The Art of Dressing a Window

I’ve been thinking a lot about windows lately. They’re so often overlooked, but to me, they’re the heartbeat of a room. A room without dressed windows feels unfinished, like walking out the door without earrings or lipstick.

When it comes to shades, I start with function and mood. A woven shade brings warmth and texture, a roman shade adds softness, and a solar shade gives you control when light is the priority. It depends on the room and more importantly, how you live in it.

But shades alone don’t make magic. Curtains are the finishing layer, the polish, the piece that turns a room from almost-there into complete. I prefer custom whenever possible, a French pleat paired with a French return is timeless. Sometimes I’ll add trim for a more traditional or decorative edge, but more often I lean toward tailored and simple.

Texture is everything. I never want all the fabrics in a room to be speaking in the same voice. If your sofa is linen, I’ll pull in velvet drapes for depth. If the sofa is velvet, I’ll soften it with silk or linen. That tension between fabrics makes the room feel layered and alive.

And then, of course, there’s the question of solids or patterns. A solid drape in a rich color can ground a room. Patterns can harmonize or make their own statement. Florals can be charming and playful, while a stripe always feels crisp. Valances and swags? Not for me. But I do love puddling, that extra sweep of fabric spilling onto the floor that adds drama and warmth, especially when a room calls for something romantic.

So here’s my little reminder: don’t forget your windows. Dress them with intention and care, and the whole room changes. They frame the light, the view, and the life that happens inside.