16 Types of Window Treatments Great for Every Florida Home
Like icing on a cake, window treatments are often viewed as the finishing touches we add to our homes to enhance aesthetics. But window treatments are more than just décor. They are functional additions that can serve multiple purposes, such as controlling light, providing privacy, and lowering energy costs.
Selecting suitable window coverings for your home means considering how you need them to function, which can vary from room to room. For example, you might opt for sheer curtains in your living room to let the light in, but choose blackout drapes in your bedroom for privacy and light control. In the same way, you may use faux wood blinds for your kitchen instead of curtains that can capture food smells.
If you live in South Florida, light control and protection from the sun might be at the top of the list. Some window coverings, such as UV shades or wood blinds, are better for keeping the sun at bay.
Awareness of the different types of window treatments and benefits will make you more prepared to choose what’s suitable for you and your home.
What are the Different Types of Window Treatments?
There’s an infinite selection of window covering types and window treatment ideas that can help you decide what’s right for you. What’s excellent about window treatments is that they can be customized in terms of materials, sizes, colors, and patterns. They can be mounted inside or outside the window frame; they come in cordless, motorized, or automated options.
Plantation Blinds - The Gold Standard
At the very top of the window treatment totem pole—and price point—are plantation shutters. In fact, they are considered the only window treatment option that increases the market value of a home!
These wooden or faux wood shutters are usually well-crafted, low-maintenance window treatments. They are also energy-efficient, long-lasting, and provide privacy. You can easily use plantation shutters on just about every window in your home. They are also used as stylish, high-end window coverings for oddly shaped windows.
Wood Blinds - A Top Choice for Form and Function
Following on the heels of shutters are wood blinds. This type of window treatment is, of course, made from natural wood. It offers excellent light control—thanks to the versatile design that allows you to tilt the slats to your liking.
While wood blinds work well for living rooms and bedrooms, they are not well-suited for high-humidity areas such as bathrooms. This type of blind offers privacy and light control. It can be attractive by itself or layered with other window coverings like sheer fabric curtains or drapes.
Faux Wood Blinds - Best of Both Worlds
Today’s high-quality faux wood blinds are as aesthetically pleasing as wood blinds but are even more functional.
It’s easy to use faux wood blinds throughout the home because they are easy to care for, can withstand moisture, and won’t warp in areas with high humidity. As with wood blinds, they can be layered or enhanced with other window treatments like draperies and valances.
Aluminum Blinds - Affordable and Easy to Maintain
Aluminum blinds or mini blinds are a cost-effective window treatment that offers privacy and light control. They’re made from enamel-coated metal and are lightweight and easy to maintain. Because of their affordability and durability, they are favored by many busy households.
Vertical Blinds - Functional and Durable
Vertical blinds are a great option for sliding glass doors and large windows. They offer privacy, light control, and insulation and are easy to use. They are a common type of window treatment typically made with a headrail and vertical strips of fabric or louvers.
You can tilt your vertical blinds to control light and close to block light and provide privacy. Best of all, they are made from high-quality materials that will last for years. And they are durable enough to withstand high-traffic areas, such as patio doors.
Pinch Pleat Drapes - A Classic!
A classic style with staying power, pinch pleat draperies are ideal for privacy, light control, and insulation. So, what exactly are pinch pleat drapes? This type of window covering is created by pinching fabric in small pleats stitched in place for a highly decorative and structured finish.
You can use this type of drapery for living rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms. Best of all, they can be mounted on a rod or track and can also be motorized or automated.
Tailored Pleat Drapes - Sophisticated and Versatile
The main difference between tailored and pinched pleat drapes is the pleat style. Tailored pleat drapery exudes a more formal aesthetic but can be used in transitional design styles. It has structured pleats at the top and gets more relaxed as it cascades to the floor. Where you use these drapes are based largely on personal taste. But they are ideal for more formal areas such as the living and dining room.
Grommet Drapes - Casual Meets Elegant
Grommet draperies feature metal rings punched into the top of the fabric, making it easier to slide across a curtain rod.
While it is more modern than a pinched pleat or rod pocket style, Grommet drapes are still elegant. They are often used in living rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms and are ideal for sliding glass doors or large windows.
They are also great for layering over blinds or shades. Like other window treatments, depending on the fabric's thickness, they provide privacy, light control, and insulation.
Custom Curtains - Versatile and Cost-effective
While some people may prefer to add draperies to their homes, many people opt for window curtains. Curtains have similar functions to drapes, such as privacy, light control, and aesthetics. Drapes, however, are usually more structured, heavier, and more difficult to care for.
On the other hand, curtains are usually made with lighter-weight fabrics that are easy to clean and more casual. They are also usually less costly than draperies. Curtains are excellent for filtering light into a home while still providing some level of privacy.
Roller Shades - Appealing and Practical
Roller shades are one of the most common in households across South Florida. These are ideal for minimalists who prefer a sleek, unfussy aesthetic. For those who prefer a bit more flourish, you can layer them with other soft window treatments.
Roller shades offer light control and privacy and block light, whether natural or artificial. You can tailor roller shades to suit the functionality you desire. They can work in every room in the house and can be coordinated to fit into your decor.
Roman Shades - Functional, Fabulous Folds
While Roman shades are as functional as roller shades, the design, with soft folds of fabric, adds a luxurious finish. When lowered, it straightens along the window or door and, when raised, forms fabulous folds.
Roman shades provide privacy and offer light control and protection from the sun. They work in all rooms and are an excellent alternative to full-length draperies for rooms like nurseries and kitchens.
Cellular Shades - Versatile and Energy Efficient
Cellular shades are also aptly called honeycomb shades because the design features open cells that resemble honeycombs. This shade is made by layering two pieces of fabric and creating open cells between them.
The cells trap air, making cellular shades highly energy-efficient and ideal for insulation. They help block the summer sun and keep you warm in colder months.
You can use cellular shades in almost any room but should choose light-filtering options for living rooms and blackout for bedrooms.
They are also among the top choices for bathrooms as, in addition to their other benefits, they are resistant to humidity.
Zebra Shades - Best of Both Worlds
Also known as dual sheer shades, zebra shades deliver privacy and light filtering. This is because of their hybrid design which alternates sheer and opaque bands.
A modern take on the roller shade, zebra shades easily move from sheer to privacy, using a cord, a cordless lift, or a motorized feature. These shades are versatile, energy-efficient, and long-lasting and can be installed in just about every room in the house.
For bedrooms, select blackout zebra shades instead of the light-filtering material that works best in common areas.
Solar Shades - Made for Florida!
When you live in South Florida, the blazing sun and high temperatures are a part of daily life. Solar shades are the ideal window covering to block sunlight, reduce glare, and lower energy costs.
But what are solar shades? They're simply roller shades made with fabric that's woven tightly enough to block the sun without obstructing your view. They also help preserve items such as upholstery, carpeting, or even paintings in your home.
Pleated Shades - Superb Light-filtering and Privacy Protection
Not to be confused with cellular shades, pleated shades are simply shades that, when raised, form uniformed pleats—like an accordion. Unlike cellular shades, accordion shades are made using a single fabric, allowing a variety of stylish prints and textures. Accordion shades provide superb light-filtering and privacy protection.
They are also great for sliding glass or hinge patio doors because they feature a small stacking height.
Blackout Shades - Ideal for Bedrooms and Home Theaters
No one likes light disturbance or sound pollution when they’re trying to sleep or are watching their favorite shows—that’s why blackout shades are so popular. This type of window treatment is made from opaque fabric to prevent sunlight and streetlights from coming in. They can come in various styles like Roman, cellular and solar.
It’s sometimes difficult to navigate the vast world of window treatments; therefore, when deciding on the types of window coverings you need for your home, you must consider how you need them to function. You’ll also discover some window treatments have better features for the desired functionality. Some are better suited for specific rooms, window sizes, and high-traffic areas. The more you know, the more you can make the right choice.
Let’s Make It Happen!
So whether you’re making a few updates or a total makeover, Drapes and Shades Custom Window Designs will help you choose the right window treatments for your space, style, and budget.
Call us today at (954) 289-3311 for a free consultation.
