Window treatments can make a huge difference in the overall design of your home. Whether you’re moving into a new house or making significant changes to your existing space, window treatments can transform the atmosphere in a room by changing the way it looks. They can also help reduce noise and improve energy efficiency. 

But which window treatment is best for your home – shades, blinds, curtains, or shutters? In this blog, we’ll overview the options available to help you find the right window treatment for each room.

Choose window treatments based on the room
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is choosing one type of window treatment and applying it to every window in the house. This tactic doesn’t consider the individual character and function of each room. Each room in your home has its own personality and unique requirements and has different needs concerning natural light, privacy, and sound dampening.

When choosing window treatments, consider the style and needs of each room. For example, your bedroom has different lighting and privacy needs than your kitchen. Keep in mind the overall design flow and avoid making unrelated choices in any room. 

Consider the other décor in the room
Your room’s overall design dictates the style of your window coverings. Consider your furniture pieces and small items such as lamps, fixtures, and artwork. Are you looking for something more modern or traditional? Modern blinds and shades can look sloppy if your current décor is traditional or shabby-chic. If you have primarily modern furniture, frilly or rustic curtains won’t work.

When choosing your window treatment style, consider the following:

• Colors and styles for your furniture
• Types of flooring (wood, tile, and carpet)
• Wallcoverings and colors (i.e., paint, wallpaper)
• Other fixtures in this room (i.e., lighting, ceiling fans)

Choose the right colors
Many window treatment options and colors, patterns, and materials are available; look at your existing décor and furniture for color inspiration.

Window coverings should be in the same color family as the rest of your décor. However, you can mix and match or add a splash of color to your curtains – contrast doesn’t necessarily mean clashing. Consider solid colors for your window coverings if the current décor contains busy patterns. 

Consider how much light is coming through your windows. Most window coverings allow light to pass through them. As a result, the light reflects the curtains’ color, creating a glow in the room. 

Consider the level of privacy
One of the most important considerations when choosing window treatments is privacy. Windows allow us to take in the natural light and views, giving neighbors and passersby access to our homes. Consider the purpose of the room and the desired level of privacy. Shutter curtains might be sufficient for some spaces. You may need opaque curtains that can completely open or blinds or shades to block outside light.

Bathrooms and bedrooms require more privacy than living rooms, dining areas, or kitchens. You can use a combination of opaque and sheer coverings to customize light filtering and privacy throughout the day.

Different styles of window treatments
Once you decide on a color and overall look, you will need to choose a type of window treatment. 

• Curtains and drapes. Curtains and drapes are window coverings made of fabric and come in various colors and styles. Custom curtains will give your home a professionally-designed look and complement blinds and shades. You can also choose to have drapes or curtains lined. Curtains with “blackout” capabilities can block sunlight, making them ideal for bedrooms. A lined curtain protects the room-facing fabric against fading if the windows get a lot of bright sunlight.
• Sheers. Semi-transparent sheers are curtains that allow in light but still provide privacy. Sheers can be paired with opaque curtains for the best versatility and classic look. Use sheers as the only window treatment for a romantic and airy feel. 
• Horizontal blinds. Horizontal blinds add functionality to your space while also adding aesthetic appeal. The finish, texture, valances, and attachments that you choose will depend on the architecture of your home. For example, a handcrafted wood blind, or a wood-like finish style, might be more appealing if you prefer a traditional look. On the other hand, an aluminum horizontal blind is striking and can be used in traditional or modern spaces. Horizontal blinds are great for bedrooms and kitchens with over-the sink windows. You can adjust the privacy level easily. To complete the look, use blinds with drapery.
• Shades. Shades are opaque and can be used to block out light. There are various shade options:
  • Honeycomb. The fabric traps air and provides greater insulation, helping you save on energy bills.
  • Roman. The fabric in Roman shades has unique folds, giving them a more personal appearance and providing sound-dampening qualities.
  • Roller. These shades pull down like wrapping paper, a school map, or a chain. They offer privacy while blocking the sun’s glare and UV rays.
  • Silhouette. These shades are similar to horizontal blinds in function, but they are made of sheer fabrics creating a sophisticated look.
  • Pirouette. These shades curve upwards like a pirouette, offering elegance with all the sun and UV protection traditional coverings provide. 
  • Woven. Woven shades bring out the warmth and strength of nature in one window dressing. Woven shades are typically seen in rollers, roman, and drapery. 
• Shutters. Shutters are one of the most traditional window treatments, providing a unique look that will add curb appeal and resale value to your home. The designer woodwork appearance is durable and timeless and ensures stunning results.

Trust Stanford Painting
Look no further than your friends and experts at Stanford Painting for your interior painting headquarters! We have all of the trending colors you love that would look spectacular in your home. 

Need to request a quote for your next paint project? Visit our office at 2330 Old Middlefield Way # 8 in the heart of Mountain View, call us at 650-321-9302, or fill out the contact form on our website!

Sources
https://www.housebeautiful.com/room-decorating/a29355152/the-dos-and-donts-of-choosing-window-treatments/ 
https://harrisonscurtains.co.nz/blog/choosing-the-right-curtains-and-blinds-for-different-rooms-in-your-home 
https://www.gotchacovered.com/blog/2019/june/how-to-pick-the-best-window-treatments-for-each-/