The type of window coverings needed will be different for everyone.  You might need to lighten and brighten a room. You might need privacy.  Perhaps you need both. Maybe you’re wondering if you really need window treatments or not. Maybe you just want to add a pop of color. Or maybe you really need to disguise an architectural eyesore! But the bottom line is, “How do I pick window treatments for my home?”

With so many options available on the market, let’s discuss some of the most common issues that can be addressed with blinds and shades, drapery, or valances . 

Light Control

Many clients come to us needing some kind of light control. Glare is usually the number one culprit. Bright sunlight can disrupt our work when it falls across our computer monitor, or interrupt our show when it hits our TV screen. Draperies and shades that open and close are common solutions to blocking bright light.  But another option to consider are solar shades.

Solar shades do a great job of blocking glare, while still allowing some view out the window. Available in many colors and textures, they roll up completely when not in use, or can stand alone in their own right as a decorative element to the room. Solar shades also block UV light and help protect against fading of rugs and furnishings (yes, fading happens even with low-E glass).

Privacy 

This need is most common in bedrooms and bathrooms.  These are spaces where a solar shade would not be recommended.  The things that make them great for light control, also makes them unfavorable if you want to improve privacy.  During the day, you can see through them to the outside — where the light is. But in the evening, the light coming from inside lamps means that anyone outside your home can see through them into your space. 

Any window covering that is opaque (meaning not transparent) will provide privacy: drapes that can be closed, cellular shades, and privacy liners on transparent fabrics will do the job nicely. But beware! Privacy does not mean blackout…

Room-Darkening

Perhaps you’re a light sleeper, or do shift work.  Maybe the sun is so intense that your room would benefit from blocking as much light as possible.  Not only will room-darkening shades and drapes offer privacy, but they prevent a larger amount of light from entering the space.  But again, beware! Room-darkening does not mean total blackout. Light is like water and will seek any opportunity to peek through any area on or around the window that is not physically covered. 

Achieving total blackout is virtually unrealistic, but if your goal is to come as close as possible, specialty products are on the market. These primarily include light-blocking side and bottom channels for roller shades using a dual shade system. 

Another method, but not 100% blackout, involves layering treatments on a window: start with a room darkening shade mounted outside the window frame, add a layer of drapery with room-darkening lining, then top off the window with a cornice to block the light escape from above the window. 

Temperature Control

Hands down, cellular (or “honeycomb”) shades are one of the most energy efficient window coverings on the market. With a variety of features, fabrics, and colors, they can help increase the R value of your window.  Cellular shades work just as well to help keep your house cool in the summer, as they do at keeping your home warm in the winter.

Look for cellular shades with at least double cell layers for best performance. Many homeowners elect to connect their shades to a smart home feature that allows for automatic raising and lowering of the shades during the hottest (or coldest) times of the day.  With the touch of an app on your phone you can even control them while away from home!

Beauty

Window treatments are the jewelry of the home.  They help elevate your personal style with texture, color, and shape.  From sleek and modern, to warm and traditional, the options to add personality to your room are endless.  Functional can also be beautiful. 

Need help deciding what will work and look the best for your windows?

Schedule your Virtual Window Treatment Design Consultation today!