‘Double-Dressed’ Windows Are the Secret to a More Polished, Custom-Looking Space

1. Select a High-Quality Base Layer

A tailored Roman shade mounted inside the window lays the foundation for a clean, structured look.

2. Choose Fabrics That Play Nice

Choose a heavier linen for the draperies and a slightly textured material for the shade.

3. Hang the Drapery Rod

High and wide placement to frame the window allows the hardware to take on a “jewelry” role within the room.

4. Nail the Installation

Precise measurements are key in creating a high-end look. Drapery panels should just “kiss” the floor, café curtains should be mounted at the halfway mark of the window, and Roman shades should be installed at the top of the window and adjusted based on light needs.

5 Tips for Nailing the Double-Dressed Look

Choose complementary fabrics. Selecting fabrics for your window treatments is a balancing act. While Weidenbaum says the selection should be guided by the overall look of the space, it’s all about finding complementary (never matchy-matchy) tones, textures, and patterns. “For example, pairing a crisp cotton-linen shade with a heavier, more tactile linen drape creates a sophisticated layered effect that feels visually rich,” she explains. “It’s all about balance; you want the fabrics to talk to each other without shouting for attention.”
Pair curtains with shades or blinds accordingly. Weidenbaum typically leans toward Roman shades rather than blinds for the higher-end feel of adding an additional textile layer, but determining what’s right for your space comes down to the amount of warmth you’re after. If you want to soften the look, a Roman shade is best suited for the job.
Balance light control with visual appeal. “Balancing light and beauty is the ultimate goal of double-dressing, as it allows you to manipulate the ambiance of a room throughout the day,” says Weidenbaum. Pairing blackout drapery with a privacy-lined Roman shade is often the designer’s recommendation to strike the right balance between moody and light. “There is something really beautiful about a room that can transition from bright and airy to cozy and cocoon-like in a single motion,” she says.
Weigh the room’s purpose. Consider your window treatment equation based on the room’s purpose. For bedrooms, Weidenbaum advises blackout-lined Roman shades along with blackout draperies for maximum light control. Dining rooms, living rooms, and kitchens are better suited for lighter, unlined linens or sheer panels that filter light while still adding texture to the space, the window treatment pro says. “Or I’ll pair a Roman shade with café curtains, which is one of my favorite combinations for homes where the window is meant to be a focal design moment.”
Invest in quality materials. Weidenbaum urges the importance of ensuring window treatments never feel like an afterthought. “Investing in quality materials and proper installation will completely change the energy and perceived value of your entire home,” she says. “I always encourage people to see their windows as an opportunity to not only add functionality to their space, but also style.”