The windows that your home sports are not just there for because they were installed to be there. In fact, they serve several purposes and work as a functional necessity in your home. Your windows let light in, allow a cool breeze, and connect you with the outside without actually having to go outdoors.
Your windows are important, but did you know that the way you represent them from within your home matters? A bare window is one that can offer too much light or invade on your privacy to outside eyes, but a beautifully dressed one can bring the entire look of your home together.
Window treatments are an amazing tool that you can use in your home to make your windows look their best. From curtains to blinds and valances, there are many different options available to you. There are so many choices to make and with so many choices, you may not know which window treatment is right for your home or windows.
Below, we will go over everything you need to know about different window treatments to help provide you with some guidance on choosing the ones for your home.
Things to Keep in Mind as You Shop for Window Treatments
The very first step you should take is looking at each one of your windows and determining which ones you want to put window treatments on.
For example, do you have floor to ceiling windows? Do you have a bay window? Do you have a window hidden in a corner?
The way the window opens, its shape, and size all factor into what window treatment you should choose for it.
Window Shape and Size
There are several common window shapes which include rectangular, circular, bay, and arched windows. Bay windows are probably the hardest windows to find the perfect window treatments for simply because of their design and shape.
Once you have determined the shape of the window, you will also need to consider how the window itself opens up, as this will influence the type of treatment you choose. Here are some of the most common types:
- Casement – These types of windows are attached to a frame, and they are hinged on a single side. They open similar to a door.
- Single and Double Hung – These are the most common types of windows, and they slide up from the bottom in a vertical fashion.
- Awning – These types of windows have a hinge at the top, and they open from the bottom and outwards.
- Sliding – These types of windows slide from one side to the other and are commonly found on doors that lead our to the porch.
What Will Be the Purpose of Your Window Treatment?
The purpose of why you want to have window treatments is important too. Window treatments serve different purposes, and a majority of a window treatment is fabric. So, depending on what it is you want to accomplish, you will need to base your decision around that.
What are some purposes that the window treatments can serve?
First, aesthetics. If your home has blinds already or you simply want to dress up the area, a set of curtains can do that for you. Not only will it reinvent the space, but it will also help you tie any room together.
Second, if you have windows in your home that face the south, then it is likely that you want to block out some of the light that comes in during the day and into the evening. While the sun is nice to have in your home, it can also cause a glare on your TV, which isn’t ideal for your eyes. UV blocking curtains can assist in blocking out this unwanted light and prevent glare.
Lastly, if you want privacy, you can find window treatments that offer you just that. For example, blackout curtains are an ideal option to help control the environment around you.
What Options Do I Have When it Comes to Window Treatments?
If you have ever taken a look in the window treatment aisle at your local store, you have probably seen many different options. You are not limited when it comes to the type of window treatments you want as there are extensive choices including texture, color, and type.
The type of window treatment you choose is a personal choice and will really depend on what it is that you are looking for. Some of the most common types include:
- Valances
- Drapes
- Shades
- Blinds
- Curtains
Valances
Valances are usually made from wood, polyester, cotton, and silk. This option can be paired nicely with shades, curtains, blinds, and drapes. Typically, valances are meant to be decorative and ornate.
Drapes
Drapes are usually made from a variety of materials to include polyester, linen, velvet, cotton, and silk. They are much thicker and also heavier than a curtain is. You will find that drapes often have an additional lining on them and they are a good choice for blocking out both light and sound. If you are not exactly sure the difference, think about hotel drapes. They are thick, heavy, and have that extra lining on the backside of them.
Shades
Shades are made from several materials such as linen, cotton, vinyl, polyester, and bamboo. Shades are a classic choice for many, but they are not always practical for everyone. There are four main types of shades to choose from and they include:
- Woven – These shades look similar to a screen and help to keep light diffused without being too overwhelming. They allow you to still enjoy natural light without foregoing privacy by having your shades all the way open. They are usually made from jute and bamboo.
- Roller – These shades come made from a single piece of material or fabric and when they are drawn up, coil around a tube that is located at the top of the window. These shades are known to block out UV rays.
- Roman – These shades have soft pleats or even curving folds throughout them. When drawn upwards, they make an accordion figure and are ideal for keeping light blocked out.
- Cellular – These shades have a honeycomb design that is best for trapping air and helping to retain heat in the winter and cool air during the summer.
Blinds
Blinds can be made from bamboo, vinyl, wood, and metal. Often times, the words blinds and shades are used interchangeably, but they are actually different. It is possible though that you will see blinds referred to as shades.
Blinds are generally made from harder materials than shades are. Blinds also come in single slats. Blinds and shutters are an ideal choice for individuals who want to block out light. There are three popular types of blinds found in homes and they include:
- Vertical – These types of blinds come in a vertical pattern and are made from vanes that go up and down. This option is ideal for large sliding glass doors and for windows that would otherwise be hard to fit other window treatments to.
- Venetian – These are the most commonly found blinds and come with horizontal slats.
- Panel – Panel blinds are often reserved for very large windows and also for sliding glass doors. These blinds are placed inside of a track, so that they can be moved easily. You will find that these blinds are typically made from fabric.
Curtains
Curtains come made from both sheer cotton and polyester. They come in many different styles and colors and are usually characterized by the type of material they are. There are some curtains that are strictly for aesthetic purposes and then some that serve a function such as blackout curtains. Curtains are commonly found in homes over windows in the bedroom and living room.
Which Window Treatment is Best for Each Room?
Selecting window treatments for your home means that you need to take a look at the room the treatments will be in and assess the space. Let’s take a look at some helpful tips below based on the room in your home.
Bedroom
Window treatments in your bedroom are usually there to serve the purpose of privacy and aesthetics. You can choose from blackout shades to a combination of multilayered curtains and blinds. Some people even opt for shutter blinds in their bedroom space.
Living Area
As you look for window treatments for your dining room or living room, you will find that you have quite a bit of flexibility here over the bathroom or even the kitchen. You can keep things as minimal or dressed up as you would like. For example, sheer curtains are excellent for simply adding a nice touch to your space while heavier and darker colored drapes and create a traditional feel. You can always use a combination of curtains and shades or curtains and blinds.
Bathroom
Bathroom window treatments are a bit more tricky as most bathrooms do not have additional windows outside of the one in the shower stall. However, if you do have a window in your bathroom, you may find that you like airy and long curtains over them or you may find that you want faux wood blinds to dress up the space. Many homeowners like to create a spa-like feel to their bathroom.
Kitchen
Your kitchen’s window treatments can be fun and colorful or they can be quite modern and unique. They come in many different shapes and sizes too. The type of window treatments you choose will paint a picture in your kitchen. For example, you can choose to have a valance over the kitchen sink window to add a nice little country flair to the space.
Dress Up Your Home with the Perfect Window Treatments
Window treatments can be a bit of an investment for any homeowner, so you want to make sure that you choose ones that will serve a purpose and look good in your home too. There are many different types of treatments to consider as you do shop around.
If you are unsure of which window treatments to choose, consider working with an interior designer that can assist you. You can also browse around online to get some ideas and inspiration.