Showing posts tagged with: shades

Different Types of Roman Shades

by AmyB

11 03, 2022 | Posted in Education | 0 comments

Roman shades are quite luxurious, and they add beauty and style to all of your windows. You have an unlimited supply of fabrics from which to choose in different colors, weights, patterns, themes, and styles. You also have several different types of Roman shades to choose from to match your interior decorating style, as well.

What are Roman Shades?

  Roman shades are soft window treatments made of fabric that are a combination of drapery with the functionality of window shades. They are usually made of luxurious fabrics, such as velvet, linen, and wool, and they give depth and texture to your windows. Roman shades are versatile because you can dress them up or down in any room and in any fabric you wish. You can choose to customize them with different fold styles and drape styles. They are easy to operate with a pull cord or a continuous loop cord for child safety. You can also choose to have your custom Roman shades made in a cordless design, and their classic look never goes out of style.

Significant Style Variables of Roman Shades

  Choosing different options makes Roman shades highly customizable with different shade styles, fabric choices, and hanging options that dictate how they will look in your windows.

Shade Style

You can choose from the simplest style of Roman shades to blend in with their surroundings, or you can choose other styles that have more volume and look more luxurious, or anywhere in between.

Fabric Choice

Choose a thinner fabric for windows that don't get a lot of heat and sunlight in them so they will be light filtering when the shades are down. For more privacy control, choose a thicker fabric that is room-darkening when the shade is down. The thicker fabrics look best with the fuller styles and are often used in bedrooms for privacy.

Hanging Option

You have two main hanging options for your Roman shades. The interior mount option mounts the top of the shade inside the top of your window frame for a clean and crisp look. Otherwise, you may decide to hang your Roman shades on the wall above the window frame. This option makes your rooms look taller, and it doesn't obstruct your view at the top of the window when they are fully opened like the interior mount option.

Types of Roman Shades

 

Standard Flat Fold

The standard flat-fold Roman shade is perhaps the most common type that you will think of when it's mentioned. They have a very sleek and modern appearance. When down, this style looks like a flat sheet of fabric, but when you raise them, the shades stack in horizontal folds at the top of the window. Lighter-weight fabrics are generally used for this style.

Plain Fold

The plain fold Roman shade has neat and tidy horizontal folds in the fabric both when it's down or raised to add extra interest and texture as well as depth to your windows. The folds are heavier and wider than the standard flat fold, and medium to thicker weight fabrics work best with this shade.

Soft or Hobbled Fold

The soft or hobbled fold type of Roman shade is also commonly called a teardrop or looped shade. The bottom hemline is straight across, but the folds are rounder and softer than other types. This style gives you the most volume at the top of the window when it's opened, and more luxurious and thick fabrics suit it best. When the shade is lowered, you still see the shape or curved folds for an airy or quite romantic feel in a formal setting, such as a dining room.

European Fold

Roman shades in the European fold style don't have a rod sewn into the bottom of it, as the other styles do. This gives the fabric a relaxed appearance with a natural curve at the bottom of the hemline that is often called a soft smile. This is a calming and soft style that is perfect for a nursery to create a serene atmosphere, but it also works well in formal settings, such as living rooms and dining rooms.

We Help you Find the Perfect Roman Shades for your Home

  At Window Works Studio, we understand that it can be quite a task to choose the perfect Roman shades for your windows. We offer a FREE in-home consultation with an experienced designer for window treatments in Jamestown NC. We have the largest selection of fabric, trim, and hardware in the area from which to choose, and we can offer you several solutions for Roman shades that match your decor, function properly, and look beautiful as well. We also guarantee our products and our services to you. Contact us today for perfect Roman shades in Jamestown NC!

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Kitchen Window Treatments: Tips from Experts

by Margaret Harvey

08 18, 2022 | Posted in Education | 0 comments

Kitchen windows get a lot of attention, because people hang out in the kitchen together, they cook and clean in the kitchen and it completes your decor if you choose window treatments to complement your other items in your kitchen, whether it is your cabinets, countertops, or molding. You have several different styles from which to choose for your kitchen window treatments. It does matter where your kitchen windows are located as to which types will work best for you. Some window treatments don't hold up as well as others if your kitchen window is above your sink.

Top 5 Kitchen Window Treatments

  For kitchen windows, the top 5 choices of window treatments are window shutters, solar shades, woven wood shades, faux wood blinds, and Roman shades.

Window Shutters

Window shutters are quite formal looking in their appearance with wide louvers on them. You can tilt the louvers to let some sunlight in, or you can swing the shutters open to the sides of the window to let natural light into your kitchen with an unobstructed view of the outdoors. Shutters are not ideal for a window over your sink, unless you choose faux wood instead of hardwood shutters. Faux wood is treated so it resists warping, breaking, splitting, and yellowing over time and they are excellent choices for humid areas, such as bathrooms and kitchens. You can have your shutters painted or stained in the color you desire and they will last you a lifetime without the need to replace them.

Solar Shades

Solar shades are a type of roller shade that has a screen-like material on them to allow light into your kitchen windows, but they also block out the heat and UV rays of the sun to keep your kitchen cooler. You have many choices in the opacity of solar shades to let a little bit of filtered light in or to allow a lot of sunlight in your windows. You still maintain a great view of the outside world when they are closed, but people on the street and neighbors can't see inside your windows. You can raise and lower your solar shades to allow a specific amount of light into your kitchen. Solar shades can be easily cleaned with soap and water, so they are a good choice for over the sink.

Woven Wood Shades

Woven wood shades have an earthy feel to them, which is considered very casual and they pair very well with coastal or beach-themed kitchens. They are made from bamboo, jute and other grasses that are woven together to make a sheet of woven wood and they operate as a roller shade does. The tighter the weave, the less light that can come in your windows. The color palettes are shades of browns, greens, and other natural colors as well. They add a lot of personality to a white kitchen or a neutral color to make your windows more dramatic. You can raise and lower your woven wood shades to any height you wish.

Faux Wood Blinds

Faux wood blinds are a great choice for kitchen windows because if water happens to splash on them, it won't harm anything and if a messy spot of food or drink splashes on them, you can merely wipe it off with a damp cloth. Faux wood blinds are treated with the same products as faux wood shutters so they are long-lasting and very durable. You can also have them stained or painted in any color you choose to match your decor seamlessly.

Roman Shades

Roman shades are made of fabric and this gives you an almost unlimited amount of fabric weights, solid colors, patterns, and a lot of styles. Patterns and stripes can make your kitchen feel light and graceful to add sophistication and flair to your windows. If you have a window over the sink, you will want to choose an easy-care fabric for your Roman shades. If they get something splashed on them and spot cleaning isn't helping, you can take them down and soak them in warm soapy water in the bathtub and scrub them gently with a sponge. Rinse them out very well and lay them on a flat surface to air dry for a few days before hanging them back up.

Let's Start Shopping for Kitchen Window Treatments!

You can match your kitchen window treatments to just about any item in the kitchen that you like the most. They can match your walls, flooring, countertops, molding, or cabinets in color to fit in with your main color palette. At Window Works Studio, Inc., our highly talented designers have over 20 years of experience in making windows shine with window treatments in Jamestown, NC. We offer a FREE in-home consultation and help you make the best decision for your windows while giving you a lot of different choices. Contact us today to get started on beautifying your kitchen with shades in Jamestown, NC!  

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Designing Custom Window Treatments for Multiple Rooms

by The Experts of Window Works Studio Inc

04 06, 2020 | Posted in Education | 0 comments

When designing a home, each room has its own personality, purpose, and potential. But when it comes to choosing window coverings for your entire house, things can get… a little overwhelming. How do you maintain a consistent aesthetic while meeting the unique needs of each space? Should your living room drapes match your kitchen shades? Is there a way to achieve privacy in the bathroom without compromising style? If you’ve ever paused mid-scroll on Pinterest wondering how all those homes look so beautifully coordinated—yet so effortlessly functional—you're not alone. This is exactly where custom window treatments come in. With the right design guidance and materials, you can create a cohesive look across multiple rooms while addressing the light, privacy, and energy needs of each space. Let’s walk through how to design personalized, room-by-room window solutions that blend beauty with purpose.

Why Custom Window Treatments Matter in Multi-Room Design

When you invest in custom window treatments, you’re not just picking out blinds or shades—you’re curating how each space feels, functions, and flows into the next. Unlike off-the-shelf options, custom treatments are tailored to your home's dimensions, architectural quirks, and your specific lifestyle needs.

The Advantage of Customization

  • Perfect fit – Every window is measured precisely for seamless installation
  • Style consistency – Achieve a unified look throughout your home without sacrificing each room’s individuality
  • Material and fabric selection – Choose from a wide range of options that suit both aesthetic and performance needs
  • Light and privacy control – Tailored solutions that vary by room use and orientation
  • Energy efficiency – Reduce heat gain and loss with properly fitted, insulated coverings

Designing for Different Rooms: A Practical and Stylish Approach

Each room in your home serves a different function—and your window treatments should too.

Living Room: Balancing Style and Versatility

Drapes with Roman Shades for Living RoomsThe living room often acts as the heart of the home, so your window coverings should reflect your personal taste while allowing flexibility throughout the day. Ideal solutions:
  • Drapes or layered curtains for softness and elegance
  • Wood or faux wood blinds for light control and structure
  • Motorized shades for added convenience
Choose colors and textures that align with your overall color palette. Sheer panels can add dimension without making the room feel heavy.

Bedroom: Prioritize Privacy and Light Control

Hunter Douglas Cellular Shades in BedroomYour bedroom should feel restful and private—two factors strongly influenced by your choice of window coverings. Ideal solutions:
  • Blackout shades or room-darkening curtains to block light and promote sleep
  • Shutters or cellular shades for insulation and privacy
  • Layered treatments for softness and flexibility
Fabric choices in calming tones and textures will enhance the cozy, cocoon-like atmosphere.

Kitchen: Easy to Clean and Full of Light

Graber Faux Wood Blinds in KitchenKitchens thrive on natural light, but you’ll also want window coverings that can withstand heat and humidity. Ideal solutions: Stick to light-filtering materials and avoid anything too heavy or hard to clean.

Bathroom: Moisture Resistance Meets Privacy

Graber Composite Shutters in BathroomBathrooms require functional solutions that can hold up to steam and offer total privacy. Ideal solutions:
  • Shutters or vinyl blinds for their water-resistant properties
  • Top-down bottom-up shades to let light in without sacrificing privacy
Consider moisture-resistant fabrics and avoid floor-length options unless you have a spacious layout.

Dining Room: Warmth and Elegance

Graber Roman Shades in Dining AreaThis is your chance to be a little more dramatic. Dining room treatments can bring warmth and elegance that elevate every gathering. Ideal solutions:
  • Floor-to-ceiling drapes for a luxurious statement
  • Roman shades in rich fabrics for classic style
  • Layered sheers with bold side panels for softness and sophistication
Choose patterns or colors that complement your furniture and table linens.

Home Office: Focus and Flexibility

  Natural light is important for productivity, but glare can be a real issue. Ideal solutions:
  • Solar shades for glare reduction while preserving views
  • Cellular shades for sound absorption and insulation
  • Dual roller shades to switch between blackout and light-filtering
Neutral tones and streamlined styles help maintain a focused environment.

Creating a Cohesive Look Across Your Home

It’s entirely possible to mix different window treatments across your home without losing visual harmony. The key lies in thoughtful coordination.

Style Consistency Without Sameness

  • Repeat fabric or trim details in different rooms to create subtle continuity
  • Choose a consistent hardware finish for rods and brackets
  • Stick to a unified color palette, even if treatments differ by function
A design consultation can help you strike the perfect balance between variety and cohesion.

Coordinating Patterns and Materials

Don’t be afraid to bring in woven woods in one room and luxurious drapes in another—as long as the textures speak to each other. Layering patterns can also add depth, as long as they don’t compete. A professional can help ensure your choices complement rather than clash.

Measuring, Fitting, and Professional Installation

Precision is everything when designing custom window coverings. Measuring even a fraction of an inch off can throw off the fit, functionality, and appearance. Working with a professional team means:
  • Accurate in-home measurements
  • Expert recommendations based on light direction and architectural layout
  • Flawless installation for long-term performance
At Window Works Studio, we handle all of this so you don’t have to guess—or get up on a ladder.

FAQs About Custom Window Treatments

1. How long does it take to complete custom window treatments for an entire home?

The timeline varies depending on the number of rooms and treatment types. Typically, you can expect 4 to 6 weeks from design consultation to installation. Specialty materials or motorization may take a bit longer.

2. Can I mix different window treatment styles in an open-concept space?

Absolutely—as long as they coordinate. Consider keeping colors and fabrics consistent or complementary while varying the type of treatment based on function. A designer can guide you through this process.

3. Are custom window treatments worth the investment?

Yes. Custom treatments offer superior fit, durability, design flexibility, and long-term energy savings. They also enhance the look and value of your home in a way off-the-shelf options can’t match.

Conclusion: Every Room Has a Role—Let Your Windows Reflect That

Designing custom window treatments for multiple rooms doesn’t mean every window needs to look the same. It means each space is treated with care, intention, and personal flair—while maintaining harmony throughout your home. Whether you're furnishing a newly built house or refreshing your forever home, tailored window coverings offer solutions that are as functional as they are beautiful. From privacy and light control to color palette and fabric choice, every detail matters—and that’s what we specialize in at Window Works Studio. Ready to turn your vision into reality? Schedule your personalized design consultation today and discover the difference tailored window treatments can make in your entire home.

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How do you work with a difficult window?

by AmyB

07 20, 2016 | Posted in Uncategorized | 0 comments

How many of you have a pesky window that seems to have no solution for how to decorate it, block the light, add privacy, etc? Is the window too tall? Does it have an odd shape? Hard to reach? We get calls from frustrated homeowners needing help with these same issues. Here are some of the solutions to consider... Bathtub Window So, why do builders always put a big window over the bathtub?! Often, it has a view of the neighbors' house or the road. How do you have privacy, but avoid losing the light or have to crawl in and out of the tub to open and close the window covering?  How about a shade that comes down from the top and up from the bottom. You can leave the top down enough to let in light, but still have privacy. You wouldn't have to move it everyday. top down bottom up hunter douglas vignette shade Of course, most any shade can be motorized so that you can open and close with the touch of a button!

Hunter Douglas PowerView remote control

Hunter Douglas PowerView remote control

Arch and Angular Shapes The arch shape window presents a variety of problems. Is there too much light coming through the arch? Can you cover the bottom, rectangle portion of the window and leave the arch area open? You can very often just leave the arch portion open...
Hunter Douglas Parkland Blinds

Hunter Douglas Parkland Blinds

But, if the light coming through the arch is too much, you can cover it with custom made shutters, blinds, honeycomb shades...
Hunter Douglas NewStyle shutter

Hunter Douglas NewStyle shutter

Hunter Douglas Palm Beach shutter

Hunter Douglas Duette Honeycomb

           

Hunter Douglas Duette Honeycomb

                      Are you looking to add fabric to the arch window? Here are some great ideas for that...
Arch window with drapery at varying heights

Arch window with drapery at varying heights

Design by Maria Adams Designs Fabrication by Window Works Studio, Inc.

Design by Maria Adams Designs
Fabrication by Window Works Studio, Inc.

IMG_3871

Iron Hardware by Helser Brothers

      Custom hardware bent to fit shape of window        
by Window Works Studio, Inc.

by Window Works Studio, Inc.

    Fabric Roman Shade and Pleated drapery made to fit within arch window.  
IMG_0872

by Window Works Studio, Inc.

Doors  Isn't it frustrating to have a door that needs a valance to match the other windows in the room, but if you put it at the same height as the window valances, you won't be able to use the door! You could put a tiny valance on the face of the door in the same fabric, but it seems so small and disconnected from the other valances. What do you do!? We have found the best solution is an Operable Door Valance. This way the door valance looks just like the others in the room, but you can still use the door...
by Window Works Studio, Inc.

by Window Works Studio, Inc.

P1000399

by Window Works Studio, Inc.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                See how the valance moves with the door      
by Window Works Studio, Inc.

by Window Works Studio, Inc.

P1000140

by Window Works Studio, Inc.

                      Tall Windows Tall windows are often an issue. Either there is too much light or it just looks massive and empty, begging for some softness. Here are some solutions...
Hunter Douglas Duette honeycomb shades

Hunter Douglas Duette honeycomb shades

IMG_3897

Design by Designers Attic                             Fabrication by Window Works Studio, Inc.

     
IMG_4121--

by Window Works Studio, Inc.

People often call us about there "standard" window, but as you can see, there are many different types of windows in homes these days and there is always a solution!

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