Your home is your sanctuary, and you want every aspect to reflect your needs, wants, and preferences. Choosing the right window treatments for your home can be a daunting task. With so many different types of window treatments on the market, it can take time to know where to start. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the various types of window treatments, the factors to consider when choosing window treatments, and recommendations for different rooms in the house.
Common Types of Window Treatments
Before diving into the factors to consider when choosing window treatments, let’s first discuss the various types available. This is just a quick overview, but we take a deep dive into the details of each in our article, The Most Popular Styles of Window Treatments in 2023.
#1: Blinds
Blinds are a popular and versatile window treatment option. They come in various materials, including wood, faux wood, vinyl, and aluminum. Blinds can be adjusted to control the amount of light that enters a room, can be customized to fit any window size or shape, and can have the added bonus of being cordless.
#2: Shades
Shades are another popular window treatment option. They come in a variety of types, including roller shades, cellular shades, and Roman shades. Shades are a great choice for homeowners who want to control the light entering a room while maintaining privacy.
#3: Shutters
Shutters are a more traditional window treatment option, with popular styles including plantation shutters and traditional shutters. Shutters are an excellent choice for homeowners who want to add a classic, elegant touch to their homes.
#4: Curtains and Drapes
Curtains and drapes are a versatile window treatment option that can add a pop of color to a room or create a cozy, inviting atmosphere. They come in a plethora of colors, patterns, and fabrics and can be customized to fit any window size or shape.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Window Treatments
Now that you understand the various types of window treatments available, let’s discuss the factors to consider when choosing window treatments for your home.
#1: Privacy – Complete Block Out or Mild Transparency
The first factor to consider when choosing window treatments is privacy, which has its own factors. Privacy can be as simple as creating a sheer layer between you and the outside world or blocking out your entire external environment, whether that means passersby looking into your home or letting even an ounce of sunlight in. How much privacy you need for your window treatments typically changes by room. For example, bedrooms and bathrooms should have more privacy than a living room, hallway, or kitchen.
#2: Light Control – Natural Daily Rhythm or Black Out
Similar to privacy, homeowners must consider how much light control they want in their homes. Do you want to be able to adjust the amount of light that enters the room throughout the day, or do you want to block out all light? Some homeowners enjoy getting to participate in the natural rhythms of Mother Nature, such as letting the sun wake them up in the morning. However, you will likely want to black it out if you have excessive light pollution, such as a street light outside your bedroom window.
Pro Tip: A great way to have total mastery of your light control is to get automated/motorized window treatments. You can set your system to change with the day, lifting and lowering the window treatments according to your preferences.
#3: Energy Efficiency – Reduce Your Environmental Footprint
The third factor to consider when choosing window treatments is energy efficiency. Do you want window treatments that can help regulate your home’s temperature and reduce your energy bills? Specific window treatments are excellent for keeping heat inside your home during the cold winter or during the hot summer! If you live in a region where you frequently use your HVAC system, you can reduce your energy consumption by utilizing the appropriate window treatments.
#4: Style – Match Your Window Treatments to Your Existing Aesthetic
The fourth factor to consider when choosing window treatments is style. Do you want window treatments that are modern and minimalist, or do you want something more traditional and elegant? We highly recommend basing your choice on your existing aesthetic, including the styles and colors of your furniture, flooring, wall coverings, and room fixtures. For example, a modern blind would probably look out of place with a boho design aesthetic.
Window Treatment Recommendations by Room
People often think they must have the same window treatment for the entire house, but that is not the case. You can design by room to suit the aesthetics and need of each space.
Living Room – Lots of Natural Light:
The living room is typically a prominent gathering place in a home. As such, choose window treatments that allow for a lot of natural light to enter the room. Roller shades or Roman shades are excellent choices for the living room, as they allow light to enter the room while maintaining privacy.
Bedroom – Privacy and Light Control:
Your bedroom is a place of rest and relaxation. As such, you may want to choose window treatments that block out all light and provide complete privacy. Blackout shades or curtains are perfect choices for the bedroom, as they can help you get a good night’s sleep.
Kitchen – Light Control and Privacy:
The kitchen is a room where light and privacy are important factors to consider. Blinds or shades are ideal for the kitchen, as they allow you to adjust the amount of light entering the room while maintaining privacy.
Bathroom – Privacy and Natural Light:
The bathroom is another room where privacy is critical. Consider shutters for the bathroom, as they allow for privacy while still allowing some light to enter the room. That natural light is vital in a small space, especially for homeowners that want to apply make-up or shave.
The Blind Guy – Your Local Window Treatment Installation Specialists
Choosing the right window treatments for your home can seem overwhelming at first, but by considering the factors discussed in this guide, you can narrow down your options and select the perfect window treatments for your home. The Blind Guy of Tri-Cities offers a wide variety of high-quality window treatments from top brands like Hunter Douglas and Graber. By working with a trusted provider like us, you can be sure that you are getting high-quality products that will last for years to come. Complete our contact form today to schedule your in-house estimate.
