What's the Best Window Treatment For My Home?, interior design

What’s the Best Window Treatment For My Home?

What’s the Best Window Treatment For My Home?

By the year 2021, window covering sales are expected to exceed $5 billion dollars. Americans want beautiful and functional window treatments.

One reason sales will increase is due to customer demand for more energy-saving decor.

Window treatments such as cellular shades help increase energy efficiency. They also provide decoration and privacy.

What type of window treatment should you select? That depends on the window size, shape, location, and type of decor you have.

Wondering what will work best for your windows? Read on to learn more about how to select the best window treatments for your home.

The Perfect Window Treatment

One of the first things to decide is what type of window covering works best for your specific situation.

There are four main types of window coverings:

  • Blinds
  • Shades
  • Shutters
  • Curtains

Are you looking to shade a hot window? Maybe privacy is your only concern. Some window treatments are for decoration only, and that’s okay!

Get acquainted with the different types of styles and choices and make an informed decision about your window coverings.

Blinds

If you’re on a tight budget, consider blinds. They’re the least expensive option. They’re not pretty or decorative, but functional. They provide privacy.

Blinds are “hard” treatments since they come in slats of metal, vinyl, aluminum, or wood. They hang down in strips from the top of the window.

Matchstick blinds are long narrow pieces of bamboo, wood or wood-like material. They’re called “matchstick” due to the long circular pieces of wood.

If you want privacy and aren’t concerned with beauty or decor, blinds are a perfect choice.

Shutters

If cost isn’t a concern, and you like the look of woodwork consider shutters. It’s a good idea to have shutters custom made so they fit right.

Shutters have a long history. Before they were outside windows coverings, they were used inside. Before homeowners could afford glass, shutters kept out pests, noise, and light.

Shutters help with privacy and insulate against weather. They’re also great for protecting glass windows.

It is possible to find stock shutters available at large home improvement stores. Expect to spend a couple of hundred dollars for a small 3 x 3 window.

Shutters are also great for decorating. Turn an old shutter into a headboard or bench. The ideas are endless.

Shades

If you’re looking for a soft covering, but you’re not interested in drapes, try shades. These come in three types:

  • Roller shades
  • Roman shades
  • Honeycomb shades

Roller shades come on a roller and pull down from top to bottom to cover the entire window. They come in varying opacities to control how much light comes through.

Roman shades are made out of drapery and come down in folds. They’re decorative and provide privacy.

Honeycomb shades trap air between the folds and are energy efficient.

Shades come at varying prices. If you’re on a budget, shades can be an option.

Curtains

Curtains offer a plethora of styles, colors, and designs. Choose any material and have them custom made to fit the window. Or buy curtain panels ready made. There are so many options, it’s overwhelming.

There’s also a huge array of prices to fit most budgets.

If you have an eye for color and design curtains make a great decorative window treatment. They add warmth and style to any room.

Choose Your Style

Now that you know about the different types of window treatments, it’s time to make your decision! Take a look at your windows, decor, and budget to help you narrow down the choices.

Need help? Take a look here.