8 questions to ask when choosing window coverings for your new home

As with all decorating and design decisions in your home, planning will help you make the right choices, improving your surroundings both functionally and aesthetically. If you make a list of all the rooms where you need windows coverings and ask yourself the following questions, you will be prepared to select the window coverings that work best for you.

1) Do I need privacy?

We usually need privacy in our bedrooms, unless you’re lucky enough to have a window facing a lush ravine. To accomplish privacy, you can use a single window treatment such as a lined roman blind. Roman blinds provide the beauty of fabric and are best used for narrower windows so they are not too heavy to open.  

Roller shades can be an economical choice and can black-out the room. They work great in kids’ rooms. Use them alone or combine with drapery or a valance. Some roller shades like the one pictured below can be ordered with a custom design.

Privacy can also be achieved with a combination treatment; a blind with drapery panels. The beautiful custom window treatment below delivers a combination of great style and function. The drapery panels provide eye appeal and the blind can be lowered at different times of the day for sun control, or at night for privacy.

2) Do I need sun control?

The sun can be damaging to floors, furniture and artwork. It can also create glare on TV’s and computer screens. A wood blind is one option to protect your furniture from the damaging rays of the sun.

3) Do I want to open my window treatment during the day and close it at night?

If so, you will want to choose an option that opens and closes with little effort. Shutters are a timeless window treatment, easy to operate, and will last for years to come.

4) Do I want to accent the window only?

One of the model homes we designed recently won an Ontario Home Builders’ award for Best Interior Decorating. Drapery treatments are a big part of the overall look of a room. They can soften a window, add ambiance and decorative appeal.

Pictured below is the great room from the model and the sheer fabric accent window treatment used to complement the décor. Note the tie-back selected is a necklace! You too can add your own decorative touches to personalize both ready-made and custom window treatments.

Geranium Homes – Uptownes at Cardinal Point in Stouffville

5) Is energy efficiency a concern?

Solar shades can help keep you cooler in the summer and lower your heating costs during the cooler months. They also reduce glare, while still allowing light to filter into a room. Cellular shades can provide extra insulation and will keep the room warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

6) Do I want an organic eco-friendly product?

The beautiful top-down, bottom-up blind shown below is made from 100% organic materials and is 100% environmentally friendly and recyclable. This blind is semi-transparent, however, can be ordered with a privacy or blackout liner. The top-down, bottom-up allows versatility for privacy and light options.

7) Is motorization an option to consider?

Motorization is great for hard to reach windows and for safety for children and pets. Most window treatments can be motorized and there are various options such as wall switches, remotes, sensors and timers.

8) What is my budget for window coverings?

There are window treatments available for almost any budget. Custom window treatments are more costly but can be well worth the investment. Depending on the window and the window treatment, they can be designed for beauty and functionality, suited specifically to your needs and window.

Don’t have the budget for custom window coverings? There are also semi-custom options available. Below is a picture of semi-custom window panels we chose for a model home. They are a lovely complement to complete the room, adding softness, pattern and colour.

Anderson Enclave - Williamsberg Estates, Pickering

If you have a small budget or are renting, you can still cover your windows attractively. Big box stores often have blinds that can be cut down to fit your windows. Measure carefully before purchasing. Ready-made drapery panels can also be purchased from most department stores.

Window coverings should be considered in the overall design plan of your home. They can improve your lifestyle and add beauty to a room. Remember to consider how your window coverings look from the outside of your home, too. Look for window treatment options on our Pinterest board.

Jo-Ann Capelaci is president and principal interior designer of Colours & Concepts. The award winning company specializes in model homes and colour and upgrade selections for builders. They have been helping new home buyers choose finishes for their homes for over 20 years. Jo-Ann is dedicated to helping new home buyers create a model home feeling in their new home. Look for future articles on other topics to assist in decorating and designing your new home.