Your Options for Window Treatments

The Many Types of Window Treatments

Whether you’ve just replaced your windows, moved to a new home, or are just ready for a new design, figuring out your window treatments can be daunting. Window treatments are often overlooked and underrated. They usually don’t get replaced or installed unless it’s a need (like blaring sun waking up your toddler at six in the morning or that neighbor that can’t seem to mind her own business). Regardless of why you need new window treatments, there are things you need to do before rushing to the first store and buying the first thing that fits your windows.

First you need to ask yourself, what purpose do you want these window treatments to fulfill? Are they for light control, aesthetics, or privacy? After figuring out what you want them for, figure out what kind of treatment do you want. Window treatments are generally, shades, curtains, blinds or shutters.

Shades

Shades and blinds are like those siblings everyone mixes up, they look similar, but actually completely different. Both shades and blinds offer privacy, but shades are generally less expensive. Shades also don’t have the slates that blinds do. Shades are generally fabric or another lightweight material. They are more for light control instead of blocking light. Even when closed, shades still let soft light filter in.

Shades come in a variety of colors, patterns, and materials. Shades can even be printed on (like a logo or image of your choice). Different types of shades include Roman shades, roller or solar shades, honeycomb shades, and pleated.

Roman Shades

Roman shades are folded at the bottom or have many folds throughout. They are often made of heavier fabric and great for a room that you want less light.

Roller/Solar Shades

Solar shades are easier to clean and reduce UV rays. They even come in bamboo and hemp for that “green