Stats show that window replacements are one of the most popular remodeling jobs.
Updating your windows can be an effective way to upgrade your home’s look and feel. But did you know that fresh window treatments can be just as impactful?
Windows treatment can completely transform your interior space. Besides being an important interior design element, window treatments can also increase the privacy, security, and energy efficiency of your home.
The big question is, what window treatment options are right for you?
Home improvements are fraught with big decisions, and what window treatments to choose is one of them. If you’re not sure whether to go for blinds, shutters, or shades, keep reading for a full list of the pros and cons of each of these window treatment options.
Roman Shades
Roman shades are typically made from cloth, such as canvas, grasscloth, cotton blends, silks, or polyester. You can also get Roman shades in woven woods or reeds, such as bamboo.
Roman shades are traditionally mounted at the top of windows. If your windows are bordered with thick trim, it’s often best to mount Roman shades within the window following this traditional method.
Alternatively, if your windows don’t have trim, or very thin trim, you can mount Roman shades higher up on the wall above the window. This will create the illusion of extra height, especially when the shades are lowered.
Roman shades are operated with a cord and ring system.
Pros
One of the big pros of Roman shades is that like fabric drapes and curtains, they add a soft, cozy touch. At the same time, they are less bulky than thick drapes, and won’t get in the way of artworks and furniture that’s placed against the wall.
Roman shades also require less fabric than floor-length curtains, which can make them cheaper.
If you opt for fabric Roman shades, you can also choose between a large variety of fabric colors. They are also a perfect way to introduce pattern into your space. Woven wood shades can incorporate an attractive organic touch.
Finally, Roman shades are moderately easy to clean.
Cons
One of the main drawbacks to Roman shades is that compared to blinds, they offer less light control. Most Roman shades also aren’t “wipeable”.
If you install traditional-style Roman blinds, they can block out light at the top of your window, making them appear smaller.
Blinds
Blinds have become very popular, and there are now a wide variety of options on the market, including roller shades, slat blinds, blackout blinds, UV blinds, and more.
Here at Shade Set Shutters, we offer an extensive range of blinds, including:
- Wood blinds
- Faux wood blinds
- Metal blinds
Our wood and faux wood options come in various stain shades and wood grain finishes. We also offer roller shades, a Houston favorite.
Pros
One of the reasons why blinds are so popular is they offer ultimate levels of privacy and light control. Standard blinds allow you to control the height to which you lower them, and how much you tilt open the individual blinds.
If you’re looking to beat the heat and glare, blinds in Houston are a good option.
Besides offering ultimate flexibility, blinds can also enable you to let light into a room while still achieving almost complete privacy, depending on the angle to which you tilt the blinds.
Besides being practical, blinds are easy to operate and have a modern minimal look.
Cons
One of the primary drawbacks to blinds is they can look sterile. If you want the versatility of blinds, but are also after a cozy look, you can easily rectify this by pairing blinds with a set of drapes.
While the blinds do the heavy light-blocking work, the drapes will help to soften the look and add texture and dimension to the space.
Blinds are moderately difficult to clean. Unlike curtains and Roman shades, you don’t need to take them down completely to clean them. Instead, you must wipe down the individual blinds.
Plantation Shutters
Plantation shutters add a traditional look and are popular in colonial-style and antebellum American South properties. Here in Houston, plantain shutters are a go-to option thanks to their heating-blocking capabilities.
Plantation shutters are typically installed on the interior of windows.
Pros
As we said above, plantation shutters are one of the best window treatment options if you want to beat the heat. Because they can help to block heat, plantation shutters can also help to reduce your cooling costs.
According to the Department of Energy, window coverings can drop heat gain by as much as 77%.
Plantation shutters also offer high levels of privacy, making them perfect for windows that don’t command a great view (such as your neighbor’s siding) or ones that give an unwanted view into your home.
Finally, plantation shutters have an old-world, vintage feel.
If you want to soften the look of plantation shutters, you can also pair them with lightweight curtains in linen or a thin cotton.
Cons
Plantation shutters are usually pricier than more lightweight window treatment options and generally require custom installation. You also can’t lower or raise them and they require regular cleaning.
Exterior Shutters
Exterior shutters aren’t typically used to block out light. As they are on the outside of your home, they also won’t act as an interior design element. But, exterior shutters can go a long way to improving the curb appeal of your home.
Pros
The main benefit of exterior shutters nowadays is the effect they can have on a home’s exterior appearance. Exterior shutters can add an instant injection of personality and make your home feel more welcoming.
Thanks to this, exterior shutters may increase home value. If you take the time to close them, they can also reduce heat buildup, make your home more secure, and are more airy and spacious than plantation shutters.
Cons
Back in the old days, exterior shutters were a storm protection and security measure. Nowadays there are more effective options, such as hurricane windows.
Exterior shutters can also be inconvenient to close and require regular maintenance thanks to their exposure to the elements.
Are You Considering Any of These Window Treatment Options?
The window treatments you choose can make or break a space from an interior design standpoint. They are also a critical functional element. The right window treatment to choose will depend on your particular needs, budget, and climate.
Are you considering any of these window treatment options? We can help.
Here at Shade Set Shutters, we pride ourselves on being Houston window experts. Our teams are committed to providing the best service and creating long-term relationships with every customer.
If you’re looking for the best window professionals in Houston, contact us to discuss your project.
