Window treatments: what you need to know

Window treatments are an often overlooked design element.  Personally, we love working with our interior design clients to select them because they add a beautiful finishing touch to their new spaces!  We talked with Claudia Clobes Yudis, owner and lead designer of Urban Loft Window Treatments, to get her take on what you need to know about window treatments.  We love Claudia’s work and are always thrilled to partner with her on our projects, and we so appreciate her taking the time do a Q&A with us!

Window Treatments 101

Q:  What window treatments are becoming the most popular?  What would you say is on trend now?

A:  Roman shades and simple drapes. Trim details are popular on Romans and tape banding on drapes.

Best Philadelphia interior designer Glenna Stone window treatments tape banding Urban Loft Window Treatments
Panel with tape banding for Glenna Stone Interior Design; Photo by Urban Loft Window Treatments

Q:  What has fallen out of fashion?

A: Swags, valances, and heavy wooden hardware in dark colors. Light and bright is popular; metal hardware in brushed nickel and brass are still going strong.

Q:  What is the best investment a client can make in terms of choosing timeless window treatments?

A:  Keep it simple. Add big prints and pops of color in powder rooms, laundry rooms, or mudrooms to make a statement in an otherwise small or utilitarian space.

Best Philadelphia interior designer Glenna Stone window treatments Urban Loft Window Treatments
Window treatment design and photo by Urban Loft Window Treatments

Q:  This is an important question.  Why should clients opt for custom over something from Home Depot or Ikea?

A:  The quality is incomparable with custom and they can design the treatments however they want, with pleats and special trims. Rod pocket styles look ready made and not custom. With custom design, clients can get the proportions that make sense for the window and mount drapes higher to elongate a window and give the impression that the ceiling is higher. The right length is so important. Custom operating mechanisms, like cordless and motorized shades, aren’t something you can get at a big box store.  It’s really all about tailoring the design to the client’s wants and needs.

Q:  What is your personal favorite part of window treatment design, and what styles do you love?

A:  Coordinating the looks to enhance the existing room design. Beautiful fabrics are my passion. I love helping clients define their aesthetic and seeing them excited about their window treatments. New custom window treatments enhance your quality of life and make clients so happy. (GSID note: we can certainly attest to that!  We love the gorgeous designs that Claudia created for our new design showroom and studio!)

Choosing window treatments in the Glenna Stone Interior Design Showroom; Photo by Urban Loft Window Treatments

 

Thank you so much to Claudia for taking the time to chat with us.  Do you have questions about window treatments for your home or workspace?  We highly recommend you get in touch!

Header image: Custom window treatments in a Main Line bedroom by Glenna Stone Interior Design and Urban Loft Window Treatments; Photo by Paul S. Bartholomew

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Glenna Stone Interior Design is an award-winning residential and commercial Philadelphia interior designer creating spaces that are a harmonious marriage of beauty, function, and lifestyle. Whether for a home, vacation retreat, or place of business, our goal is to design statement surroundings that express who you are. We encourage you to visit our website, view our work, and keep up with the latest interior design concepts on our blog

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