The Quick & Dirty (But Actually Thorough) Guide to Window Treatments

At Plank & Pine, we’ll be the first to admit—window treatments don’t always get the love they deserve. They’re usually the last thing people think about in a home renovation or furnishing project, and for good reason: they’re not cheap.

Custom window treatments are an investment, which is why many people skip them altogether. But here’s the truth: When they’re done right the first time, you should never have to replace them again. And the payoff? Huge.

The right window coverings bring privacy, protect your furniture from fading, and completely transform a space. The wrong ones? Even the most beautiful room will feel unfinished.

Why Window Treatments Matter

Window treatments do far more than look pretty. They protect your investment—floors, rugs, upholstery—from UV damage (many flooring warranties even require them). They also make your home more livable by controlling light. Think about waking up to a soft glow through sheers, or how valuable blackout is in a nursery or a shift worker’s bedroom.

And then there’s the design factor. Treatments are that finishing layer that add warmth, balance, and texture—the difference between a room that feels “almost there” and one that feels polished and intentional.

Not All Window Treatments Are Created Equal

Different rooms call for different approaches. Bathrooms? We love café curtains or shutters—practical for privacy while still letting in light. Window treatments for kitchens? Roman shades bring softness and detail without taking up the wall space that full panels require, as shown in our New Beginnings Project.

For large windows, roller shades are workhorses—minimal, affordable, and great at blocking UV damage, as demonstrated in our By The Bay Project. To keep them from feeling stark, we often layer with drapery or a simple valance. And sometimes a valance alone is enough, offering a finishing touch when full treatments aren’t necessary.

Choosing the Right Window Covering Fabric

Fabric is where the magic happens. Our go-to is 100% linen because it drapes beautifully, feels effortless, and works in both casual and tailored spaces. Plus, it resists moisture, is naturally sustainable, and never looks heavy.

For bedrooms, we often use linen blends. They’re heavier, softer, and create that cocooning, restful feel. Sheers are another favourite, filtering light and adding romance, as shown in our New Beginnings project’s primary bedroom.  Layered with roller shades or blackout lining, they’re both beautiful and practical.

No matter what fabric you choose, 9/10 times we recommend adding liners. A cotton or blackout liner protects fabric, improves how it hangs, and extends its life. A small detail, but it makes all the difference.

The Pleat Factor: Why Custom Really Counts

Here’s a big difference between custom and off-the-shelf: pleats. Store-bought panels are usually flat, which is why they look skimpy when hung. Custom drapery allows you to choose a pleat style, which changes how the fabric falls and how finished the end result feels.

At Plank & Pine, we love top tack or two-fold pleats—timeless, tailored, and elevated without being fussy. Rod pocket styles, meanwhile, bring a nostalgic, relaxed charm which is why we used them in our Ultimate Shed Giveaway project this year. These details—pleats, fullness, finishing—are subtle, but once you live with them, you’ll never go back.

Placement Makes or Breaks It

Here’s where we see a lot of DIY window treatments go sideways: placement. Mount your drapery rod as close to the ceiling as possible. If there’s crown moulding, aim midway between the top of the trim and the crown. This one trick alone makes your ceilings feel taller and your windows look grander.

We also pay close attention to bracket placement. Your best bet is to line brackets up with the edges of the window casing—there are usually 2-3 studs in this location and you want to hit one. Custom drapery is heavy, and if it’s installed with flimsy anchors, it will sag or even tear away from the wall over time.

Length is another decision that changes the whole mood. Window panels that clear the floor feel practical and tailored, while those that “kiss” the floor bring a polished, high-end feel. If you want a touch of drama, let them puddle—but only in low-traffic rooms where that look makes sense.

And don’t forget about width. For panels you actually want to close, you’ll need at least twice the width of the window in fabric. Decorative-only panels can be narrower, around one-and-a-half times. Too narrow, and they’ll never look right.

Window Curtain Hardware: Details That Matter

Hardware is often overlooked, but it’s carrying the weight—literally. Thin or flimsy rods won’t cut it for wide spans. We typically use rods at least an inch and a quarter thick for stability and visual balance. 

Another insider tip: we often swap out the standard grey screws that come with rods for colour-matched hardware so everything looks intentional.

And while rods are classic, track systems can be a lifesaver. They’re discreet, glide beautifully, and are perfect for tricky situations like bay windows, sloped ceilings, or when you have minimal clearance above the window as in our the dining room at our New Beginnings Project. Track systems can also be motorized, which adds a layer of luxury and convenience we love specifying if the budget allows.

The Case for Custom Window Treatments

Here’s the truth: store-bought window treatments rarely work. Panels are usually too short, too narrow, and don’t hang with the fullness that makes a space feel finished. Custom window treatments, on the other hand, are tailored to your exact windows and lifestyle. They last longer, function better, and most importantly, they make your rooms feel complete.

It’s one of those investments you’ll appreciate every single day—when you open them in the morning, when the afternoon sun hits your floors, and when you close them at night. Done right, window treatments aren’t just accessories. They’re an essential part of a well-designed home.

Looking to have an interior designer help you cultivate the right look, feel, and functionality in your home? Explore the interior design services we offer.