Why You Need Window Coverings

 
bedroom corner with chair and yellow patterned curtains
 

Do you feel like your neighbors are seeing too much of you through your windows?  Are your children awake at the crack of dawn? Window coverings can be your best friend! 

 

How so? I’m glad you asked. 😉

 

1.) They Prevent Fading

If you’re like me, the beautiful sunshine streaming through the windows always boosts my mood. But with the sunlight comes UV rays and those rays are ready to burn a hole through your furniture. Ok, just kidding... But they do like to fade your furniture and flooring and even the paint on your walls. Sheer and light filtering coverings will block those UV rays but still allow the sun to shine through.  

 

2.) They’re Energy Efficient

Heavier duty window coverings can provide insulation, blocking heat and cold from seeping inside your home, especially in older houses where insulation is old and potentially non-existent. Even in new construction, you can prevent the midday sun from pouring through your windows and cooking your home, triggering your AC to blast all afternoon. The best part? They help you save money on your energy bill. Who doesn’t want that?

 

3.) They Provide Privacy and Safety 

Envision stepping out of the shower or getting dressed in your bedroom with a clear view outside. This may not bother some of you, but I’m not really a fan of showing it all off to the neighbors (especially to the consistent flow of construction workers building an addition onto the neighbor’s home).

 

If you travel for work, what better way to keep passersby from seeing non-activity in your home or the valuables left alone than drawing the curtains when you leave? Window treatments create a barrier between your personal space and the outside world. 

 

4.) They’ll Elevate Your Homes’ Aesthetic 

Windows occupy prime real estate on your wall so even if privacy isn’t an issue, window treatments will enhance the design of any space. They not only frame the windows and accentuate the height of a room; they also add warmth and style. ⁠Like the finishing touch of jewelry to your outfit, make your room feel polished with window coverings. 

 

Time to Take Action!

Do you have naked windows that could use some dressing? I challenge you to boost your windows’ appeal and polish up those rooms. Read on to find out which window treatment will work best for each of your spaces. 


 
neutral living room with tall, white drapery panels
 

DRAPES: 

Thicker, heavier and generally lined - drapery panels will give you a more formal look and more privacy. They are available in a large selection of rich colors and patterns to fit any style. 

 

Tip: Squeeze in extra hours of Z's by getting black out drapes for your children’s' rooms (and your own!). 

 

 
 

CURTAINS:

Curtains are solid pieces of fabric that hang from wall-mounted rods or clips. Made of everything from cotton and linen to silk, curtains are lighter in weight allowing various levels of sunlight to filter through. Sheer curtains, for example, will let in the most amount of light but will provide you with the least amount of privacy. 

 

Pro tip: Hang your curtains/drapes high and wide to give the appearance of taller ceilings and larger windows.  

 

 

 
bedroom with wooden blinds

Via APOLLO BLINDS

 

BLINDS:

Slats made out of metal, wood, plastic, or cellular fabric – blinds offer the biggest flexibility of light control and privacy. They can be challenging to clean but are often the most cost-effective window covering. 

 

Tip: If you're getting major sun glare, blinds are great way to control the light throughout the day.

 

 

 
 

SHADES:

Shades are a singular piece of fabric or synthetic material, raised or lowered by a cord, which provide various levels of light control and privacy. When completely closed, shades allow the maximum amount of privacy. Because they fit snuggly inside a window frame, they offer a tailored look and soften a window’s appearance. 

 

Pro tip: Use shades in a bathroom, kitchen or any space where flowing window curtains just aren’t practical. 

 

 

 
blue living room with white window shutters

Via Chris Snook

 

SHUTTERS:

Shutters are wood or plastic doors, mounted with hinges on each side of the window frame. They feature adjustable slats to allow for varying degrees of light and privacy. They are wonderful for privacy but block a fair amount of natural light. 

 

Tip: Because shutters need to swing out to open fully, its best to not place furniture in front of any windows with shutters. 

 

 

 
 

CREATE A PAIRING:

Pair your window coverings to get the maximum amount of light control and privacy while also creating a beautiful, layered aesthetic. For example, layer bamboo shades with linen curtains like the image above and pair roller shades with heavy drapery panels.

Tip: If your room has a lot of color, balance it out by keeping your window coverings neutral. If your room is feeling devoid of pattern or color, look to your window treatments to bring in the character.


That’s a wrap! Any of these details inspire you? I’d love to see what you add to your home! Tag me on Insta @ashbyroadstudio with your new window coverings.

Want some ideas?

This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. 

 

This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. 

 
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