How to Select The Best Possible Window Treatments For Your New Home

By | March 8, 2017

Transforming your space can be as easy as selecting the right window treatment. And yet, with more options than ever before, selecting the right window treatment for your home can be quite the headache. Here is some information on the different window treatment options to help you decide. 

Curtains and Drapes

Drapes are beautiful, and they also have the power to set the mood and tone of a room. Whether you seek a romantic look, or something with some serious light-blocking ability, you will be able to find a solution that suits your needs.

When considering curtains, it’s important to think about both form and function: First, consider any problems that you require your curtains to solve. Too much light? Trying to save energy? You will need a heavier or lined curtain rather than something on the sheer end of the spectrum. Are you looking to dress up a formal living or dining room? Then velvet or heavy silk might be the ticket. Before you make a selection, you’ll want to make sure you have carefully considered all of the following: color, fabric, type of hardware needed to mount the curtains, and the shape and size of your windows. All of these different options will play into the selection that you make.

Panels

Ideal for living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms, panels look best on larger windows and sliding glass or french doors. They have a lengthening effect, and when placed slightly above the top of the window or door, can even make your room look more spacious! Panels come in any color or pattern you could possibly imagine. Buy already made curtains in your favorite patterns or have them custom-made with a fabric of your choosing. 

Thermal or Blackout Draperies

These have come a long way in the last few years to combine style and function. Thermal and blackout curtains come in a variety of configurations, but all are designed to be energy efficient and light blocking. Because blackout and thermal curtains are heavy, once closed, they stay closed and let in almost no light by design.

Sheers

Sheers are light and airy, but do come in a variety of colors. They are very versatile and can appear alone or paired with heavier materials and valances. Using sheer curtains underneath heavier drapes or curtains allows you flexibility in terms of how much light and privacy you have. Closing the drapes creates total privacy, while opening the drapes and closing the sheers lets in some light without making you feel exposed.

Tiers

Tiers are hung on short rod-pocket panels. They are usually meant to cover the lower third of a window and are popular choices for bathrooms, kids rooms, and kitchens. Tiers work as part of a traditional or country look and are often paired with a valance. 

Shades

Shades and blinds are similar, but do have differences. Shades can be the less expensive option between the two. The biggest difference, however, is that shades do not have slats or vanes. They are made of continuous pieces of fabric that roll-up.

Another key difference between shades and blinds is that shades are often used to filter or soften light rather than to block it, even when completely down. You’ll choose from shades made from a variety of different materials including cotton, polyester, and linen.

Cellular/Honeycomb Shades

Cellular shades are quickly becoming a favorite in the window treatments market. They are both cost and energy efficient. The pockets trap air, reducing heat loss in the winter and keeping your rooms cool in the summer.

Roman Shades

Roman Shades can be light and elegant, with a permanent folded bottom or multiple folds. They can also be made from heavier fabrics, which block the light. These shades are ideal for rooms where you want some light to come in, as they are not high on the light-blocking spectrum. Because they are so light and airy, they are also not the choice for energy efficiency.

2 thoughts on “How to Select The Best Possible Window Treatments For Your New Home

  1. Olivia

    A home is certainly not complete without window treatments. Honestly, the ones you choose really can make or break the home. Measuring is super important. The one thing (if you do nothing else) is to make sure that the curtains are not too short. That really ruins it. You want your curtains to touch the ground. And, if you’re in the south, you’ll want them much, much longer so that they “puddle.”

    Reply
  2. Jenn

    Agreed. Another thing, is that you don’t want the curtains to look cheap. With the amount of options available online, there’s no excuse to have cheap-looking curtains. You can even go on ebay and buy expensive ones for way, way less.

    Reply

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