Choosing updated window treatments to adorn a new home or to redecorate an existing one seems like a fun and easy project — until you start shopping. Then, when you suddenly realize how many options are out there, it can feel overwhelming and daunting. With so many styles, materials, and features available, it’s easy to wonder which option is best for your home: what’s going to look good, function well, and coordinate with your desired style. The good news is that each type of window treatment offers unique benefits, and understanding the differences can help you make a more confident decision.
At Best Blinds & Awnings, we help homeowners throughout Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Lewiston, Clarkston, and surrounding communities to find and select window coverings that fit their lifestyle, design preferences, and budget. Here’s a closer look at some of the most popular types of window treatments and what makes each one unique.
Blinds: Versatile and Timeless
Blinds remain one of the most popular window covering options because they offer excellent light control and a classic appearance. Available in materials such as faux wood, real wood, aluminum, and composite materials, blinds feature adjustable slats that allow you to control sunlight and privacy throughout the day. Blinds are ideal for:
- Living rooms
- Bedrooms
- Kitchens
- Home offices
Their versatility makes them a great fit for nearly any room in the house.
Shades: Clean Lines and Modern Appeal
Unlike blinds, shades are made from a continuous piece of fabric that raises and lowers as a unit. Shades are available in a wide variety of colors, textures, and opacity levels. Popular shade styles include:
- Cellular shades
- Roller shades
- Roman shades
- Solar shades
Each of these offers different benefits in terms of light control, insulation value, and style. Shades are often chosen for their sleek appearance and ability to create a softer, more streamlined look than traditional blinds. Here are some of the distinctions between different types of shades:
Cellular Shades: Energy-Efficient Comfort
Cellular shades deserve special attention because of their impressive energy-saving capabilities. Their honeycomb-shaped cells trap air and create an insulating barrier between your windows and your living space. Benefits include:
- Improved energy efficiency
- Better temperature control
- Reduced heat gain during summer
- Reduced heat loss during winter
For homeowners in North Idaho, Eastern Washington, and the Lewis-Clark Valley, cellular shades can help improve indoor comfort year-round.
Solar Shades: Preserve the View
If your home features large windows or beautiful outdoor views, solar shades may be worth considering. These shades are designed to filter sunlight while maintaining visibility to the outdoors. Solar shades help:
- Reduce glare
- Block harmful UV rays
- Protect furnishings from fading
- Maintain natural light
They’re especially popular in homes with large windows facing afternoon sun.
Vertical Blinds: Perfect for Large Openings
Sliding glass doors and expansive windows require a different approach than standard windows. Vertical blinds provide effective coverage for larger openings while still offering adjustable light control. They’re commonly used for:
- Patio doors
- Large picture windows
- Commercial spaces
Modern vertical blinds are available in a variety of materials and styles that look far more refined than older versions many homeowners remember.
Both roller shades and Roman shades are simple up and down shades that are ideal for bedrooms and home offices. They can be pulled all the way down to block out light, all the way up to let in full light, or set at different heights. Roller shades are made from a flat sheet of material and have a very clean, modern look, while Roman shades have folds of material to give them a softer, more traditional feel.
Motorized Window Treatments: Modern Convenience
Technology continues to change the way we interact with our homes. Motorized blinds and shades allow you to adjust your window coverings with a remote control, smartphone app, or even voice commands. Motorized options offer:
- Convenience
- Improved energy efficiency
- Enhanced safety for homes with children and pets
- Easy operation for large or hard-to-reach windows
Motorized blinds aren’t just about pressing a button to move them up or down. They can be programmed to open or close at different times of day, and even operated remotely, which is helpful in different situations, such as if you stay out later than you planned and want to make sure your blinds are closed from prying eyes. Motorized options have become one of the fastest-growing trends in smart homes.
Choosing the Right Option
The best window treatment for you will depend on several factors, including:
- Your home’s style
- Desired level of privacy
- Light-control needs
- Energy-efficiency goals
- Budget
In addition, your needs for every room are different; many homeowners will choose a combination of products to be used throughout their home. For example, in kitchens and bathrooms, you’ll want something that withstands dampness and is easy to clean, and in bedrooms and family rooms you may want blackout options to help you sleep or keep glare off your television screen.
Find the Perfect Window Treatment for Your Home from Local Experts
With so many options available, professional guidance can save time and help ensure you select products you’ll love for years to come. Best Blinds & Awnings is a family-owned business with shops in Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, and the LC Valley, providing residents in these and surrounding communities with personalized recommendations, professional measurements, and expert installation.
Whether you’re looking for improved energy efficiency, better light control, or a fresh new look, Best Blinds & Awnings can help you find a solution designed to meet your needs. Contact us today to schedule an in-home consultation at no cost to you, and explore the window treatment options that will be the right fit for your home.