Skip to Main Content

Your Guide to Half-Window Treatments

Drapery has long been considered the oldest and most traditional window treatment— drapes date back far, far earlier than blinds or shutters. However, classic does not mean boring or lacking innovation! One of the newer concepts we’ve been seeing is covering half of a window instead of the entire pane of glass.

White double-hung shutters above a kitchen sink with the top panels open near Albuquerque, NM

Unless you have privacy concerns, this is an interesting development in interior design! We’re excited to share how you can mix and match window treatments to cover half of a window for a fun new aesthetic.

Cafe Curtains

Cafe curtains are one of the most commonly seen treatments that cover only half of a window. The idea is the same as traditional curtains, but the rod hangs in the middle of the window instead of above the frame. You can use a single piece of fabric or opt for two small panels. It’s a popular style above kitchen sinks because it allows you to see what you’re doing without neighbors being able to watch you wash dishes.

Extended Valance

You may think of a valance as a top treatment that covers a small portion of the upper window. Long valances add simple elegance by extending down to the center portion of the window, almost like reverse cafe curtains. Extending the valance will provide light control at midday when the sun is brightest. A scalloped bottom is a fun way to add unique interest to your long valance.

Choosing Fabric

Before choosing a fabric for your cafe curtains or long valence, you must decide how much light you want to pass through. A sheer fabric allows the most light to enter while still slightly obscuring the view into your home. Room-darkening and opaque fabrics offer the most light control and privacy; heavier fabrics usually make more elegant and dramatic window coverings and can look out of place on such a small scale. No matter what type of fabric you decide on, the width should be twice that of the window if you choose to use two panels. This allows the material to form attractive folds when pulled back.

Other Options

Fabric window treatments aren’t for everyone. If you want to cover half of a window using other materials, we recommend plantation shutters. Your shutters can be the same height as cafe-style curtains, or you can opt for the double-hung variety, which allows you to open the top or bottom half.

If shutters aren’t your vibe, fear not! Top-Down/Bottom-Up shades offer the same versatility as double-hung shutters but in soft fabric varieties. Duette® Cellular Shades allow light to filter through gently so you can enjoy the sunlight even while they’re closed. Provenance® Woven Wood Shades are ideal for bringing an earthy feel to a room. Woven shades diffuse light like cellular shades and offer ample protection from damaging UV rays when closed.

Contact Us

Blind Scapes has been covering windows of all shapes and sizes since 1998. We carry the full line of Hunter Douglas window treatment products and can equip your new shades, drapes, or blinds with PowerView® Automation. Leave the worry to us by allowing our certified technicians to take measurements and install your new window treatments. Call us at (505) 352-5350 for your in-home consultation. We’re happy to serve Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Sante Fe, and the surrounding areas.