Why Planning Your Window Treatments Early in the Build/Reno Project is Crucial

When it comes to planning a new build or large renovation, the decisions, logistics, approvals and budgeting can be overwhelming, so it’s completely understandable that window treatments may not have even crossed your mind.

What if we told you planning, selecting and provisioning for blinds, curtains, and shutters really should actually happen before construction begins ? You’d be surprised, wouldn’t you?!

Most of us wouldn’t even think about window treatments until later in the project when the reality of moving into your home is imminent, right? (We’ve all seen the newly built homes with bedsheets covering the windows for months.) But If you want the best and most seamless end result, this is too late in the piece!

But first, think beyond the Window Covering

Windows and window coverings play a far greater role in our homes than purely aesthetics. They need to be a priority in your design plans, especially in today’s market where the desire for 'green’ homes, maximising energy efficiency and optimising natural light, is gaining traction . It’s no surprise, according to John Cunningham from Cunnningham’s Real Estate, that the energy efficiency of new homes has become a top priority for buyers in 2024. John shared, ‘‘With the prospect of people staying in homes longer, soaring electricity costs, and putting roots down for a sustainable future, the energy efficiency of a home is becoming a top priority for buyers.’’

Maximising For Energy Efficiency:

Well-chosen blinds, curtains, or shutters can significantly reduce the amount of heat your home retains in Summer, and the amount of heat loss in Winter. Choosing the appropriate coverings helps to maintain a comfortable and consistent indoor temperature. Plantation shutters, for example, provide excellent insulation, and if you pair these with double-glazed windows, it will create a highly efficient thermal barrier. Being aware of these options when you are designing your home means you can achieve better energy ratings for your home, and save big on your future energy bills.

Optimising for Natural Light

Natural light is always in fashion, and here in Sydney our desire for living a more seamless inside/outside lifestyle is always top of our must-have list. A popular choice for our clients is floor to ceiling windows in their designs, and folding or stacking sliding doors that open as wide as possible to let the outside in.

Along with these preferences, designing your home to optimise the natural light should always be a key priority. There is nothing quite like natural sunlight to contribute to the overall ambiance of a room and reduce the need for artificial lighting. As design specialists, we can wholeheartedly attest to how light and airy rooms have an uplifting effect on your mood.

Exploring All Options

Planning early allows you to consider all options for your windows and window treatments. We suggest working closely with your architect and designer to ensure that window and window treatment selections maximise the natural light, and contribute to the overall mood you want to create in your home.

Retractable skylight in bathroom for natural light and ventilation

So, now that you’ve designed your home to make the most of the natural light, and considered ways that your treatments can be optimised for energy conservation, we need to look at the structural & electrical considerations that come into play.

These choices need to be incorporated in both the building and potentially electrical plans. Here are some of the options, and their structural implications, that you’ll want to consider:

• Home Automation: If you're considering a home automation system that includes motorised blinds and curtains, meticulously planning your electrical layout is really important. This involves carefully considering the placement of power outlets, switchboards, and wiring to accommodate the motors required for each window treatment. Failing to plan adequately can lead to visible wires, additional costs, or even limitations on the types of blinds or curtains you can install. A well-thought-out electrical plan ensures a seamless integration of motorised window treatments into your home automation system.

• Recessed Pelmet: For a sleek, streamlined look, consider a recessed pelmet – essentially a box above the ceiling cavity to hide the curtain/blind tracks. This requires builder involvement to add blocking/space for the pelmet and electrical work if opting for motorised curtains and blinds. At this point it helps to know the actual detail of the type of curtains you want in the space. A common challenge we face when a client consults us too late in the process is that they may have provisioned for a recessed pelmet, but it is not enough for the specific curtain type. For example, an S Fold curtain (the most popular heading type) requires a space of 150mm, however most pelmet widths are only 80mm. This means that the client has to choose a curtain based on the space allowed, rather than their first preference.

• Exposed Pelmet: If a recessed pelmet isn't an option or preference, a drop-down pelmet can be attached to the ceiling to conceal the curtain/blind hardware. Standard profile tracks are another option, hanging directly from the ceiling. There are many slimline profiles available these days and they don't require builder involvement, but the end result isn’t quite as seamless.

• To Flange or Not to Flange. When it comes to curtain rails, there is more than meets the eye! For a truly seamless and modern look, consider flange tracks. These innovative tracks are perfect for curves, and recessed directly into the ceiling itself, lying flush with the plasterboard or gyprock drywall for a minimalist aesthetic. This integration requires planning during the building phase, as builders need to cut out sections of the ceiling surface drywall (gyprock) to accommodate the flange track before it's covered up. While it might seem like an extra step, the result is a clean, streamlined finish that elevates your entire window treatment. This can be done retrospectively, so if you are renovating this could still be an option!

• Stack width: Curtains need space to stack neatly on either side of the window when opened. Talk to your builder if you are wanting curtains to ensure that this space should be at least twice the width of the open curtain panel. For example, if your curtain panel is 50cm wide when open, you'll need a minimum of 100cm of clearance on the wall beside the window to accommodate the stack.

• Stack depth: Curtains also require some depth to stack comfortably. Depending on the fabric weight and pleating style, allow 15-30cm of depth from the wall to the window opening .

• Wall Reinforcement: Curtain stacks can put some pressure on the wall, especially with heavier fabrics. To ensure a secure installation, consider reinforcing the wall behind the stack area. This can be done by adding additional studs or blocking (wooden supports) during construction. 

• Door swings: If the window is next to a door, ensure the stack space doesn't interfere with the door swing when open.
  Recessed vs. Exposed Stack: Decide if you want a recessed stack (hidden behind a pelmet) or an exposed stack. Recessed stacks require planning for a pelmet box during construction.

• Multiple windows: If you have multiple windows close together, consider a shared stack to maximise space.

Allow for stack-width on either side of your curtains

Could you do with External Blinds?

Consider incorporating external blinds during the planning stage, especially for west-facing windows. They offer superior sun control and maintain a clean interior aesthetic. Your architect and builder will want to allow for these to be incorporated at the design phase to ensure this gives builders ample opportunity to recess the fixing and achieve the façade aesthetics they’re after. If they are to be motorised, this will also need to be allowed for in the electrical plan. 

External blinds keep the interior looking clean and uncluttered

Privacy and Security Considerations:

Privacy is a major concern for many homeowners. Certain window treatments, such as dual roller blinds (one sheer, one blockout), can provide the flexibility of letting light in while maintaining privacy. Similarly, plantation shutters can be angled to allow light while obscuring the view from outside. These are all considerations that should be top of mind in your new build planning phase.

Plantation shutters are timeless and perfect for rooms exposed to a road or neighbour as they can be partially opened

Coordinating with Interior Design:

Window treatments are a key element of interior design, influencing the look and feel of a space. Choosing fabrics, colours, and styles early in the design process ensures that you have a complete design picture from the build phase stage, and helps create that cohesive and polished look for the end project.

For Those Renovating…

Don’t despair! There are still some incredible options available to you. While some features might require more invasive changes, many modern solutions are designed for easy installation in existing homes. Here are a few tips if you are going down this route!

Assess Existing Structures:

Before deciding on your window treatments, assess the existing structures. This includes the depth of window recesses, the condition of walls, and the availability of electrical outlets for motorised options. Understanding what you’re working with will help you choose treatments the best treatment for your home.

Work with Professionals:

Engage with professionals, such as interior designers and window treatment specialists, early in your renovation planning. Remember, window treatments are more than just a finishing touch! Their expertise can help you navigate existing challenges and find the best solutions for your space and budget. 

Budget for Quality:

High-quality window treatments can be a significant investment, but they offer long-term benefits in terms of durability, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. Prioritise a portion of your renovation budget for window treatments to ensure you can really make choices that offer longevity. This is one area we suggest is worth the splurge!

Of course,  that’s not all! Beyond functionality, structural and design needs, you still need to consider fabric choices, including colour, weight, and texture! Window treatments may look like a finishing touch, but they are an integral part of bringing your design vision to life!

Special thanks to North Shore Shutters and Blind, Cunninghams Real Estate and Avalon Screens for contributing to our article.