What Are the Different Types of Window Treatments for Indiana Homes?

Window treatments are an essential finishing touch for every home. They provide privacy and light filtering or blocking. Window coverings also add stylish touches to every room. There is a wide variety of window treatments to choose from. Whether you’ve just moved into a new home or you’re thinking about renovating your existing home, you can use the following guide as you explore your options.

Window Blinds

No discussion of the question, “What are the different types of window treatments?” would be complete without an extensive look at window blinds—one of the more popular types of coverings. Window blinds can be used by themselves, or you can pair them with curtains or drapes. Blinds are comprised of a row of slats that can be adjusted to let in either more or less light. They do not completely block out light, and so they ought to be paired with blackout curtains if you want to use blinds in your bedrooms.

Venetian Blinds

Venetian blinds are the most commonly used type of blind. They provide a classic look. You can choose from a few different slat widths. A wider slat generally provides a classier look. If you have or are planning to have young children in your home, opt for Venetian blinds that are cordless.

Wood Blinds

As the name suggests, wood blinds are made from wood. These are an elegant type of window covering that brings the beauty of the outdoors inside. Wood blinds can be painted if you wish. Alternatively, you might choose faux wood blinds.

Vertical Blinds

Most window blinds feature horizontal slats. Vertical blinds have vertical slats. These provide a sophisticated, elegant look to an indoor space. However, they are best suited for larger rooms. Consider using vertical blinds to cover a sliding glass door leading to a patio. You could also use them for floor-to-ceiling windows.

Window Shades

Whereas blinds feature slats that may be adjusted to let in more or less light, window shades consist of a solid piece of material that can be lowered to cover the window or raised to reveal the outdoors. There are a few different types of shades.

Solar Shades

Solar shades are designed specifically to limit the amount of ultraviolet (UV) rays that could come through your window. The weave of the material is tight enough to block UV rays, although light can still filter in. Solar shades are ideal for rooms where you want to minimize glare. You can also use solar shades to protect carpets and furniture from fading due to the sun.

Cellular/Honeycomb Shades

Cellular shades, also called “honeycomb shades,” have a beautiful honeycomb design woven into the fabric. This pleated shade is highly effective at maximizing the energy efficiency of your home, as they prevent solar heat gain and loss. Honeycomb shades are available in single, double, or triple cell construction. Triple cell construction provides maximum energy efficiency.

Roman Shades

If you want the look of luxurious draperies, yet the practicality of a window shade, you may want to consider Roman shades. Roman shades feature graceful, horizontal folds of fabric that cascade down the covering. These are available in a wide variety of materials, colors, and patterns.

Curtains

What differentiates curtains and drapery? They’re pretty similar, but there are some key differences. Curtains tend to hang just past the length of the window, and they are often made from lighter materials. In contrast, drapes often puddle on the floor, are typically made from heavier materials, and offer a more formal look.

Sheer Curtains

As the name implies, sheer curtains are made from exceptionally light material. Sheer curtains allow more light to be filtered in from the outdoors. These are predominantly a decorative feature, as they do not provide much privacy.

Light-Filtering Curtains

Light-filtering curtains offer more privacy and light blocking than sheer curtains. However, they will not completely darken the room. These are a versatile choice, as they work well for many different rooms.

Blackout Curtains

Blackout curtains offer maximum light blocking, making them great for use in bedrooms. Despite the name, you can choose blackout curtains in a light palette if you wish. They are available in any color or pattern. The blackout fabric is attached to the interior of the curtain, and is not visible from inside the room.

Drapes

Drapes tend to offer a more formal look than curtains, making them ideal for spaces in which you might entertain guests, such as the dining room or living room.

Grommet Drapery

Grommet drapes get their name from the method of hanging. They hang from a rod with grommet rings. These drapes offer clean lines and a slightly more casual look than is typical for most drapes.

Pleated Drapes

Pleated drapes have a “pinched” look that provides a formal ambience for your indoor spaces. There are different types of pleated drapes, such as the goblet pleat drapery. Goblet pleat drapes get their name from the rather large, goblet-shaped pleat at the top of the panel. In contrast, pencil pleat drapes have much narrower pleats with very little space between them.

Valances

An oft-overlooked, but quite stylish alternative to full curtains or drapes is the valance. Valances are a horizontal strip of fabric hung across the top of a window. They provide a decorative touch while allowing for maximum sunlight. These are particularly ideal for kitchen windows.

Get Personalized Recommendations for Your Home

At WindowDecor of Indianapolis, we pride ourselves on providing a different sort of shopping service for homeowners. Our style consultants will take the time to get to know your aesthetic preferences and the unique characteristics of your home before recommending window treatments that are perfect for you. Call us at (502) 713-3535 today to schedule your free consultation with an interior designer. We offer all types of window treatments, including custom-made window treatment solutions.