Your Whole Home Cheat Sheet To Picking The Right Window Coverings

When I first delved into the design world, my go-to window covering was always curtain panels. It was what I grew up with in my childhood home, and it seemed to be the default choice for many non-designers decorating their spaces. However, as I gained more experience, I realized that panels are not always the best option for every window.

For instance, if you have a small window above eye level, curtain panels might look out of place. In such cases, a roller or Roman shade would be more suitable. Similarly, if you have a picture window facing a street but want to maintain privacy without blocking the view, light-filtering cafe curtains could be the answer.

If you’ve ever struggled with deciding on the right window treatment, this post is for you. Below is a cheat sheet on when and where to use four common types of window coverings: Roman shades, pull-down shades, panels, and cafe curtains.

While there are exceptions to every rule, these guidelines are applicable in about 90% of cases. Let’s take a closer look at each type of window covering and where they work best.

Roman Shades

First up: Roman shades. These shades are versatile, clean, and tailored, making them a great choice for tricky spaces.

For example, in my kitchen, I had a large window in my breakfast nook that was challenging to cover. While panels could have been an option, the limited clearance above the window and the active kitchen environment led me to choose Roman shades. The outside mount was the best solution for my shallow sill.

Roman shades are also ideal for small windows, above furniture, or in casual spaces like kitchens. They offer a clean and tailored look that complements draperies in a room with multiple windows.

Roman Shade Recap:

• On a small window where panels would not work aesthetically or functionally
• If you want a clean, tailored look
• In a casual space like a kitchen or breakfast nook
• On a window above a piece of furniture, radiator, or baseboard heating
• As a complement to draperies in a room with multiple windows
• If you don’t have enough wall space for drapery rods/panels