how to choose the right living room window treatment

How to Choose Window Treatments: a Step-by-Step Guide

• Step 1: Functionality. First, determine how your shades or drapes need to function. ... Up and down can apply to many...
• Step 2: Privacy. How much privacy do you need your window treatments to provide? This depends on how close your...
• Step 3: Usage. Now it’s time to decide how often you will open and close your...

Full Answer

How to choose the right window treatments?

Blinds or drapes? Café curtains or shades? Your biggest priority in choosing window treatments should be deciding whether you need privacy or light-or both! These professional tips can help you make the right decision.

Should you choose drapes or window coverings for bedroom?

The best part about drapes is that they can be combined with almost any other window treatment. There’s no need to choose one or the other when you can combine multiple window treatments for a beautiful finished window. What Are The Best Window Coverings For Your Bedroom? The key to window treatments for bedroom windows is versatility.

What are the best window treatments for my Space?

Window treatments that are versatile and can meet all your needs will be your best friend for these spaces. Blinds and shutters are wonderful options that are easily opened to let light in or closed to ensure privacy. Cellular shades will provide heating efficiency to your rooms if needed.

How do I choose the right shades and drapes for my home?

First, determine how your shades or drapes need to function. Select one of the following three options, considering whether you are dressing windows, doors, uniquely shaped windows, windows with obstructions, etc.: Up and down can apply to many types of windows and includes most shades, such as Rollers, Romans, Solars, and Cellular Shades.

What kind of blinds are best for living rooms?

In terms of living room blinds that insulate really well simply because of what they're made of, any type of faux-wood or real wooden blinds will do a grand job. Regular Roman blinds tend to perform pretty well as insulators too, as they are made of fairly heavy, thick fabrics.

What considerations will you do in choosing a window treatment?

One of the biggest considerations in choosing window treatments is the degree of privacy you want from them. While windows allow us to enjoy the views and natural light, they can also allow neighbors and passersby to look into our homes. Take into consideration the function of the room and how much privacy you want.

How do you pick curtains for a living room?

The two factors that you should consider while picking your fabric are:The amount of sunlight you want streaming in.The mood and decor of your room. For example, heavier fabrics suit more traditional rooms while sheer fabrics work best in more minimalist rooms.

How do you match window treatments?

The truth is that there are no hard rules on how you should mix and match your window treatments, but here are some general guidelines:Layering Two Treatments Over One Window. ... Keep The Same Window Treatments In The Same Room. ... You Can Use Different Treatments In Separate Rooms – But Keep Curb Appeal In Mind.More items...•

How do you choose blinds or shades?

Light and privacy: Decide whether you want your room bright and airy or more "buttoned up" and cozy. Blinds tilt to let the sun in or keep it out; when they're closed, you lose light. Shades have fabric options that are room-darkening or light-filtering, giving you more control over brightness.

How do I choose curtains or blinds?

curtains—and outlined six key differences to help you decide which window treatment will be a winner in your home.Blinds are generally less expensive.Blinds offer more light control options.Blinds are easier to clean.Blinds last longer.Curtains offer better insulation and soundproofing.More items...•

What curtains are in style 2021?

When it comes to colour, neutrals reign supreme in 2021. Shades of brown and tan and other earth tones have quickly replaced bold colours, and curtains are no exception. Homeowners also notice that sage, mustard, dusty rose, and steel blue are popular choices.

What type of curtains are in style 2020?

Sheers are a must in 2020 Not only do sheer curtains look elegant but they also offer a light breezy feel and are perfect for living rooms, bedrooms and kitchen windows. Curtains crafted of sheer fabric can be used separately or behind heavier drapes for an appealing view.

Do living room curtains have to touch the floor?

Yes, curtains should be long enough to touch the floor. With a few exceptions, the longer the curtains are the more stylish and elegant it will look. This is why most standard ready-made curtains are lengthy.

Should blinds be lighter or darker than walls?

However, the blinds and walls should be at least one shade lighter or darker than each other to ensure that everything blends well together, and they should also be a similar tone. For example, cool window treatments are best suited for a cool-toned room—and the same goes for warm tones.

Do my window treatments need to match?

It's up to you. If you prefer the simplicity and consistency of getting the same window treatments throughout the house, you can certainly do that. But for a more interesting, custom look, mixing is actually preferable. Think about it like remodeling two bathrooms at once.

Should all the blinds in your house match?

It's not necessary that your blinds should match throughout the house. If your rooms are painted in different colour themes and styles, you'll need different types of blinds to match them. It is possible, though, to have some coordination between them!

Try Before You Buy

It’s true that curtains and blinds can look different at home versus in-store, but there are ways to get a better idea of the look and feel before you splurge.

Aim for Timeless, Not Outdated

Interior designer Sarah Ramirez of Found and Collected suggested a few specific things to avoid if you want to keep your design timeless.

A Layered Look Is Multi-Functional

As Boyd points out, one of the best solutions for window treatment design involves layering. Consider “woven shades with drapery panels on either side,” she says. “This layered look is multi-functional, and mixing in more casual woven shades removes any fuss associated with traditional drapery panels.”

Consider the Size and Height of a Room

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is ignoring the height and scale of your windows and room. “Of course, height can be variable in every home, but in most cases, the size of a space has standard measurements that can't go wrong,” says the Nemai Studio team.

Hang Your Treatments Correctly

Along with being too high, Ramirez tells us that, often, “window treatments aren’t working because they are not the right size or hung correctly.”

What are window treatments?

Window treatments are often seen as an essential accessory to your room’s design. Draperies, shades, shutters, and blinds can enhance your view, provide privacy, let the light in, and keep the heat and cold out.

How wide are curtains?

Most premade (as in, not custom) curtains come in lengths of 63, 84, 95, 108, and 120 inches. Widths of curtain panels vary, but most are 45 inches wide. For blinds and shades (as opposed to curtains or draperies), Hyslop says mounting them inside the window casing will provide the most custom look since the window treatment will fit snugly in ...

What is the difference between blackout shades and light filter shades?

The first factor to consider is the level of privacy you want in the room. Light-filtering shades will allow a partial view of the outdoors while still letting the sunshine in. Blackout shades, on the other hand, will make the room completely private and are ideal for bedrooms and bathrooms.

Does sunlight affect the temperature of a room?

A room’s exposure to sunlight often affects the temperature of the room . “Windows facing south or west can have a great deal of sunlight, which may require products like cellular shades to reduce the heat transfer,” says Rachel Hyslop at Graber Blinds.

Can you replace cordless window treatments?

The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that you replace corded window coverings with cordless options. However, if you have corded window treatments, Hyslop recommends that you move all beds, cribs, toys, and furniture away from those windows.

Do you need more light in a bedroom on the first floor?

Bedrooms on the first floor usually need more privacy than bedrooms on the second floor, but both may require natural light. This very contemporary floor-to-ceiling drapery offers light as well as privacy. When it’s closed, an entire wall of fabric still allows light in.

Do you need blackout curtains for a TV?

Blackout curtains or shades are often necessary in a TV or media room. This media room goes the extra mile in achieving total movie theater darkness by layering a Roman shade and floor-to-ceiling draperies. Tip: The more fabric you add to your windows in your theater or media room, the better the acoustics will be.

How high should drapes be above window trim?

According to Ogilvie, it's important to place your drapes at least six inches above the top of your window trim.

Do window treatments look good?

Just because your window treatments serve a utilitarian purpose—to keep harsh sunlight out and get some privacy from nosy neighbors—doesn't mean they can't look good, too. In fact, the right window treatment can tie the entire room together.

What is window treatment?

Window treatments are like the jackets of interior design: They're often the last thing you add, but they can dress a room up or down. Just like a tailored blazer can lend an element of sophistication or a jean jacket can make a cocktail dress casual, a full drape adds elegance to a room while a simple Roman shade keeps things streamlined.

How do shades hang?

Shades: Also made of fabric, shades are attached to a rod or frame at the top, and there's a lifting mechanism (usually a cord) that raises the panel to let light in. As the fabric raises, it will either roll around the rod at the top or bunch into a neat stack, depending on the style.

What is the difference between fabric and blinds?

As the fabric raises, it will either roll around the rod at the top or bunch into a neat stack, depending on the style. Blinds: Like shades, blinds are attached to a frame at the top and also have a lifting mechanism. However, instead of fabric, they're made of hard slats or louvers that tilt to let light in.

How far should I hang puddle drapes?

One important thing to note: If you're opting for floor-length drapes, always hang them two inches from the ceiling or four inches above the window mold ing to make the room appear larger than it is.

Is there a difference between drapes and curtains?

You're forgiven if you don't know the difference between drapes and curtains (and yes, there is a difference). Here's a brief rundown of the vocab you should arm yourself with before shopping for window treatments: Drapes: Generally, drapes are floor-length fabric panels with a backing that gives them structure.

Can I use floor length curtains in the kitchen?

DON’T: Use floor-length curtains in the kitchen. In a highly trafficked space like a kitchen, long curtains often don't make sense. Instead, go for something utilitarian that won't get in the way, like a Roman shade or a shorter curtain.

Do sheer curtains add layers?

DO: Use sheer fabrics to add layers. On their own, sheer drapes or curtains add lightness to a room, allowing sunlight to gently filter through a space. But if you need privacy or shade, sheer fabrics are best when paired with a slightly heavier drape.

What is the best window covering for a living room?

If this is the case for you, consider cellular shades for your living room. Cellular shades are the most energy efficient window coverings available.

What are some good window treatments for a kitchen?

Curtains. Curtains are a great way to add fabric window treatments to a kitchen. And since curtains frame the window rather than extend all the way to the ground, they will stay up out of the way of appliances, sinks, or countertops. Curtains add a colorful and playful touch to any kitchen window.

What are Roman shades?

Then Roman shades are the window treatments for you. Roman shades can be made from almost any material in a variety of opacities and styles.

Why are drapes so versatile?

Drapes are already so versatile because they open and close so easily and elegantly. Drapes can be added on top of other window treatments such as blinds and shades to create whatever style you are looking for. And the options of material available for drapes are endless in fabric choices, colors and textures.

Why use artificial materials in bathroom window treatments?

If the windows will come in contact with a lot of moisture or humidity, you will want to use artificial materials so that your window treatments do not prematurely warp or crack. The best window treatments for bathrooms will provide a combination of durability, privacy, and light control.

Why are window treatments important?

Window treatments play an important part in any room. They are pivotal in helping each room serve its primary purpose while adding beauty and elegance to the space. No matter which room of your house you are looking to upgrade with window treatments, Gotcha Covered has what you need.

What are interior shutters?

Interior shutters are one of the most timeless and classic window treatments available. They add a distinct wow factor to your windows, which might be exactly what you want to do in your living room! They create a visual statement in both their open and closed positions. Shutters are also quite durable and incredibly functional. Additional benefits to interior shutters is their ability to block light as well as to inhibit drastic temperature changes. Shutters in their closed position are incredibly effective at keeping your room warm during winter and cool in the summer.

What is side to side blinds?

Side to side. Tilting. Up and down can apply to many types of windows and includes most shades, such as Rollers, Romans, Solars, and Cellular Shades. The side to side control applies to Drapes, as well as Vertical Blinds often used to dress sliding glass doors or large expanses of windows. Tilting describes how Wood Blinds ...

Can you open roller shades every morning?

The simple mechanism of Roller Shades and Solar Shades make them an excellent choice for frequent use, so you could open them every morning and draw them closed every night. Ripple Fold Drapery and Flat Roman Shades are just a few more treatments that are easy to operate and will withstand frequent motion.

How to Know if Blinds Are Best for You

Unlike many other window treatments, blinds give you a high degree of control over the amount of light and airflow that enters a room. They can be made out of a wide array of materials like vinyl, wood, metal, and come in a wide range of price points.

How to Choose Window Shades

Shades are made out of a single panel of material that will either roll or fold upon itself at the top of a window and can be raised and lowered to different heights. When lowered shades will completely cover a window, which can be advantageous if you want to block light almost completely.

The Difference Between Curtains and Drapes

What’s the difference between curtains and drapes? Drapes are made of multiple layers of material with a thick fabric backing, giving them a more structural shape. Pretty much everything that isn’t heavy drapery falls into the big, wide, wonderful world of curtains. And what a big wide world it is!

When to Choose Curtains for Your Home

Curtains can also run from floor to ceiling, though they may not be as light-proof as drapes are. These give a soft, fluttery look to a room and come in a variety of styles, as we lay out here.

When to Choose Drapes for Your Home

Drapes always run from floor-to-ceiling and are heavier than curtains, and their lining makes them more opaque. When closed, drapes will block natural light from entering the room.

How to Choose a Window Valence

There are multiple options to create a top border that will run along the top edge of the windows.