Common Window Treatment Types (And Which Is Right For You)

When you're in the market for window treatments, the choices can be overwhelming. There are so many things to consider and so many types to choose from, it's a wonder anyone is able to successfully navigate this arena. Before you start shopping for your window treatments, be sure you shop around and get free samples of any type you're seriously considering. Understand that this is a product that's typically better to purchase in person, though you can certainly narrow down your candidates online. Typically, you can even have a representative come to your house and bring samples, go over options, take measurements, and give you an estimate at no charge.

If you'd like to handle the shopping on your own, write down the measurements for all the windows you're shopping for. Think about what you want from your window treatments for each room. For example, are you trying to block sunlight? Help insulate? Gain privacy? Or is it primarily for aesthetics? Ask yourself which of these is most important, as some types will be more appropriate than others. You might also mix it up and use different treatments in various rooms of your home. Here's all you need to know about common window treatment types and which one is right for you. 

Next up are roller shades, made of fabric in various patterns, colors, and textures that complement any style of decor. They roll up nicely at the top of the window when opened. They are versatile and stylish, affordable, and easy to keep clean. Many people prefer roller blinds over Venetian blinds because they give more complete light-blocking coverage and privacy and they can be custom-made to fit your windows perfectly. Roller blinds also have several available upgrades including motorization you might want to consider.

These window treatments can be a top choice for bedrooms, entertainment rooms, living rooms, and nurseries. They're modern and work especially well in mid-century contemporary-style homes and in rooms with traditional or minimalistic design schemes. One great feature is the ability to mount them either inside the window frame or outside. They can be attached to the wall or ceiling above the window for full coverage. 

Café curtains, also called tier curtains, have made a huge comeback lately with homeowners leaning towards the trend of more open windows. Café curtains are designed to cover only the bottom portion of a window. They typically consist of having two panels on a curtain rod that may or may not have a valence for covering the top portion of the window. Although they're often part of a tiered or layered curtain system, displaying café curtains alone to allow maximum light exposure into the room.

The main drawback is they don't offer much privacy by themselves. On the other hand, café curtains are versatile, affordable, easy to clean, and come in an endless variety of styles and fabrics that can match nearly any decor. They are a perfect choice for farmhouse, traditional, rustic, or even bohemian decor styles. By themselves, they are common in kitchens and sometimes bathrooms to let in light while creating some privacy.

Wood blinds are typically made of genuine wood slats like bamboo, cherry, or oak, and are available in a variety of stains and finishes to match any decor. They are durable and versatile, and there's just something classy and timeless about using genuine wood in home design. Since wood naturally has insulating qualities, they're energy-efficient and can help with lowering utility bills. Wood blinds are ideal for bedrooms and living rooms in particular and work well with modern and contemporary designs as well as rustic or farmhouse-style homes. The main drawback of wood blinds is their vulnerability to moisture, therefore they're not recommended for bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.

If you live in an area with high humidity, you may want to check out faux wood blinds instead since they won't fade or warp over time as real wood can. They are also less likely to chip or peel over time and are very durable. They're made from polymer materials that have an authentic wood appearance but can be put into rooms that real wood is not recommended for. They come in a large variety of styles, colors, and textured wood-grain finishes for an authentic look.

Woven wood shades are typically made from bamboo, jute, rattan, or natural grasses that are woven into a material that provides a terrific window shade. The materials are sustainable and eco-friendly which is important to many homeowners today. Bamboo shades or other woven wood shades are also affordable, and they are easy to both install and maintain. Additionally, they can be ordered in traditional roll-up style or as Roman shades with a stackable style. You can also get these shades with liners, including a blackout liner, in order to allow different levels of light through.

Woven wood or bamboo shades can be used inside or outside your windows. They come in light, medium, and dark shades that can enhance any decor and if you like bohemian or earthy decor, they'll fit right in. They also work great with farmhouse, rustic, Mediterranean, island-inspired, and traditional styles. Though you can choose this window treatment for all rooms in the house if you like, they're especially good in living rooms, bedrooms, patios, and dining rooms.

Plantation shutters have been around for generations, but they maintain their relevance due to more modern materials and designs. They are made of wood slats inside their own frame that is nailed or drilled to the inside of the window frame. The amount of light coming in can be adjusted by tilting the slats. Unlike the other choices of window treatments, plantation shutters open outward like a small door in a frame. They are popular for their insulating qualities and charming and custom aesthetic appeal.

Plantation shutters are ideal for Southern, farmhouse, and coastal-style spaces. They're also ideal for the modern-vintage look that's popular in many households. They're very durable, and you can paint them whenever you want to update your space. They're also easy to clean and can be thoroughly dusted. Plantation shutters are more permanent and create an elevated feel that can add value to your home. 

Solar shades are like roller shades but they have a special woven material for blocking harmful UV rays and protecting fabrics and furniture from fading. The material is made from vinyl or PVC-coated polyester, and they can be placed on your windows alone or along with another window treatment. They can make an effective energy-efficient alternative to many other window treatments. Just as impressive, solar shades can reduce the level of heat the sun brings into each room making it much easier to regulate the temperature inside when it's hot outside.

You can see out of solar shades in the daytime, but people can't see inside. However, if you have the lights on in the house at night, those outside will be able to see in. That's why they're often used in conjunction with other window treatments. You can also choose the level of openness of the pattern, which determines the amount of light able to filter through. Solar shades are ideal for the rooms in the home that get a lot of natural sunlight, like kitchens, dining rooms, and family rooms. They're also a great choice for enclosed patios.