Why window coverings matter more than you think in a spa-like dental office

Interior Design

June 19, 2026

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I'm Ariel, Founder and Principal Designer of ASR Design Studio. 


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For me design is not just about aesthetics; it’s a celebration of people—who they are, what they cherish, and the vibrant ways they experience life in their homes.
Dental Office

A space can have beautiful finishes and still feel cold and clinical if the lighting isn’t right. Window treatments are one of the most powerful ways we soften that, and they were essential to getting Smiles by Pai right.

At Smiles by Pai, every detail was chosen with intention to create a calming dental office — a genuinely spa-like environment that puts patients at ease the moment they walk through the door. Lighting, materials, and texture all work together to shape how a space feels, and few elements carry as much of that weight as window coverings. You can see the full project in our portfolio.

Window treatments do more than filter light or offer privacy. They define the mood of a room. In a dental office, where patients often arrive feeling nervous or vulnerable, the right window coverings soften that experience — diffusing harsh light, adding a tactile layer of warmth, and creating a calm, balanced energy that feels both professional and nurturing.

The Smiles by Pai window story

For this project, we worked with TWOPAGES Curtains to source a layered combination that blends softness, performance, and timeless style. Their custom-made approach gave us the flexibility to specify exact fabrics, fold styles, and hardware finishes for a commercial space that needed to feel anything but commercial.

PATIENT AREAS — ROMAN SHADES
Patti Belgian Flax Linen Flat Fold Roman Shade
Cordless  ·  Off White B312
PATIENT AREAS — DRAPERY
Jawara Luxury Linen Cotton Curtain
Pleated  ·  Ivory Beige J401-2
HARDWARE
LORA Track Kits
Clean, low-profile functionality for a commercial install

This pairing strikes the balance between form and function. The Roman shades offer a tailored, structured look that filters natural light beautifully throughout the day — providing privacy without blocking the sun entirely, which matters in patient areas where gentle daylight supports a soothing atmosphere.

The drapery adds a sense of luxury and softness on top of that structure. The linen-cotton blend of the Jawara panels introduces subtle movement and texture, deepening the spa-like feel while grounding the space in comfort. Together, the layered design makes the office feel inviting yet elevated — a reflection of Dr. Pai’s approach to dentistry itself: precise, thoughtful, and deeply caring. In Dr. Pai’s private office, we took a slightly different approach. The window sits higher on the wall, so full-length drapery wasn’t necessary. We used the same Patti linen Roman shade to maintain visual consistency throughout the practice while letting the space feel light, open, and proportionate. The simplicity of the shade supports focus, which is exactly what a room used for treatment planning and consultations needs.

How to choose window coverings for your own space

Selecting the right window coverings can feel overwhelming, but a few key questions make the decision much clearer. Whether you’re designing a calming dental office, a commercial space, or your own home, here’s what we walk every client through.

Purpose and function

Start with what you actually need the treatment to do. Light control, privacy, insulation, or simply aesthetic warmth — they’re not all the same answer. In professional settings like Smiles by Pai, layering treatments gives you flexibility throughout the day.

Light quality

Natural light shapes mood, focus, and even perceived cleanliness. Choose materials that filter light softly rather than blocking it outright. Linen, cotton, and open weaves create that soothing, natural glow.

Architectural Hallway

Tone and texture

Fabric and finish should speak the same language as the rest of your palette. Soft neutrals, natural fibers, and subtle texture keep a space feeling calm and timeless — especially against modern finishes or high-tech equipment.

Maintenance and durability

In professional environments especially, prioritize materials that are easy to clean and consider cordless or motorized options for both safety and day-to-day convenience.

Cohesion across spaces

Consistent materials or tones carry flow through an entire space, even when the treatment style varies room to room. That’s exactly what we did at Smiles by Pai — shades in one room, layered drapery in another, unified by the same fabric story throughout.

Bringing it all together

At Smiles by Pai, the window coverings do more than frame the view — they complete the experience. The combination of Roman shades and drapery softens the architecture, shapes the quality of natural light, and mirrors the practice’s philosophy: calm, refined, and patient-centered.

Every choice, from texture to color to hardware, contributes to the sense of comfort and ease that defines the office. Just as Dr. Pai’s approach to dentistry blends science with artistry, the design reflects that same harmony — precision and beauty working together to create something genuinely restorative.

If you’re designing a space where comfort, calm, and care matter as much as function, window coverings deserve real consideration. A thoughtful choice changes how a room feels — and how people feel in it. Read more about how we approach material and fabric selection across every project on our services page.


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ASR Design Studio is an exclusive residential interior design studio in Southern California.
We specialize in remodeling, new builds, furnishing, and thoughtful styling.

Our approach to creating homes blends our signature style of modern coastal design with our clients’ personal preferences, lifestyles, and objectives.
We believe that your home should tell the story of who you are.

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