Choosing Window Treatments by Window Type

If your home has stunning windows, it may seem a shame to cover them up. The right window treatment enhances a window; it doesn’t detract from it. Window coverings don’t just add a chic look to your home—they are also incredibly practical. Blinds, shades, or drapery can let light into a room, or enclose it in a shroud of privacy. They can prevent UV exposure from harming your floors, furnishings, or decor, or allow you to sleep soundly, without ambient outdoor light keeping you awake.

There are many factors to consider when you are buying window treatments for your home. One of the most important ones is what type of window you have. Certain kinds of windows work best with particular window coverings, and having this information can help you make a wise purchase you’re more likely to be happy with in the long run. Here are some of the most common window types, and some recommended window treatments to go with them.

Casement Windows

Casement windows are stylish and different from traditional single-hung or double-hung windows in that they are hinged on one side and open in or out with the turn of a crank. Generally, window treatments that hang above the window, outside of the casing, are best. That could mean cellular or roller shades, which fit the clean, modern lines of casement windows, or drapery panels that frame the window and don’t get in the way of the crank mechanism.

Stationary or Picture Windows

If you have a large picture window, you want a window treatment that is easy to raise so that you can take advantage of your gorgeous view. Vertical blinds are exceptional at covering large spaces and can be found in a range of colors and finishes for design flexibility. Another good choice are solar shades since picture windows let in a lot of light, which means there is a lot of UV exposure. Solar shades are crafted with special fabric that is designed to diffuse light and reduce the UV rays coming into your home.

Single-Hung and Double-Hung Windows

You’ll find these traditional windows in many homes, so chances are you have at least one room with them. If you have single-hung windows, you have a lot of options to choose from because every type of window covering is a great match here. Double-hung windows don’t have as much depth because both sashes move up or down, so wall-mounted shades, blinds, or drapes can be an excellent choice. Shades do have the added bonus of top-down/bottom-up functionality, allowing you to move them from the top or bottom just as you do the windows themselves.

Bay Windows

These elegant windows are often the centerpiece of a room. Custom window coverings should be equally striking with a dramatic sense of scale. You can beautifully highlight the bones of a bay window with Roman shades crafted from a rich fabric. Drapery panels are a graceful addition to a bay window and work well on their own or paired with shades or blinds. For the latter, plantation-style shutters pack a visual punch. Outside-mounted window coverings are often an ideal choice for bay windows in order to preserve their clean lines.

Awning Windows

Like casement windows, the awning styles are also hinged—in this case, however, they are hinged at the top so they can be cranked open slightly to let in fresh air. Roller shades or blinds are easily adaptable to awning windows. Of course, because of the location of the hinges at the top, window treatments need to be hung above the window on the wall or ceiling.

Geometric-Shaped Windows

Homes with unusually shaped windows—triangular, hexagonal, arched—require specific window coverings that aren’t one size fits all. This is when custom window coverings come in handy, especially with a trustworthy retailer who handles all the measurements and ordering to ensure an accurate result.

Slider Windows and Sliding Doors

The benefit of sliders is that they let in a lot of natural light and can create the seamless blending of indoor and outdoor space, making your home feel more expansive. Of course, that means you need extra-large window treatments to control the light and privacy when needed. Vertical cellular blinds are more than up to the task. Offering desirable coverage and energy efficiency, vertical cellular blinds come in opacity levels from sheer to blackout. Wide width sheer drapery can also be a good choice for slider windows and sliding doors.

There are so many exciting possibilities for window treatments. A professional designer can be an invaluable asset in helping you select the blinds, drapes, or shades that will transform the appearance of your home. Stoneside’s experienced team can meet with you during a free, in-home consultation and discuss the many options for your particular windows. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you transform your space.

Want to learn how automated blinds or shades can modernize your home? Contact us today for a free design consultation.