The Ultimate Window Treatment Guide

Blinds are “hard” window coverings, composed of slats or vanes that tumble down the blind as it is lowered or can be pulled across a window to stack lengthwise, to the side.

These louvers or slats are individually formed together to create the complete blind and are usually controlled by a manual pull cord. These slats are meant to stay closed tightly for privacy and for light control, but they can also be adjusted or tilted at different angles to allow you to control the amount of light needed.

Wood, Faux-Wood & Mini Blinds, and Vertical Blinds are the most popular “blinds” and are usually made of wood, metal, or a composite.

Shades are “soft” window treatments that are made to cover a large swath of a window opening, fitting snugly into your window and stacking, or rolling, neatly at the top.

Shades have no slats or vanes and offer a smooth look to your windows; hence, they are called soft window treatments as the fabric and feeling of the shade are warm and flowing.

Roller Shades, Roman Shades, and Cellular Shades are the most popular “shades.”

Drapes are long enough to reach from above the window to the floor, sometimes even puddling a bit on the floor.

The top of a drapery panel is often pleated, and these pleats, along with the fabric, contribute to the formal appearance of this popular window treatment. Drapes hang from a rod on rings, hooks, grommets, or on a fabric sleeve at the top or on the back of the panel.

Drapes can be fabricated to operate on a track system using a wand or string to open and close. Alternatively, if you prefer the drapes are always open, you can have stationary panels.

Roman Shades are soft fabric window treatments that hang close to the window when in the down position but fold up neatly and crisply into horizontal folds when raised.

A basic Roman Shade simply results in horizontal folds falling down the window. Roman Shades are usually constructed with a series of horizontal bars to create gentle folds, with eyelets and cords on the wrong side to draw the shade up.

Do be aware that if you do not choose a liner or you select a sheer fabric, the cords and drawstrings will be visible from the outside of the window. Do not let that deter you as the beautiful undulating ripples of these shades create a light mood to offer many style opportunities. For some customers, the Vignette shade by Hunter Douglas is a great alternative without visible cords and drawstrings.

A valance is free-hanging fabric that hangs across the top of a window to hide other window treatments' hardware and add softness, color, and pattern.

Roman valances, with soft or flat folds, are very common as of late.

Designer tip: simple valances can be used alone or layered over other window treatments. The soft gathers and folds are perfect with any casual decorating style.

A cornice is a box-like wooden valance typically crafted from plywood, upholstered, and covered with fabric and mounted to the wall above the window.

Other cornices are carved from attractive wood and then stained to look good without needing paint or fabric coverings.

A cornice can be paired with soft window treatments — such as fabric shades or drapes — or used alone, which provides a more formal look to a primary bedroom suite.

Shutters are a timeless, classic window treatment known for their elegance and unique style.

Choose from high-quality crafted hardwoods, composite or vinyl materials depending on the amount of UV and moisture protection needed. When choosing between real wood or faux wood, think about the climate you live in, what room you're working with, and your personal style. PVC is best for bathrooms, or if you live near the ocean with high humidity.