Windows can be every bit as stunning as the rest of a room. You just have to know how to dress them. There are many window treatment ideas to choose from, including curtains, shades, and shutters. And they each have their pros and cons in terms of privacy, blocking light, and adding aesthetic value to a room. Some options are more for appearance while others will keep a room dark and private. Here are 20 window treatment ideas for all the windows in your home.
01 of 20: Sheer Panels – A sheer panel is a curtain made of light, semi-transparent fabric. It offers a little bit of privacy and diffuses some light. And from a design standpoint, it acts to soften a window. This window treatment is best for living spaces where you aren’t concerned about privacy.
There are options to filter some light, along with fully light-blocking styles. These shades can help insulate windows and work for most rooms. Roman shades are often made of fabric but also come in materials like bamboo. They fold up in even pleats when raised and have a smooth surface when lowered. They can be raised partially for privacy and light blocking. There’s no way to see through them when lowered unless sheer material is used.
Hanging curtains on a double rod offers versatility. A common combination is a thicker, decorative curtain on the outer rod and sheers on the inner rod. You can close both for maximum privacy and light blocking or just the sheers for some light and privacy. Opting for curtains and blinds is similar to double rod curtains. You can close both for a blackout or keep blinds down and tilted open for light. Curtains over blinds dress up and soften harsh lines. Curtains over shutters are versatile too. You can use blackout curtains in the bedroom or choose a curtain fabric to dress up and soften shutters. Inside-mount treatments give a cleaner look but may be custom and pricey. Solar shades are made with fabric to block light and protect from UV rays.Sunlight control and privacy can be achieved through various window treatment options. The fabric used in these treatments is typically resistant to fading from the sun, offering options from light-blocking to full blackout, making them ideal for windows with direct sunlight.
Roller Shades are a simple window treatment that come in a variety of materials, including fabric and vinyl. When open, the material lays flat, and when closed, it rolls up on a dowel. They range from light-filtering to blackout, suitable for most rooms. Floor-to-Ceiling Curtains are not only functional for light blocking and privacy but also add a dramatic design element to a room. They frame beautiful views and are perfect for glass doors. These curtains draw the eye upward, making the ceiling appear taller, and are great for living spaces and bedrooms. Rod-Pocket Curtains are ready to hang with a pocket of fabric at the top that slides onto the curtain rod. They provide a softer look as the fabric covers the rod, but the size of the pocket and rod diameter can affect ease of sliding. Proper stitching is crucial, especially for heavy curtain types to prevent tearing. Curtains With Grommets feature grommets sewn at the top, allowing for easy opening and closing and a neat stack when open. However, like rod pockets, they can tear if not well made, especially with heavy fabrics. The grommets are always visible, which may not suit all design preferences. Curtains With Rings attach to the curtain rod with rings that slide around the rod and clip onto the fabric. This option is ideal for decorative rods that should not be covered by the curtain fabric. However, the clips may not support heavy fabrics. A Valance is a short piece of fabric that decorates the top of a window without providing much privacy or light blocking.Valances are frequently used to enhance kitchen windows when privacy at night is not a concern. They can also be placed over the top of curtain panels for a formal appearance.
A window tier is essentially the reverse of a valance. It is typically a fabric curtain that covers the bottom part of a window. It is mainly for decoration, but depending on the window height, it also provides some privacy. Additionally, this window treatment concept can be used in combination with a valance for added privacy and light blocking.