Step 1: Schedule Your Consultation (Showroom or In-Home)

Every project starts with an appointment. Some clients love beginning in our showroom because they can see and touch materials, compare colors in person, and experience operating systems before deciding. Others prefer an in-home visit first so we can evaluate natural light, views, privacy, and window conditions in the actual space.

​

Helpful things to bring or send ahead:

• Photos of each window (wide room view + close-up of trim)

• Inspiration photos (Pinterest, Instagram, screenshots)

• Your “must-haves” (blackout, glare control, privacy, view preservation, etc.)

• If available: paint swatches, flooring photos, upholstery fabric, or a rug sample

 

Tip: If more than one person is involved in decisions, include them early. It prevents rework and speeds up your project completion timeline.

 

Step 2: Discovery: Function First, Style Second

The biggest difference between “nice window coverings” and truly satisfying custom window treatments is choosing function first. We will walk you through the key decisions that determine performance including:

• Privacy needs: daytime, nighttime, or both?

• Light control: soften, filter, room-darken, or blackout?

• Comfort: reduce heat, add insulation, block UV, reduce glare?

• Safety & accessibility: children/pets, cordless needs, tall windows, hard-to-reach areas

• Maintenance: easy-clean surfaces vs. fabric-forward designs

• Budget & phasing: full home now, or priority rooms first?

 

We also evaluate real-world factors that affect results: west-facing sun, street exposure, bathroom humidity, media-room glare, or a bedroom that needs true darkness for sleep. Getting clear on these needs early prevents the #1 regret: choosing something that looks great but doesn’t do what you need.

​

Step 3: Choose The Right Product Direction Then Refine

Once your needs are clear, we recommend the best product category for each room and refine from there. Modern Window Coverings offers a curated range of solutions, including:

• Shades (roller/screen, dual shades, woven woods, cellular/honeycomb, and more)

• Blinds (including modern faux wood and specialty options)

• Shutters (for timeless structure and long-term value)

• Custom treatments (drapery, roman shades, decorative hardware, layered looks)

 

This is where working with a showroom partner saves you time: instead of handing you a catalog with hundreds of options, we narrow your choices to a shortlist that fits your goals.

​

Examples of common “best fit” matches:

• Screen shades for daylight glare control while preserving your view

• Cellular shades for insulation and comfort

• Dual shades for flexible day/night privacy

• Roller shades paired with drapery panels for softness and a finished look

​

Step 4: Select Opacity, Fabric, Color, And Design Details

Now your custom window treatments become truly personalized. We’ll help you choose:

• Opacity level: sheer, light filtering, room darkening, or blackout

• Color and texture: how it looks in bright daylight, warm evening light, and under artificial lighting

• Mount type: inside mount vs. outside mount (based on depth, trim, and your design preference)

• Coverage strategy: discussing light gaps and meeting your privacy expectations

• Cohesion: matching throughout the home vs. tailoring by room while keeping a unified style

 

This step includes the small details that make a big difference; including options like top-down/bottom-up functionality, clean cassette/fascia options for shades, shutter frame profiles, and drapery stacking so panels sit beautifully when open.

​

Step 5: Decide How You Want Them To Operate: Manual, Cordless, Or Motorized

Window covering operation is one of the most important “everyday use” decisions. We’ll help you choose the best blind or shade operating system for your windows and lifestyle:

• Manual options: continuous cord loop anchored to the wall, easier to access for tall windows

• Cordless options: clean look, improved safety, requires pole to reach taller windows

• Motorization: remote/app control for convenience, optimal for operating multiple windows together.

• Safety-enhanced systems: when cordless blinds aren’t practical for certain windows

 

If you’re considering motorized custom window treatments, we’ll talk through:

• Which rooms benefit most (primary bedroom, west-facing living areas, high clerestory windows)

• Rechargeable battery vs. hardwired power or low voltage options (when relevant)

• Whether you want individual control, grouped control (one button for a wall of windows), or scheduled window coverage automation

​

Step 6: Professional Measurement And Technical Review

After you’ve selected a direction, we confirm the technical details. Professional measurement is essential for fit, function, and a finished look, especially for inside mount, specialty windows, and motorization.

​

During measurement, we check:

• Exact dimensions (including out-of-square windows. Yes, even in new homes)

• Depth/clearance and obstacles (handles, locks, cranks, alarms)

• Control placement and accessibility

• Coverage and light-gap expectations

 

Step 7: Review Your Proposal And Finalize Selections

You’ll receive a clear proposal outlining selections and scope. We review it together and finalize:

• Fabrics/materials, colors, and opacity

• Hardware finishes (for draperies) and any upgrades

• Room list and any phased approach

• Estimated production timeline and installation plan

 

Decision tip: If you’re torn, choose based on the time of day that matters most, either morning light, afternoon heat/glare, or nighttime privacy. That usually makes the choice easy.

​

Step 8: Ordering And Production

Once approved, we place your order and manage all details. Because these are custom window treatments, each item is made to your specifications. Production timelines vary by product and manufacturer. We’ll set expectations up front and keep you informed until everything arrives.

​

Step 9: Installation Scheduling And Simple Home Prep

When your order arrives, we schedule installation at a time that works for you. To make installation smooth, we recommend:

• Clearing the area around windows

• Securing pets

• Providing access to tall windows or stair landings

• Notifying us of any special considerations (parking, gate codes, etc.)

 

Step 10: Professional Installation and Walkthrough

On installation day, our team mounts, levels, and tests each treatment so it looks clean and functions correctly. Before we leave, we walk you through:

• How to operate each product

• How to use remotes/apps (if motorized)

• Basic care and maintenance

• Any final adjustments needed to ensure everything feels just right

 

We want your custom window treatments to look great and work effortlessly from day one.
 

Step 11: Care, Maintenance, And Ongoing Support

We’ll share easy care guidance (dusting, gentle vacuuming with a brush attachment, and safe spot-cleaning where appropriate). And if you ever need a minor adjustment, a replacement part or help adding matching treatments later, we’re here to support you long after installation.​