What Window Treatments Should I Purchase For My Home? A Q&A Guide to Choosing the Right Window Treatments
Choosing window treatments can feel overwhelming. Should you choose blinds, shades, shutters or drapery? Do you need blackout shades? What about privacy? What actually looks best with your home?
The right window treatments can do more than finish a room. They can control light, add privacy, improve comfort and complement your home's style.
If you're wondering what window treatments are right for your home, start with these common questions. Montgomery’s Window Treatments Manager, Jodie Fabian, is here to share answers to your most commonly asked questions.
Q: Where do I start when choosing window treatments?
A: Start with what you need your window treatments to do.
Before choosing a color or style, think about how you use the room. Do you need privacy? Better light control? More insulation? A way to block the morning sun? Or are you primarily looking for a beautiful finishing touch?
Once you know what you want your window treatments to accomplish, it becomes much easier to narrow down your options. Your local Montgomery’s window treatment expert can help you work through your options and help you on the path to beautiful and useful treatments.
Q: What's the difference between blinds, shades and shutters?
A: Each offers a different combination of style, light control and privacy.
Blinds have slats that can be tilted to adjust the amount of light coming through your windows. They're a versatile choice when you want adjustable light and privacy.
Shades are made from a continuous material and come in many different styles, fabrics and levels of light control. From roller shades to Roman shades and cellular shades, there's a shade for nearly every room and design style.
Shutters offer a classic, built-in look and excellent control over light and privacy. They're also a durable choice that can complement both traditional and more contemporary homes.
Q: What window treatments are best for privacy?
A: It depends on how much privacy you need and when you need it.
For bedrooms and bathrooms, you may want window treatments that provide greater privacy throughout the day and night. In living rooms or front-facing spaces, you may want privacy while still allowing natural light into the room.
Light-filtering shades, room-darkening shades, shutters and layered window treatments can all be good options depending on the room.
Q: Do I need blackout shades in my bedroom?
A: If you value a darker room for sleeping, blackout or room-darkening window treatments are worth considering.
They're especially helpful in bedrooms, nurseries and spaces where
you watch television. They can also help reduce the amount of early-morning sunlight entering a room.
Keep in mind that "blackout" and "room darkening" aren't necessarily the same thing. Your Montgomery’s window treatments expert can help you determine how much light control makes sense for your space.
Q: What if I want natural light but still need privacy?
A: You don't necessarily have to choose between the two!
Some window treatments are designed to let natural light in while helping provide privacy. Depending on the window and room, options such as light-filtering shades, sheer fabrics or layered treatments may give you the balance you're looking for.
This is especially helpful in living rooms, kitchens and other spaces where you want a bright, comfortable feel without giving up privacy.
Q: What window treatments are best for large windows or sliding glass doors?
A: Large windows require a little more planning.
The size and location of the window can affect which window treatments will function best. Sliding glass doors, large picture windows, bay windows and unusually shaped windows may require different solutions than standard windows.
For larger openings, it's important to consider how the treatment will operate, how much light you want to control and how the finished treatment will look in the room.
Q: Are motorized shades worth it?
A: Absolutely! Motorized window shades can make it easy to adjust hard-to-reach windows, control several shades at once or create a more convenient daily routine.
They're particularly useful for large windows, high windows and homes where you want to automate your window treatments.
Q: Should I add drapery to my shades or blinds?
A: Layering window treatments can give you the best of both worlds. Shades or blinds can provide everyday light and privacy control, while drapery adds softness, texture and another layer of light control. Layered window treatments can also give windows a more finished, custom look.
Q: Are custom window treatments worth it?
A: If you want the right fit, function and finished look, custom window treatments are the best route to go. Custom window treatments are made to fit your specific windows rather than requiring you to find a standard size that is "close enough." Our experts carefully measure your windows to ensure every treatment fits perfectly for your space.
Ready to find the right window treatments for your home? Visit Montgomery's and let our design team help you explore your options. With professional guidance and a wide variety of window treatment solutions, finding the right look for your home can be easier than you think.
