Whether you’re moving into a new home or redecorating an older room, finding the perfect window treatment can help you create a space that feels both cozy and personalized. Every room, from the kitchen to the bathroom, contains different window sizes and shapes, making it necessary to understand the various treatments available. As windows are an essential function in every home, searching for window covers is easier when you have a clear idea of what you want. The options are practically endless. From Roman shades to classic shutters, picking a window treatment can be one of the most enjoyable parts of interior decorating.
What Are Window Treatments?
Window treatments are any material or fabric used to partially or fully cover a window. Many different window covering options are available for various purposes. For example, you may be looking for a cover that lets light into your sunroom, or you may want a fabric that blocks out the light in your bedroom. Whatever the case, you can use window treatments practically or for decoration.
Some practical uses for window treatments include:
- Insulation: Window treatments can keep heat from transferring through the windows. This helps regulate the air temperature inside your house and make the most of your heating or air conditioner without wasting energy.
- Light: With window covers, you can control the amount of light throughout your rooms. Decide if you want less light on brighter days or more light on cloudy days.
- Privacy: Close off your room and enjoy the privacy of your home. You can also control the visibility of your rooms during the day and have added privacy at night.
- Style: Add some personality to a room with curtains or covers that create a finishing touch. Find your favorite styles and combine them with your practical window needs.
- UV blocking: Diffuse sunlight and harmful UV rays that could damage furniture or strain your eyes.
What to Consider When Choosing a Window Treatment
Look at the windows throughout your home and decide what kind of covers would fit them best. Ask yourself what kind of windows you have, the size and shape, and what window treatments would compliment them. Also, decide what style and material of covering you want. Are you interested in following the current window treatment trends? Or are you looking for traditional treatments or a unique fabric that fits your personality? Regardless of your preference, you’ll want to know what kind of window you have before buying a product.
Learning Your Window Size and Shape
Most homes have rectangular or double-hung windows that slide from the bottom up, though there are many other unique window shapes that you may be looking to cover. Here are a few examples:
- Arched windows have rectangular bottoms and rounded tops.
- Circle windows come in several round shapes, including half-circles, full circles and ovals.
- Bay windows protrude from the wall and create a seating area or shelf.
- Bow windows are curved windows similar to bay windows and create a rounded seating area or shelf.
- Sliding windows slide open from side to side.
- Single-hung windows slide open from the top or bottom.
- Double-hung windows have two sliding sections and can open from the top and bottom.
- Awning windows open from the bottom and push out like an awning.
- Casement windows are attached to a hinge and crank open from the side.
- Egress windows are smaller windows typically installed in basements for fire safety.
Types of Window Coverings
While your window shape is important, you’ll also want to consider what kind of coverings you want. You can choose from various styles and types depending on how much light you want in the room or what would best match your decorations.
Some common types of window coverings are:
- Shutters: Often the more expensive option, shutters are usually made of wood or polymer.
- Shades:Shades are made of soft fabric and come in many types for insulation and light control.
- Blinds: A popular choice for window treatments, blinds are affordable and functional.
- Curtains: Curtains allow for a personal touch, making them perfect for buyers who enjoy customization.
- Drapes: Similar to curtains, drapes are generally thicker and heavier with additional layers.
What Are the Most Popular Window Treatments and Styles?
Now that you’ve decided the type of window treatment you want, it might be a good idea to look at the specific features of each style. Whether you are looking for modern window treatment ideas for a living room or vintage-inspired coverings for your office, getting familiar with popular window treatment styles can help you choose the best curtain, drapery or shade for you.
Shutters
Panel shutters are made with two panels of solid material that offer security and insulation from the home’s exterior. Panel shutters can come raised, flat or recessed, with each design serving as both functional weather protection and traditional-style charm.
Louvered shutters are made with slats to allow airflow and light control. Some are adjustable so you can optimize the sunniest parts of the day, while others are unmovable for a fixed look.
Board and batten shutters usually consist of four boards held together with battens, or shorter pieces of wood. These shutters come in various colors and offer a classic farmhouse style.
Shades
Roman shades fold up when they open. Often these shades will come with a pull made of chain or string.
Roller shades open over a central rod and give a minimalist and flat look when they close. Some roller shades come in blackout fabrics or allow light control, depending on your desired style.
Pleated shades contain sheets of pleated fabric. These are great for a modern or clean look and add easy-to-control light protection.
Honeycomb shades, often called cellular shades, are similar to pleated shades with expanding sheets of fabric that look like honeycombs from the side. Honeycomb shades are a popular option and assist with insulation.
Blinds
Wood blinds combine the deep look of outdoor shutters with the versatility of plastic blinds to give any room a comforting and timeless atmosphere.
If you are searching for the look of wood blinds at a lower cost, consider buying faux wood blinds to keep that homey style. Though they aren’t real wood, faux blinds can be more flexible and won’t break or bend easily.
Mini blinds are perfect for homes that contain a large number of windows. Also known as aluminum blinds, mini blinds come in various thicknesses and allow easy light control.
Vertical blinds are most commonly used for sliding doors or wide windows and are great for privacy. There are also low-budget options for those looking for customizable window coverings.
Shop for Window Treatments at Vineyard Blind & Shutter
Vineyard Blind & Shutter is veteran-owned and family-operated, providing services in southern California. We offer several affordable and reliable window treatments and window covers. Our highly-trained customer representatives are ready to help you find the best blinds, shutters or shades for every room.
Our mobile experience allows customers to try the different colors and styles we offer from the comfort of their homes. We provide military, law enforcement and senior citizen discounts and emphasize the importance of customer care with our personal service and monthly sales. Contact us online or call us today at (951) 447-8153.
