Windows are a beautiful home feature, allowing natural light and a chance to look out at the scenery around you from the comfort of your living space. However, when privacy or lower lighting is required, windows require covering. Window treatments are the solution, but choosing the right style and features for your home can take time, especially with so many different types. Window treatments are typically separated into curtains, drapes, blinds, or shades. Curtains and drapes feature cloth that descends over the entire window size. Curtains or drapes are usually pulled to the side when light is desired. Blinds are small strips of plastic or wood that cover the window horizontally or vertically and offer more light control. Shades are a middle ground, typically made of woven fabric, but can be rolled up similarly to blinds. How do you choose the right one?

Privacy

Regarding your windows, it’s essential to consider how much privacy you’d like. If you want your windows to be private always, you may want to consider thick curtains or horizontal blinds for the most control. Any non-sheer window treatment can work if you only want privacy at night.

Light

Some window treatments are designed to allow a small amount of light in without sacrificing privacy or climate control. Cellular shades, consisting of small honeycomb-shaped panels, are great for letting light in while remaining private and temperature-controlled. Sheer curtains or drapes can block out a decent amount of light without completely blacking out the window. Blinds are a great option if you want natural light at times and total privacy during others.

Style

Window treatments vary in style and color; some can complement a home style more. Blinds and shades usually fit in a more contemporary or minimalist style home. If you’re looking for a classic home style, curtains or drapes of any fabric type, color, or size will do the trick. Curtains and drapes are more customizable in color or pattern, while blinds typically come in white or gray plastic, but materials like wood are common, too.

Accessibility

An essential factor to consider is how accessible or easy the window treatments are to open. Some blinds have many strings to control the blinds’ tilt and height, which may be confusing or even difficult for those with dexterity problems. Other blinds are simply pulled up or down to make things easier. Curtains are usually pulled to the side or center in one swift movement. However, many blinds, shades, or even curtains can be automated; a button can open or close the window treatments as much as you’d like.

Climate

Specific window treatments can help you better handle your local climate. In hot climates, window treatments like blackout curtains or cellular shades can keep excess heat and sunlight from warming your home extensively and overworking your air conditioning system. Cellular shades or thermal curtains can keep the cold from overusing your heating system or causing chilly drafts in colder states.

Missouri

If you live in Missouri or other midwestern states, you likely experience sweltering summers but pretty harsh winters. These states require versatile, climate-controlling window treatments that can be customized to your heart’s content. For this particular climate, automated, eco-friendly, customized window treatments are popular in larger cities. Kansas City custom window treatments can give residents the style, versatility, and climate control they need in climates like these.

Florida

Florida rarely experiences a cold winter and never sees snow. Most of the year, heat and humidity are prevalent; it isn’t called the Sunshine State for nothing! Window treatments with heat resistance and light control are popular in this state, such as cellular (honeycomb) shades, blackout, or thermal curtains.

Maine

Maine is considered one of the colder states like North Dakota or Alaska. For colder temperatures like this, thermal curtains or cellular shades are ideal to block out excess cold from snow or wind. Most people enjoy the light Maine receives, so blackout curtains during the day may not be the best option.

Cleaning

Like any home object, window treatments can gather dust or dirt, especially in homes with pets or children. Blinds typically require a simple dusting, making them easier to clean. Fabric materials like curtains or shades may cause pet hair or dust to cling, which requires a more hands-on cleaning routine. Pets may be enticed by long drapes or blind control strings, which is something to remember when choosing window treatments.

Conclusion

Choosing a window treatment that works best for your home can be difficult, especially if you have kids or pets. The best way to decide what works well for your home is to consider your preferences in terms of privacy, climate control, lighting, and accessibility. Some window treatments, such as blackout curtains or thick blinds, work better for privacy. Some are best if small amounts of lighting are desired, such as sheerer curtains or shades. Curtains and drapes are more versatile in color, length, and pattern, while blinds are standard options.