception of more space, consider window coverings that match the color of the walls-as long as it's not a dark color. A dark shade will make the entire space look smaller.
- Choose patterns that emphasize direction. If you want to add a perception of height to your windows, go with a window covering that has a vertical pattern. If it's width you want to accentuate, go with a horizontal pattern.
- Don't skimp on fabric. Flimsy sheers and drapes can draw attention to the extra space you've created between the window and the curtain rod, cornice board or lambrequin. Go with a thick, sturdy fabric for a professional look that draws attention toward the curtains and away from the optical illusion you've created.
- Reorganize your room. Don't crowd your windows with furniture-ensure there's plenty of room for the curtains to hang properly without furnishing against or directly in front of them. Framing the outer edges of your new window area with side tables or arm chairs can also visually extend the width of the windows. One of our favorite tricks is to hang a large mirror on the wall across from the window. This lets more light into the room, giving the illusion that the windows are bigger.
- Go fabulous. No one will notice the size of your windows if you have beautiful, high-quality window coverings they can't take their eyes off of! Window Works Studio can help with that. We create custom window coverings that complement your particular space and design aesthetic, while adding a Wow! factor.

Want to make your home a stylish sanctuary?
Ready to leave behind the old and move forward with the new?
After the ups and downs of 2020, now’s the time for a fresh start! Window treatment trends for 2021 reflect that. They also demonstrate the ways in which we’ve changed our attitudes toward home life and how we’ve adapted to new ways of nesting. Find out what’s new — and what’s holding strong — in window treatment trends this year.
2021 Trending Colors
Between remote work and the skipping of social events, Americans are spending more time than ever at home. As a result, many are creating environments that are both soothing and comforting. This means we’ll be seeing plenty of calming blues and greens in window treatments. Pantone’s choice of “Ultimate Gray” this year may mean shades of gray will also continue growing in popularity.
Bright & Airy Colors, Fabrics & Prints
Speaking of Pantone… they released not one but two colors of the year for 2021. In addition to "Ultimate Gray" the other color is “Illuminating,” a bright, vibrant yellow. You may want to choose window coverings in this shade—or a floral retro pattern—to develop a more optimistic attitude about the days ahead. And don’t forget Boho-inspired neutral color palates and botanical-themed patterns in fabrics, which continue to be hot sellers.
Increased natural light is also an important part of this trend. So, look for minimalistic window coverings in semi-opaque fabrics. Sheers, in particular, are making a comeback as standalone curtains in some rooms.
There are also many Roman shades and honeycomb shade designed with natural light in mind. Hunter Douglas Designer Roller Duolite shades are another great option. With dual shades, you can pull one down during daytime hours to let sunlight through; then, pull the second one down at night for light blocking during bedtime hours.
Outdoor Influences in Materials
Too much time inside is giving many people a desire to be in the great outdoors. We saw this reflected in many of the fabric and texture trends of 2020. Now, it’s carrying over into the new year as well.
- Woven blinds made of bamboo and other natural materials
- Linen and muslin draperies
- Textured fabrics
- Wood blinds


Cool Custom Window Treatments For Unique Windows
by Amy Meinecke
10 02, 2020 | Posted in Education | 0 comments
If you can dream it, you can do it. In the world of home design, this is more than just a mantra — it’s a ticket to a world of possibilities. In the world of window coverings, such creative thinking leads to some unique shapes, styles, and types of windows, which need to be draped with similar creative panache. The good news is that when you work with customization experts like those of us here at Window Works Studio, we’ve seen — and created — it all. From shutters to skylights — from arches to french doors — we can fabricate or find you window treatment solutions for anything your mind — and home builder — can throw at us. We’ve combed the archives to find some of the most creative custom coverings, and wanted to share some design ideas that could inspire some unique thinking for your unique window shapes and styles.
- Bay Windows: These three-dimensional windows feature a projection that goes beyond your exterior wall - creating the possibility of a nook or alcove surrounded by glass on three sides. Coverings work best here — anything from one-inch blinds, cellular shades, and pleated shades will achieve the desired results.
- Bowed Windows: Similar to bay windows, these create a pleasing curve that offers a wide view of the outside. Custom hardware provides the ability to hang the draperies from a curved rod making the drapes simple to open and close.
- Casement Windows: Because these swing inside or outside — much like doors — and use a crank to open, there may not be much mounting space. Again, outside mounting products — particularly those with a high rise — will likely do the trick.
- Triangles, Circles, and Curves: For those accent windows that reach the highest peaks, we recommend inoperable cellular shades, perhaps using a soft fabric to allow light to come in without being blasted with direct sunlight. For lower windows, you can even use plantation shutters to provide the appropriate amount of privacy.
- Sidelights: We see a lot of these in the South — small panes of glass that allow light in astride doorways. To make your grand entrance even grander — and also to protect your entire home from being on display 24/7, consider mini-blinds, shutters, cellular shades, or even roman shades.

Designing Custom Window Treatments for Multiple Rooms
by Esther Simpson
04 06, 2020 | Posted in Education | 0 comments
Have you struggled to come up with the right window treatments for each room in your home? You want to have a consistent look throughout the home, yet be able to address the individual needs for each space and the individual styles of those living in the home. In this Summerfield, NC home, we took on the task of designing multiple window treatments throughout. We considered the privacy needs and individual style of each space, as we assured a consistent flow through the home.
Drapery for Child's Room
In this customers son's room, our client wanted window treatments that would grow with him. Choosing something neutral, and character free helps to accomplish this. These drapes were made in a fun neutral horizontal stripe, that can easily be transitioned into teenage decor. These custom curtains were made with a blackout lining, and designed to close across the windows, providing a room darkening option for quality sleep. During the day, the drapery can be opened to let in lots of light for play.
Drapery for Guest Room
In this guest room, we selected Helser Brothers custom iron hardware in a French pole style. This style hardware is sleek and stylish in its simplicity. The drapery are fabricated with a soft linen fabric complimented with a simple, taupe colored tape trim along the leading edges. This style of trim adds interest and pulls color from the room to the neutral drapery.
Window Treatments for Teenagers
In the customer's teenage daughters room, we designed custom, black out lined roman shades. The crisp white linen fabric is spiced up with a colorful woven trim along the bottom to coordinate with her fun, vibrant bedding. The trim is hand-sewn, so it can be removed and changed to a different color and style in the future, if desired.

Master Suite Window Treatments
Elegant and functional drapery were called for in this master bedroom. The room had light colored bedding and lovely blue wall. Our job was to select fabric to compliment the existing colors and style, while providing room darkening for sleep. We chose the same white linen we used in the other bedrooms and featured a tape trim banding that incorporated the pretty blues from the room. The drapery was made to close across the window and because we used a blackout lining, provide room darkening when needed. Once again we used custom iron hardware by Helser Brothers to make a statement and provide consistency through the house. For the master bath, we used Hunter Douglas Vignette Modern Roman Shades. Their semi-opaque liner keeps the room light while still providing privacy. The fabric was chosen to compliment the room without distracting from the stunning copper tub!


