The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Window Treatments for Your Home

Choosing window treatments is a periodic need for homeowners. When they buy the home, it is common to choose window coverings for style and privacy. Styles and preferences change over time, so people may decide to update window treatments at that time. Although designs tend to coordinate with trends, many window coverings offer a timeless look that can last for decades. People have the ability to tailor their selections on function, room, style, and the needs of their household. By keeping these factors in mind, homeowners will understand what types of window treatments are available and how to choose the ideal ones for each space. Read on to learn all about the functions and styles of window treatments and get a few ideas of where to start.

Choosing Window Treatments by Primary Function

Before starting to browse for window treatments, homeowners may want to begin by considering the function of the window coverings. The right window treatment for the room depends on a variety of factors, including:

• General use of the room
• The room's location in the home
• The direction of the window
• Daylight hours
• Climate and season

Because some of these factors can change by season or even the time of day, people often need to choose different window treatments for different rooms. With these tips, homeowners can determine the best coverings based on their function.

Light Control

Light control is one of the most common functions of window coverings. When people browse options, they may notice that window treatments are classified using a number of possible terms as they relate to light control:

• Sheer
• Semi-sheer
• Opaque
• Room-darkening
• Blackout

Consumers should pay attention to these classifications because they can significantly affect the amount of light control available by the particular window covering. For example, a sheer curtain can filter only a small amount of light or none at all. A semi-sheer shade or curtain diffuses some light, but it depends on the material.

The difference between opaque, room-darkening, and blackout coverings is significant. Opaque window coverings simply indicate that they do not have any transparent material. They usually offer some degree of room-darkening quality, but they may not be true blackout window treatments. By comparison, coverings with a blackout specification typically have an additional backing to ensure that no light passes through the window treatments. Blackout coverings are often larger than other window treatments because they are designed to cover the entire dimension of the window.

Privacy Control

Although window coverings for light control and privacy often go hand-in-hand, they are not always the same thing. As a general rule, window coverings that offer a heavier amount of light control will provide some amount of privacy by default. However, window treatments designed for privacy may have a different construction. For example, people who buy blackout shades for use at night will have a high degree of privacy while they use the shades. If they want privacy at other times of the day, they will need an additional window covering to provide it.

Similarly, the light-filtering qualities of sheer or semi-sheer window coverings may not be sufficient to provide privacy. Typically, shades or curtains with a minimal amount of filtering are made of a relatively transparent material. In the right lighting or time of day, such as at night with the home's lights on, it could be easy for people standing outside the home to see through them. People who want additional privacy may need to purchase light-filtering treatments that have an additional backing so that they are not transparent. For rooms where privacy is paramount, such as the bathroom, window films or liners could be a necessity.

Temperature Control

Windows are a notorious source of heat transfer in the home. Unlike the walls, which have a degree of insulation to minimize the movement of heat throughout the day, windows provide less protection. They may also have air leaks around the perimeter, which can cause drafts or hotspots nearby. Homeowners may be able to manage some of these problems with the right choice of window treatments. Energy-efficient coverings depend on the climate and the season. As such, people may need to consider layering window treatments or swapping them out when the weather changes.

Regions with dry weather and hot, long summers call for shades, blinds or shutters. Solar shades are designed to block UV rays without darkening the room too much. These window treatments are also useful for windows with a lot of sun exposure as a way to prevent bleaching and fading of flooring, furniture, and room decor. In areas with cold or wet weather, installing heavy drapes or shutters can provide a barrier from cold drafts. Given the heaviness of these materials, homeowners may want to install more than one type of window covering. That way, they can allow light and sun in during the day and minimize cold spots at night.

Noise Control

As with insulation from temperature, windows can also allow more noise to enter the home due to the lack of noise control. The best way that homeowners can keep outdoor noises from infiltrating the indoor space is to create as many barriers as possible. Sound waves travel through most barriers, but they get quieter with each passage. As such, most people may benefit by upgrading their windows from single-pane styles to double-pane windows. Double-pane windows have two layers of glass with air trapped inside to muffle sounds and provide better insulation.

Otherwise, homeowners can buy a variety of products to improve noise control, including window treatments. For example, honeycomb shades or pleated shades provide some of the best noise reduction. Heavy drapes or curtains made out of soft, thick material can also dampen noise. Certain films, blinds, or shades are built to block noise. People could consider replacing the silicone caulking around the window casing with acoustic caulk. This caulk can block some of the sound passing through while also sealing any air leaks that lower the room's energy efficiency. If all else fails, adding a soundproof window insert may provide a significant improvement without having to replace the windows.

Adjustability

For many people, the ability to adjust the window treatment is equally important to its function in the room. Windows are meant to provide lighting and visibility in the room but also serve as a method of escape in an emergency. Homeowners also typically want the ability to change the window coverings at will. For example, they might choose to pull back curtains to allow light to enter. At other times, they may prefer to lower a shade to block the light near sunset. Rooms that do not need adjustable treatments are easier to make a selection for. As homeowners browse products, they should evaluate how easy it will be to open or close the window and adjust the treatments.

Adjustability depends on several factors, especially the type of window treatment. Shutters and blinds, which are meant for a permanent installation, usually offer the least amount of adjustability. People may be able to open or close the louvres. Blinds can usually go up and down as well, but the way they operate depends on the product in particular. Shades, curtains, and drapes are the easiest to adjust. People may be able to install them on a track that they can operate on a timer or using a smart device.

Choosing Window Treatments to Fit Your Space

To have a room that looks good and functions appropriately, homeowners should consider selecting the right window treatments. The best options are appropriate for the size and shape of the window and other architectural features of the room. Sometimes, the window's position makes it difficult to install or maintain certain types of window coverings. In other cases, the style of the window dictates the type of treatment that looks best. By keeping these factors in mind, people can buy products that will suit the room as well as assist with light control or privacy.

Window Size and Spacing

Window size, shape, and spacing can significantly affect the options that homeowners have. Although there is no single conventional window size, unusually large or small styles tend to be more difficult to cover. People looking for premade window treatments might not be able to find, for example, curtains for a very narrow window or blinds to suit a very wide window. In these instances, people may need to get creative about their choices or consider having custom window coverings made.

The window's position in the room may complicate matters. For example, if the window is surrounded by walls on both sides, such as a dormer window, there may not be enough space to install a curtain rod. In this case, people may want to consider using a tension rod to support lightweight curtains. They should also consider installing shades or blinds for these windows, because they're built to be installed inside the window frame. Several windows spaced close together may need window treatments that work with the whole wall. It may look perfectly fine to install individual shutters, blinds, or shades for each window. However, drapes or curtains may need to cover all at once to avoid looking bulky or excessive.

Architecture Correction

Designers sometimes recommend using window treatments to highlight or diminish certain architectural aspects of the room. Older homes often have smaller windows and shorter ceilings. These features can make a room look smaller, darker, or more cramped. People can maximize the size of the window by extending the frame created by the window treatments. To create the illusion of a larger window, people should avoid using shutters or blinds that define the window's dimensions by default. Instead, they can use a longer curtain rod and extend the curtains as much as 6 inches on either side of the window. This approach allows people to open the curtains more fully and give the impression that the window is wider.

For short ceilings, homeowners can accentuate the length using window treatments. As a general rule, window treatments should be sized to fit the window, but length is optional. People can install curtain rods just under the moulding at the ceiling and use drapes or curtains that extend all the way to the floor. The use of solid, bold colours or vertical stripes can give an additional impression of length. Combining these treatments with light colours on the walls and ceiling will make it easier to avoid confining the room to its dimensions.

Keeping Rooms Bright

Rooms that are too dark or difficult to lighten need people to maximize the natural light, and they can do this using window coverings. As a general rule, the best way to encourage light to permeate the space is to choose lightweight window treatments in light colours. Heavy, light-blocking coverings make it more difficult. As such, people may want to limit their choices to shades, slatted blinds, or light curtains for the space. Roller shades are easy to operate and can retreat into the roll, opening more of the window to the light. Similarly, blinds can be drawn up to the top of the window, giving the illusion of openness.

Improving the reflection of light in the room is also important, particularly for windows that face north. Rooms that do not see direct daylight need to draw light in. Although shutters often block light, plantation shutters in white or another pale colour can be positioned to reflect incoming light against another surface. For example, homeowners could install shutters and open the louvres to reflect onto a white wall or even a mirror. This approach can target incoming light and spread it throughout the room without having to install a complicated lighting scheme.

Window Treatment Layering

In most cases, homeowners should consider layering their window treatments. Layering is a good approach for controlling light and privacy at different times of the day. It also offers intriguing styles and textures, which can become a focal point for the room. Typically, people will layer by choosing drapes or curtains to match with blinds, shutters, or shades. For example, someone may want to use a light-filtering shade during the day, coupled with a room-darkening or blackout curtain at night.

The amount of layering that people want to use depends on their goals for the room, but they should also keep appearance in mind. Dual curtain rods make it easy to install lightweight curtains behind heavier draperies for a formal living room or parlour, for example. This approach looks attractive and works particularly well in rooms with tall ceilings or long walls. As they match styles, people should be wary of creating confusion by combining too much colour or activity. For example, patterns may be a great choice for curtains or shades. However, people may not want to select competing patterns for both.

Choosing Window Treatments to Fit Your Household

In many cases, homeowners need to choose window treatments that are appropriate for the various members of the household. Adults know how to operate blinds, shades, and curtains. Pets and young children may see the window treatments as toys or distractions. At times, window treatments can be a significant risk for choking or strangling. By selecting the most appropriate window treatments for family members, people can avoid damaging those window treatments or putting their children or pets at risk.

Cats

Cats love to spend hours looking out the window, enjoying the sunshine and the activity outside. They can and will do whatever they need to get to the window, which may include:

• Bending blinds
• Climbing drapes or curtains
• Scratching or ripping holes in shades

Since cats can climb into very tight spaces, they may become caught in blinds or cords. Homeowners should avoid installing blinds or shades with long cords, opting instead for cordless varieties—this also prevents dangling cords from becoming a new toy. To minimize the problem entirely, they can install shades that are difficult to climb or curtains that are a few feet above the ground. Options that are simple to open or pull back make it easy for people to offer time at the window. Providing additional sources of activity, like a cat tower, allows cats to expend energy without destroying or getting hurt by the window treatments.

Dogs

Although dogs may have similar problems as cats with window treatments, the best solutions are different. Dogs may enjoy looking out the window, but they are often agitated by the presence of people or animals outside. Easy access to windows that face the street can increase barking and other signs of anxiety. In some cases, dogs will chew on corded blinds or bend the slats of blinds trying to look out the window.

In most cases, homeowners should consider blocking visibility in windows that face the street while providing window time in rooms with a calmer view. Light-filtering shades that completely block the window make it harder for dogs to peek through the edges. Curtains on either side can fulfill the same goal, although they should be a bit shorter than the floor to avoid collecting hair.

Birds

Birds present unique challenges compared to other pets because they are generally smaller and can also fly. Homeowners who keep pet birds may need to limit the types of window treatments that they use. As a general rule, any horizontal window treatment, like blinds, valances, or shutters, can become a perch for birds to land. Vertical blinds and roller shades may be the best choices because they do not have visible cords and birds cannot land on them.

People should also think about how they can prevent wild birds from hitting their windows on the outside. Birds have trouble understanding reflective glass or may think that they can fly through safely. Below is a listing of various solutions to prevent birds from flying into windows:

• Acopian BirdSavers
• The Bird Screen Company
• ABC BirdTape
• Bird Crash Preventer
• CollidEscape
• Draw lines
• Feather Friendly
• Goldray Glass
• Walker Glass
• SOLYX Bird Safety Film
• Decals and Stickers

The American Bird Conservancy has tested many products for their relative ability to reduce collisions. Products with lower "Threat Factors" are considered more effective at preventing collisions. You can see their results here.

Young Children

Children also need window coverings that make it more difficult for them to use the treatments as toys. Many homeowners may be aware of the need to use cordless blinds and shades, especially for children's bedrooms. Long, dangling cords are attractive for children to play with and can become a serious choking hazard. Other window coverings can be problematic as well. For example, children may try to climb or swing from curtains, causing the rod to fall.

To prevent these problems, people should keep furniture away from the window treatments, especially cribs or loft beds. Limiting access to rooms with other types of window treatments may be a necessity. Cellular shades are an excellent way to filter light and completely conceal the cord. People who want to use curtains may opt to install other climbing toys in the room to keep children entertained.

Types of Window Treatments

Within each type of window treatment, there may be many possible styles. Homeowners should plan to shop around to look at their options, particularly as they relate to the appearance or function of the window covering. Before making a choice, they may want to think about the maintenance needed for the window treatment, which varies depending on the type of material. With this information, people will understand the most popular styles of window coverings and how to use them in a room.

Shades

Shades are a convenient window covering option, most of which are designed to fit completely inside the window area. They usually come about an inch or two narrower than the window width and stop at the bottom. Some styles, particularly those intended for blackout or exterior installation, may extend beyond the size of the window. People can install shades in almost any window, making them ideal for small or narrow spaces. There are a variety of choices for shades, depending on how homeowners want to use them:

• Roller: Material retreats into a roll at the top
• Roman: Horizontal pleats gather gradually as the shade is adjusted
• Austrian: Vertical seams create scalloped shapes
• Honeycomb/Cellular: Multiple layers of material create a honeycomb or cellular shape
• Pleated: Pleated pieces of material create a look resembling blinds
• Solar: Special material blocks light, heat, and UV rays
• Woven Wood: Strips of wood or grasses woven together
• Cordless: Shades that use no cords or keep cords hidden inside
• Smart: Shades that operate using a smart device

Cleaning shades ranges from very simple to difficult, depending on the type and the material. Roller shades made of vinyl are easy to spray and wipe clean. Woven wood shades may only be able to handle dusting, because water can warp the material.

Blinds

Blinds are one of the most common window treatments because they can be opened easily and installed almost anywhere. As a general rule, people put blinds inside the window perimeter. It is possible to install blinds outside of it, as in the case of round windows or windows without a ledge. For installation inside, the blinds should be about two inches narrower. Homeowners can browse a variety of blind types, including:

• Venetian: Thick, wide, horizontal slats give a contemporary look
• Mini: Smaller, narrower slats fit in almost any window space
• Vertical: Wide, vertical slats provide shading for large or sliding-glass windows
• Panel: Large fabric panels offer a modern alternative to vertical blinds
• Cordless: Blinds that operate by turning a wand or pushing and pulling on the base
• Smart: Blinds that people can open and close with a smart device

Although blinds can come in various materials, wood, metal, and synthetic wood are the most common. Typically, people clean blinds by dusting them regularly. Some materials may be able to sustain a light spritzing of water for spot treatment. Since the slats are relatively easy to bend or snap, blinds may not be appropriate for rooms with active pets or small children.

Curtains and Draperies

Curtains and draperies can add a stylistic and functional element to the room. Draperies technically involve any fabric that hangs in front of a window, which would include curtains. However, conventional definitions distinguish draperies as something heavier or for more formal use. Curtains are particularly ideal for use around large windows or window banks.

People should install the curtain rod at least five inches beyond the window's width on either side. As long as the rod can support the weight of the fabric, however, people can choose whatever rod length they like. They should consider the different types of curtains and draperies, such as:

• Ripple Fold: No pleating, which allows for natural rippling when the fabric is open
• Tailored Pleat: Neat, tight pleating that keeps the folds uniform
• Pinch Pleat: Pleating that appears pinched at the top when the curtains are open
• Inverted Pleat: A pleating style that hides stitching at the top
• Grommet: Gaps in the fabric at the top that allow for the rod to pass through, creating gentle waves of fabric
• Goblet: Pleats that look like a goblet at the top
• Cubicle: Curtains that pull straight with no pleating
• Rod Pocket: Fabric with a pocket for the rod, keeping it hidden
• Tab: Fabric with tabs at the top for sliding across a rod
• Sheer: Lightweight, transparent or translucent fabric
• Dual-Fabric: Curtains with more than one fabric, for stylistic or utilitarian purposes
• Swing-Arm: Curtain rods that are only attached to the wall on one side, meant to swing out
• Cafe: Intended for installation halfway out the window

It is important to choose a curtain rod that is narrow enough to fit with the fabric and strong enough to support the weight of the fabric. Cleaning depends on the type of material as well as the rod. Some rods are easy to partially detach so that homeowners can remove the fabric for washing or cleaning. High-end, textured fabrics like velvet or silk may be difficult to clean.

Valances and Cornices

Valances and cornices are popular to add a layer of interest to the window covering. Homeowners typically use them in rooms that are intended for formal use or as a way to cover up architectural defects. Generally, these window treatments contain a solid component, typically made of wood or metal. On top of that, the manufacturer may layer padding, fabric or other styles to coordinate with other treatments in use on the window.

• Valance: Narrow, wide window treatment that usually features fabric on the outside
• Cornice: Window treatment similar to a valance, typically without fabric
• Swag: A layer of fabric hanging down from the balance in the center of the window, creating a scoop or half-circle shape

Valances and cornices are typically installed just above the top of the window. They are intended to cover the curtain rod, which means that they can come in various possible lengths. The width is usually a few inches more than the window on either side, but it is meant to fit fairly tightly with the window's dimensions. Valances may be harder to clean than cornices, simply because they are typically not meant to be removed.

Shutters

Shutters are a popular option for additional temperature control, as well as a modern style. Shutters are meant to fit tightly within the window, which means that most common options require a custom fit. As such, shutters are a practical application for windows with an unusual shape, such as round or arched windows. People also like them for standard window sizes, and it may be possible to find premade shutters for square or rectangular windows. Shutter types include:

• Louvred: Shutters with narrow louvres
• Plantation: Panels with wide louvres
• Tier on Tier: Multiple panels stacked on top of each other for the same window
• Cafe-style: Half-height shutters
• Shaker: Flat panels with no louvres

Most shutters are made from wood, although some may come from synthetic wood or wood composite. Shutters have no cords and are meant to be easy to open and close, making them ideal for rooms with children or pets. They are also relatively simple to clean, depending on the requirements of the paint or stain on the wood. Given the bulky size and need for customization, shutters tend to be the most expensive type of window covering available.

Film

Window film is a space-efficient window covering that can darken a room or increase energy efficiency. Films are ideal as a way to retrofit privacy or temperature control onto existing windows. They also work well for windows that will not accept other types of window treatments, such as those in the attic or basement. Window film can be exceptionally affordable or quite expensive, depending on the type:

• Blackout: Films that completely obstruct the view to create a dark room
• Whiteout: White film that makes the window permanently opaque, but white instead of black
• Translucent: Coloured film that allows for some natural light to pass through, with fuzzy or blurry images visible from the outside
• Solar: Film that decreases UV exposure or solar heat gain without decreasing visibility
• Decorative: Films with decorative designs to provide privacy as well as interest
• Smart: Films that can make a window clear or opaque with the push of a button

Although many window film products are made for DIY installation, they can be difficult to place. Improper installation can lead to ineffective privacy, rippling, or peeling. Some will be able to handle any cleaning technique homeowners would use to clean the window, but others may split or peel with harsh washing techniques.

Window Treatment Ideas

The right window treatments depend on a variety of factors. Homeowners should consider the use of the room, the position relative to the sun and the street, as well as their own preferred styles. There is almost an infinite number of possible combinations, since people can choose more than one type of window covering. Someone who wants a more formal style may opt for more, while a minimalist approach calls for something less bold. By consider choices by the room, by the style and location in the home, people can start to imagine what will work best.

By Room

The best window treatments for the living space depend heavily on personal style. Someone who likes to keep things simple might select plain shades or blinds to draw attention elsewhere. By comparison, a homeowner who likes to maintain a formal space may choose heavy draperies, along with curtains and shades or blinds. This approach also works well for rooms with bright sunlight that might fade the flooring or furniture.

By comparison, window coverings for the kitchen should be relatively simple, easy to clean, and utilitarian. The position of the window is the most important. If the window is near the range, people may need to avoid installing curtains or flowing fabric shades. These are more likely to attract splashing oils and could ignite a fire. Narrow blinds can be a good option, particularly for larger or floor-length windows. Otherwise, shades make it easy to increase lighting for small windows and easily get the material out of the way when needed.

Like the kitchen, the bathroom needs specific window coverings. People are less likely to start a fire in the bathroom than in the kitchen unless they use candles near the window, but steam and humidity may still cause issues. The material should be able to handle a higher level of heat and moisture without warping, which makes wood blinds and shutters or curtains made of material that shrinks impractical. Window films and shades may be the easiest to use.

Bedrooms offer a great deal of variety. Blackout curtains and shades are popular in this space, particularly for east-facing windows. Heavy curtains work well in regions with cold winters. Sheer curtains maximize natural lighting, perfect for reading or relaxing in the middle of the day. People should take care when choosing options for infant and young children's bedrooms, selecting for safety as well as reasonable use.

By Style

To make a room seem light or airy, the use of sheer or light-coloured window treatments is important. Heavy options like shutters or drapes block light and feel heavy. Instead, sheer curtains or semi-sheer panel blinds give a bit of additional privacy without compromising any of the natural light. When hung near the ceiling, curtains provide a sense of free-flowing air.

Minimalist-style rooms still have a variety of options for window coverings. Although draperies and curtains tend not to work very well in this vein, a valance or cornice with a hint of colour may match ideally with a simple roller shade. Plantation shutters also maintain an air of simplicity, as they provide excellent darkening and insulation in a single window covering. Smart window film would be the most minimal, since people will not need any other covering for the room.

Modern styles give a lot of flexibility, depending on a person's preferences. Shutters are popular, largely because they are durable, timeless and can coordinate with nearly any kind of decor. For the latest trends, people may want to use curtains to contrast with the walls. For example, patterned curtains draw the eye to create a great focal point. Plain drapes or shades work with patterned wallpaper.

Formal room styles call for layering. Homeowners with a bank of windows might want to begin with a long curtain rod with draperies extending almost the full length of the wall. Panels of curtains block lighting for formal evening entertaining. During the day, people can use cellular shades or sheer curtains to filter the light without blocking it entirely. Varying textures for each material increase the visibility of the layers.

For Doors and Transoms

Doors and transoms represent a unique challenge for window coverings, especially since doors are intended for regular use. Transoms describe a separation between a door and a window above it. As a general rule, people who want additional privacy from these windows may want to consider window film. It can be installed in windows of any size and does not need to be installed directly on the door. Films also filter the light without blocking it entirely, which may be important for doors that open into a dark hallway.

In some cases, it may make sense to install a high curtain rod with curtains that will pull across the door and transom simultaneously. This approach works well with doors made mostly of windows, such as French-style doors that open onto a patio. Vertical blinds or sliding panel blinds on a track may also work for this purpose, as long as they do not impede the use of the door. Similarly, roller or woven shades might be appropriate for the transom, provided that they can stay out of the way of the door's path.

Common Window Treatment Mistakes

While there are many ways that homeowners can design window treatments for the home, there are several approaches that may not work well. Some of them can make the room look smaller, darker or more crowded. Others may hinder the function of the window or other uses of the room. A few are apparent immediately, while others will only sink in over time. People can avoid problems that negatively affect the room by paying attention to common design and installation errors.

Incorrect Size/Placement

The wrong size or installation for the window covering can make the whole window seem off or affect the room's appearance. As a general rule, homeowners should plan to buy blinds that are a little longer than the windows and just a bit narrower. The manufacturer provides instructions for the appropriate width. Otherwise, it may not be possible to install it. Blinds or shades that are too long for the window will pile up on the ledge and block light when closed. Similarly, films must be fitted accurately to the glass. They will not provide sufficient filtering without it.

Drapes and curtains should be larger than the window, sometimes much larger. At a minimum, people may need to hang the rod several inches above the window. The rod should extend several inches on each side. That way, when the fabric panels are pulled back to reveal the window, they do not block the edge of the view. The fabric should be wide enough to cover the window entirely, unless the draperies are not meant to be pulled. The fabric can extend several inches below the window, or almost to the floor. Any length in-between often looks accidental.

Visual Clashing

Homeowners should pay attention to the way that the window coverings fit in the room from a stylistic perspective. It is common to select the same window treatments for several rooms in the home. However, if the covering does not suit the general theme of the room, it will look out of place. People who are not sure of the design of a particular room may prefer to start with something relatively simple and accommodating of various styles, like roller shades in a neutral colour or white shutters.

People may also need to look at the coverings from the inside and the outside to see how they look and whether or not they clash. Sometimes, people want to go big and bold with the window treatments and end up with a design that clashes with everything. For example, combining different colours may work well, or they might not complement each other at all. Similarly, mismatched hardware may save money, but it could be painfully obvious. Homeowners should request swatches of fabrics and look at them in the room's lighting to ensure a good match. Buying all the hardware for each window guarantees better coordination.

Choosing the Wrong Material

Materials are an important choice because they affect function and appearance. Homeowners often choose materials that look luxurious because they want the window treatment to appear stylish or upscale. However, expensive materials like silk or wool are hard to clean. Over time, textured materials like velvet or brocade may accumulate dust and look old or dirty. Even minimalist materials like wood can pose problems. If people install wood blinds, shades, or shutters in the kitchen or the bathroom, they may have to deal with water spots, stains, or warping.

Ultimately, people should select window treatments that match their willingness and ability to provide maintenance. Layering is a great idea for people who are committed to removing the curtains periodically for washing or who will dust the shades and blinds weekly. Rooms that get less use do not necessarily make maintenance easier, as dust will collect more readily in an empty guest bedroom than a kitchen. People can avoid most of these problems by researching materials in advance and adding window treatments gradually, based on need and preference.

Make Your Home Dazzling With the Right Window Dressings

Trying to select window treatments for the home calls for a fair bit of research and consideration. Homeowners who invest the time and sufficient money will be rewarded with window coverings that provide the level of privacy they need, better energy efficiency, and a great style for each room. The ideal options vary, depending on the room and how people want to use it. By considering the different types and selecting materials that work with their preferences for style and maintenance, people can have a room that looks wonderful without making it less practical for the space.