Having great windows is a major plus in any home–they add character and provide much coveted natural light. Without window treatments, however, the space will look unfinished.

Window treatment
A window treatment is an element placed on window or windex spray treatment installed to enhance the aesthetics of the window and the room.

Treatments for covering the window may include:

Hard treatments – Hard window treatments are made of hard materials like wood or vinyl.

Window shutters are usually installed into the window frame and are horizontal slats, made either of wood or a poly resin that can either be stationary or tilt. They do not move up and down like blinds but in certain applications can fold across the window.

Types of shutters include:
Wood shutters
Poly resin shutters

Window blinds have louvers which allow one to open to a view without lifting the shade. It allows one to manipulate the light to create a customized feel. The name blinds comes from their use in blocking people from seeing into a home; they essentially “blind the observers view”.

Over time, many new options and designs have developed, including anti-dust features and fabric tapes for blinds.

Types of blinds include:
Wooden blinds
Faux wood blinds (Also known as Plaswood)
Aluminum blinds

Window shades are a piece of fabric which rolls, stacks or folds, opening to a view only when the shade is rolled up. That was the classic definition, now certain shades do allow for “view through”.

Soft treatments are anything made of soft materials.
Curtains
Drapery

Windows are a good place to anchor the room’s overall design and inject your own personal style. Before deciding on a treatment, determine what function the window covering needs to serve and the aesthetic you want it to reflect. Is it for a home office?