The 9 Types of Window Treatments You Should Know

In the world of window coverings, there are 9 different types of window treatments. 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
  • Draperies
  • Sheer Shades
  • Blinds
  • Vertical Window Coverings
  • Woven Shades
  • Plantation Shutters
  • Honeycomb Shades

With modern innovations, some of these categories can even be combined in one headrail to create dual function. See specific kinds of window shades for more information.

 

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.

designer roller shades on black framed windows in the corner of a living room
Designer Screen Roller Shades

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.

glass patio doors covered with gray roman shades for trapping heat
Vignette® Modern Roman Shades

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.

custom drapery and roller shades
Custom Drapery with Roller Shades

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.

light diffusing shades next to bench and blanket in Camas, WA
Silhouette® Window Shades

Blinds

One of the most well-known types of window treatments, blinds come in a variety of materials, colors and sizes. We offer three different window blinds, including wooden blinds, aluminum blinds and composite. Each style will offer light control and privacy, while coordinating the look of your home.

detail of slate color horizontal blind next to coffee cup and notebooks
Modern Precious Metals® Blinds

Vertical

For sliding doors and large windows, many homeowners like the idea of vertical blinds and 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.

interior of living room space floor to ceiling window and modern armchairs in West Hollywood, CA
Cadence® Vertical Blinds

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.

Duette honeycomb shades on sliding glass patio doors in Chicago, IL
Duette® Vertiglide Shades

Woven 

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.

detail of custom woven shades in exposed brick apartment building chicago, IL
Provenance® Woven Woods

 

metallic fibers mesh with dark roman shade in Vancouver, WA home office
Provenance® Woven Woods

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.

gray wood shutters on sliding glass door for guest bedroom
Heritance® Hardwood Shutters

Honeycomb

Honeycomb shades, also known as cellular shades, feature a honeycomb-shaped cell, designed to trap air, resulting in incredible energy efficiency.

insulating window treatments duette shades Hunter Douglas Chicago 60611

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.

 

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.