Window treatments are also known as window coverings, and they’ve been a part of home decor for many centuries. Not only are they used in residential buildings, but you can even find different window coverings in commercial buildings. There are also different categories of window treatments, so there are plenty of options when it comes to decorating your home. Here’s a look at the main categories and subcategories of the different window treatment options available.
1. None
No window treatment at all is an option when it comes to decorating your home. However, window treatments are beneficial in a lot of situations, like if you need to block out the sun because you live in a really hot climate, or if you have nosy neighbors. Not having window coverings can also make you an easier target for a robbery because it’s easier to see inside of your home.
On the other hand, there are also reasons why you should leave your windows bare. Sometimes, the view from your home is just too good to hide, plus you may also be far away enough from others so they won’t spy on you. In addition to having a great view, if the trim around your windows is cute, your windows can act as a “picture frame” for your outdoor view.
2. Hard Window Treatments
Hard window treatments are made out of hard materials, such as wood or vinyl.
Blinds
Blinds are made of vinyl (or wooden) material that allows you to control how much sunlight you want to come into your home. There are also different types of blinds. Pleated blinds are made out of pleated material, while Venetian blinds are made of plastic, wood, or metal and their slats can be rotated with cords. Vertical blinds collect less dust than other types of blinds because they don’t lay horizontally.
Shades
Like blinds, there are a variety of different types of shades made from different materials. Woven wood/bamboo shades add a natural look to your home, while cellular shades have a honeycomb design and come in a single, double, or triple cell. Roller shades allow you to add a pop of color and texture to your home. They hang flat on the windows but can be rolled up into a cylinder.
Shutters
Shutters are often seen on the outside of the home, but they can also be used as window coverings on the inside of the home. They’re made of fixed slats attached to hinges that allow you to open and close them.
3. Soft Window Treatments
Soft window treatments are made of soft materials, like fabric.
Curtains
Curtains are window coverings made from fabric and hang from rods to allow you to open and close them to allow for both light and privacy. They can be of any length, from stopping right at the window sill to going all the way down to the floor.
Drapes
Drapes are very similar to curtains, except that they’re usually made out of thick fabric and are much longer than curtains. They’re also better at keeping light out when they’re drawn, so it’s a better option than curtains when you’re wanting to keep more heat out.
Sheers
Sheers are technically curtains, but they’re made of material that’s not as heavy and they’re often see-through. Some people use sheers on their own while others combine them with thicker curtains on a double traverse curtain rod set to better control the amount of light that comes in.
4. Combination
As the name suggests, a combination window treatment combines both hard and soft materials. Many people use both blinds and curtains/sheers/drapes as their window coverings. The purpose of using both hard and soft window coverings differs among everyone, but most people use both to add an extra layer of privacy. Layering your window coverings can also help block out more sunlight and allow you to control how much light comes in at the same time.
As you can see, there are a lot of options when it comes to covering (or not covering) your windows. Ultimately, you can choose whatever option you want, but it’s still good to take into consideration some things before you settle on a window covering. No window coverings are better suited for the second or higher-story apartments or rooms, since it’s harder for thieves to see what’s inside. The absence of window coverings is also better suited for colder climates, as this could cause a home in a warmer climate to get too hot.