A homeowner decorates her window coverings after reading tips from Interior Essentials
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The Different Types of Window Treatments for Your Home

Window coverings and treatments are one of the most underestimated elements of interior design and often the secret to creating a space that feels fully completed. Although often considered just a decorative touch, window coverings are actually a necessary part of the décor in any home.

Not only do window coverings such as blinds, shades, and curtains add to the aesthetic of a room, but they also offer a multitude of functions important for everyday living. Whether you’re ready to upgrade your current window coverings or you’re only beginning to shop for the right options for your windows, you can be confident that you’re making a wonderful investment in your home.

We’ve created a useful guide to help you better understand how to select window coverings for your home, making it easier to navigate the extensive variety of styles, sizes, and price points available. With this guide to window treatments for the home, you’ll be well prepared to choose the best window treatments to suit your space.

What are Window Coverings?

In simplest terms, window coverings, also called window treatments are any type of material used to cover a window, whether fully or partially.

There are different types of window covering options to serve different purposes. For example, sheer curtains are ideal for maximizing natural light while still maintaining some privacy, while valances are primarily used for décor rather than functionality.

There are several kinds of window coverings in most homes – in fact, there may even be more than one type within a single room. You can combine certain window treatments, especially if you’d like to make a serious style statement.

Why Window Coverings are a Stylish Staple

Often, it may seem that window coverings are a luxury, not a necessity. However, they are an important part of the foundational décor of your home. Window coverings don’t simply look nice; they also fulfill certain requirements for those that live within the home.

Some of the most basic benefits of window coverings include:

    • Aesthetic. Window coverings can bring color and texture to any room, drawing the eye upwards and creating a sense of height. Visually, they can “frame” a window in a way that makes it more appealing while also creating a polished sense of style. Because custom window coverings can be made in nearly any fabric type, weight, color, pattern, and texture, you have the freedom and flexibility to design a look you love.
    • Energy efficiency. Proper window coverings also help to insulate a room, supporting a comfortable and consistent temperature indoors. They can keep cold winter air and summertime heat outside and also add to the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems. An often unexpected but welcome benefit of window coverings is a decrease in energy costs, as less effort is required from your heater and/or air conditioning.
    • Light control. In many spaces, you want the ability to adjust the amount of natural light as needed. For example, you may want to keep a child’s bedroom dark in the early morning hours but then allow sunshine in during the afternoon. In addition to personal preference, light control can be a helpful way to protect furnishings and rugs from UV-induced fading. Window coverings let you completely block light, subtly filter it, and even change the amount of light on a whim throughout the day.
    • Privacy. When you can see out of your windows, people can also generally see in. Window coverings let you be in control of how much people can see into your home, making both privacy and security a priority.

Window Covering Options

Depending on your personal tastes, the architecture of a space, and even your everyday lifestyle, you can consider various window treatment options to serve both form and function.

Generally, window coverings can be organized into four main categories. Within each of these categories is a multitude of styles and features.

Blinds

Blinds can be horizontal or vertical and can be opened manually with a cord or using a remote device. The slats or louvers can be constructed from various materials, including plastic and wood.

Types of blinds include:

    • Wood and faux wood blinds: Enjoy the warmth of wood (real or faux) without the weight and expense of shutters, and select your favorites from different colors, stains, and finishes. Available in different slat sizes and easy to customize.
    • Mini blinds: A lightweight, budget-conscious option with plenty of style possibilities. Varying slat widths are available, as are additional options for construction and operation.
    • Vertical blinds: Commonly used for wide or tall windows, as well as sliding doors, vertical blinds can be closed for privacy or opened for light. They can be made using quality synthetics or faux wood, and offer custom features such as S-shaped slats, back stackers, and different opening directions.

Shades

Shades are made up of a single piece of fabric that is raised/lowered using a cord or remote device. They bring an element of softness to a space, and offer different levels of light control.

Types of shades include:

    • Cellular shades: The fabric-like pleats of cellular shades are ideal for understated style. These shades are effective for room and light and heat regulation, and can be used with cordless control for safety.
    • Pleated shades: Like cellular shades, pleated shades fold up like an accordion without the honeycomb design. They are extremely straightforward to operate and come in a diverse selection of fabrics and colors, as well as custom pleat styles.
    • Roman shades: Combining the soft, flowing effect of draperies with the convenience of a shade, Roman shades lend a tailored look to any space. Choose from flat, pleated, hobbled, or relaxed fold styles, as well as many colors, textures, and patterns, to suit your space.
    • Sheer shades: Designed with a built-in continuous cord loop for controlling the slats, sheer shades diffuse light while also providing some privacy. This type of shade is often combined with draperies.
    • Woven shades: A popular choice for those that desire a relaxed, comfortable look, woven shades may be made from various woods and twine, hemp, rope, rattan, or reeds. Often eco-friendly, woven wood shades bring beautiful texture and warmth to the room.
    • Roller shades: Roller shades are a timeless style of window covering, creating a classic look while also offering modern features. You can consider different fabrics, opacities, colors, and textures, as well as options for solar screen fabrics to block UV radiation and heat.
    • Outdoor shades: Shade your outdoor living space and block harsh sun from hitting your windows using outdoor shades.

Curtains and draperies

Curtains and draperies are most commonly hung using a rod above the window, but other design alternatives are available. They can be made from any fabric, ranging from affordable synthetics to high-end silks, velvets, and linens.

Shutters

Shutters may be made from wood or wood-imitation products, and can be designed to provide a classic or modern look. Most shutters can be opened and shut to varying degrees.

Optional features of custom window coverings

When you’re browsing types of window coverings, you can choose from features that include:

    • Remote operation
    • Automation, motorization
    • Smart window treatments
    • Energy-efficient styles

Motorization has become a very popular demand in modern window coverings. It is now easy to operate and cost effective. It is an option to consider for high windows, large windows or homes with over 20 windows to cover. A smart programing of your automated window coverings may save you a lot of time and money in the long run.

Custom Window Coverings in Scottsdale and Gilbert

When you’re searching for window treatments in Gilbert, Scottsdale, and the surrounding Valley, both quality and style should be a top priority. But even beyond that, exceptional service can make a world of difference for your shopping and home decorating experience.

Interior Essentials is the Valley’s premier furniture and home décor showroom, offering an outstanding selection of window treatments and coverings at our Gilbert and Scottsdale interior design stores. Our award-winning design team can work with you to craft custom window coverings, using a broad range of fabrics, features, and more.

Learn how custom window coverings can be the best addition you make to your home when you visit Interior Essentials home design stores in Scottsdale or Gilbert today!

Image Source: Elena Elisseeva / Shutterstock