Window Treatments 101
Window coverings options include shutters, blinds, and shades that provide lighting control, privacy and thermal insulation. In addition, curtains may be added and changed from time to time to complement your décor.
The basic factors you’ll want to consider when choosing window coverings are:
- How much natural light you want to admit during the day.
- How much privacy you need.
- Whether you like your views and want to feature them or obscure them.
- Heating, cooling and UV exposure in the room.
- Your budget and home style.
The following are the basic types and features of window coverings.
Curtains
Curtains put the finishing touches on your décor, and include fabrics ranging from sheers to opaque fabrics with blackout linings. Valances and swags can be used in addition to curtains or as standalones to complement blinds, shutters and shades.
Honeycomb and Pleated Shades
Honeycomb and pleated shades are stylish fabric shades that can be fully opened to admit the view and provide substantial privacy when closed. They come in a range of colors and fabrics to suit any interior style. Honeycomb shades provide energy efficiency and varying levels of light control. Options include single, dual and triple cell honeycomb construction. Shades can open from the bottom or the top.
Horizontal Blinds
We offer wood, wood alternative and metal blinds that provide a lot of light control and a range of looks to suit your personal style. Styles range from ½-inch metal shades that offer a contemporary, industrial look to classic natural blinds with 2-inch wooden vanes. When closed, horizontal blinds provide high levels of privacy.
Roller Shades
The classic standard roller shade has taken on new dimensions with a range of fabrics and styles to match any décor. Their simple, minimal design is perfect for any room, including today’s sleek, contemporary looks. Privacy levels and lighting depend on the choice of fabric, which ranges from white sheers and natural neutrals to bold designer fabrics to match your décor.
Roman Shades
Roman shades are classic tailored fabric shades that are drawn up into elegant folds. A range of fabrics are available to provide different levels of light control and privacy. New options include cordless designs and shades with automated controls.
Sheers and Shadings
Sheers and shades provide diffused lighting and view of a sheer curtain with the closeable vanes of a blind. The sheers admit daylight and a softened view while also maintaining a sense of privacy to create a bright, peaceful ambience.
Shutters
Plantation shutters are a classic and functional window covering that complement any home style from vintage to contemporary. They provide a lot of flexibility in managing light and privacy and are easy to clean. They are available in bi-fold, hinged and bypass or sliding options with louvers ranging from 2½ to 4 ½ inches wide.
Vertical Shades
Vertical blinds come in a range of fabric and material options, ranging from very sheer to opaque. They feature vertical vanes of fabric or other material that can be as narrow as 3 inches or as wide as 17. They provide varying levels of light control and privacy depending on the style and fabric chosen.
Woven Wood Shades
These classic casual shades feature a vertical rolling design in natural materials such as grasses and woods. They bring the warmth and beauty of nature to your interior in a neat, simple design that complements any style. Levels of privacy and light control vary depending on the material chosen.
Some Other Considerations
Choosing Slats
When choosing a shutter or blind that features slats, there are some general principles that can help you determine which type is best. Generally, the larger the slat size, the more you’ll be able to see your view. Also, larger vanes tend to work best on larger windows. Vertical slats are usually best for openings that are wider than they are tall, such as sliding glass doors, horizontal slats on openings that are taller than they are wide.
Operating Options
Many options are now available for opening and closing your blinds and shades, including cordless and automated designs.