Dear Alice | Interior Design Podcast
Episode: Drapery 101: Our Guide To Your Best Choice
Release Date: April 10, 2025
Hosts: Jessica Bennett and Suzanne Hall (Alice Lane Interior Design)

1. Embracing Install Season and Ongoing Projects

In the opening segment of the episode, Jessica Bennett (Alice) and Suzanne Hall enthusiastically discuss the bustling "install season" of 2025. They highlight the culmination of years-long design projects, where meticulous planning and construction finally transition into the installation of furnishings and window treatments.

Notable Quote:
Suzanne (00:41): "It's install season. It's beginning."

Alice emphasizes the gratification that comes from seeing designs come to life, describing the installation phase as "Christmas morning every single day" (03:39). The hosts express excitement about showcasing behind-the-scenes glimpses of their projects, which span diverse styles and client needs.

2. Drapery Essentials and Listener Questions

The core focus of the episode revolves around drapery, addressing listener questions and sharing expert insights gained from over two decades in the interior design industry.

a. Responding to Rowan's Question on Valances

Listener Rowan posed a question regarding the relevance of valances in modern drapery (09:40). The hosts agree that valances, specifically balances (a term referring to valances), are becoming dated and less favored in contemporary designs.

Notable Quote:
Alice (09:40): "Rowan asks our balances dated. Can we dig into those?... We're seeing that now every client is gonna want to do, like, layers and layers of goopy gobi window treatments."

b. Alternatives to Valances: Cornice Boxes and Roman Shades

Instead of traditional valances, Alice and Suzanne advocate for more structured and timeless alternatives such as cornice boxes and Roman shades. Cornice boxes add architectural interest and structure, making them suitable for formal and traditional spaces. Roman shades, on the other hand, offer functionality and elegance, providing privacy while allowing light control.

Notable Quotes:
Alice (11:52): "It's a really cool look. And you can get a lot of really interesting profiles you can chase them with tapes."
Suzanne (12:47): "It's a very traditional treatment... adds shape and form to the space."

c. Proper Fabric Fullness in Drapery

The discussion transitions to the importance of fabric fullness in drapery. The hosts critique outdated practices, such as using only twice the width of the window for fabric, which they find insufficient. Instead, they recommend a fullness of three to five times the window width to achieve a luxurious and well-draped appearance.

Notable Quotes:
Suzanne (26:05): "We want to give you guys the very best advice. And it's don't do two times with width."
Alice (27:01): "Use those terminal. Like, use, like, is it two times, five times? Like, what are. What am I?"

3. Answering Chris's Question: Window Coverings That Let Light In but Hide or Soften the View

Listener Chris inquired about window treatments that balance light ingress with privacy and view softening (28:26). Alice and Suzanne explore several elegant solutions tailored to different spaces and functional needs.

a. Sheers and Sheer Romans

Sheer curtains are celebrated for their ability to diffuse natural light while maintaining an airy ambiance. When combined with Roman shades, they offer both aesthetics and functionality, allowing for effortless privacy control without sacrificing light.

Notable Quotes:
Alice (28:37): "I love a shear. Jess loves a shear."
Suzanne (30:12): "The cutest, the sheer roman is... nothing is sexier on a window than that Sheer roman."

b. Cafe Curtains

Cafe curtains are highlighted as a charming option for spaces like kitchens and bathrooms. Hung lower on the window, they allow ample light while obscuring the lower half of the view, ensuring privacy without darkening the room.

Notable Quotes:
Alice (35:46): "This is Rachel Parcel's primary bedroom bathroom... you can lay in the tub and you can see what the weather's doing."
Suzanne (35:13): "Another way to answer your question, Chris, of what type of window covering would let light in but hide or soften the view is the cafe curtain."

c. Top-Down, Bottom-Up Shades

Top-down, bottom-up shades offer versatility by allowing users to adjust the shade from the top or bottom independently. This feature provides flexibility in controlling both light and privacy, making it ideal for rooms where visibility is a concern.

Notable Quotes:
Alice (40:54): "Top down, bottom up... It can operate as a cafe curtain."
Suzanne (41:10): "Top down, bottom up... it's great."

4. Conclusion and Upcoming Topics

As the episode wraps up, Alice and Suzanne tease upcoming discussions, including an in-depth exploration of pleat styles in drapery and the essentials of avoiding common pitfalls in window treatment installations. They invite listeners to engage with their content, leave reviews, and stay tuned for more expert advice in future episodes.

Notable Quote:
Suzanne (43:07): "Next week, tune in for more about draperies. What to avoid, what to do, what we're loving. We're gonna share all of those."

Key Takeaways

• Modern Alternatives to Valances: Cornice boxes and Roman shades are recommended over traditional valances for a more structured and timeless look.

• Optimal Fabric Fullness: Achieving three to five times the window width in fabric fullness enhances the aesthetic and functionality of drapery.

• Versatile Window Treatments: Sheers, cafe curtains, and top-down, bottom-up shades provide effective solutions for controlling light while maintaining privacy.

This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for homeowners and interior designers seeking to make informed decisions about drapery and window treatments, blending functionality with elegant design.