There’s no denying that in this day and age, there are a lot of choices for virtually anything on the market. Cars, electronics, clothes, shoes, you name it, there are plenty of choices out there. The same goes for window treatments. With so many options for your home, how could you possibly pick the right one to fit not only your needs, but also your budget and what you’re looking for?
Fear not...we’re here to shine some light on your window treatment options and what makes each one great.
Plantation Shutters
Crisp, clean and elegant, the plantation shutter is one of the top picks when it comes to window treatments. Custom made to fit your windows, plantation shutters are versatile, functional and add tremendous value to your home. Typically made from poplar wood, plantation shutters come in various shapes and sizes, colors and sheens, but the most common is the traditional white shutter. Its moveable slats, or louvers, give you the option to keep them open to let light in or closed for privacy. Here are a couple of other reasons why they’re great:
- Can be painted any color, or stained
- Constructed out of one of the best hardwoods on the market
- Custom-built for your home
- Specialty shapes available, including archtops, sunbursts, sliders and French doors
Plantation shutters are a more permanent option, so if you’re looking for something temporary, you may want to look into blinds and shades.
Blinds & Shades
With a myriad of fabrics, colors and styles to choose from, blinds and shades are the second most popular choice when it comes to window treatments. Many different options are available for privacy and light control and also energy savings. Hunter Douglas, one of the top dealers in the country, offers products ranging from basic honeycomb shades to intricate fabric sheers. Motorization is what sets blinds and shades apart from other window treatments, as some products offer the ability to control them from your tablet, smartphone or remote. Some other things we like about blinds are:
- Very customizable with various color and fabric choices
- Sheerness choices available
- Blackout options available
- Top-down, bottom-up options
Compared to plantation shutters, blinds tend to be more affordable, depending on what type you choose. Also, they are less permanent, as most products simply attach to small brackets which can be easily removed if necessary.
PVC Shutters
What makes the PVC shutter unique is that its construction makes it capable of withstanding water, so it’s perfect for showers and other areas of the house that get wet. Made from a rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material and with stainless steel hinges, you won’t have water damage or rust with this product. PVC shutters are also great, because:
- They’re available with or without a frame
- Simple choices: two louver sizes and two color options, white or off-white
- Waterproof
Although not widely used throughout the home, PVC shutters are great for what they’re made for-- areas prone to moisture, so you don’t have to sacrifice look for function.
Draperies
Draperies aren’t as popular as they used to be, but they are still used in some homes. The great thing about draperies is the amount of fabric and color options that you have to choose from. It’s easy to make this a custom look by finding a neat fabric and unique hardware. Oftentimes, bulky and difficult to clean, draperies do add a certain touch of style to the room, and can easily be swapped out for something more modern.
Your Window Treatment Choice
So there you have it...all of the popular choices when it comes to window treatments. Remember, each is great in their own right, so do your research and compare your options. Choose the right fit for your needs, not what the neighbor has next door. Find the product that you like that fits your budget and what you’re looking for, and use this handy guide to help you through the process.
