The Detail That’s Often Overlooked in Architecture: Integrating Blinds & Curtains

"As designers we work with clients who are not only homeowners but architects, interior designers, and craftsmen. Our role is to act as a resource and offer design advice, material expertise, and the detailed knowledge required to bring a project or scheme together seamlessly. Architects and interior designers regularly use our showroom as a sort of working library of samples and ideas. It allows both them and their clients to experience materials firsthand, helping to visualise how individual elements contribute to the overall design.” - Joanne Golden, Interior Designer at Tangram.

We work with the A&D community in all sorts of ways, but in today’s blog we highlight one service we offer which is particularly popular with our architect friends – and for good reason. The specification of window blinds and curtains. 

Why Window Treatments Matter Early

Planning for blinds and curtains is most effective when it happens at the drawing stage, alongside the wider architectural design. While often treated as a finishing layer, these elements have a direct impact on how a space is used and enjoyed by the homeowner.

Electric roller blinds for example, require early coordination. Recess depths, ceiling details, and wiring positions all need to be considered in advance to achieve a clean, integrated finish. This ensures that window views are uninterrupted and nothing feels like an afterthought. When planned early on, blinds can disappear seamlessly into the architecture, rather than sitting awkwardly within it.
The same principle applies to curtains. Pocket sizes, stacking space, and track positioning all influence not only the aesthetic, but also how effectively the window can be used day-to-day. Without early consideration, there’s a risk of compromised proportions, restricted light, or limited functionality.
By addressing these details at the drawing stage, we can collaborate with architects to ensure that practical requirements are met without sacrificing the final design.

How We Work: From Concept to Installation

Every project we work on is different, but a recent collaboration with an Edinburgh-based architectural practice, Lorn Macneal, highlights how this process typically unfolds.

1.    Initial Consultation
Meeting with the architect to understand the design intent, scope, and requirements for blinds and/or curtains. 
2.    Review of Drawings
Assessing window schedules, floor plans, and elevations to fully understand the space. 
3.    Technical Coordination
Defining key parameters, including: maximum blind and curtain sizes, minimum recess and ceiling pocket requirements, curtain track projections into the room, curtain stack widths when drawn open. 
4.    Material Exploration & Selection
Presenting various fabric options from some of our manufacturers including, but by no means limited to, Silent Gliss, Astrid, De Pleog, De Le Cuona and more. 
5.    Budget Pricing
Preparing an initial budget quotation based on estimated quantities and specifications. 
6.    Detailed Technical Input
Providing the necessary information for integration, including wiring diagrams and coordination with electrical plans. 
7.    Site Visit & Measurement
Visiting site to take precise measurements and review final details, including electrical readiness for automated systems. 
8.    Final Quotation & Order
Issuing a confirmed quotation following site checks, with orders placed upon approval. 
9.    Delivery & Installation
Coordinating delivery and working with our highly skilled fitters to ensure a precise and seamless fit.  

A Seamless Result Starts Early

When considered from the beginning, window treatments become an integral part of the architecture, quietly supporting the overall design rather than competing with it. For architects, it’s a small detail that carries significant impact. And when addressed early it allows the final space to feel considered as well as beautiful.

As interior designers we are always looking for the chance to work with other practices, creating an interior as a whole and expanding our knowledge on the built environment. If you have a current or upcoming project where we can be of assistance, please do get in touch with one of our designers. You can find out more about our blinds and curtains - here.

0131 556 6551 / [email protected]