How to Choose Blinds & Shades for Windows

If you’ve been meaning to invest in some high-quality blinds or shades to block the sunlight in your home, here is all you need to know about window treatments and how to pick the right ones for your home.

Window Size and Shape

Firstly, you need to consider the size and shape of your windows. The kind of blinds or shades you choose will largely depend on this. Some of the most common window shapes are circular, arched, rectangular, and bay. Just remember that the latter is usually made of three rectangular windows and that’s what makes it tricky to find the right blinds and shades. Additionally, you also have to think about how your windows open. Do they have double or single-hung windows? Are they sliding windows? All of this can affect your choice of shades or blinds.

•         Double and single-hung windows: This is the typical traditional style, the one that slides vertically from the bottom up.
•         Sliding windows: These types of windows slide from side to side and are widely used for porch doors.
•         Casement windows: These windows are hinged on one side only and attached to a frame. They open like a door.
•         Awning windows: They are hinged at the top side and open from the bottom out.

The Fabric of the Blinds & Shades

You also need to think about what kind of fabric you want your window shades or blinds to be. This depends on several different factors. For instance, do you want to create a complete shade in your home? Do you want to let at least some light in? What kind of fabrics did you use for your furniture in the room? If you want to completely block the sunlight, you should look for thicker materials, while if you want to just partially block the sunlight, look for thinner fabrics.

The Purpose of the Window Treatment

Then, you need to think about what purpose this kind of treatment is supposed to have. Many people think of the material first. However, a much bigger emphasis needs to be placed on what kind of functional needs you require first. Think about privacy, fade prevention, blackout, and durability.

Once you figure out what you need, it will be easier to select a finish that meets those standards. Ask yourself what the purpose of the window treatment is. Is it aesthetic? Is it the functionality? Do you want both? The following description will help you find what you need based on the purpose of the window treatment:

•         UV blocking: If your windows face south, your home will get a lot of sunlight during the day. That may sound pleasant if you want to sunbathe while drinking your coffee or doing some light yoga in the living room. However, any attempt to watch a TV or do anything functional in your home will be a failed attempt. Not to mention how much UV rays can damage your flooring and furniture when they’re exposed to sunlight for the whole day. So, if you want to diffuse or completely block the sunlight, it’s best to buy solar shades or blinds.
•         Aesthetic: If your home already has blinds or you simply don’t get as much sunlight, then you may want to decorate your home a bit. In that case, new curtains in your living space will add a fun and decorative layer to your windows making it even prettier to sip your morning coffee as you look through the window. If you want to visually extend the height of your room, go for really long curtains and make sure to hang them really high, almost up to the ceiling.
•         Privacy: If you have large windows or your windows are facing the front side of the house where people can easily peek in, you want to find something that will provide you with privacy. Investing in some blackout drapes or high-quality cellular blinds is sure to guarantee privacy in your home. Cellular blinds go even one step further, providing a great noise-cancellation feature.

Privacy: Whether regulating the amount of light coming in or preventing onlookers from peeking in, blackout drapes or cellular shades are ideal for controlling your environment.

The Window Treatment Options

Before you make a decision, you need to know what your options are. There is a huge variety of different kinds of blinds and shades you can choose based on fabrics, shapes, colors, and so on. Knowing what types you can choose from, what their specifics are, and what they’re good for will help you make a decision. These are just some of the most common types of window treatments you can choose from:

•         Curtains
•         Drapes
•         Blinds
•         Shades
•         Valances

How Do You Clean the Window Treatments?

Lastly, you also need to consider how different types of window treatments need to be cleaned and maintained. If you want to make sure your blinds or shades last for a long time, you need to dust and light vacuum them regularly. Here’s how different window treatments should be washed and maintained:

•         Drapes and curtains: If you choose linen, cotton, and polyester drapes, you can easily just wash them in a washing machine every once in a while. Just make sure you are careful about shrinkage so maybe avoid using the dryer and instead let them dry naturally. On the other hand, wool and silk drapes need professional care at the dry cleaners.
•         Blinds: With blinds, you need to be careful when you dust or lightly vacuum them. When it comes to stubborn stains, use a damp cloth and lightly wipe the blinds. If you want to deep clean your blinds, take them down and then wash them with a mix of water and detergent. Just avoid getting them too wet.
•         Shades: with simple dusting and vacuuming you can keep your shades clean and durable. You can also spot-clean them if necessary.

Conclusion

Overall, once you take into account factors such as the fabrics, shape, and size of the shades, the type of window treatments, and how you should maintain them, you’ll know exactly what to pick. If you know how to maintain them, your window treatments will be durable and help create comfort in your home no matter how much sunlight you get.