The Right Window Treatment

Drapes, Blinds, Shades, Oh My!

Picking the right window treatment can feel daunting, though it doesn’t have to be. Window treatments can be a great opportunity to make a major statement in your home. Or they can also stand elegantly in the background almost unnoticed other than you feel good when you’re around them. In most cases, window coverings are necessary but because they’re functional doesn’t mean they can’t be pleasing to the eye.  They work great with setting a mood for your space. 

Now, we need to figure out what is best for your space. 

Questions to ask yourself.

• How much light do you want to come from the window?
• Is the area around the window in a low, medium, or high traffic area? 
• How much privacy do you need in this space?

Does your window face east or west, it’s likely at some point of the day sun is pouring through the window. Do you want the light to shine, be gently defused, or do you like to sleep in and need it as dark as possible? Let’s say the light isn’t an issue, you can pick whatever you want, you just have to open them. If you want a soft light you might want to go with a curtain or a woven shade. However, if you like light as much as a mole or if the glare of light on the TV makes you as annoyed as it does my family members, you want to go with something heavier, like a drape or lined shade.  

Traffic

Traffic can play a factor. If you have young kids who like to zoom around the space between the couch and window, first want to make sure you have some serious wall anchors for the rod or you’ll end up with pulled out curtains… Don’t ask me how I know this. Or, will the curtain/drape be next to a door where every time it’s opened or closed the curtain/drape gets sucked in and shut into the door? If so, shades or blinds will be your best bet.

Privacy

If privacy is your main concern, there are many options. Let’s talk about my view concerning privacy.  Certainly, curtains work great for coverage, but if it’s a thin fabric there’s a likelihood people can see silhouettes if the lights are on inside and dark outside. Same with shades, unless they are lined. Blinds work when they work, however, if you go with blinds make sure they fit well or you will have viewpoints on the sides. For instance, if you want complete privacy without a hint of a silhouette, drapes are your best option. There are some great options for drapes at all price points. 

Once you have those three questions answered you’re ready to choose your window treatments. Next step is making your statement! You can check out my Shop My House link and find what I used in my house.

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