There are many different ways to decorate a window. Each of these window treatments has different functions as well as providing a different aesthetic. It’s important to consider which type of window treatment is most visually attractive and most practical for your home’s windows. Below we’ll take a look at 10 common types of window treatments and their individual benefits.
Regular curtains
Regular curtains are typically designed to block out 50% of light while providing privacy when drawn. They’re the most common type of window treatment and they come in many different fabrics, colours and patterns.
Voile curtains
Also known as ‘sheer curtains’, voile curtains let through about 85% to 90% of light, while still providing a degree of privacy. They’re a good choice for rooms where you may still want to let in light while preventing nosy neighbours peering in.
Blackout curtains
Blackout curtains are designed to block out most light. They’re a popular choice for bedrooms – helping to improve sleep quality by blocking out light from street lamps and the early morning sun.
Thermal curtains
Sometimes referred to as ‘winter curtains’, thermal curtains provide a decent level of insulation, helping to keep out drafts and trap heat in during the colder months. They can keep your home more comfortable and reduce energy bills. Make sure to remove these curtains in the summer!
Venetian blinds
Consisting of horizontal slats, venetian blinds provide a greater level of light and privacy control than curtains – you can raise and lower the slats while also changing the angle of the slats. They typically sit inside the window frame hanging from a headrail on the top.
Vertical blinds
Vertical blinds also hang from the top of the window frame, but consist of vertical slats instead of horizontal slats. In a low ceilinged room, vertical blinds may create the illusion of a taller space.
Plantation shutters
Plantation shutters are similar to venetian blinds, but are fixed to the side, bottom and top of the window frame. This makes them more effective at blocking out all light than blinds, while also providing good insulation. Specialist shutters such as storm shutters can even protect windows against high force winds, but are typically installed on the exterior.
Roller blinds
Roller blinds consist of a single piece of fabric that rolls down from the top of the window frame. You can buy roller blinds in many different patterns and colours. Some are designed to block out all light like blackout curtains, while others act like voile curtains and let in light while providing privacy.
Fly screens
These window treatments consist of a mesh cover that allows light and air in, while keeping out bugs. They’re most useful in areas that get lots of mosquitoes. There are companies that can provide custom replacement screens if your current fly screen gets damaged.
Solar screens
Solar screens consist of an even finer mesh that helps to block out UV rays while still allowing airflow and a view outdoors. These screens can prevent rooms getting too hot in the summer, while also limiting glare.
Which window treatment is right for your windows?
When choosing a window treatment, think about how you use the room, the position of the window and the current climate. For some windows, it could be practical to use two or three different window treatments. In certain cases, it may even be beneficial to remove and replace certain window treatments at specific times of the year.
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