There are many options when it comes to window treatments for your home. Different goals for the room require different criteria. Some people may be looking for something strictly visual to dress up a room while others are searching for a way to keep out distracting morning light or blistering afternoon heat. Others may even be looking for an option that lets in sunlight while avoiding peeping eyes of pedestrians.
How to Choose a Window Treatment
Window treatments come in all shapes, sizes and styles. It takes time and research to discover which is best for your needs and your home. We’ve broken down a few of the more popular styles of window treatments to help you discover which would work best for you.
CURTAINS
Number of options: Curtains are very versatile – you can choose a sheer or solid fabric, different lengths, colors, or patterns, and different styles of rods.
Budget: Your options for price are abundant when it comes to curtains – panels and rods are priced for any budget.
Overall: Curtains are a great option if you are looking to have a certain style or theme in your room. Since they are not a permanent fixture, you can choose colors and patterns that are versatile and not neutral since they can be easily changed if your room style changes. Curtains are a good choice for homeowners who would like a DIY option, since most curtains and rods are easily installed.
Bonus: Curtains are also an option to mix with a different window treatment – you could purchase blinds for your windows, but also dress up the neutral blind color with a patterned or vibrant curtain panel.
BLINDS
Number of options: Blinds could seem like there would only be one option, but you actually have quite a few choices to make. You can choose between real wood, faux wood, composite and vinyl. Finishes also vary between a natural or stained wood finish to painted colors such as white or off white. Blinds can be vertical or horizontal.
Budget: While the price for blinds vary, they tend be more affordable depending on the amount of windows, the style and material of blind.
Overall: Blinds provide a great affordable option; however, not all blinds completely block out light or offer complete privacy.
Bonus: Blinds have the option of being motorized, which is a great option hard to reach windows.
SHUTTERS
Number of options: Shutters offer a number of options for homeowners, from solid wood, solid poly, vinyl and composite. Colors range from paint and stain and custom colors.
Budget: Shutters tend to be a higher investment than other options, especially if you choose solid wood shutters. However, shutters also greatly increase the value of your home – both in saved energy cost and resale value.
Overall: Shutters are a beautiful permanent option for homeowners looking for a classic and elegant addition to any room. Shutters offer great privacy, but can also be opened to allow variable options for light control and view. Custom shutters also add insulation to a home, which can save you money overall on energy bills.
Bonus: Shutters are a great choice for homeowners with unique shaped windows as they can be custom made to fit specialty shapes like arches, sunburst, octagons, circles, and more.
OTHER: BLACKOUT CURTAINS, SHADES, AND TINTED WINDOWS
If none of these previous window treatment options appeal to you, there are other choices such as blackout curtains, blackout shades and tinted windows. These options are great for a homeowner looking to block out light and save on energy costs. However, especially with an option like tinting your windows, you will probably need to purchase another kind of window treatment in addition to the window tint.
In Conclusion
Ultimately, your choice of window treatment comes down to your style, your needs and your budget. Choosing window treatments can be an investment into your home or it can be a less permanent solution that can be changed as tastes and styles adjust. Be sure to research all options prior to making a decision on which direction to take.
