Window Treatment Ideas: Sheers, Lined Drapery Panels, and Roman Shades

Window treatments do more than block light.

They help shape the room. With lined drapes hung high and wide, thoughtful hardware, and the right inside mount shade, you'll get softer light, better proportions, and a polished, custom look. 

WHY LINED PANELS AND WHAT TO CHOOSE

Lining adds body, protects fabric, and helps with temperature and light control. Even simple linen looks luxe when it’s lined.

THE VISUAL HEIGHT TRICK

Mount rods 4–8" above the window (or just below the crown) and extend 8–12" past the casing on each side. Panels should kiss the floor.

ROMAN SHADES: TAILORED + PRACTICAL

Romans add privacy and a tailored line—great alone in kitchens and baths, or layered with panels in living/bedrooms. Choose cordless or continuous loop for smooth operation.

SHEERS + LIGHT CONTROL

Soften daylight with sheers, then use Romans or lined panels for nighttime privacy. This combo keeps rooms bright without glare.

HARDWARE THAT FITS THE ARCHITECTURE

Match the metal finish to other room details (lighting, cabinet hardware). Simple finials keep the look modern and quiet.

THE LAYERING FORMULAS

  • Classic Living Room: Sheer panels + lined drapery, mounted high; optional inside-mount Roman for blackout.

  • Tailored Bedroom: Inside-mount fabric Roman (blackout) + side panels for softness.

  • Kitchen/Breakfast Nook: Woven Roman (privacy liner) + simple café rod with sheer café panels if needed.

QUICK MEASURING GUIDE

  • Panels width: 1.5–2× the rod span for pleated; 2–2.5× for rod-pocket or clips.

  • Panel length: Just grazing the floor (no puddle for high-traffic zones).

  • Roman inside mount: Deduct ~¼" from exact width; measure three widths and use the smallest.

  • Roman outside mount: Add 1–2" on each side and 3–4" above the casing to block light.

Want help selecting fabrics, hardware finishes, and the right mounting style for your architecture? I’d love to pull a plan together.