Plan Now, Install Later: Why December Is the Smartest Month for Window Design
When most people think about December, they picture decorating, wrapping gifts, and filling the calendar with get-togethers. Almost no one says, “This is the perfect time to plan new custom draperies.” Yet it’s an ideal month to pause, look around, and plan ahead.
December isn’t great for rushing last-minute installs; it’s perfect for designing the window treatments you’ll enjoy next year.
Why You Can’t Rush Custom Drapery in December
Custom drapery isn’t pulled from a rack. Each project begins with a consultation, precise measurements, and fabric choices that work with your light and lifestyle. Then come decisions about linings, heading style, hardware, and fullness before anything is cut and sewn.
By December, most workrooms and installers are finishing projects planned earlier in the fall. That’s why it’s hard to “squeeze in” a holiday installation—but it’s the perfect moment to start designs that will be ready in early spring. Think of December as your design-and-decision month. The windows that look beautiful in March are the ones you start planning now.
The Advantages of Designing in December
Planning now comes with benefits you won’t find during busier months. Because you’re decorating and hosting, you naturally notice what’s missing: a bare dining room window, a chilly draft by the sofa, or a bedroom that never feels dark enough.
You also have more breathing room. Without a hard holiday deadline, you can compare fabrics in different lighting, talk through lining options, and explore styles instead of settling for whatever can be done fastest. Early planning also gives you a better shot at preferred installation dates for late winter and early spring.
Room-by-Room: Smart Places to Start
You don’t have to redo the whole house. Start with the rooms you use most.
Kitchens and baths are great first projects. Roman shades add softness and privacy without crowding small spaces, and fabrics can be chosen to handle moisture and everyday use.
Living and dining rooms often feel “finished” the moment full-length draperies go up. Panels frame the view, soften echoes, and add warmth that furniture alone can’t provide.
Bedrooms are all about comfort and light control. Layering room-darkening shades with decorative panels can turn an ordinary room into a retreat—especially on long winter nights.
Make the Most of a December Design Consultation
A little preparation makes your consultation more helpful. Walk through your home and list the windows that bother you most. Save a few inspiration photos on your phone. Think about your top priorities—privacy, light control, insulation, or simply updating the look—and consider a comfortable budget range.
From there, we’ll guide you through fabrics, linings, and styles, and map out a realistic timeline based on our workroom schedule.
Plan Now, Enjoy Later
By the time spring arrives, you could be enjoying Roman shades in a refreshed kitchen or bath, tailored draperies in the living room, or a darker, cozier bedroom—all because you chose to plan in December.
Stocks Draperies has helped North Canton homeowners design thoughtful window treatments for decades. When you give yourself time to design, you end up with custom treatments that look intentional and last for years. Schedule your 2026 consultation at stocksdraperies.com and use this December to design windows you’ll love all year long.