Window Treatments 101

Window treatments have many purposes – they offer privacy, control light, limit summer heat gain and winter heat loss, and they can enhance a good view or conceal a bad one.

source: Smith and Noble

source: Smith and Noble

source: Smith and Noble

Window treatments can also be used to cleverly disguise windows that lack architectural detail or are perhaps mismatched in size. For example, many windows in spec homes lack detail such as casing or divided panes.

A great way to add interest is to layer window treatments such as wood blinds mounted in the window frame and then drapery panels mounted outside the window. The wood blinds add some detail to the window itself while the drapery panels conceal the lack of casing.

Likewise, windows that feel too short for a space can be made to look taller by mounting valances above the top of the window and to add height to a room install full length drapery panels close to the ceiling.

Here are some of the most common types of window treatments available today:

Shutters

source: Danmer

source: Danmer

Shutters are one of the most versatile window treatments available and can work with a variety of decorating styles. They feature adjustable slats or louvers available in a variety of sizes from 1 inch to 3.5” or more.

Shutters with smaller louvers lend themselves to more traditional interiors while larger louvers work well in all styles from traditional to modern. They are great for controlling light as well as privacy.

They are typically made of wood and can be painted or stained. They can also be made out of vinyl – a great choice for damp locations such as bathrooms. Shutters are beautiful on their own or layered with curtains or fabric valances.

Blinds

source: The Shade Store

source: The Shade Store

Like shutters, blinds are extremely versatile and lend themselves to all types of decorating styles. They look great alone or layered with other window treatments.

Today, blinds come in a variety of materials including painted woods and stained woods. Avoid metal mini blinds unless you are going for the institutional look. The most popular slat sizes are 1 inch and 2 inch; the larger the slat the more daylight the blinds let in.

Decorative cloth tapes can be added to the blinds camouflaging the strings that hold the slats together.

Roman Shades

source: The Shade Store

source: The Shade Store

Also called fabric shades, roman shades are made from fabric panels that pull up and stack or fold above the window when open and drop down to cover the window when closed.

Roman shades come in many styles from a simple pleated shade to a more extravagant balloon shade. They can be made with boldly patterned fabrics or plain fabrics making them an extremely versatile choice for any style of interior.

Natural Woven Shades

source: The Shade Store

source: The Shade Store

Natural woven shades are much like roman shades except they are made of natural materials such as bamboo slats, grasses and thin sticks of wood.

Depending on the density of the material, these natural shades can simply filter light or completely block it. They look great layered with other window treatments such as drapery or curtain panels.

Honeycomb Blinds

source: Smith and Noble

source: Smith and Noble

These blinds feature honeycombed shaped pleats that help retain heat and keep cold out. When pulled up they have a very low profile making them a great choice when you want to maximize views during the day but need the ability to cover windows for privacy at night.

Roller Shades

source: The Shade Store

source: The Shade Store

Roller shades are spring rolled paper or fabric shades that come in a variety of styles and materials. The can be made with opaque or sheer materials and trims, beading or fringe can be added to the bottom edge.

Solar Shades

source: The Shade Store

source: The Shade Store

Solar shades are made of specially woven, high tech fabrics that help cut down on glare and block UV rays all without taking away your visibility to the outside. This special, energy efficient fabric is woven in varying densities which determines how much light it will block out.

Solar shades are available in a wide variety of styles – from roman shades, roller shades and even tracking panels.

Curtains

source: The Shade Store

source: The Shade Store

Curtains or drapery are probably the most common type of window treatment. Curtains are not only functional but can be an important decorative element in a room. Depending on the fabric, style of pleat, and hardware used, curtains can fit into any style of décor.

Window Treatment Web Guide

Window Treatment Ideas for Multiple Windows
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Curtains 101
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