5 Different Types of Window Coverings: Which One is Best for You?

In today’s world, it’s rare to find a home that doesn’t have any window coverings— due to the fact that they provide a sense of privacy and can also act as a deterrent for thieves and other wrongdoers. Even the homes that don’t have physical window coverings may have the actual windows treated with a tint or some other treatment for privacy.

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There are many different types of window coverings to choose from, and you can even choose different types of coverings for different rooms in your home. Each type offers privacy, although some offer more benefits than others.

Here are five types of window coverings to consider for your home:

Blinds are typically made up of horizontal or vertical slats, which are held together by cords that raise and lower/open and close them. Blinds can be made out of a variety of different materials:

• Wood
• Plastic
• Metal

Blinds are one of the easiest to clean types of window coverings. They also give you more control over how much natural light you want coming inside. They’re also one of the least expensive options, so if you’re on a tight budget, choose blinds for your windows. As for material, wooden (or faux wood blinds, made from vinyl or other materials) blinds tend to last longer than plastic blinds.

Drapery is a type of window covering that’s very similar to curtains, except that they’re lined and usually thicker than curtains. They’re also much longer than curtains (although many curtains touch the floor these days), covering the entire window and extending to the floor.

Drapes are great at both thermal and noise insulation— they’re thick enough to block out excess sunlight during the summer months, and they can also help reduce noise from the outside world. They’re also used in outdoor spaces, such as patios, decks, and sunrooms, as they bring an air of elegance to any room.

Like the other types of window coverings mentioned, there are different types of panel coverings for your windows. The most common are panel track blinds, which are blinds made up of a series of panels. They slide back and forth to let in your desired amount of natural light.

There are also Shoji panels, which are also known as Japanese paper screens. In traditional Japanese architecture, Shoji panels are used as walls in open-concept layouts,  and sometimes even as doors. However, because they’re made of paper, they’re not the most durable window covering material, and they’re pretty expensive to maintain.

Like drapes, shades are another type of “soft” window coverings, typically made from fabric that folds up or down to expose the window. Examples of different types of shades include:

• Woven wood
• Solar
• Sheer
• Roller
• Roman
• Pleated
• Cellular
• Blackout
• Austrian

Shades, especially cellular shades, are some of the most energy-efficient window coverings on the market. They’re great insulators, keeping the hot summer heat out and the cool air conditioning in— all while offering more privacy than blinds. Roman shades are also energy-efficient, plus they don’t always have exposed cords, making them less of a safety e hazard if you have pets or small children.

Window shutters aren’t just for the outside of the home— they can also be used as window coverings for the interior of your home, giving it a more architectural feel. They’re some of the sturdiest coverings, enhancing the entire look of your home.

Shutters are also pretty energy-efficient, keeping you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. They’re also pretty good noise insulators, like drapes, reducing the amount of outdoor noise from  traveling into your home. High-quality window shutters will also last you a long time, so you’ll definitely get your money’s worth by investing in this type of window covering.

Overall, the best choice for window coverings is completely up to you and what best suits your needs. However, it’s safe to say that the majority of people will benefit from energy-efficient window coverings, because hardly no one hates saving money on their energy bills— so drapes, shades, or shutters are your best bet here. If you’re on a tight budget choose blinds (which still block out sunlight), and if you’re going for pure aesthetic choose Shoji panels. Still, drapes, shades, and shutters will bring a certain aesthetic to your home as well, so you can’t go wrong with either of these options.

Published in: Ideas | Author: Lynn