What is a window treatment and how is it beneficial? Window treatments are a stylish and practical addition to any room. They are a very popular and necessary part of any home’s decor. Many different types of window coverings can block weather, filter light and provide privacy. Window treatments come in a variety of sizes, styles and price points. Use this guide to help you understand your choices and find the best window treatment for your space.
- What Are Window Treatments?
- Window Covering Options
- Choosing the Right Window Treatments
- Window Treatments for Different Rooms
- Energy Efficiency and Window Treatments
- Wood & Faux Wood Blinds
- Mini Blinds
- Vertical Blinds
- Vertical Blind Alternatives
- Cellular Shades
- Pleated Shades
- Roman Shades
- Outdoor Shades
- Sheer Shades
- Woven Shades
- Roller Shades
- Solar Shades
- Drapery
- Shutters
What Are Window Treatments?
Window treatments are any type of material used to cover a window completely or partially. Different types of window covering options can serve different purposes. Some, like shutters, add a lot of privacy, while sheers let in more light. Valances are primarily decorative and can be used with or without other treatments. There are four main benefits to using window coverings.
- Add style. Perk up spaces with bright colors or choose neutral finishes for a cozy look.
- 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.
- Provide privacy. Decide how much someone can see into your home by choosing sheers or blinds for different windows.
Window Covering Options
Window coverings provide beauty and filter light. By blocking UV light, they keep furnishings and rugs from fading. 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.
The vast majority of window coverings are available in different price points and sizes. They are versatile and can be customized in much the same ways.
- 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.
Choosing the Right Window Treatments
With such a wide variety of available window treatments, you will 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, or combine the two thought processes. Explore these key characteristics in your decision making.
- Amount of light and privacy
- Styles, materials and colors
- Methods of operation
- How easy it is to customize and upgrade
- Budget and ease of installation
- Long-term care and energy costs
Window Treatments for Different Rooms
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.
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.
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.
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.
Energy Efficiency and 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.
Wood & Faux Wood Blinds
When 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.
Wood blinds pros:
- Wood blinds have the rich look of wood shutters without the cost or heavier weight.
- 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.
Wood blinds cons:
- Avoid installing wood blinds in rooms with high humidity, such as bathrooms.
Faux wood blinds pros:
- Faux wood blinds have the benefit of wood blinds at a budget-friendly price.
- 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.
Faux wood blinds cons:
- Their heavier weight can make them harder to hang than genuine wood blinds.
Mini Blinds
Aluminum blinds, or mini blinds, are very popular. The quality of aluminum 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-inch or the wider, more modern 1-inch and 2-inch vane sizes. Options such as routeless mini blinds have a cloth tape construction that raises or lowers the blind.
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.
When to use:
- Mini blinds are useful when you have a lot of windows to cover on a budget. These types of blinds close tighter and create darker spaces.
Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds operate on a sliding track system that pushes the blinds out of the way to one side. They may have vanes that tilt open. They’re made of durable synthetic materials and faux wood.
Vertical blinds can come with custom options including:
- S-shaped slats that mimic the curves of drapes. 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 slat instead of the whole system if there’s damage.
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.
When to use:
- Wider windows, tall windows and sliding doors are the most common uses for vertical blinds.
Vertical Blind Alternatives
Pros of alternative vertical blinds options:
- Alternatives to vertical blinds come in a wide variety of styles and materials.
- Sliding panels work equally well as patio sliders or room dividers. They are available in wood, vinyl, woven wood and fabric varieties.
- Sheer soft verticals have slats that hang vertically instead of horizontally. They are great light diffusers and provide unmatched control over large amounts of light.
- Verticell-type shades are made from an energy-efficient honeycomb fabric. They are similar to cellular shades except they function on a sliding track. This makes them easier to adjust for better light control.
Cons:
- The materials in some vertical blind alternatives are more expensive than many in traditional vertical blinds.
When to use:
- Vertical panels and other alternatives are great for larger windows. Comparable size horizontal blinds and shades can be too big and heavy to operate.
- Vertical panels are also an attractive choice for sliding glass doors or patio entrances.
Cellular Shades
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.
- These shades compact neatly when lifted, providing a clear exterior view.
- These shades 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.
When 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, whether it’s to keep out the heat or trap the heat inside.
Pleated Shades
Pleated shades have the same look as cellular shades, but without 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.
When to use:
- Pleated shades make sense in small rooms and 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.
Roman Shades
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.
- Their installation is quick and simple.
Cons:
- Roman shades are made from fabric, which can make them wear out more quickly than other types of shades.
- Fabric also makes them less desirable in rooms like kitchens because of dirt and smells.
When to use:
- Use Roman shades in rooms where smells aren’t likely to be absorbed.
Outdoor Shades
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 come in whites, greys and blacks, and in various opacities.
Outdoor shades are selected 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.
Pros:
- Outdoor or exterior shades cool and protect.
- They block harsh light, dust and wind.
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.
When to use:
- Outdoor shades are great for providing privacy and UV protection on patios, pavilions, porches, decks or sunrooms.
Sheer Shades
Sheer shades combine structure and softness. They feature horizontal fabric vanes that float between two layers of sheer fabric.
Pros:
- Sheer shades give adequate privacy during the day.
- When the slats are open, your room is filled with a warm diffused glow.
- When the vanes are closed, they act as either light-filtering or room darkening shades.
Cons:
- At night, indoor lighting can make them transparent. Add a second layer of drapery to supplement.
- Sheer shades are less budget friendly than many other options.
When to use:
- Sheer shades can be used in any room where you want some privacy but also an option to view the outside.
Tip: Pair sheer shades with cellular or Roman shades. Instead of a completely clear gap when the top is down, there is a sheer shade that lowers to fill the space. This is called the Trilight feature.
Woven Shades
Woven wood shades are made of twines, hemp, rattan, ropes and 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.
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.
When to use:
- Use these shades in any rooms that don’t need insulating window coverings.
Tip: 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.
Roller Shades
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, quiet 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.
When to use:
- Roller shades are perfect for windows where you want to open the shades completely. Windows that are frequently opened for ventilation are popular examples.
Solar Shades
Solar shades are roller shades made from solar screen fabrics.
Pros:
- The special sheer fabric filters light and reduces glare.
- Solar shades control solar heat gain and block harmful UV radiation.
Cons:
- Solar shades do not provide night-time privacy when the interior lights are on.
- They usually have a limited variety of colors and styles.
When to use:
- These types of window shades add extra protection that can keep furniture and other decor from fading as well. Use them in rooms, like porches and patios, that don’t require a lot of privacy but have furniture needing protection from the sun.
Drapery
Drapes are often sold in pairs and hung on a single rod. They are attached to the rod by clips, hooks, grommets or rod pockets. Drapes can be opened or closed from the right, left or middle. They are usually operated by hand or a wand. Drapes are often paired with other types of window treatments such valances. A valance hangs a few inches from the top of the window. Usually decorative, valances, like drapes, come in everything from light linens to luxury velvet fabrics. Drapes are usually much heavier and thicker than curtains, though they're similar window treatments.
Pros:
- Drapes pair well with other window treatments, like curtains, that don’t provide much privacy.
- The colors and textures are virtually endless.
- Provides good insulation in most cases.
Cons:
- Most drapes don’t let in much natural light when closed.
When to use:
- Drapery panels or curtains can be used in any room, but they look best in more formal settings like living rooms or bedrooms.
Shutters
Shutters are one of the more classic types of window treatments. 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. Wood shutters are typically made of hardwoods, or you can opt for faux wood in various finishes. Traditional plantation shutters have wide 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 are challenging for smaller budgets.
- 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.
When to use:
- Install shutters only in rooms where you don’t mind always having an obstructed outside view.
Now you know the answer to the question, “What is a window treatment?” Shades, blinds and drapery come in a wide variety of colors, textures and styles. Selecting the right types of window treatments for your home is very satisfying. Most window treatments are easy to install yourself.
Custom blinds may require more expertise, so consider our blinds installation services. Ready to find what you need for your project in your local store? Use The Home Depot Mobile App to locate products and check inventory. We'll take you to the exact aisle and bay.