In the world of window coverings, there are 9 different types of window treatments, from roller shades and draperies to plantation shutters and honeycomb shades. Each offers unique benefits for privacy, light control, and energy efficiency, making it important to choose the right custom window treatment for your home. Before you make any decisions about what window covering options will work best in your home, you should know what’s out there, and how they can work best on your interior windows.
The 9 Types of Window Treatments
Primarily used to provide privacy, light control, energy savings and style elements, most styles of window coverings can fit into one of the following categories.
- Roller Shades
- Roman Shades
- Sheer Shades
- Woven Shades
- Honeycomb Shades
- Blinds
- Vertical Window Coverings
- Draperies
- Plantation Shutters
With modern innovations, some of these categories can even be combined in one headrail to create dual function. See specific kinds of Hunter Douglas window treatments for more information.
Window Shades
Window shades are traditionally described as fabric shades that lower for privacy and light control, raising when more light is needed. But one category simply doesn’t do it justice, since each type of shade offers a different version of light control, privacy, energy efficiency and convenience. Some roll, others stack. Let’s explore the nuances of these modern window treatments…
#1 Roller Shades
The roller shade is one of the most common types of window treatments for windows. It’s been around for decades, and while the simple function is one aspect homeowners love, the style elements and upgrades have made it a modern favorite. Within the “roller shades” category, you’ll find a number of roller shade styles to get the look and atmosphere you’d like.
Room darkening and blackout roller shades are best for rooms where light and privacy need to be blocked. Light filtering and view-through rollers are amazing for spaces where the view is important and brightly lit environments are needed, while reducing the glare. Roller shades offer a sleek, contemporary appeal, simple to control. Pair rollers with drapery for a stunning combination.
#2 Roman Shades
Dating back to roman times, the fabrics of roman shades traditionally cascade down the window, providing excellent privacy, light control and energy efficiency. But unlike the originals, romans have become a staple in design, often featuring patterned fabrics and varying folds–even cascading down to flatten at the window. Today, roman shades are one of the most popular types of shades for windows.
A gorgeous option for traditional or transitional interiors. Soft fabric folds add texture and warmth while offering privacy and insulation.
#3 Sheer Shades
Sheer fabrics have an incredible way of bringing in soft, filtered light, while the view outside is still present. Doesn’t that sound dreamy? When you add solid vanes into the mix, you can either enjoy the view, or tilt them closed to block it out. When you enter the category of sheer shades, there’s a wide range of window covering options, from the fabric vanes of Pirouette shades, to the vertical ripples of Luminette Privacy sheers.
Best for rooms where natural light enters, but glare needs to be reduced. For privacy, explore the various types of sheer shades to ensure you can enjoy your home to the fullest.
#4 Woven Shades
A style favorite, woven shades are crafted from the natural elements of reeds, bamboo, wood and grasses. The collections offer a variety of woven designs and colors, perfect for adding beautiful design at the window.
Design-forward, woven wood shades are a beautiful option for any room. For additional light control or energy efficiency, explore the features available for this collection, like a honeycomb dual shade add-on, or optional liners.
#5 Honeycomb Shades
Honeycomb shades, also known as cellular shades, feature a honeycomb-shaped cell, designed to trap air, resulting in incredible energy efficiency. These are one of our most popular shades in Chicago, where the chill of winter–or the exhausting heat of summer–make it necessary to insulate the windows and regulate interior temperatures.
Not only do they insulate the window, but today’s materials look beautiful. The uniform pleats offer a continually organized look, while the colors and textures bring modern design to the award-winning function of these window coverings. Perfect for rooms where the temperature needs to be regulated, including bedrooms and South-facing or West-facing windows that receive intense sunlight.
#6 Window Blinds
One of the most well-known types of window treatments, window blinds come in a variety of materials, colors and sizes. We offer four different window blinds, including wooden blinds, aluminum blinds, composite and fabric blinds. Each style will offer light control and privacy, while coordinating the look of your home.
Best for light control and privacy, blinds are a budget-friendly option that delivers a simple, tailored look.
#7 Vertical Window Coverings
For sliding doors and large windows, many homeowners like the idea of vertical window coverings. Within this category, you’ll find both vertical blinds and vertical shades. The vertical blinds come in a range of materials, like wood, fabric or vinyl, with slats that adjust to control the light and privacy.
Vertical shades also open by sliding sideways, similar to the way a sliding glass door would open. With vertical shades, you choose from a wider range of materials, such as woven fabrics, cellular shades, and patterned materials. With shades, you have more options for solutions, like room darkening fabrics, energy efficiency and motorization. It’s the energy savings that has this trending as one of the top window treatments in Los Angeles.
#8 Draperies
An ideal way to have access to the window–or complete privacy, draperies are another one of the most popular types of window treatments that have evolved over time. They can be fully opaque for room darkening, completely sheer to reduce harsh sunlight, or anywhere in between. You can even use stationery draperies–simple side panels that don’t close, but frame the window for style and personality. Drapery has made an influential style statement all over the country, but is a strong favorite as one of the most popular window treatments in Portland.
Best for design statement and rooms where the function of light control and energy efficiency are important. Explore fabric options for blackout curtains and thermal fabrics.
#9 Shutters
Interior shutters are created from wood, composite materials or vinyl, with louvers that tilt open and closed. A classic staple in home design, today’s shutters feature incredible design and innovative features. The hidden tilt feature removes the traditional front tilt bar, opening up the view. Our Palm Beach™ shutters even offer motorized tilt of the louvers. Truly customized, plantation shutters feature a built-in, stunning design to coordinate the look of your home.
Plantation shutters are a timeless, yet traditional, choice for any room of the home. Enjoy a boost of energy efficiency, light control and privacy.
At Skyline Window Coverings, we strive to help you select the ideal window coverings for your home. Our window covering specialists can guide you to the style, function and operating features that will help make a style statement in your home, while designing an atmosphere you love. Get in touch with our team for your free, in-home consultation.
Want to Learn More? Explore These Topics:
- Best Window Treatments for Privacy
- Motorized Shades: Everything You Need to Know
- Energy-Efficient Window Coverings for Every Season
