Types of Window Coverings

Types of Window Coverings

April 12, 2023 By Hunter Douglas

 

Understanding the Fundamental Styles of Window Treatments

 

Choosing window treatments—shades, drapery, shutters or blinds—can be overwhelming. With all the choices available, where do you begin?

 

The following overview, which gives you the basics of those fundamental styles, is a good starting point.

Duette in Alexa Desert Sands

1. Window Treatment - Shades Styles

 

Shades are made from single panels of fabric or woven woods; you can raise or lower them to achieve the light and privacy levels you want. Shades are available in a number of styles, making them incredibly versatile, and giving you an array of options for your space.

 

Cellular shades—The specially engineered honeycomb construction of these shades traps air in distinct pockets, creating an extra layer of insulation at the window—and making cellular shades one of the most energy-efficient styles available.

 

Duette® Honeycomb Shades offer luminous colors, crisp, consistent pleats in a variety of sizes, and can fit all types of windows, including skylights.

 

Roller shades—These shades deliver a clean, contemporary look, and the many fabrics, colors, textures and styles mean you have almost endless design possibilities.

 

Designer Screen Shades provide UV protection, helping to keep your furniture, artwork and flooring from fading, while also maintaining your view of the outdoors. They’re perfect for sunrooms or any room that receives a lot of direct natural light.

 

Prefer a roller shade but want the energy efficiency of a cellular shade? Sonnette® Cellular Roller Shades combine both of those features, in fabrics from versatile neutrals to vibrant hues.

 

Roman shades—Soft folds define Roman shades, making them a well-appointed addition to living rooms and bedrooms.

 

Vignette® Modern Roman Shades are available in a wide range of colors, textures and fabrics, including silks and linens, and don’t have exposed rear cords, for a crisp, clean look.

 

Woven Wood shades—Crafted of natural woods, bamboo, reeds and grasses, woven wood shades bring warmth and an organic feel to a space.

 

Provenance® Woven Wood Shades, designed to resist stretching, bowing or breaking, filter sunlight beautifully.

 

Sheers and Shadings—Enjoy soft, filtered sunlight while preserving views, with sheers and shadings, which marry the look of horizontal blinds and contemporary sheers. Simply tilt the fabric vanes for privacy.

 

Vertical Luminette® Privacy Sheers are perfect for large windows and sliding-glass doors, while Silhouette® Window Shadings are ideal for living rooms and home offices.

2. Drapery and Side Panels Styles

 

A classic window treatment, drapery is both decorative and functional. Complete a room by adding drapery at both sides of a shade-covered window, or use drapery on its own. (If you’re going for solely a decorative accent, choose side panels, which are stationary.)

 

Whether you want a tailored look or something more contemporary, you’re sure to find it in the extensive fabric offerings and different pleat (the fabric at the top of the drapery) styles.

palm-beach-polysatin-bright-white-46648394

3. Window Treatments - Shutters

 

Interior shutters are your go-to when you need durability in a space, but you don’t want to sacrifice aesthetics. Shutters are available in real hardwood as well as composite wood, and they’re cordless, making them a great option if you have small children or pets.

 

For windows exposed to sunlight and moisture, such as in a bathroom, consider Palm Beach™ Polysatin™ Shutters. These shutters are waterproof and maintain their beautiful luster without warping, cracking or fading.

Parkland in Basswood Magnetic

4. Different Types of Blind Styles

 

Blinds are the window treatments that give you the most control over the amount of light in your space. Constructed of horizontal or vertical slats, you can raise/lower horizontal blinds or traverse vertical blinds, as well as rotate the slats, for as much or as little view to the outdoors as you want. 

 

Choose from real or faux wood and modern-looking aluminum.

 

If you love drapery, Cadence® Soft Vertical Blinds combine that elegance with the functionality of vertical blinds.

 

Horizontal Parkland® Wood Blinds are made from 100% basswood and are available in a variety of stains and solid paint colors, adding warmth and richness to a room.

 

Aluminum blinds, such as Modern Precious Metals® Aluminum Blinds, are durable, making them great for the wear and tear of high-traffic areas. Choose from a host of color options in a range of finishes, from matte and metallic to pearlescent hues.

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