Types of Window Treatments and Shades

Window treatments or window coverings are any type of material used to cover a window completely or partially. Types of window treatments include blinds, window shades, shutters, curtains and drapes.

• Blinds tilt open and closed using a wand or remote device. They have louvers or slats made of various materials. Blinds can be vertical or horizontal.
• Horizontal blinds close tighter than vertical ones. They also are usually quieter and last longer
• Shades are a singular piece of fabric or synthetic material raised or lowered by the twist of a wand. They soften a window’s appearance and provide various levels of light control. Shade styles include cellular shades, pleated shades, roller shades, Roman shades, woven wood and outdoor shades.
• Drapes or curtains can be made of everything from luxurious silk to budget-friendly synthetics.
• Shutters come in classic styles as well as modern versions.

There are four main benefits of window coverings.

• Add style. Perk up spaces with bright colors or choose neutral finishes for a cozy look. Valances are primarily decorative and can be used with or without other treatments.
• Regulate temperature. Window treatments insulate a room. They stop cold air in winter and outside heat in summer. They can make your furnace or air conditioner run more efficiently.
• Control light. You can choose window coverings that allow you to block light completely. Or pick ones that let you regulate light throughout the day. Some, like shutters, add a lot of privacy, while sheers let in more light.
• Provide privacy. Decide how much someone can see into your home by choosing sheers or blinds for different windows.

Unless you’re using the same window treatment for every room, look closely at the needs for each individual room. Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens and bathrooms are the most common areas that require special window treatments.

Kitchens: Kitchens need good lighting and easy-to-clean window coverings. There is also a bit of moisture to consider in most kitchens, and you should keep fire safety in mind too.

Bedrooms: Light is probably the biggest consideration in bedrooms. Outside lights can interrupt sleeping, but during the day it’s common to allow sunlight. Opt for curtains or shades that make it easy to darken and lighten a room while ensuring privacy.

Living rooms: You will likely want to have natural lighting and a pleasing, inviting look and feel. Coverings like shades or blinds for night-time privacy, paired with sheer curtains and dressier drapes, are a common combination. Many living rooms have larger windows, so vertical coverings may also be a good option.

Bathrooms: Bathrooms generally require window treatments that can withstand humidity and water. They should also be easy to clean. Privacy is a big concern, so look for window coverings like shades and blinds. If they open and close, make sure they’re easy to adjust as well.

Shutters are one of the more classic types of window treatments. Wood shutters are typically made of hardwoods. Or you can opt for faux wood in various finishes.

A shutter is made of horizontal louvers or slats in a frame. Choose between 1 1/4-inch, 2 1/2-inch, 3 1/2-inch or 4 1/2-inch louver sizes. The larger a louver, the more light and less privacy the shutter provides. Traditional plantation shutters have wide louvers or slats.

Pros:

• Shutters can be customized to fit unusual window shapes and sizes.
• This type of window treatment is more durable than most others.
• Shutters look beautiful from the outside of the home as well.
• It’s easy to control incoming light by changing the angle of the slats.
• Cleaning and maintenance are easier than other options.
• Shutters can be fitted to a wide variety of window types, including customized and odd-shaped windows.

Cons:

• Shutters require a higher upfront investment.
• Some feature a tilt rod control, but many cannot be raised or lowered.
• It can be difficult to install them so they tilt properly, especially when windows or furniture can get in the way.

Best places to use:

• Install shutters only in rooms where you don’t mind always having an obstructed outside view.

Wood blinds have the rich look of wood shutters without the cost or heavier weight.

Pros:

• A timeless decor choice, wood blinds add a warm, welcoming feel to a room. They are made of eco-friendly hardwood and are built to last.
• Real wood blinds come in a variety of rich stains and finishes.
• They are available in different slat sizes and come in both readymade and custom options.

Cons:

• Avoid installing wood blinds in rooms with high humidity, such as bathrooms.

Faux wood blinds provide the benefits of wood blinds at a budget-friendly price.

Pros:

• Faux blinds are scratch resistant, low maintenance and easy to clean.
• They’re ideal for rooms with high humidity.
• They don’t crack, peel or warp even in bathrooms.
• Faux wood blinds come in everything from bright white to dark wood looks.
• More flexible than wood blinds, they can bend without breaking.

Cons:

• Their heavier weight can make them harder to hang than genuine wood blinds.

Best places to use:Like many different styles of blinds, both wood blinds and faux wood blinds work well for bedrooms, home offices, dens, theaters and more.

Both aluminum mini blinds and vinyl mini blinds are very popular. Options such as routeless mini blinds have a cloth tape construction that raises or lowers the blind.

• Aluminum blind quality is measured in gauges. The higher the gauge, the thicker and more durable the blind will be. Aluminum blinds can come in the traditional 1/2-inches or the wider or the more modern 1-inch and 2-inch vane sizes.
• Vinyl blinds are popular because of their strength and resistance to moisture. These budget-friendly options come in various colors, styles and sizes of 1/2 inch to 3 inches.

Pros:

• Mini blinds are lightweight and come in almost every color.
• High-quality mini blinds are less likely to have vanes or slats that will bend or snap with use.

Cons:

• Because aluminum blinds are metal, they can be noisy at the window.
• Vinyl blinds are not as durable as other types.

Best places to use:

• Mini blinds are useful when you have a lot of windows to cover on a budget. Since these types of blinds block light better than others, they are also great for creating darker, cozier spaces.

Vertical blinds have S-shaped slats that mimic the curves of drapes. They operate on a sliding track system that pushes the blinds out of the way to one side. They may have vanes that tilt open. Made of durable synthetic materials or faux wood, vertical blinds can come with custom options.

• They add a soft touch and give more light control and better privacy.
• Vanes can open from the right, left or middle of your window. Choose the option that fits your existing space.
• A back stacker feature allows the vanes to be pulled from the back. This reduces vane sway.

Pros:

• Usually made of vinyl, vertical blinds are budget-friendly and low-maintenance.
• Closed, vertical blinds provide great privacy.
• It’s easy to replace just one damaged slat instead of a whole system.

Cons:

• Slats can be noisy if nudged or lightly pushed by something, including the wind or pets.
• Because the slats move easily, they may reduce privacy.

Best places to use:

• Wider windows, tall windows and sliding doors are the most common uses for vertical blinds.

Cellular shades have fabric-like pleats that run up and down. These popular types of window shades often have a 3/8-inch double cell, honeycomb design. You can also customize the energy efficiency of these shades by choosing single, double or triple cell honeycomb construction.

Pros:

• The honeycomb structure is insulating, helping regulate temperature and reduce noise levels from the outside.
• Cellular shades compact neatly when lifted, providing a clear exterior view.
• They filter light, even to the point of being complete blackout shades.

Cons:

• You have to raise the shades to see outside.
• The hexagonal cells collect dirt and dust, making them difficult to keep clean.

Best places to use:

• Cellular shades are great for windows that aren’t used for viewing the outdoors frequently.
• Use these shades in a home that needs added insulation. They work well to keep out the heat or trap the heat inside.

Pleated shades have the same look as cellular shades, but not the honeycomb design. They simply fold like an accordion when raised. These types of window shades are a stylish and elegant choice. They come in a wide range of decorative fabrics and designer colors. Some brands offer custom pleat sizes to match your decor style.

Pros:

• Pleated shades are some of the easiest window treatments to install and operate.
• These shades are budget friendly compared to many other window treatment options, including cellular shades.
• It’s easy to control how much light is let into a room when using these shades.

Cons:

• Pleated shades collect dirt and dust, so they may be more difficult because of their need for frequent cleaning.
• Compared to cellular shades, pleated shades aren’t as insulating.

Best places to use:

• Pleated shades make sense in small rooms and on small windows. The shades compact well when they’re raised, so they don’t require much space.
• Because they’re not as insulating as others, use these shades in homes with average to warm climates.

Roller shades roll down and up with a pull. They’re made of fabric that rolls up onto a tube housed at the top of the window. Roller shades can be paired in tandem with some cellular or Roman shades. When a roller shade is mounted behind another shade, it provides extra light control.

Pros:

• They give a nostalgic yet chic look.
• Roller shades come in a variety of fabrics and opacities. They are available in patterns, colors and textures.
• Easy to open with a gentle tug.

Cons:

• They don’t fit easily into windows with a non-traditional shape.
• If motorized, the roller mechanism may need professional repairs to work properly if they get damaged.

Best places to use:

• Roller shades are perfect for windows where you want to open the shades completely for light.
• Windows in rooms that require lots of ventilation.
• For very sunny rooms or outdoor spaces consider using solar shades. Made from a special sheer fabric, they filter light and reduce glare.

Roman shades are tailored fabric shades. They combine the flowing look of draperies with the ease of a lifting shade. A Roman shade creates soft, horizontal folds as it is lowered. They come in flat, hobbled, pleated or relaxed fold styles.

Pros:

• Roman shades are a budget-friendly alternative to drapery.
• Like drapery, they are available in a large selection of rich colors and patterns.
• Installation is quick and simple.

Cons:

• Roman shades are made from fabric. They may wear out quicker than other types of shades.
• Fabrics trap dirt and odors. This makes Roman shades a less desirable option in rooms like kitchens.

Best places to use:

• Use Roman shades to soften tile or wood surfaces in rooms like baths or spaces with paneled walls.

Woven wood shades are made of twines, hemp, rattan, ropes or reeds. They are also called bamboo shades or matchstick blinds. A woven wood shade’s privacy and light benefits depends on its weaving style. The thicker the weave, the less transparent it will be. The thinner the weave, the more light gets through.

Adding liners to woven shades can reduce fading from the sun, enhance privacy and provide insulation. Choose between light-filtering, blackout, water-resistant and thermal liners. The street side of most liners are white to maximize curb appeal.

Pros:

• Woven wood shades bring a relaxed and inviting look.
• They are all-natural and eco-friendly while providing privacy and light control.
• Woven wood adds texture and earthiness to a space.

Cons:

• The sun and any humidity can cause fading and cracking of the material.
• Keeping the woven material free of dust and debris can be difficult.
• Binding the edges with decorative tape may be the only way to keep them neat.

Best places to use:

• Use these shades in any room that doesn’t need insulating window coverings.

Outdoor shades come with reinforcing hardware to prevent them from billowing and flapping in windy conditions. They are made from high-quality, woven all-weather fabrics. They mostly come in whites, grays and blacks. Outdoor shades are chosen primarily on their "openness factor." A shade's openness factor refers to how much one can see through it. The higher a shade's openness factor, the more UV rays it can block. Openness factors can range from 5 percent to 20 percent or more.

Another type of sun-blocking shades are solar shades. These roller shades are made from special sheer fabric that filters light and reduces glare. They can be used outdoors or indoors.

Pros:

• Outdoor or exterior shades provide privacy, protect furniture and block heat.
• They block harsh light, dust and wind.
• Solar shades control solar heat gain and block harmful UV radiation.

Cons:

• The shades can be noisy when they hit the windows during high winds.
• Outdoor shades can require more maintenance to keep them clean and in good working order.
• Unless they’re motorized, you will have to go outside to raise or lower them.
• Solar shades do not provide night-time privacy when the interior lights are on. They usually have a limited variety of colors and styles.

Best places to use:

• Outdoor shades are great for patios, pavilions, porches, decks or sunrooms.
• Solar shades are also great in rooms where you don't need privacy but want to protect your furniture from the sun.

Drapes and curtains are often sold in pairs and hung on a single rod.

• Drapes can be opened or closed from the right, left or middle. They are attached to the rod by clips, hooks, grommets or rod pockets. Drapes are operated by hand or with a wand. Thicker and heavier than curtains, drapes are usually made from materials like velvet, silk or suede for a luxurious touch.
• Curtains are often made from sheer or lightweight fabrics that allow more light to filter through.

Both drapery and curtains can be paired with other types of window treatments such as valances. Usually decorative, a valance hangs a few inches from the top of the window and are available in every material from light linens to brocades.

Pros:

• Drapes pair well with other window treatments, like curtains, that don’t provide much privacy.
• The colors and textures are virtually endless.
• Provide good insulation in most cases.

Cons:

• Most drapes don’t let in much natural light when closed.
• Drapery can give rooms and windows a serious tone.
• Curtains rarely block heat, cold or light well.

Best places to use:

• Drapery panels look best in more formal settings like living rooms or primary bedrooms.
• Curtains give windows a more casual style and look best in kitchens and family rooms.

Window film is a thin layer of material that is applied to the interior or exterior surface of windows. There are several types and they can be transparent or tinted.

• Solar control window film makes rooms more energy-efficient and comfortable.
• Privacy window film creates a one-way mirror effect.
• Decorative window film adds style.
• Security window film prevents broken glass from shattering.

Pros:

• Energy efficient
• UV protection
• Easy to install
• Minimal maintenance

Cons:

• Can't adjust the amount of natural light
• May peel or discolor over time
• Removal may require special tools and expertise

Best places to use:

• Provides privacy and style to bedrooms and baths
• Can keep rooms like kitchens or living rooms cooler
• Reduces computer screen glare in home offices and entertainment centers

Window coverings provide beauty and filter light. By blocking UV light, they keep furnishings and rugs from fading.

• Motorized lift options regulate the amount of light filtering with the touch of a button.
• Many window treatments have light filtering, room darkening or blackout fabric options.
• Blinds and shades can be installed in a top-down and bottom-up combination. This gives more control over light, privacy and view.
• Layer sheer shades into almost any window treatment for a more filtered light option.

With such a wide variety of available window treatments, you'll need to narrow down the options. Consider the benefits and overall appearance of each type of window treatment. Evaluate what you need in each room individually such as:

• Amount of light and privacy
• Styles, materials and colors
• Methods of operation
• Ease of customization and upgrades
• Budget and installation
• Long-term maintenance
• Energy savings

Energy efficiency is a key consideration when choosing window treatments. Heat is lost and gained through windows, either of which is inefficient depending on the season. Window treatments can help control the temperature, improving overall energy efficiency. The right products minimize cold drafts, lower heat loss and decrease heat gain from the sun.

Many window treatments, including different styles of blinds, shades and shutters, are rated for energy efficiency by the Attachments Energy Rating Council (AERC), an independent, public interest, non-profit organization. The AERC rates and labels window coverings according to whether they’re for a cool climate or a warm climate. The higher the number, the more energy that window treatment provides.

Select energy-efficient window treatments by choosing AERC-certified products with higher ratings. Or if you’re choosing from non-certified items, look for materials that are designed to keep your home warmer or cooler, depending on your climate.