Hi Everyone,
Thank you for the terrific suggestions for my new window treatments. As promised, this is part 2 of my primary bedroom window treatments.
Before we begin, there are a couple pieces of business.
First, I need to apologize. I thought the Hot Sales had been updated yesterday, but they weren’t up to date until about 2:00 PM this afternoon. I have a new part-time VA (virtual assistant) who keeps things up-to-date, and she’s doing a terrific job. Yesterday, she was having a technical problem, but didn’t realize the time-sensitive nature of updating the widgets, so nothing had changed since last Wednesday.
Instead of the Friday Hot Sales, except for maybe a dozen or so times a year, there will be a Friday evening blog post most Fridays, or in the wee hours on Saturday.
If you missed part 1, please begin from the top. To continue to part 2 of the primary bedroom window treatments, please click the link below, and it will skip part 1.
Part 2 Begins Here
Hi Everyone,
Happy First Day of Spring!
Thank you, too, for all of your sweet comments on my primary, undecorated bedroom post!
Maybe I should’ve said decorated with restraint?
This post about the primary bedroom window treatments is actually a continuation of that post.
If you go look at it again (link here), I also answered several of the comments. If I didn’t answer yours, please don’t read anything into it. I loved all of the comments this week!
Before we get into the primary bedroom window treatments, I need to make a short announcement that I made in my email note last Friday or Saturday, which announced the Hot Sales.Â
While I’m not stopping the Hot Sales, and they are still being kept up to date with changes 2 – 3 times a week, I am not going to focus on them unless there’s truly something to “write home about.” That means you’ll always find a Hot Sales email for the big holiday shopping weekends, and maybe half a dozen more or so throughout the year.
As always, if you have opted out of the Hot Sales, you will not receive those emails.
Instead of the Friday Hot Sales email, I am planning on posting another blog post. Therefore, there should be three blog posts published every week. It’s pretty much the same number of emails that you will receive from me.
Okay, let’s discuss my primary bedroom window treatments.
Oh wait! Sorry to keep interrupting myself; however, I need to share something with y’all that I happened upon three days ago while researching this post.
It sure got my attention!
Everything in bright green, I added.
I’ll let you absorb this for a second, but if you’d like to see this”e-commerce” site in real life on the Internet, please go to this website.
It’s from the wp59q.shop
Well, at least they were kind enough to name my shade after me. I’m flattered. As they said, “The Laurel Roman Shade is not just a window covering, it’s a statement piece…”
🙄
If you are new here, the shade featured in the ad is *my* Roman Shade that these crooks are supposedly selling for $78.99 with free shipping.
Yes, it’s this shade!
Oh, and it’s in stock! I wonder how many they’ve “sold.” Clearly, there is no way anyone could produce a Roman Shade that is inherently custom, with no dimensions that are also in stock and for such a low price.
I wager that if anyone is so gullible as actually to order this, they will not be able to get their money back.
Okay, no more interruptions; let’s take a look at my primary bedroom window treatments.
We’ll begin with the windows. ;]
Well, one is a window and with the moulding is 55″ wide.
Sorry, the image quality isn’t up to snuff, but it’s something to give you an idea of what the situation is.
The other window, as you can see, is actually a door and with the moulding is about 43″ wide. Oh, and there’s a transom. My guess is that the door was an addition and that originally, that was also a window that matched the one on the right.
In addition, the tops of the casings are at different heights. The window is about four inches below the crown moulding, and the door is about six inches below the crown moulding. However, it is the same height as the doorway.
This doorway. (above)
The door under the stairs is about four inches lower, but still a very tall door at 92″. People have asked how I arrived at the height for the picture rail. See the stairs coming through the ceiling? That’s how. But, it was the perfect height; about a foot below the ceiling.
Okay, the only window treatments that make sense are to have a double panel on the right side of the window, as you see above.
And another double panel to the left of the door.
The next issue is the rod.
If I want to spend a lot of money, which I don’t, I could do a custom curved rod. Or, two 60″ straight rods.
Will that look odd?
Probably. I think I should get my mop and try it out.
I will probably end up doing a custom rod, but I need to see how much it will be. I already have several boxes of one-inch rings.
The next decision is what the drapes will look like.
If I were William McLure, it’s not even a question. Just hem some white sheets or a drop cloth, and it’s done.
I’m not going to do that, but let’s see what plain white cotton curtains look like.
I do love this simple, chic curtain from Ballard Designs. It’s often in the Bed and Bath Hot Sales widget. And, I specked it for my fantastic financial adviser, Gene Lonergan when I helped him and his daughters fix up their guest bedroom.Â
As an aside, if you’re looking for help with investing, Gene is fantastic.
I can’t recommend him highly enough. Also, he’s my late mentor Eileen Lonergan’s husband. I miss Eileen more than I can say. If interested, please read my tribute to Eileen here. (It’s ad-free!)
While I love this curtain, and think it’s perfect for the Lonergans’ home on Massachusetts ‘ south coast, it doesn’t feel quite right for my Boston Back Bay bedroom.
Okay, let’s look at the most simple window treatment, plain cotton duck drapes with a stylish French pleat.
This is from one of my last client jobs in 2015. That is a French or Parisian pleat. It can be either a triple pinch or a double pinch. I like it with the lightest buckram, so there’s structure without too much stiffness, and used to specify 3 inches. However, the standard 4 inches is also fine.
Below are the William McLure-style drapes that I have done in the past for clients. But most often with lined sheer linen gauze, ala Victoria Hagan. (below)
This is also with a French pleat at the header. I did this window treatment for at least a dozen clients over the years.
Below is the bedroom widget that is also on the sister page introducing the bedroom.
There’s nothing better than white on white.
Or, is there?
To be continued…
xo,
*********************************************************
Part 2 Begins Here
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Today, I want to go over some more ideas for the window treatments.
I had already created all of them, so it was funny when I read in the comments ideas for what I had done.
The first idea is putting a black trim on the bottom.
For years, I have drooled over the Kelly Wearstler trim she did for the Viceroy Hotel. In fact, I love it so much, I figured it out and made a template for the design.
I adore this trim more than I can say. But, not so much in my bedroom. It’s a bit bossy, ya know? It’s like a soup, and there’s one ingredient that’s kind of ruining it.
So, then I tried this idea. (below)
Muuuuuch better! I very much like this!
But then… I had another idea.
What about a little color, like a light blue?
I tried a very light blue and was a bit meh about it.
Then, I saw a Greek Key trimmed drape at Ballard Designs. (Below)
Well, not quite this one. The Rowena drape is a cooler blue-gray. In addition, it’s a single panel, and I need a double panel to cover the glass. Another issue is that I like the trim along the fronts or the fronts and the bottom, but not bordered on three sides.
Drapes need to be at least double fullness, so 100 inches of fabric will give a 50″ panel. That’s fine.
However, I used the Ballard Designs as Inspiration for a trimmed velvet panel.
It’s a dusty blue-gray that is warmer than the Ballard Designs velvet.
However, it’s only a single panel. What if we need more coverage, or don’t want to do a double panel?
Below is a good way to fix that issue.
I used a creamy white linen or linen/cotton blend sheer curtain behind the velvet.
Oh my! I kind of love this idea!
It’s also pretty behind the simply trimmed double panel.
At that point, I decided to look at both the door and the window together. I worked on this for several hours last evening. I used this image, taken in brighter natural light.
Incidentally, I don’t believe anyone mentioned that I erased the hideous mini-split ceiling cassette from all of the earlier images.
Yes, I know. It’s horribly ugly. The only thing good about it is that it works very well, and I do need it for heat most of the winter, which I need to work on soon. That’s another story. But you know, magazines erase stuff like this in the perfect rooms you see. They add, subtract, and you’d never know unless you knew. ;]
You know what? I love the simple white drapes! The virtual rod is a bit heavy. Let’s see what two rods would look like.
You know, I wasn’t sure if I would, but I do like this better. And I like the other changes I made, too.
However, I have one more image to share. Hang on a sec…
There, that’s better. :]
I’m sure there will be many opinions about the best option for my bedroom window treatments.
As for my thoughts, while I love the blue velvet, it has some issues, will be expensive, and I might tire of it.
In the meantime, one of my favorite posts in this volume is one I just happened on when I was self-researching.
It’s about how to make budget window treatments look expensive. It’s a terrific post (you can find it here). There are also some excellent sources for ready-made and affordable custom window treatments.
However, hang on, and I’ll go and grab the widget. I just added a couple of items.
What do you think about this? Please share in the comments.
xo,
***Please check out the newly updated HOT SALES. I promise they are definitely up-to-date as of 3.21.2026.
 Also, if you’re doing some shopping on Amazon, please click this Amazon affiliate link or the graphic below.
Thank you so much!
I very much appreciate your help and support!
Related Posts
If You Do Cremone Bolts Are You Asking for Trouble?
A Gorgeous Kitchen Remodel Done Right!
The Hidden Bathroom Doors Are Installed, but there’s a Problem
A Dazzling Ralph Lauren Room & How to Get the Look!
A Masculine Bedroom That She’ll Love too
The Staircase Railing Installation Failure. Another Renovation Setback!
Please Help The Rest of Us With Low Ceilings!
42 Responses
Hello Laurel. Is there a name for the drapery style where the rod is concealed by the top of the drapes? Thank you.
Hi Lisa,
Yes, there’s a name. Well, actually, it’s a few names.
1. Hideous Header
2. Fukkedup
3. Seriously wrong
Here’s how to know. If you look in any issue of House Beautiful, Elle Decor, Architectural Digest, etc. you will never see a drapery rod looped through the treatment with a back tab at the header. Never. I promise you.
So, why do the likes of Pottery Barn and zillions of other people make these drapes?
Beats me. However, one reason might be because the owner doesn’t have to fuss with hooks and rings.
Yet, rings with hooks are the only way the curtains should be hung from a rod.
Tab tops are no good because it’s almost impossible to open and close them. The same goes for gathered around the rod.
The only exception would be for stationary drapes that are underneath a cornice or valance.
But here’s another problem. When hooks are used there’s at least a half inch or more of wiggle room if you wish to raise or lower the drape. With the rod pocket, there’s none, unless you want to stuff something between the rod and the bracket so the rod sits higher up. That’s mostly for emergencies. Plus, you can only raise the drape up, not lower it.
This is an old but gold post about how to get window treatments like you see in magazines. (haha! It is exactly ten years old!)
I love where you landed – two rods and plain white curtains. Can you try this configuration but with reducing the width of drapes and adding a sheer panel like in the earlier example? The width feels a little much and the sheer curtain is lovely. The only issue is a double rod for the two curtains may look a bit busy but maybe you have a trick to fix that.
My uneducated thoughts:
– I like the split rods better, but as someone else said, it’s worth exploring the idea of not having them black. Maybe having them closer to the color of the wall/trim will help blend the difference between the door trim height and that of the window. Moot point if that’s not something you think will ever bother your eye. But since this is your brainstorming stage, you’re free to experiment on the screen with whatever.
– Often, a black rod is needed as part of the whole color scheme of a room. If I opted for a rod in the white family, then I would transfer the need for that splash of color to the curtains. I really like your idea of keeping the curtains in a light color – as much as I adore dusty blues in general, I feel like it’s not at its best once it’s dark outside and the lights (however soft) are on, and one spends a lot of time in a bedroom when it’s dark and the lights are on. So I get why you say you might tire of it. However, I think I would still love a little splash of color on the curtains, and my preference would be towards/at the bottom. A gentler (both in shape and color) Greek key than the Kelly Wearstler might work – you are right that hers, while it will look great in some rooms, is too assertive in your room.
– Finally, a question. I think you’ve mentioned in the past you dislike the security scrolls on the outside of your door and window, and that you’d like to change them. Is that a real possibility? And either way, do you think it’s important or irrelevant to keep in mind that pattern (the existing one or a future different one) when deciding what to do with the curtains?
Can’t wait to see what you decide! Thank you for sharing the excitement with us.
Hi Mrs. Bee,
Indeed, I would love to change the security grills. Hopefully next year.
I thought I would prefer the blue, but I actually like the white better (with or without the stripes at the bottom). I do prefer the 2 separate rods. I love when you do these mood boards, so we can envision your ideas and the space better. Thanks for letting us chime in, Laurel!
I also prefer the last picture – white drapes with two rods. But perhaps a rod that does not draw the eye up to the ceiling unit. The pictures on the wall between the door and window have gold trim in the matting. An antique gold rod might be good.
All in all, a fabulous room!
Laurel, the curtains you chose will look so elegant in your bedroom! I looked for a source for those – but specifically I am wondering about the fabric. You said this: “plain cotton duck drapes with a stylish French pleat” but below the words is a photo of curtains that definitely are not plain. Asking because I am not knowledgeable about fabrics – what will hang nicely and not look cheap.
Re: The ivory linen with the green Greek key tape trim in today’s post.
When I clicked on that it said it was no longer available. Such a disappointment!
Hi Martha,
I’m so sorry and will check on that.
The elegant white drapes with 2 separate rods are perfection. The company ADR (formerly Antique Drapery Rod but rebranded recently to Artisan Drapery Rod) offers fabulous rods to the trade.
Wow! Laurel, I really like the last image with the 2 rods and the white drapes. I thought I was going to prefer the dusty blue drapes but I think that last image was fabulous. A little artwork was just the right touch too. Very nice!
I love the last picture with the two rods and the simple cream drapes. I think the single rod detracts from the beautiful curved wall and fights with the picture frames and moldings. I also like the simple striped trim at the bottom of the panels but personally, I don’t think you need it.
Why not use a white or light colored metal rod vs the black ? Why emphasize an uninteresting detail ?
Ikea sells cotton velveteen curtains – Sanela. The last time I checked they were available in white and off white as well as a few colors. They are unlined and basic but an affordable choice. I have them in my main room with plain muslin curtains for privacy. The velveteen adds a little luxury, and they do offer more insulation for very cold and very hot days.
Since your ceilings are very tall, they will probably not be long enough to kiss the floor. Hire a local to attach a solid border on the bottom (using another Sanela in a different color for the extra material ie white curtain w/ off white border on bottom).
A pair of semi sheer curtains with heavier drapes will fake symmetry between the door and window.
Laurel,
Love this new idea for your bedroom curtains! What finials would you put on the ends of each rod… a simple ball? The blue velvet is lovely with or without a trim on the leading edge but the layer underneath the velvet is such a great idea…..it softens the room and will be beautiful ,,,,looking forward to your “reveal”….. Due to seasonal extreme temps in Boston, will you underline the velvet curtains? I have used that “extra” on windows in rooms and it really adds a softness/slight fullness to the curtain material. Just a thought!
I love the simple yet elegant white drapes with separate rods – even white or gold rods. This would let the room’s architecture be the star.
I love the cream with the black cream. Very relaxing looking. I have the cream with gold trim. The gold gets kind of lost in a window with direct sunlight. I have enjoyed reading your renovation blogs.
LOVE where you ended up… the simple white drapes. They finish off the room without competing with the rest of the elements. So nice. You got me thinking about my bedroom window treatments. Thank you!
I’d go with the plain white with the green Greek key border on the leading edge, like you showed in your photo. A nice touch would also be the natural bamboo shade underneath.
P.S. I used Scotch Permanent Spray Adhesive Super 77, if that helps.
Hi MM,
Thank you so much for the info!
Love the simple white drapes with two rods. Would you consider a white rod rather than black? I don’t see any repetition of black anywhere else in the room.
Hi Dee,
There’s the black cabinet, black picture frame, black in the bathroom floor, black security grills. (They’ll always be black.) Then, there’s the dark blue in the rug, dark art, bronze lamps…The only time I’ve done white is for a little girl’s room. Otherwise, for dozens of jobs where I did drapes, I only did black and occasionally gold.
Black is sophisticated, timeless, and I feel something when people leave out touches of black, it’s always a mistake and leaves the room feeling flat.
Oh I should not have said I don’t see black in the room. Of course there is and is essential.
I should have been clearer, what I should have said the hardware – hinges, handles are not black so I thought the curtain rails could be less conspicuous in a cream or off white and would not draw attention to the different casing heights.
Hi Dee,
No problem! And also on the different heights of window and door. It’s not obvious and the rods will be at the same height. One also has to be standing in just the right place to notice. It’s tough. Living in a room and looking at a stagnant image of one wall in that room is a completely different experience. I tend to notice items at eye level. But sometimes that’s the ceiling. haha
Hi Laurel,
Love reading your blog, they are always so informative and well put together. Personally, I really like the look of two curtain rods, as opposed to one long one. And, I haven’t read the blog about how to make inexpensive drapes look more expensive, but I have a suggestion you might want to try. I used it and it turned out great. I purchased some eggshell silk drapes (lined), and added pink greek key tape myself to the inside edge of the drapes. I simply used spray fabric glue, and they look so much more elegant. I don’t know if it would work as well on velvet drapes, but you could probably research that before ordering. Just an idea. If you are at all interested, I can send you a photo of the end result. Either way, best of luck to you and keep the great blog posts coming.
Michele
Thank you!
I’m always amazed how often exterior design impacts the interior design negatively. People spend more time indoors than they do outdoors, go figure.
I am just curious if you design your drapes to be opened and closed with a wand or a cord? Some of the larger windows with longer rods seem easier to operate with a cord.
I’m really looking forward to this post series. I have been redecorating my house for 25 years (it never ends!) and saved the primary bedroom draperies for last. I have a long window on one wall adjacent to a glass door and what is befuddling is how to proceed. So your timing is perfect.
I always look forward to learning from your experience. I expect in another 25 years I’ll have come up with the perfect solution.
Thanks, Laurel!
The Laurel shade website looked scammy to me, so I delved deeper, and it is a total scam. They say they are in Norway, but I doubt that. If you look at the About Us page, they never even finished it. There is no Contact Us email, and another field is not filled in. But, I’ll bet your money would sure go through to somebody if you bought the shade (plus, there is no real shade). I don’t know how you would complain or report it, since it is foreign. It would take more technical expertise than I have to track down its origins and disable it. But, perhaps you could talk to the BBB and they could disable its pay function here in the US of A. I don’t know, but how distressing for you, in so many ways.
Hi Cynthia,
Yes, they’re a total scam. My only possible recourse is to look up their server/web host on WhoIs, contact them and possibly get their entire site removed. However, the crooks will just get a new website, find my IP address, and block me so I can’t find it. In other words, I probably won’t take the time.
Seeing the mock-up with the single curved rod, I’d do it if you can find a way ($). It would tie the left and right panels together as a unit. I’d be concerned that separate rods would highlight the differences in casing heights and look mismatched.
Hi Michelle,
One rod would be better, but the windows are pretty far apart and the two rods would be at the same height. In the end, it’s wouldn’t be more noticeable than it is now. It’s not something that’s jarring. However, the original windows must’ve been the same height, so I’m curious why the transom door is two inches lower. Maybe since they were changing the exterior masonry, they had to put a support lintel over the door. Then, it makes sense.
Hi Laurel,
This is a nice surprise this morning. I wasn’t expecting a blog post from you.
I love when you discuss window treatments. That’s my favorite topic.
Can I give you my unasked for opinion? There is a lot of space between the window & the door. If it were my bedroom I would go with 2 separate rods. I love the idea of doing a very light colored linen. And for fun, I would add a trim design down the leading edge of your panels. Perhaps one with a Greek key design? I’m just spit balling here.
Enjoy your Saturday.
Hi Mary,
You guys know me too well! Just kidding. More ideas coming for the Sunday post.
Icy blue to match the ceiling would be lovely!
Hang on, Renea! Part 2 is coming tomorrow!
Love the white on white for your drapes. Your bedroom is so lovely and calm. You’d just be reinforcing that feeling and adding texture.
Thank you for your informative post. I look forward to each one.
Hope you’re enjoying early Spring!
Thanks so much, Liz. Yes, I need to get out for a bit and investigate the changes in the garden! I did take some pics the Canadian Geese who’ve either returned or were taking a pit stop on their way further south, and the Witch Hazelin bloom, on the 14th, but didn’t post them yet.
Love the cane headboard/ bed frame. Source?
Hi Mary,
That’s the Harbour Cane Bed from Serena & Lily. Mine is a full size which they discontinued. There is a version in white that is on sale. The one like mine in twin, queen or king is not currently on sale. I added the bedroom source widget and there’s a link there for easy access.