Choosing the best window treatments, or window coverings, can benefit your home in more ways than may be apparent at first glance. This article will help you evaluate all the types of window treatments and their uses to maximize your investment.
There are several categories of window coverings and many subcategories within those. Finding the right combination will achieve much more than simple “window dressing.”
Types of Window Treatments
First things first; here is an overview of the various types of window treatments.
Curtains and Drapes
While these two terms are often used interchangeably, they actually have different definitions.
Curtains
Curtains typically are lighter weight fabric or sheer, meant to be strictly decorative or to filter light rather than totally block it. Sheer curtains are often used to attain a degree of privacy while still allowing natural light to fill the room. It is common to see them used on a dual rod with decorative curtains or drapes that may or may not be drawn. Curtains usually have a rod pocket across the top to slide the rod through.
Decorative curtains may be simple panels that hang at the sides of windows or include enough width to be drawn across the entire window, for example, when more light filtering or privacy is desired. Curtains may fall to the floor or to just below the window, so they don’t interfere with furniture placement.
Café curtains are yet another variation on this theme. European in provenance. These window treatments cover the lower half of the window, blocking the view into the room or to hide an unattractive view of the outside. This still allows for natural light to stream in.
Drapes
Drapes are generally made of heavier or lined fabric and completely block light when drawn, and typically fall to the floor. In colder climates the fabric lining is often made of an insulating material so that, when drawn, cold air and drafts are blocked. Black out drapes are welcome in nurseries and bedrooms for their light blocking ability.
There are three basic types of drapes: rod pocket, grommet and pinch-pleat. Pinch-pleat drapes have pleats spaced across the top. Hooks slip into the back of the pleats and then onto specialized rods with a mechanism to open and close the drape. Typically, either a pulley system or a wand is used to move the drape. Grommet style drapes have fairly large grommets across the top that the rod feeds through. Drapes of this style are opened and closed by carefully sliding the drape along the rod. Ensuring the rod diameter is at least slightly smaller than the grommet opening makes the open-close maneuver easier. The material the rod is made of is also a factor. The metal grommets slide more easily on metal rods than those made of wood. If wood is desired, simply increase the difference between the size of the rod versus the size of the grommet.
Rod Pocket Curtains and Drapes
Lastly, the rod pocket version has a few variations of its own. Curtains are most often rod pocket style. The weight of the fabric most likely determines the size of the pocket. In other words, a sheer or light fabric curtain can be securely held on a smaller diameter rod so may have a narrow pocket – ¾ inch for example. Café curtains are a good example of this. In this case, curtains are left in place and rarely opened and closed.
Drapes, on the other hand, are heavier and require a sturdier rod, at least an inch in diameter and often larger. Again, rod pocket drapes are seldom opened and closed as it is not easy to slide them back and forth across the rod. If they are to be closed, a frequently seen configuration is to swag the drape to the side to hold it open and then release it to close.
Rod pocket curtains and drapes may have two pockets at the top. The rod goes through the lower pocket. When the fabric is gathered, the top pocket creates a decorative ruffle.
Blinds and Shades
This is another pair of terms that you may hear used interchangeably but have different technical definitions.
Blinds
Blinds are vertical or horizontal slats of wood or metal that tilt to adjust the amount of light and privacy and can also be raised and lowered or opened and closed, as in the case of vertical blinds on a patio door.
Shades
Shades are constructed of fabric. There are many types of window shades. Some are primarily decorative, such as balloon or Austrian shades. These are very specific to certain design styles and aren’t seen as often as they once were. Roman shades are decorative and functional. They can be made from a variety of materials, such as fabric or wicker or rattan, and open and close for light and privacy control.
The most frequent use of the term blind is for what is really the roller shade. The ubiquitous roller shade made of a heavy white fabric is etched in the memory of many of us of “a certain age.” We remember tugging the shade down only to have it snap right back up or giving it multiple mini tugs to make it retract. Today’s roller shades come in many patterns and colors, as well as weight. They can be less expensive than other window treatments and are quite functional.
Modern Shades
Cellular shades are the most frequently used type today, and there are many variations on this theme. They are perhaps the most versatile of window coverings. Single or double cell, light filtering all the way to black out. While cellular shades don’t usually have patterns, they do come in a plethora of colors.
There are also roller shades that allow light to pass through but obstruct visibility into the room or block UV rays and heat.
Smart Features
Like so many other features of interior design, smart features have come to window coverings as well. As the saying goes, “there’s an app for that.” This feature is extremely helpful for adjusting shades to block intense heat and UV rays to keep the home cooler and protect fabrics and flooring from discoloration and fading.
Which Window Treatment is Right for Your Home?
There are other questions embedded in this seemingly simple question. The first for most interior decorating projects is what is your budget? Each of the categories – curtains, drapes, blinds and shades – is available in a wide price range.
What room are they for? The need for light filtration and privacy may vary depending on the room. The need for privacy may vary depending on visibility from the outdoors, although many people feel exposed by an uncovered bathroom or bedroom window even in the middle of a wooded lot.
Is heat exchange a consideration? In other words, the choice of window treatment can moderate heat exchange by season or location. This applies to keeping heat out as well as in. Especially in the case of keeping heat in, the choice of fabric is key, as is layering.
Do you have pets and/or small children? This question is particularly important as it applies to the opening/closing mechanisms for drapes, blinds and shades.
Making the Right Choice
This overview provides a background in window treatment but is far from comprehensive. Beyond choosing the window covering itself is the proper use of them. What kind of hardware should you use? How long should curtains or drapes be – is pooling still a thing? Curtains and drapes can also be used to create the illusion of a taller ceiling or a bigger window or distract from an oddly placed window. Where should the curtain rod be placed? Should your blinds or shades be mounted inside or outside of the window frame? When are valances and cornices used?
Working with an experienced interior designer removes the guess work in evaluating your choices. They have the knowledge and resources to find the right combination of window treatments to fit your budget and your lifestyle.
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