Window treatments are great when it comes to transforming your home into the ideal sanctuary that you’ve always desired. Treatment options offer a sense of privacy while complementing your personal tastes and style. However, with a wide array of curtains, shutters, and shades to choose from, selecting the ultimate option might leave you at a loss. Here are the top 10 window treatment systems recommended by experts for the perfect smart living or responsive living.
1. Drapery Systems (Drapes)
Most people confuse drapes for curtains simply because they consist of fabric and usually hang from a metal rod on top of the window. Some interior designers even use the two words interchangeably when referring to this category of window treatments. However, drapes are different in that they consist of heavy fabric lining such as velvet, silk or damask that entirely block out the light. Unlike curtains that normally end at the window frame, drapes run all the way down to the floor, transforming your space aesthetically.
Pros: They come in a variety of exciting designs, and can be motorized for extra convenience.
Cons: May diminish the worth of the view outside. However, you can always utilize the motorized drapery system to open them up whenever necessary.
2. Roller Shades
If you want to spruce up your space with something different from the conventional drapes and curtains, then you should consider installing roller shades. This window treatment option consists of a soft, fabric material attached to a frame at the upper edge of the window. They come in different shades, colors, lengths, and widths, adding classic style and functionality to your window panes. What is more amazing is that they are tremendously affordable. To allow light in or reduce exposure, all you have to do is adjust the shade accordingly using a roller system.
Pros: Provide exceptional privacy at budget-friendly prices, and it is easy to maintain.
Cons: Does not offer dispersion and only goes either up or down.
3. Pleated Shades
Pleated Shades are designed for those who want to maintain their privacy while allowing a minimal amount of natural light into their spaces. They consist of a single layer of evenly spaced folds of fabric that can be raised, lowered or left in the desired position. This treatment option brings texture and softness to your room, and it is great for light control and filtration.
Pros: Comes in a wide array of fabrics that give your space a unique feel and look. They are cheaper than most options and can be motorized for the ultimate smart living.
Cons: Does not insulate as well as other shades, but the fact that you can control light filtration makes it a great option.
4. Wood Blinds
As the name implies, wood blinds are made from horizontal or vertical wooden slats attached to a string to form a stack that brings sophistication to your room. They are more built-in than other treatment options, adding architecture and style to your home.
Pros: Blinds are moisture resistant and they offer amazing flexibility when it comes to light control.
Cons: The blinds may crack or warp with time.
5. Skylight Shades
The beauty that skylight windows bring cannot be understated. Watching the snow fall directly from the sky and viewing the stars at night is something that most people only dream about. Besides, skylights illuminate interior areas that are out of reach from natural sunlight. However, the amount of UV rays from the sun can get out of control, causing damage to your furniture or carpet. This is where the importance of skylight shades come into play. These shades consist of heavy fabric material that offers the ultimate protection from the sun. They come in different styles and colors that give your home a heavenly feel.
Pros: Skylight shades are effective at keeping heat out. They can be motorized for ease of use and convenience.
Cons: Cannot prevent leakages, but that’s not their primary function.
6. Horizontal Sheer Blinds
This option combines two window-covering styles, including sheer curtains and blinds. These horizontal sheer blinds consist of knitted fabric vanes that offer unmatched beauty and performance, adding magical luxury to your space. The beauty of this window treatment option is that the sheer shade is highly flexible and can be tilted in precise increments, for maximum light control.
Pros: Offers exceptional privacy and insulation from damaging UV rays from the sun. They also offer a variety of operating systems, including bottom-up/top-down options.
Cons: A little bit pricey, but makes up for it with its stunning beauty.
7. Roman Shades
If you are in the market for window treatment options for your kitchen, bathrooms or kid room(s), then consider Roman shades. It consists of a classic fabric shade that is normally raised or lowered using a pull cord. You will certainly be spoilt for choice as this option comes with a wide range of colors and materials that bring harmony to any room within the home.
Pros: It is a timeless style that gives your home a contemporary look.
Cons: Roman shades are not great for small windows.
8. Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds are simply shades that consist of stiffened fabric vanes or slats that can be rotated 90 degrees for maximum light control and filtration. This window treatment option makes a natural choice for rooms with expansive windows and for sliding patio doors. Besides offering unmatched versatility, vertical blinds are inexpensive and last a lifetime.
Pros: Extremely flexible and can be moved completely or partially out of the way depending on your preferences.
Cons: Vertical blinds are not the best option for small windows.
9. Brisbees (Café Curtains)
Formerly known as café curtains, Brisbees are renowned for their simplicity and great functionality. This window treatment option hangs from a simple metal rod that is normally mounted higher than the center point of the window. Brisbees do not feature elaborate color palettes or crazy designs but offer a perfect balance between luminosity and privacy.
Pros: Its simplistic design makes it stand out from the rest.
Cons: Cannot be used in all the rooms. It’s only perfect for the kitchen and breakfast area.
10. Honeycomb Shades
Honeycomb shades also referred to as cellular shades, come with a distinct honeycomb design that is not only beautiful but also functionally efficient. The shades consist of soft paper or spun lace fabric that offer maximum insulation, privacy, and light control.
Pros: Highly flexible and can be used to prevent harmful UV rays and block undesirable light.
Cons: The soft paper fabric does not stand out as appealing as far as its appearance is concerned.
Bottom line.
You do not have to leave the comfort of your bed or your couch to control the amount of natural light in your living room or bedroom. The best part about the aforementioned window treatment options is that they can all be motorized for the ultimate responsive living experience. So what’s your favorite option? Please, let us know.
If you’re interested in finding out how these shades can make a perfect addition to your home, don’t hesitate to call or email us.