How to Choose Window Treatments for Your Home?
Today, there are many different styles, and features for your windows and sliding doors. With so many details, it becomes confusing, especially when faced with endless options and a blank slate. That’s why we have put together this guide to help you choose the right window treatment for your home, based on functionality, privacy, usage, type, and material.
Functionality
What is the purpose that your window coverings will serve? Window treatments are a stylish addition to any space, but style isn’t the first thing you want to look for. Before anything else, you need to determine what you want your window coverings to do for you. The best interior designers always take into account functionality, because each room might require something different.
In one room of your home, you may want privacy. Whereas in a sun-facing room, you may need a little help to regulate the temperature. And in another, you may want to filter the sunlight and protect your hardwood floors and furniture.
Privacy
How much privacy do you want your window treatments to provide? This will depend on how close your neighbors are, and how much natural light you want to allow in or block, and the outside view from your window.
- Minimal privacy: maintain the view
- Light filtering: moderate privacy
- Blackout: full privacy
Solar blinds and shades are ideal for minimal privacy needs, as they can reduce UV rays while preserving the beautiful view of the outside. Drapes and sheer shades also fit into this category. Light filtering window coverings provide some privacy, while still allowing natural light to filter through. Blackout drapes and shades are made with blackout materials and provide light blockage and full privacy.
Usage
Now you need to decide how often you’ll open and close your window treatments. Some treatments are mainly decorative, while others are suited to daily use.
- Daily
- Occasionally
- Rarely
The simple mechanism of Roller blinds and Solar Shades makes them a great choice for frequent use, you can open them every morning and close them every night. Flat Roman shades and Ripple Fold drapery are a few more window treatments that are easy to operate frequently.
If your windows are large or hard to reach, consider Hunter Douglas® Motorized window treatments. At Ambiance Window Coverings we have a wide collection to choose from. With powerful, quiet motors you can control multiple window coverings at once, schedule timers, and set favorite positions.
For decorative styles that are rarely closed, consider the soft folds of Relaxed Roman Shades and Tulip Roman Shades.
Type and Material
There are so many ways you can dress up your windows and the options are endless. Naturally, the purpose that you are wanting your curtains or shades to serve will influence your choice.
Here are the most common window treatment types:
- Curtains
- Drapes
- Blinds
- Shades
- Shutters
- Valances
The material of your window treatments really defines the look. Silk, linen, faux silk, and velvet are great fabric choices for drapes and curtains. The heavier fabric will stay in place and hold its shape better than sheer or lighter materials, but it eventually comes down to a matter of personal preference.
As for window blinds and shades, don’t feel limited to traditional Venetian style. Metal, Vinyl, bamboo, and wood all make for great shades and come in several forms! Vertical, Woven, and Roman shades are some of Ambiance Window Coverings’ favorite modern forms of blinds.
