Ivory curtains, brass curtain rods and beautiful bamboo shades make this primary bedroom a calm, inviting retreat.
I’m excited to share the progress on our primary bedroom makeover. I hadn’t planned to post photos so soon, but the room came together faster than expected and I wanted to show the updates—especially the window treatments.
When we moved in, the pistachio-green walls had to go. A fresh paint choice changed everything—again proving that paint colors truly make all the difference. I swapped the green for a warm neutral I’ve used before and loved; it harmonizes with both warm and cool tones and instantly calmed the space.
Here’s a reminder of the original pistachio walls. I’m so glad we repainted.
My friend encouraged me to tackle the paint as phase one instead of waiting for a full renovation, and she was absolutely right. Once the walls were neutral, the windows and textiles started to shine.
Window Treatments in the Primary Bedroom
I want to highlight the window treatments—bamboo shades with a blackout liner, ivory linen-cotton curtains, and brass curtain rods. Together they balance light control, privacy and a layered, relaxed look.
We have seven windows and two French doors in this suite, so while the daylight is gorgeous, it made sleeping in difficult. The original blinds were too thin to block morning sun. That’s why I invested in blackout curtains and woven wood shades with liners for real light control.
A longtime design goal of mine was to have two windows flanking the bed with shades and curtains framing a king bed. Seeing that vision realized—bamboo shades on the inside with gently draped ivory panels on the outside—felt exactly as I’d imagined: calm, layered and a little bit dreamy.
Blackout Bamboo Shades
The woven wood shades we installed have blackout liners, which make a huge difference. They block early-morning sunlight and even nearby exterior lights at night. I ordered the continuous cord loop operation for the bedroom windows so I can raise and lower the shades easily without moving the nightstands—plus the curtain panels help conceal the loop.
If you’re choosing woven wood shades, consider the material, finish and whether you need a privacy or blackout liner. A liner will improve light control and privacy without changing the natural texture that makes these shades so appealing.
Bamboo Shades on the French Doors
The French doors in our small sitting area originally had thin, poorly fitting shades. They were see-through, too wide for the frames and the cords extended to the floor. We replaced them with custom bamboo shades that include privacy liners and a cordless lift option. The result is far neater, safer for kids and much more private.
Linen Curtains and Brass Rods
To complete the layered look I chose ivory linen-cotton blend curtains paired with brass curtain rods and simple finials. The hardware has a refined profile and the curtains hang in soft folds that feel classic and timeless.
I found that mounting the rods higher than the window frame—close to 99 inches—gave the illusion of taller windows while letting 96-inch panels almost reach the floor without puddling. Most of the panels hung perfectly; one set was slightly longer, so I plan to contact the retailer about a replacement. Even so, the overall look is cohesive and elegant.
At night the panels cover the transom windows for better darkness; during the day we open them to enjoy the view and natural light.
How to Hang Curtains to Make a Room Look Larger
A simple rule when hanging curtains is “high and wide.” Mount the rod 4–6 inches above the window frame and extend it 3–6 inches past each side to visually enlarge the window and room. For length, if you plan to move the curtains frequently leave 1/4–1/2 inch above the floor; for a luxe, tailored look let the hem puddle 4–6 inches.
What’s Next?
The next steps are furniture and finishing touches. I’m planning to buy a new bed and nightstands when they go on sale and I’m waiting for a love seat to come back in stock for the sitting area. I’m also deciding whether to refinish or replace the dresser and whether to update the ceiling fan.
For now we’re enjoying the darker, quieter mornings and the peaceful atmosphere the layered window treatments bring to the primary suite.
More posts you may enjoy:
- DIY Window Cornice Board with Fabric
- Furnishing a Teen Girl’s Bedroom: 10+ Tips and Tricks
- 7 Must-Have Nightstand Decor Ideas
- Bedside Cord Organization Ideas
- The Best Window Treatment Options for Every Room