Dear CJ,

A year ago we moved into our custom home. We were so excited about all the windows we added to the architectural plan. The views & the light are really beautiful. We love the open feeling the windows offer.

Shortly after we moved in, we ordered blinds & shutters for privacy. That was a costly expense $$$ that caught us off guard.

Now, a year later, I won’t say who, but one of us is perfectly happy with just leaving the windows as they are. But the other one of us, would like to add drapery side panels to enhance the look.

Is this a worthwhile expense that we should invest in or can we do without them?

Can you tell me why I should add side panels to my windows?

Kind Regards,

Jonathan L.

Dear Jonathan,

I’m glad you asked…This is a question I get quite often.

My answer to whether you should add side panels to your window is a resounding YES! There are both practical & cosmetic reasons why adding side panels is a good investment for your home.

Here are 8 reasons why you should add side panels to your window.

1) Eliminate Light Streaks

What the heck is a light streak?

Light streaks are those narrow margins of light that filter in on the edge of your privacy shades. They seem to glare right into your eyes when you’re watching TV or trying to sleep.

Whether your privacy treatments are mounted inside or outside the window frame, there is always a margin of light that will sneak in. Side panels are the perfect solution to totally eliminate that streak of light.

Is a light streak really so bad?

I’ve seen that sliver of light fade the arm of a sofa, bleach a section of carpet or wood floor, & wake up a napping baby, to name a few. These are all things you can do without. Simple side panels can remedy that.

2) Acoustics

Adding side panels can improve the acoustics in a room. In rooms that are two stories high or have wood floors, acoustics can become a problem when watching television or entertaining.

Have you ever been in a busy restaurant that was so loud you couldn’t hear yourself talk? If you gazed around you would have seen that there was no carpet or other sound absorbing materials that would help buffer the sound. They strategically do this in restaurants to turn tables quickly & create a feeling of energy. I know because in my early years I did some restaurant design.

Acoustics are an equally important factor in your home. Side panels on your windows can drastically help reduce the noise pollution in your home.

3) Add Another Layer of Protection

Adding side panels can help improve the amount of heat or cool that enters & escapes your home. Even though they are not meant to be drawn closed they shield a portion of the window.

Fabric has an insulating effect that helps trap the air flow. When a room has a lot of windows, side panels can have a significant positive impact on your energy bill.

4) Soften the Look

The architecture of your home can be beautiful & interesting to look at, however it can also feel rigid & cold. Adding side panels of linen, cotton or silk can create simple softness without overwhelming the beautiful details of the space.

Side panels when done correctly will enhance the architecture of the room drawing your eyes up. By doing so, you emphasize the ceiling height & draw attention to unique ceiling details such as a vaulted ceiling or architectural beams.

Think of Grace Kelly with an elegant but sleek ball gown. It’s a stunning look & that’s what side panels will add to your windows.

5) Frames the View

Since trim is generally neutral & slim, side panels can do a better job of framing your view. The soft folds of fabric are compatible to the foliage of trees & other aspects of nature. If you have a really special view, choose a solid fabric or a small texture to avoid competing with the focal point.

It might be appropriate to draw from the colors of your view. A soft blue to emphasize the blue sky. White to compliment the clouds. Green to tie into the trees. Natural to draw your eyes to mountains.

Think of how you would choose a picture frame for a favorite photo. Here’s your opportunity to frame your real life view.

6) Pulls the Room Together

Side panels are another way to pull your look together. Side panels can be tied into the colors in your pillows, area rugs or furniture. Distributing your accent color/s throughout the space really pull the look together. It will give the room a polished look that is hard to achieve without some type of soft window treatment.

If you haven’t already, be sure to read my earlier blogpost, Pulling Your Family Room All Together.

7) Add Volume to the Window

Side Panels can give the illusion that your windows are larger than they really are. This is especially nice when you have long narrow windows 36’-40” wide. This works really well when you have a good amount of wall space on the left & the right of the window.

Use a rod that is 12”-16” wider than your window frame. A single width (54” of fabric) side panel will take up around 16”-20” once finished on the edges & pleated. This allows you to keep it off the glass as much as possible & just cover the trim & wall space you have allotted for the treatment.

This is a strategy that most designers utilize.

8) Side Panels are an Economical Way to Embellish Your Windows

When it comes to treating your windows with a decorative treatment, side panels are the least expensive. Even valances are generally more expensive because they require customization.

You will find that many retailers offer ready made options. But, buyer beware. Not all side panels are created equal. If you’re going to do this right there are some things you should look for.

Avoid rod pocket style panels unless you are going for an unstructured look. These will flair out at the bottom since the pleats are not set at the top. Pleated top draperies will hang the best. There are many different styles of pleats which I’ll cover in a future post.

Always go with lined draperies to avoid seeing the trim & wall space through the fabric. This also protects the fabric from fading.

The ideal length is 1/2”-3/4” off the floor. If you’re purchasing a ready made panel it’s likely they will offer 84” & 96”. If 84” is too short, it would be better to go with the longer length & use your local tailor to shorten them a few inches. If they are only a few inches long for your application you can have them break at the floor 2”-3”. This is an updated version of puddling on the floor. It actually can look really nice to fan the excess length out to the left & right. If you have pets though, this won’t be your best option.

If you have a wide window, a single width will not provide the right proportion. This is where it is best to solicit a professional designer or window treatment expert.

My favorite lines for purchasing side panels without using a designer or drapery expert are Eastern Accents and Smith and Noble.

The reason why is they have a strong focus on treating windows. Other retailers who focus on furniture & other decorative elements for the home take a more relaxed approach to side panels. They can be rather sloppy looking, I know because I have tried using them in some guest rooms for clients. My poor installer has tried his best to make them look good but the way the panels are fabricated give them an inferior look.

My best recommendation is to use a window specialist to be sure you are selecting the best look for your windows. Think back to when you picked out something to wear for a special occasion whether it be a Prom or a Wedding. You most likely solicited the opinion of a stylist who worked there to make the best decision. That was for 1 day, your window treatment is for many years to come.

I hope this will help convince you that you Should add side panels to your window. I’m confident that once you add them to one window you’ll be moving on to another room to do the same.

Who knew that Side Panels could eliminate light streaks, improve your acoustics, add a layer of protection, soften the look, frame the view, pull the room together, add volume to the window & be an economical way to finish your window. That’s a tall order.

I look forward to your questions & comments below & hope you “like” this blogpost.

If you’re still struggling, consider my Local or Online Design Services! My Room Review Package might be perfect for your project.

I’m here to help!

Your Home Loving Expert,

CJ