56 Window Treatment Ideas for Every Budget, Space, and Style

How to Choose a Window Treatment

To choose the best window treatments for each room, start by identifying practical concerns such as how much privacy, light, and temperature control you need for each window. Keep in mind that south-facing rooms will require more shading than those facing east, for example.

Consider using black-out shades for the bedroom to help you sleep and privacy blinds or half-curtains for the bathroom. In a bedroom or living room, layer blinds with curtains for a more decorative look that provides light and privacy control options throughout the day.

Remember that windows come in a variety of shapes and anything but standard sizes, making buying off-the-rack shades and blinds challenging and custom curtains, drapes, and blinds relatively expensive. Measure twice before buying anything you can’t return, or hire a professional to do the work of measuring and installing blinds. Choose motorized smart blinds that open and close at the touch of a button for the ultimate convenience.

FAQ

After falling out of fashion for many years, drapery is making a comeback. Current trends include pinch pleat drapes, statement drapes in bold colors and patterns, and drapery made from sustainable, eco-friendly fabrics such as hemp and linen.

If you don’t like curtains, try shades, blinds, shutters, or window film. Shade options include solid or patterned roller shades, solar shades, Roman shades, or black-out shades for privacy, light, and heat control. Install window blinds or interior shutters made from vinyl, metal, or wood. Window treatments can also be layered to create more light control options and visual effects.

You can cover windows inexpensively with lightweight paper blinds or premade curtain panels in simple fabrics. Use sheets to make DIY curtains or hack a pair of IKEA curtains by adding elegant pinch pleats to make them look more custom.

You can make window treatments look more expensive by hanging curtains higher and wider than the windows to give them a grander appearance. Layer curtains with fabric shades or slatted blinds to give them a functional and high-end look. Be sure to dust and clean your window treatments regularly to give them a well-maintained look.