Things to Consider When Choosing Window Treatments
When it comes to making your house feel more like a home, choosing the right window treatments can go a long way. Windows without treatments can leave a house feeling cold, bare, and unwelcoming. A simple curtain, blind, shade, or valance can make all the difference, turning a room into a completely different space.
But there are a few things you’ll want to consider when choosing window treatments, to be sure they match your needs and style. Here are some key questions to ask yourself before you begin the search for the ideal window treatments for your home, so you can narrow down your options.
Light Control
While North facing rooms rarely get direct sunlight, all other facing rooms will get some sunlight at some point during the day. Depending on the room, its placement within the home, and the room’s purpose, you may have different light control needs.
How much light do you want to allow in each room?
You probably want more light in the kitchen and living room(s), but less light in the bedroom. This all depends on your preferences, where you spend the most time, and how you use each room.
Do you need total darkness to sleep?
Do you have trouble sleeping or staying asleep if there is too much natural light coming into your bedroom? It’s important to know your light tolerances/preferences while sleeping when you choosing window treatments for the bedroom.
Privacy Needs
Depending on where you live you may have different levels of privacy needs to consider. For example, if you live in the city, or in a neighborhood where the houses are relatively close together, you will have different privacy considerations than someone who lives somewhere with no neighbors in sight.
Are you in close proximity to the street, or to your neighbor?
If you live close to other buildings, roads, or other houses, you will likely want to have window treatments that provide privacy for when you are spending time in your home. Cafe shutters or top-down/bottom-up shades are perfect for this scenario.
Do you have a beautiful view?
If your windows offer breathtaking views, you probably don’t want to cover those up with dark shades. Instead, you’ll want to make sure that the window treatments you choose allow for an unfiltered view of whatever is outside your window.
Your Interior Décor Aesthetics
Your window treatments should complement your décor and color palette and they should reflect your style. They should also work with the architecture of your home, both the interior and the exterior. They should go well with your moldings and any other interior décor aesthetics that currently exist in your home. Beyond your aesthetic preferences, you’ll also want to consider how you use the room.
How would you describe your interior design style?
If your style is more classic vs. modern, it’s important to choose window treatments that will accurately reflect your style. Otherwise, the room will feel disconnected from the rest of your home style.
How large are the windows?
The size of the windows in any room should also be considered when choosing treatments. Larger windows may require multiple or custom window treatments, while standard window sizes may allow for more options to choose from.
Is your living room formal or casual? Do you sit and read in it, watch tv? Host parties?
If your living room is a place where you spend a lot of time, you’ll want to make sure the window treatments reflect a casual and comfortable space. On the other hand, if the space is used primarily for formal occasions and/or hosting parties, you would likely consider a very different style of décor.
Window Treatment Options
Now that you’ve considered your lighting, privacy, and aesthetic preferences, you may have a better idea of what you’re looking for with regard to your window treatments. Here are some of the most common and popular types of window treatments to consider.
Interior Shutters
Interior shutters are timeless and classic, offer clean lines, and are known to be durable and functional. You may choose from full plantain or café shutters, with real wood or faux wood finish.
Cellular Shades
Cellular shades are energy efficient, as they trap air between the layers of the shade to create an insulating barrier. They come in a variety of colors and can be inside or outside mounted, and are available with bottom-up or top-down/bottom-up functionality, which is great for privacy while still letting light into your room. When fully raised, they disappear and don’t detract from the window moldings, so if you have an elaborate window molding design, these are a great option.
Roman Shades
Roman shades can be made from many different types of fabrics, with a variety of styles to choose from, such as flat, hobbled, waterfall, and more. These types of shades add color, texture, and pattern without overwhelming a room. They are great for providing privacy and can be inside or outside mounted.
Wood Blinds
Wood blinds are available in many different styles, colors, and/or wood finishes, with real wood or faux wood options. They are great for light control and can be inside or outside mounted.
Roller Shades
Roller shades are ideal solutions for privacy and light control and are available in a variety of colors, materials, and opacities. They look best when used in combination with a top treatment, as well.
Cornice Boards
Cornice boards can be styled for any décor preference, and are great for hiding headrails of shades and blinds. They can be embellished with trims, buttons, upholstery tacks, and tufting, and the fabric possibilities are endless.
Valances
Valances can be made board-mounted or for use with a rod. They come in a variety of fabrics to meet your aesthetic preferences. There are several types of valances to choose from, some of which include:
Faux flat Romans
Box pleated
Tie-up
Ascot
Straight
Gathered
M-shaped
Swag
Flat modern swag
Which Window Treatment is Best?
Because everyone’s styles are a bit different, there’s no simple answer to which window treatment is right for your home. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the seemingly endless window treatments to choose from, I can help you with your search.