What Are The Different Types of Window Treatments?

What Are The Different Types of Window Treatments?

Finished your window replacement project? Now looking for a neat window treatment design? Look no further, in this blog is everything you need to know about window treatments.

The Basics

The first thing you should know is there are 4 basic types of window treatment: shades, blinds, shutters and drapes. Lots of homeowners confuse different treatment types, the most common confusion being between shades and blinds, but it isn’t something one should be ashamed of, since even the best interior designers can get confused as well.
Finding the ideal treatment for your window is hard and depends on many things, but mostly it depends on the homeowner’s preferences. Do you value privacy more than aesthetics? What kind of style is your home? Do you prefer modern or traditional looks? To help you out, we are going to discuss the 4 basic types and what they can offer to a home:

1. Shades

Probably the most common choice for homeowners, shades come in different colors, sizes and materials. But, what all shades have in common is their way of functioning, opening from bottom to top, they are most practical for maintaining privacy in a home.
The most popular ones are called Roman shades, usually made from fabric. Roman shades can also be made from specific woods like bamboo. A modern variant of shades as window treatments is cellular (known as honeycomb – also opening from top to bottom) and roller. To put the cherry on top, manufacturers also create shades from highly UV resistant and energy efficient materials.

2. Blinds

The number two option for homeowners is blinds. These are more flexible than shades since they are created from slats which can rotate to 180 degrees. This makes them ideal for maintaining privacy and allowing natural light at the same time.
Just as with for shades, there are many variations for blinds as well. However, the 2 basic types are vertical and venetian. In the latter, the slats are placed horizontally while in the former, well…vertically. But the ultimate and most modern blinds are pleated. They are similar to cellular shades because they open from top to bottom, as well as from bottom to top.

3. Curtains

The gentlest window treatment out there is drapery. Choosing a curtain is surely more complicated than choosing blinds and shades. There is ton of fabric available and each material has its own characteristics, including weight which also contributes to the overall aesthetic.
From café curtains to ones operated with pushing a button, curtains are the richest window treatment when it comes to options on the market. The sense of elegance they bring to a room cannot be replaced by anything else. But, what they have in beauty, they lack in privacy. This is why homeowners usually combine them with other treatments or choose heavyweight combinations of different curtains.

4. Shutters

This window treatment is not always, but can be combined with either curtains, blinds or shades. Commonly found in traditional homes. The best shutters are those with authentic and historically rich designs, adding a unique flare to the interior of the home.
This window treatment is placed inside of the window and it is usually made from wood or vinyl. The thick material works amazing for privacy and on extremely hot/cold days it keeps more air on the inside of the home.

About PM Windows

PM Windows and Doors Kitchener Waterloo is your top choice for replacement windows and replacement doors.