ShareYou’re looking at your room, and although furnished, it just feels bare. Your windows may be begging for some extra treatment. A room can be transformed with customized blinds, shades and drapery. But with growing options, how do you choose which one is right for your space?
Design experts at Stoneside Blinds & Shades offer the following two tips to get started in selecting the best window treatments:
Functionality: Is the goal to allow more—or less—light into a room? Are you looking to regulate the temperature of the room? Or for spaces like a bathroom or bedroom—is the main objective more privacy?
Aesthetic preferences: Window treatment options are endless. Choose from shades, blinds, drapery and valences. Shades and blinds fit the window snugly to allow light in or out, while drapery and valances give personality with fabrics in a variety of colors and patterns.
Trending Styles
According to Stoneside Blinds & Shades experts, the following window treatment styles are trending:
Solar shades and cellular shades
Solar shades are known for their clean, modern looks and energy efficiency. They can offer light-filtering fabrics with a sheer look that reduces glare and keeps UV light and heat at bay. But they also can preserve any beautiful views. This style of shade is also very energy efficient in the hot sun, helping beat the heat so you can possibly even reduce your air conditioning costs.
Similarly, cellular shades have a clean, modern look and can be configured to open top down and bottom up with corded, cordless or motorized controls. Because of their honeycomb structure, they are known for their superior insulation that reduces energy costs year-round.
Roman shades
With farmhouse and grandmillennial style still trending, Roman shades have also increased in popularity. They are a great choice for a country-style aesthetic because of their soft, gathered style. They are particularly effective in spaces that lend themselves to softness, such as a bedroom, reading nook or even a dining room. Roman shades come in a variety of patterns and textures that can accentuate a monochromatic room and bring in a pop of color. Add a patterned cornice in a similar color palette to create an even more one-of-a-kind look.
Wood blinds
Decorating with natural wood colors and tones is a timeless trend. Wood blinds or composite wood blinds bring the beauty of nature indoors and can add a touch of elegance to a space. Depending on the finish, wood blinds can create a warm, cozy aesthetic or bring an energetic vibe to a room. Because of their slatted design, they can help create privacy and control light throughout the day. Their slats are easily titled, and the entire blind can be lifted up and down for a better view outside.
Motorization
Motorization is becoming increasingly popular as clients ask about how their window coverings can be adapted to their smart devices in creating a smart home that exudes luxury and convenience. Overall, homeowners are opting to add motorization to their custom blinds and shades throughout the home.
Drapery
Custom drapery—in whatever style one chooses—remains a classic, timeless choice. When choosing drapery, consider the color and texture of the fabric, the lining (for light-blocking and climate control), the pleat style and the many finish options for hardware like rods and hooks.
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