Custom Window Coverings for Open Floor Plans in Eastern Iowa

Open floor plans have become a defining feature of modern home design, especially in newly constructed or renovated homes across Iowa City, Davenport, Bettendorf, Cedar Rapids, North Liberty, Tiffin, and the broader Quad Cities region. While these layouts offer a spacious, airy aesthetic and encourage better flow between living areas, they also pose unique challenges when it comes to light control, privacy, and energy efficiency. That’s where custom window treatments come in. In this post, we explore how custom window coverings for open floor plans in Eastern Iowa provide the perfect solution for balancing form and function in expansive living spaces.

The Open Floor Plan Challenge

An open floor plan generally combines multiple living spaces—kitchen, dining room, and living area—into one continuous area. While this offers greater flexibility and a more sociable layout, it creates certain complications:

• Lighting Inconsistencies: One side of the room may receive intense sunlight while the other remains dim.
• Privacy Issues: With fewer walls, privacy becomes a concern, particularly in homes with large or multiple windows.
• Energy Efficiency: More exposed glass can lead to fluctuating indoor temperatures.

The right custom window coverings for open floor plans in Eastern Iowa can address all of these challenges while also enhancing the aesthetics of your home.

Why Custom Matters

Ready-made window treatments might seem like a quick fix, but they often fail to meet the specific demands of open-concept living. Custom options ensure:

• Exact Fit: For large or uniquely shaped windows common in open floor plans.
• Coordinated Style: Seamless design throughout the space.
• Personalization: You control fabric, opacity, automation, and style.

In short, custom window coverings for open floor plans in Eastern Iowa allow homeowners to achieve both practicality and elegance without compromise.

Coordinating Across Multiple Zones

Open floor plans typically include multiple functional zones. Coordinating window treatments across these zones is critical for a cohesive look. At Made in the Shade – Eastern Iowa, we help homeowners select solutions that define each zone while maintaining visual harmony.

Living Room Zones

In the living room area, light filtering is often key. Roman shades or drapery panels can soften light while adding texture and color. For added privacy, layering with light-filtering roller shades or sheer drapery is a great option.

Kitchen Zones

The kitchen calls for durability and ease of maintenance. Faux wood blinds and roller shades made from washable fabrics are ideal choices here. These are custom-fit to withstand steam, cooking residue, and sunlight.

Dining Zones

The dining area benefits from elegant treatments like custom draperies or shutters. Motorized shades offer the ultimate in convenience, allowing you to adjust lighting conditions at the touch of a button.

When choosing custom window coverings for open floor plans in Eastern Iowa, consider the individual needs of each space while ensuring they work together visually.

Energy Efficiency in Eastern Iowa’s Climate

Eastern Iowa experiences distinct seasons, from hot summers to freezing winters. Custom window treatments can help manage energy costs year-round:

• Cellular Shades: Trap air and provide excellent insulation.
• Layered Treatments: Combining drapes with shades or blinds increases insulation.
• Exterior Shades and Awnings: Block solar heat before it enters the home.

Our experts at Made in the Shade – Eastern Iowa guide you in selecting the most energy-efficient custom window coverings for open floor plans in Eastern Iowa that also suit your aesthetic preferences.

Embracing Natural Light Without Sacrificing Privacy

Large windows are a staple of open floor layouts, but they can expose your home to outside view. Achieving the right balance between natural light and privacy is a major concern for homeowners.

Sheer Shades and Layering

Sheer shades provide daylighting while diffusing harsh rays. Combine them with heavier drapery panels for nighttime privacy.

Top-Down, Bottom-Up Shades

These allow you to maintain privacy at eye level while letting light in from above—a perfect solution for homes in busy neighborhoods like those in Iowa City or Cedar Rapids.

This dual functionality is one of the reasons why top-down, bottom-up options are popular custom window coverings for open floor plans in Eastern Iowa.

Automation for Effortless Control

Motorization is more than a luxury—it’s a game changer for homes with high or hard-to-reach windows. Made in the Shade – Eastern Iowa offers a wide range of automated options that integrate seamlessly with smart home systems.

Benefits of Motorized Custom Treatments:

• Control multiple windows at once
• Set schedules to match daylight hours
• Increase security while you’re away
• Reduce energy costs by automating based on temperature or sunlight

Motorized solutions are ideal custom window coverings for open floor plans in Eastern Iowa, where multiple treatments often need to work in unison.

Popular Custom Window Treatments for Open Floor Plans

Roller Shades

Sleek, minimal, and highly customizable. Available in light-filtering or blackout options, roller shades suit modern and transitional spaces.

Roman Shades

Add softness and texture without overwhelming the space. Their structured folds make them a sophisticated choice for open areas.

Wood & Faux Wood Blinds

Perfect for adding warmth and natural charm. Faux wood is particularly suitable for kitchens and bathrooms.

Cellular Shades

Known for their energy efficiency, cellular shades are ideal for Iowa’s climate. Choose single or double-cell construction depending on insulation needs.

Plantation Shutters

Provide timeless appeal and superior light control. Custom-fit for large or oddly shaped windows.

These are all top choices when selecting custom window coverings for open floor plans in Eastern Iowa.

Custom Draperies: The Designer’s Secret

Custom draperies are a designer favorite for unifying open spaces. Whether you choose bold prints or neutral textures, draperies bring elegance, movement, and acoustic benefits to large rooms.

Drapery Tips:

• Hang panels high and wide to enhance height
• Use consistent fabrics throughout zones
• Layer with shades or blinds for versatility

Made in the Shade – Eastern Iowa offers hundreds of fabric choices to ensure your custom window coverings for open floor plans in Eastern Iowa are one-of-a-kind.

Exterior Solutions for Interior Comfort

Exterior shades and awnings play a vital role in managing light and temperature before they even reach the glass. Especially in sun-facing rooms, these solutions are invaluable.

• Exterior Solar Shades: Reduce glare and block UV rays
• Retractable Awnings: Provide shade as needed, ideal for patios and large glass walls

Both are effective options for boosting the performance of your custom window coverings for open floor plans in Eastern Iowa.

Working With Local Experts

Choosing the right treatments can be overwhelming. Our team at Made in the Shade – Eastern Iowa simplifies the process with personalized, in-home consultations. We bring the showroom to you, allowing you to see how different styles, colors, and fabrics work with your lighting and decor.

We serve:

• Iowa City
• Davenport
• Bettendorf
• Quad Cities
• Cedar Rapids
• North Liberty
• Tiffin
• Surrounding areas

When it comes to sourcing custom window coverings for open floor plans in Eastern Iowa, local knowledge and personalized service make all the difference.

Ready to Transform Your Space?

Don’t settle for one-size-fits-all window solutions. Whether you’re building a new home or updating your current layout, Made in the Shade – Eastern Iowa has the expertise to help you find the perfect custom window coverings for open floor plans in Eastern Iowa.

Call us today at 563-726-8040 to schedule your free consultation.

Let us bring our samples to your space and help you create a unified, functional, and beautiful environment that works in every light, every season, and every zone of your home.

Custom window coverings for open floor plans in Eastern Iowa are more than just a finishing touch—they’re essential for comfort, beauty, and functionality. Contact Made in the Shade – Eastern Iowa today and see the difference personalized service makes.