Selecting New Window Coverings!

So I’ve finally decided it’s time to do what I had planned to do long ago - get new window coverings! After the renovation of our Edwardian home, I had installed paper roller shades for all the windows as a temporary fix until I got something more permanent……well, 15 years later, I guess it’s time.

All the windows themselves are nice, with thick original molding from 1905 and they’re BIG. This is the bay window in the kid’s room. I’ve liked the way the roller shades don’t obscure the windows and give the rooms a more sleek modern feel while still letting in a soft diffused light. I originally did the same shades in the kids’ room, the guest room and our bedroom.

However….with all the years of manhandling from the kids (and the husband), the shades are looking mighty worse for the wear. Now I want to be all grown up and get something high quality and beautiful, but I’m not ready to pay the price for custom window treatments. So after a lot (and I mean, a lot) of research on all the companies out there, I’ve decided to go with Smith & Noble. First, I like that they offer the entire range of window treatments: roller shades, roman shades, shutters, and drapes - so no matter what I decide I want, I cah get it all in one place. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly for me, is their aesthetic - the patterns and the textures are very current and contemporary. Lastly, I love the fact that everything is online and that in many cases they will measure and you can decide if you want to install them yourselves or have them do it!

Ok, so now that that’s decided, the next question is what do I want! I’ve really liked our roller shades, so I’m going to stick with that structure, but swap them out for more high-tech solar shades that will mount on the inside of the windows and diffuse the light without blocking it out - how gorgeous would something like this be!

However, in an effort to be more grown up and stylish, I want to layer a fabric shade on top of these. Smith & Noble has the option for a flat Roman shade which I think looks super modern and fab, so I’ll install that on top of the solar shades. It’ll create some depth, add texture and perhaps pattern. If I get them with the blackout lining, maybe I can even sleep in on the weekends (hahaha - with three kids who am I kidding!) Here’s an example of what the structure looks like:

So easy, breezy, right! Well, not quite. Now comes the hard part - choosing the fabric for the Roman shades. Luckily they let you order 30 free swatches, so I took full advantage of that (duh!). I’ve narrowed it down to these four…..

So, if you have an opinion, and I know you do, please head over to my Instagram (@kennethwingard) and tell me which one is your favorite. I really like all three ….and Mike is being no help at all!