The window of the room speaks volumes of the personality and atmosphere that one wants to create. Vibrant colors with quirky patterns of a boho room or pastel shades with flower or solid designs of an elegant parlor, they are all essential to bring to their interior design. It is customary to think about the blinds, shades and drapes for the windows, doors, and entrance ways towards the end, but it is better to select window treatment from the beginning so that one can plan the window fittings and room fixtures accordingly. For instance, shutters and shades make a good combination for parlor windows and will require some detailed work that should be started in the beginning.

What to consider when choosing window treatment?

The first thing is to note down the number of windows and doors in the house that you want to cover. How many ceiling-to-floor, corner, shape, size and style and the way the windows open. Most common window shapes are rectangular, arched, circular and bay. Double and single hung windows slide vertically from top to bottom and sliding windows are generally porch doors. There are casement windows that are attached to a frame and hinged on one side, opening like a door. Finally, the awning windows are hinged at the top and open from the bottom out.

Practical purposes of the window treatment

Understand the functional needs of the window treatment that is, is it for privacy, blackout, or durability. Will it only be there for aesthetics, functionality, or both? By answering these questions, you can decide what to go for. South-facing windows will be flooded with light and here UV rays blocking blinds or solar shades would be practical, especially if there is a TV in the toom. If you want to spruce up the room, you can get an elegant set of drapes for a new look. If you install them close to the ceiling, then it will create a visual of extended height of the room. Blackout drapes or cellular shades are ideal for controlling the environment and giving privacy by covering the room from onlookers.

Different types of window treatments

The available window treatment options in the market are blinds, shades, and drapes. You can use shutters and shades in varied options for design and function.

• Drapes are generally made of velvet, silk, linen, or polyester. They are thicker and heavier than curtains and layering is usually done with additional lining to block the light out.
• Blinds are available in Vinyl, metal, wood, and bamboo materials. They have individual slats and the most popular types of blinds are. –
  • Venetian blinds that have horizontal slats
  • Vertical blinds that are made from up-and-down vanes
  • Panel blinds that are suitable for oversized windows or sliding glass doors
• Shades are single material alternative to blinds and are made of Cotton, polyester, linen, bamboo, and vinyl material. Their common types are –
  • Roller shades that are made from one piece of material and coil completely around the tube at the top of the window. They are generally used for blocking UV light.
  • Woven shades have a screen-like build to diffuse light and are made from jute or bamboo
  • Cellular shades have honeycomb design that traps the air and keeps the room cool in summer and warm in winters
  • Roman shades have curving folds or soft pleats and combine both design and function

Choosing the right treatment

For the living room or dining room, there is more flexibility in choosing window treatment than the bathroom or kitchen. For modern and minimalist look one can opt for shades and sheer curtains. If there are large French doors or windows, then heavy drapery that form waves on the floor will look elegant.

Bedroom requires privacy and light blocking and calm colors are called for here. One can opt for blockout shades or layered drapes that will cover both aesthetics and functionality, creating and ambience for restful sleep.

Kitchen windows rarely have uniform size and shape – there may be floor-to-ceiling window or a small window in one corner or above the sink. Durability is very important point to consider here and it is safe to choose Roman or woven shades or blinds venetian blinds here.