Add Window Treatments
Complete your attic conversion with curtains, blinds, or shades that provide privacy, light control, and energy efficiency while enhancing your design aesthetic.
Why Window Treatments Matter in Attics
Window treatments in attic conversions serve multiple essential functions beyond aesthetics. Dormer windows and skylights can let in intense light and heat, making temperature control challenging. Proper treatments provide privacy, block unwanted light for sleeping, and significantly improve energy efficiency by insulating against heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter. In attic bedrooms, blackout treatments are especially important since morning light comes early and can be particularly bright at roofline level. The right window treatments also soften the architectural angles of converted attic spaces.
Window Treatment Options
Step-by-Step Guide
Measure Your Windows
Accurate measurements are essential for proper fit:
- •For inside mount: measure width at top, middle, and bottom (use smallest)
- •For inside mount: measure height on left, center, and right (use largest)
- •Check window frame depth for inside mount clearance (minimum 2 inches)
- •For outside mount: add 3-4 inches per side for light overlap
- •For curtains: measure from rod height to desired length (sill, apron, or floor)
Pro Tip: For dormer windows, check if any part of the sloped ceiling interferes with where you want to mount treatments. Inside-mount options often work best.
Choose Treatment Type
Select based on your needs for light control, privacy, and style:
- •Cellular shades: Best insulation, clean look, great for dormers
- •Roller shades: Budget-friendly, modern aesthetic, many opacity options
- •Roman shades: Fabric softness with clean operation
- •Curtains: Soft texture, warmth, can layer with other treatments
- •Blinds: Precise light control, easy to clean
Install Mounting Hardware
Properly secure brackets and hardware:
- Mark bracket locations using level for straight installation
- For curtain rods, mount brackets 4-6 inches above window frame
- Extend rod brackets 3-4 inches beyond window sides
- Pre-drill holes; use drywall anchors if not hitting studs
- Secure brackets with included screws - ensure tight fit
- For shades/blinds, follow manufacturer bracket spacing
- Test bracket security before hanging treatments
Hang Window Treatments
Install your chosen window coverings:
- •Curtains: Slide rings or panels onto rod, lift rod into brackets
- •Cellular/roller shades: Snap headrail into brackets, test lock
- •Blinds: Insert headrail into brackets, close bracket doors
- •Attach any valances or cornices for finished look
- •Secure cord cleats at safe height if treatments have cords
Test and Adjust
Verify proper operation and appearance:
- •Operate shades/blinds through full range - check for smooth movement
- •Test that treatments fully cover window when closed
- •Check light blocking at edges - adjust if gaps visible
- •Adjust curtain panel fullness and drape
- •View from both inside and outside for appearance
- •Test privacy at night with lights on inside
Pro Tips
- ✓Mount curtain rods high and wide to make windows appear larger
- ✓Choose cellular shades with blackout backing for attic bedrooms
- ✓Consider motorized treatments for hard-to-reach skylights
- ✓Layer treatments - sheers for daytime privacy, blackout for night
- ✓Use cordless treatments for child safety, especially near beds
Frequently Asked Questions
What window treatments work best for dormer windows?▼
Dormer windows work well with inside-mount cellular shades, roman shades, or short curtain panels. The deep window frames created by dormers are perfect for inside-mount treatments that don't protrude into the room. Cellular shades offer excellent insulation - important in attics where temperature control is challenging. For a softer look, use cafe curtains or valances combined with roller shades.
How do I cover skylights in an attic conversion?▼
Skylights require special treatments designed for sloped or overhead installation. Options include: skylight-specific cellular shades (manual or motorized), specialty skylight blinds with side tracks to prevent sagging, or custom-fit blackout panels. Many skylight manufacturers (Velux, Fakro) offer integrated blind systems. Motorized options are ideal for hard-to-reach skylights. Consider blackout treatments for bedrooms where morning light can be intense.
Should I use blackout curtains in an attic bedroom?▼
Yes, blackout curtains or shades are highly recommended for attic bedrooms. Dormer windows and skylights can let in intense morning light, especially in summer when the sun rises early. Blackout treatments also help with temperature control by blocking solar heat gain. Look for treatments rated for light blocking. Combine blackout roller shades with decorative curtains for the best of both function and style.
How do I hang curtains when the ceiling is sloped?▼
Mount curtain rods on the vertical knee wall or use ceiling-mounted tracks where the sloped ceiling meets the vertical wall. For windows set into sloped areas, consider tension rods that fit within the window frame or use inside-mount blinds/shades instead. Another option is to extend the curtain rod beyond the window and mount on the flat portions of ceiling or walls. Short cafe-style curtains work well when headroom is limited.