Let’s face it — not every window follows the rules. Some soar 18-feet high, others curve around turrets, and many squeeze into spaces that seem impossible to treat. As designers, you know the architectural quirks that make a space feel special also tend to complicate your plans for window treatments. That’s where we come in.
At Parkway Window Works, we love a challenge. In fact, the trickier the space, the more our team lights up. Our process is built to engineer elegant solutions for even the most unconventional windows, and our goal is always the same: to make your vision work seamlessly in real life.
Molded to the Molding
One of our trickier projects involved a standard house feature: crown molding. Our first step was to consider the pros and cons of every option. An inside mount wouldn’t fill the space enough to give the wow factor the client wanted, but an outside mount would be cut short on the sides because of the crown molding, leading to a narrow looking shade. The solution? Shaping the top of the shade to the molding for maximum width.
A finished shot of the faux roman with a close up of the custom shaped top perfectly fitting the molding.
We used a tool that was new to us at the time – a contour gauge. It let us precisely measure every curve and corner of the molding, so we could make the shade fit like a puzzle piece. One of the reasons we can solve any problem is our willingness and eagerness to try new things and research new solutions. We’ll take the work off your hands, and deliver the product you dream of, all with a worry-free experience.
Solving for Angles and Arches
Have a window tucked under a dramatic arch or hemmed in by an angled ceiling? We’ve been there, and we know how to get it right. Whether it’s a softly curved valance to mimic the arch or a layered solution that adds balance without overpowering the window, we’ll help you make sense of the shape.
We consider how the fabric will fall, how hardware can be adapted, and what lining will give you the finish you want — even when space is tight or angles are working against you. Every inch matters in these custom window treatment solutions, and we make sure each one counts.
Solutions for Two-Story Window Treatments
One of our most memorable projects involved a lakefront home with 18-foot ceilings and panoramic views. The client wanted ripplefold draperies that would soften the space without blocking the view — and they had to be motorized, of course. With windows that tall, standard 4-inch spacing on ripplefold panels just wouldn’t cut it.
We custom-calibrated the snap spacing to 6 inches to hold their structure beautifully from floor to ceiling. The fabric? A cotton/poly blend that drapes without flaring. The custom drapery installation? Involved scaffolding, yoga mats, and a lot of choreography to hand-hem each panel on site. The entire window treatment installation took three days, a necessary timeline to reach this height of perfection.
Custom Motorization for Challenging Spaces
Motorized window treatments are fantastic until you’re trying to fit a shade cassette into a shallow ceiling recess with a hidden motor. The key is planning ahead. We work with your electrician and builder to make sure everything lines up, often recommending low-profile hardware and flexible mounting solutions that don’t compromise design.
From quiet Lutron tracks to battery-powered solutions for hard-to-reach windows, we help you decide what works best for the space and the lifestyle. We can custom program motorized window treatments and seamlessly integrate them into existing home automation systems, ensuring your clients can control everything from lighting to window coverings with a single touch.
Layering for Looks and Light Control
Sometimes the biggest challenge isn’t the shape of the window, it’s what the client needs that window treatment to do. A layered approach often solves both function and form. Think: a sheer shade to filter harsh light during the day, with operable panels that add softness and privacy at night. Or a faux Roman valance to hide a blackout shade that drops down at bedtime.
It’s all about knowing the limitations of each product and how to combine them into one cohesive (and beautiful) designer window covering solution.
Professional Window Treatment Installation Process
Complex windows often require site-specific measurement, custom fabrication techniques, and detailed installation prep. That’s why we run a “dress rehearsal” for every project in our workroom — right down to the bracket spacing — before anything goes to site. We’ve been known to build mockups, reconfigure hardware mid-process, or sew on site to make sure everything turns out just right.
When you work with Parkway Window Works, you’re never flying blind. We partner with you through the whole process — from technical renderings to the final install — so your designs are executed flawlessly, no matter how complicated the window.
Bring Us Your Weird Windows
Whether it’s a loft with triangular clerestory windows, a turret with uneven mullions, or a multi-panel bay window in need of coordination, we’re here to make it happen. Complex doesn’t scare us — it excites us.
Ready to tackle your next challenging project? Contact us for a consultation where we’ll walk through your project, assess the challenges together, and develop a custom solution that works perfectly for both your design vision and your client’s needs.
