Say Goodbye To Cotton Curtains: The Joanna Gaines-Approved Window Treatment For Large Windows

Large windows — the type that create bright and airy sun-drenched spaces — have topped many home owners' wish lists. But finding the right treatments to cover them can have you throwing money out the you-know-what. The cost of materials and installation can tally up to upwards of $500 per window for the floor-to-ceiling variety. And to choose the best window treatments for your privacy needs, you'll likely consider everything from roller shades to drapes to curtains of varying opacity. But allow HGTV design queen Joanna Gaines to offer up another fix: Custom bifold wood shutters are as commonplace in her renovations as shiplap accent walls and oversized clocks.

"A subtle nod to #fall as it slowly shifts in — with texture, warmth, and that just-right light," she wrote in one TikTok about the full length floor-to-ceiling stunners she had commissioned for a living space. When opened, the sunlight can fully pour in, as they fold neatly to each side. But even when closed for privacy, the wood blends with the rest of the room's farmhouse aesthetic. Gaines went for a similar look when reworking a kitchen on Season 5, Episode 7 of the HGTV series "Fixer Upper," one of the many treatment ideas from the designer you'll want to steal. Rather than opting for the more commonplace blinds or curtains, she noted on the "Fixer Upper" blog, they "added an extra layer of character that is harder to achieve with classic window coverings."

If you're ready to try Gaines' unique window treatment idea, just know that it may cost you upfront. Since the fold-in function requires precise measurements, you may have to order them custom. Though, several online retailers make it easy to input your measurements and have them made to order, and options like the American Wood Full Height Shutters from The Shutter Store are surprisingly budget-friendly. If you're feeling handy, it is possible to DIY a set using wooden planks, hinges, and wood glue.

But even with any extra initial cost, you could save in the long run. Thanks to their sturdiness, interior wood shutters are likely to hold up for upwards of 20 years and outlast sets of curtains or blinds. And the right design becomes a standout architectural feature in your home rather than a decor piece you feel the need to update.

The maintenance for bifold shutters is also fairly easy and breezy. Any loose dust can be tackled using a vacuum's brush attachment. For a deeper clean, get into tight crevices using a butter knife or ruler wrapped in a microfiber cloth or a 1-inch paint brush for tough corners. If there are any stains to spot clean, mix a small amount of soap into water and just barely dampen the cloth. Immediately follow with a dry cloth so that the moisture can't cause the wood to warp.