Choosing Custom Window Treatments With The Shade Store

When it comes to window treatments, the right fabric can completely transform a space. Beyond simply filtering light, drapery and shades add depth, texture, and personality to every room. From linen curtains that bring effortless softness to woven shades with natural dimension, custom window coverings are one of the most impactful design choices you can make. At Studio McGee, we turn to our exclusive collection with The Shade Store for handcrafted, made-to-measure options that deliver both style and function.

In this guide, we’re spotlighting five window treatment styles—stonewashed linens, textured multiweaves, microstripes, plaids and ginghams, and florals. Each one offers a unique way to layer pattern, introduce movement, and set the mood in your home. Whether you’re designing a light-filled living room, a cozy bedroom, or a timeless office, choosing the right custom drapery or shades makes all the difference.

In the guide ahead, we’ll share designer tips on how to use each fabric style, from pairing linen drapery with woven shades to incorporating plaid curtains for added character. You’ll learn how to balance privacy with natural light, create cohesion throughout your home, and select materials that enhance your furniture and finishes. If you’ve been searching for window treatment ideas that are both beautiful and functional, this is the perfect place to start.

Shop the Studio McGee x The Shade Store collection here.

Effortless and timeless, stonewashed linen brings relaxed texture to any window. Its soft finish diffuses natural light beautifully while creating an understated, lived-in look perfect for gathering spaces like living rooms and family rooms. Linen drapery and curtains are a favorite for designers because they strike the perfect balance between casual elegance and everyday function. With a subtle weave and organic hand, linen offers warmth without heaviness, making it an ideal choice for custom window treatments in both traditional and modern homes.

When it comes to styling, we often recommend linen shades or curtains as a base layer that works seamlessly with other fabrics and finishes. Their breathable texture makes them a natural complement to wood tones, stone, and woven accents, while their ability to softly filter light adds instant warmth. For bedrooms, opt for linen curtains with blackout lining to combine softness with privacy, and in gathering areas, choose unlined or light-filtering panels to keep the space airy and bright. Whether you’re layering linen drapery over woven wood shades or letting them stand alone, soft linens are a versatile, timeless choice that bring polish to any room.

Shop the Studio McGee x The Shade Store collection here.

From traditional to contemporary, plaid and gingham window treatments offer both structure and personality. Their crisp, grid-like designs bring order to a space while adding visual interest, making them a versatile choice for nearly any room. Plaid curtains add a tailored, timeless element to living rooms or studies, while gingham drapery brings a charming, playful touch to kitchens, breakfast nooks, and kids’ rooms. Because these patterns layer beautifully with solids, they can either serve as the star of the room or provide subtle structure behind other design elements. Whether you prefer bold tartan-inspired plaids or soft, tonal gingham, these checkered fabrics can instantly refresh a space with their classic-meets-modern appeal.

When designing with checkered window coverings, we recommend paying attention to scale and color palette. A large-scale plaid in rich, earthy tones feels cozy and dramatic, perfect for a family room or library, while a small-scale gingham in neutral shades like taupe or gray adds understated charm to bedrooms or entryways. For high-contrast looks, pair plaid drapery with sleek hardware in black or bronze; for softer spaces, balance gingham with linen textures or woven wood shades. These patterned curtains and shades are also excellent for mixing with florals, stripes, or textured neutrals—just keep your tones cohesive to create a polished, layered effect. No matter how you style them, custom plaid and gingham window treatments bring both personality and timeless design to your home.

Shop the Studio McGee x The Shade Store collection here.

Ticking stripes are a versatile and timeless choice for window treatments, offering understated polish on their own or serving as the perfect anchor when layering with bolder prints. This Studio McGee classic gives a fresh spin to an iconic motif, bringing quiet structure and elegance to any space. The fine, tailored lines of striped curtains or drapery add subtle movement without overwhelming the design, making them an excellent option for both traditional and modern interiors. Whether used in a coastal-inspired living room, a refined home office, or a breezy bedroom, custom striped shades and drapery deliver a clean, balanced look that works seamlessly with solids, florals, or plaids.

When styling with stripes, think about scale and orientation. Narrow ticking stripes in neutral tones like soft gray or sand can make a small room feel more expansive, while slightly wider stripes in navy, black, or olive create a bolder statement. Vertical striped drapery naturally draws the eye upward, emphasizing ceiling height, while striped Roman or roller shades add crisp definition to windows. For a layered approach, pair microstripe curtains with woven wood shades or linen drapery panels in complementary tones for added texture. Whether anchoring a mix of patterns or standing alone as a subtle statement, microstripes offer a tailored versatility that feels both timeless and fresh.

Shop the Studio McGee x The Shade Store collection here.

Botanical-inspired window treatments bring instant softness and a touch of romance to a room, making them a go-to choice when you want to add charm and liveliness. From delicate blooms to bold garden-inspired prints, floral curtains and drapery have the power to transform a space by introducing pattern, movement, and color. Our favorite, Wild Vine, is light and airy, perfect for infusing freshness into bedrooms, sunrooms, or sitting areas. This type of floral fabric feels timeless yet versatile, working beautifully in both traditional homes that embrace classic motifs and contemporary spaces that benefit from a touch of organic texture.

When styling with floral window coverings, balance is key. Large-scale prints can become a statement piece in a living room or dining space, especially when paired with solid upholstery and natural textures like linen or wood. Smaller floral patterns, on the other hand, add quiet charm to nurseries, guest rooms, or breakfast nooks without overwhelming the eye. Layering floral drapery over neutral woven shades creates depth and dimension, while choosing custom floral Roman shades in softer tones can provide a subtle pop of pattern in an otherwise minimalist design. No matter the application, floral window treatments bring warmth, personality, and a sense of effortless beauty to any home.

Shop the Studio McGee x The Shade Store collection here.