After you have installed the right windows, it’s time to dress them in the right coverings. Blinds, curtains, shades, and shutters—when you add different styles and functions, there are virtually an infinite amount of combinations available for your home. How can you determine the right window coverings for your property?
An Overview of Window Coverings
When exploring your options, consider three things: style, utility, and budget. Different types of window coverings are naturally associated with different styles. Blinds tend to be more modern, while curtains and drapes tend to be classic. Thus, you'll match the type of window covering you want to the general style you're trying to achieve.
At the same time, it's also important to consider utility. Different types of window coverings make it possible to let light and air in, or block it out entirely—it depends on your needs. Some are easier to manipulate than others, while some are easier to keep clean. Finally, you also need to consider budget, as some types of window coverings are naturally more expensive than others.
Curtains & Drapes
Curtains are likely the most versatile type of window covering, as well as the oldest. They are the most affordable option, but they can get quite expensive when you start looking at thicker, luxury fabrics. In terms of style, curtains and drapes can vary from being very sheer to blacking out light entirely. They can suit virtually any design theme.
The only downside to curtains is in terms of maintenance. They need to be cleaned occasionally, and they are more difficult than blinds and shades to open and close. When choosing drapes for your home, consider the color, fabric, and opacity that you need. How much light do you want to block out? How much money are you willing to invest in premium fabrics?
Shades
Shades come in a number of styles: Roman, sheer, solar, roller, or pleated shades. Shades provide many of the same benefits curtains offer with a more modern appeal. They are often in a contemporary-styled property, but they can also be beneficial for more traditional homes. A major benefit to shades is how easy they are to use—you can usually draw them up or put them down in seconds.
Shades don't billow as much as curtains, which means they have a smaller footprint within the home—they are more subtle and confined. At the same time, they also have a softer and more gentle appearance than hard blinds, which is why they are often used in designs that are a little brighter and more fanciful when rooms need to be airy and light, such as kitchens or sun rooms.
Blinds
Horizontal and vertical blinds come in a number of different types of slat, depending on the style desired. Blinds are one of the most convenient window coverings, as they allow you to let in any amount of light while still protecting your privacy. Blinds can be purchased in any color and in many materials, including environmentally-friendly materials that provide insulation.
Blinds are sleek and modern, but they may not always lend themselves to more gentle, "home-y" designs. While there are cheap blinds out there, they tend to look a little more corporate. Premium blinds are an investment and are likely to be more expensive than curtains or drapes. At the same time, they're also extremely functional, which is always a benefit.
Shutters
Vinyl, aluminum, and plantation shutters provide many of the same benefits as blinds with the ability to easily open a window. Often found in homes and rooms that emphasize the outdoors, shutters make it possible to let in light and open windows as desired. When choosing shutters, the style of the frame, color, material, and slat size are most likely to become important.
Shutters are one of the most insulating options. They are thick and protect the interior of your home from the cold and heat. They can be cumbersome to open and do need space, however, which means blinds are often an easier option if space is an issue.
Windows are the eyes to the house, and it's important to note that your window coverings won't just be decorative additions to your home—they all help satisfy different needs for homeowners. For more information about revitalizing the function, visibility, and design of your home’s windows, contact one of the many specialists at Exterior Medics today.
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