Made in the Shade Lancaster recently partnered with a growing professional services firm in downtown Lancaster, PA, to completely transform their office environment using custom window fashions. This case study details how the right window treatments elevated their space—improving employee comfort, enhancing branding, and integrating seamlessly with their modern office technology.
We’ll Bring the Showroom To You! Made in the Shade Lancaster provides free in-office consultations with professional measuring and installation. If you’re thinking of upgrading your office windows, this case study is for you.
The Challenge: A Bright But Inefficient Office
Our client, a financial services firm with a newly renovated office, had one major issue—too much natural light. Floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides made for a beautiful view, but intense glare, heat, and lack of privacy quickly became a problem.
Common complaints included:
- Eye strain from screen glare
- Uneven heating and cooling across workspaces
- Distracting street views and foot traffic
- A desire for a polished, cohesive interior look
They needed a solution that was:
- Professionally styled to fit their upscale branding
- Energy-efficient to reduce HVAC strain
- Integrated with their smart office systems
- Able to control both light and privacy
The Consultation & Design Process
At Made in the Shade Lancaster, we begin every project with a free in-office consultation. One of our experienced design consultants met with the office manager and building owner to assess lighting needs, interior design goals, and budget. We brought samples to the space so they could see how the fabrics and features would perform in real-time lighting conditions.
Key considerations:
- Which zones needed room darkening vs. light filtering?
- Was motorization a must-have for hard-to-reach areas?
- What color palette would match the office’s brand identity?
- Which vendor solutions would provide lasting durability and value?
The Solution: Layered Window Treatments with Smart Control
To solve each challenge, we chose a layered approach using high-quality window fashions from trusted brands like Graber, Insolroll, and Alta Window Fashions.
1. Woven Shades in Common Areas
Natural woven shades were the clear choice for the open-plan workspace and meeting rooms. These shades help cut glare while adding texture and warmth to the space. We selected a tight, refined weave to balance light control and outside views.
Benefits:
- Reduced screen glare significantly
- Maintained outside views for a positive work environment
- Lowered indoor temperatures in summer months
We sourced the textures to coordinate with the design palette and referenced Insolroll performance standards, while aligning the look with the feel of bamboo and grassweave shades that integrate beautifully with commercial architecture.
2. Motorized Roller Shades for Executive Offices
For the executive offices, we installed Alta motorized roller shades that could be scheduled and controlled via smartphone or voice assistant. These shades featured dual-layer capability—offering both blackout and light-filtering options to support video calls and confidential conversations.
Benefits:
- Quiet motorization perfect for client meetings
- Automation features for security and convenience
- Seamless control via smartphone and home automation systems
We pre-programmed scenes for morning meetings, lunchtime glare control, and evening privacy, pairing blackout
roller shades with a lighter daytime fabric where appropriate.
3. Dual Shades in Break Rooms & Lounges
To make communal spaces both stylish and functional, we opted for dual shades—a combination of sheer and opaque fabrics in one system. These versatile shades allowed for mood changes with a simple pull, from relaxed daylight to private, cozy settings.
Benefits:
- Stylish appearance that matched the office’s modern design
- Easy manual control by employees
- Enhanced ambiance for informal gatherings
4. Custom Draperies in Conference Rooms
To create a dramatic focal point in the main conference room, we layered custom soft treatments from Horizons Window Fashions over blackout roller shades. Drapes provided sound dampening and an upscale, inviting aesthetic that framed the presentation screen and improved acoustics.
Benefits:
- Elegant presentation space
- Sound absorption in large rooms
- Complete light blockage for presentations
Results: A More Comfortable, Stylish, and Smart Office
- 30% decrease in afternoon heat gain, reducing energy use
- Higher productivity due to reduced glare and better focus
- Improved aesthetics that aligned with their brand and elevated client perception
- Streamlined functionality using app and voice control throughout the office
Our client even reported fewer staff complaints about lighting, and many remarked how the shades gave the office a “polished and professional” look.
Why Custom Window Fashions Matter in Commercial Spaces
Many business owners overlook the impact of professional window treatments in commercial design. But the right shades, blinds, or draperies can influence everything from team morale to your utility bills.
Top reasons to invest in custom window coverings:
- Energy Efficiency: Save on heating and cooling with high-performance fabrics and layered solutions like
roller shades and dual shades. - Light Management: Reduce glare without sacrificing natural light using woven textures and tailored opacity options.
- Branding: Match your color scheme and design style with coordinated draperies and top treatments.
- Technology Integration: Motorize roller shades or pair dual shades with smart controls for convenience and sophistication.
- Privacy & Security: Protect sensitive information and create confidential spaces with blackout
roller shades and layered soft treatments.
Plus, all of our commercial solutions meet safety standards with cordless or motorized options—ideal for modern offices, health practices, and retail spaces.
Conclusion: From Glare to Glamour
What started as a bright but uncomfortable space is now a stylish, functional, and smart office that reflects the professionalism of the company it houses. This transformation was made possible by understanding their needs and customizing window treatments that solve practical problems while adding value.
At Made in the Shade Lancaster, we specialize in transforming commercial spaces with beautiful, functional, and tech-savvy solutions.
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