Window Treatments 101: What Every Homeowner Should Know

If there’s one thing we see over and over again, it’s clients who’ve waited way too long to address their windows…and they can't believe the difference once they finally do.  

Window treatments are one of those finishing details that quietly make or break a room. The right ones add height, warmth, softness, and a sense of intention that no amount of furniture rearranging can replicate. Bare windows, or the wrong window treatments, can make even the most beautifully designed space feel unfinished.  

So let’s talk about it! Here’s everything you need to know…

Your Options

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to window treatments. The best choice depends upon your lifestyle, your needs, and the overall aesthetic you’re going for. Here’s a quick rundown of the most common:

Simple Blinds: Blinds are the workhorse of window treatments. They are a budget friendly option and a great starting point for spaces where light control is the priority, like bedrooms and home offices. On their own, they can read a little flat, which is why we often recommend pairing them with drapery panels for a layered, more finished look.  

Roman Shades: Roman shades are where function meets elegance. They fold up neatly when raised and lie flat when lowered. This gives you a tailored look that photographs beautifully. Fabric selection is everything. The right linen, pattern, and trimmings can make a Roman shade feel like a piece of art. They're our go-to in our Baton Rouge and Prairieville projects, especially in kitchens, dining rooms, and cozy sitting areas.  

Drapery: Nothing (and we mean nothing) adds drama and luxury to a room quite like custom floor-to-ceiling drapery. When designed and hung correctly, drapery makes ceilings feel taller, rooms feel larger, and spaces feel intentionally designed. We work with everything from casual linen panels to silk-blend drapery, different pleat styles, and bandings, depending on the room and the client’s style.  

Motorized Systems: Today’s motorized window treatments are sleek, reliable, and are a game-changer for rooms with hard-to-reach windows, floor-to-ceiling glass, or clients who simply love convenience. Whether it’s motorized shades that raise and lower automatically at a preset time daily or you want to open and close your drapery panels at the push of a button for instant blackout capabilities, motorization is for you! If you’re already investing in high-end design, motorized treatments are an upgrade worth having a conversation about.  

The details that actually matter!

Here’s where a lot of DIY installs go sideways…the details…

Height matters more than you think. Hanging drapery panels too low is one of the most common mistakes we see. As a rule, curtain rods should be mounted close to the ceiling. This draws the eye up, making your ceiling feel taller and giving the whole room a more polished look.  

Width matters. Panels that are too narrow make windows look small, and rooms feel cramped. When in doubt, go wider than you think you need to. The goal is fullness and volume, even when the panels are open.  

Lining is a non-negotiable for quality. For a truly high-end result, you want lined drapery, blackout, or thermal interlining to manage the heat and light year-round. Especially in Louisiana. The combination of both makes for beautiful drapery panels that hold their shape over time.

Cohesion is the goal. The best window treatments don't just look good on their own. They work in harmony with your upholstery, bedding, accents, and overall color palette. This is exactly why Britt Hill approaches every window treatment project the same way we approach full design. With intention, coordination, and an eye for the whole picture.  

Why It's Worth Working with Professionals  

For clients who want a result that feels elevated, cohesive, and built to last, working with a professional makes all the difference. We handle everything from measurement to fabrication to installation, and we coordinate your window treatments with your existing furniture, bedding, and upholstery so nothing feels like an afterthought.  

We’ve been doing this since 2009 and have been in business for ourselves since 2017, and were just named a Best of Baton Rouge Winner by The Advocate. That recognition means a lot to us. It reflects the standard we hold ourselves to on every project, whether it’s one window or a whole-home refresh.  

Ready to Talk Windows?

We’d love to help you figure out what’s right for your home. Stop by our showroom in Prairieville at 17022 Airline Hwy, give us a call at 225-478-3833, or visit us at britthillinteriors.com to learn more.  

Whether you are starting from scratch or finally ready to finish what you’ve started - we’re here for it!  

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