Window design is something that usually doesn’t get the attention that it should. Usually the window coverings are one of the last considerations a homeowner makes, but it is an expense that is necessary and usually not cheap. If you are wondering what type of window treatment to use where, it can become a little overwhelming to search for the right window covering that will save your home’s energy efficiency and maintain your privacy and ambiance. Window treatments can either enhance or tank your best decorating efforts. So putting some real thought into which one is best for your space is critical. 

The first decision that you have to make is if you want to go with curtains, blinds, or shutters. They all have their own advantages and disadvantages. Curtains can add texture to a room, and you have several materials and styles to choose from. The drawback is that they have a tendency to accumulate dirt and dust, so if you have allergies they might not be the best option. They also add a fancier look. If you are a minimalist, then curtains might not be the best choice.

Shutters are beautiful and are an excellent way to increase the energy efficiency of your home. Although they come in different materials, shutters will probably be your most expensive option. So if you have a limited budget for a blinds installer, then you might want to stay away from the shutter options. Not only are the shutters themselves expensive, but the installation is generally more involved and will definitely require that you hire a professional instead of doing it yourself.

Why blinds might be your best option

When it comes to window treatments, blinds are the best overall decision if you want your decor to speak for itself. Window blinds offer you the privacy you crave in areas like your bedroom, and the clean, crisp look that you want anywhere from your living room to your kitchen. Available in many varieties and price ranges, the first thing you have to determine is whether you want to order them custom-made, or if you want to try to do it yourself and buy them retail, either online or from your local home improvement center. 

The advantage to ordering them custom-made is that there is less room for error. When you order them from a custom blind company, they not only come with samples, they also measure the windows, order them, and then once the blinds arrive, they come and install them. They offer a pretty simple way to dress your windows up, and reduce the risk that you measure wrong and are left paying for window blinds that you either can’t use or you have to cut. If you are someone who isn’t very home-improvement-inclined, the additional price of hiring someone to customize your blinds might be the best option.

If you get stuck with blinds that you can’t use or have someone come in after the fact, the cost can increase quickly and you may end up paying more than if you had just gone custom from the start. So if you are a true window covering newbie, then you might want to consider ordering custom blinds and letting someone else do the work.

If you think that you can do it yourself, however, then ordering them and installing them yourself can come with some significant savings. There are several websites where you can order your blinds, and they will walk you through the process of measuring and installing to reduce the chances that you will get it wrong. 

If you choose to go to your local do-it-yourself center, as much as 75% of all the blind sizes that you will need for your home will be in stock and available. That means that you don’t have to wait weeks to have blinds installed. In most instances, you can buy them and have them up in a day.

Although window treatments are typically an afterthought, the type that you choose usually defines the space and either enhances or distracts from your decor. If you want to keep things inexpensive and you have a do-it-yourself type of attitude, then blinds might be your best option.