Selecting a Window Covering
How to select the right window covering for
your home
From comfort to convenience to aesthetics and durability, every aspect of what you expect from a window covering needs to be
well-considered before you purchase your new blinds and shades.
Whether you're working with a designer or selecting window coverings on your own, start by determining your functional needs, followed by your decorative needs. Printable planning checklist.
Functional Needs
- How will the space be used?
For working, relaxation, entertaining, formal or informal activities?
- Will there be children and/or pets in the room?
If so, be sure to consider cordless products for safety purposes.
- Do you need privacy?
How safe and secure you feel in your home may be directly related to your window treatments. We offer a complete range of products in a variety of privacy levels, from sheer to total privacy. Plus, some rooms may require more privacy than others, such as bedrooms and bathrooms.
- What is the window's exposure?
If it has a southern or western exposure, the room could heat up more than you want, or the glare could fade furnishings and affect viewing of your TV or computer. We have many energy-efficient products designed to eliminate these concerns.
- How much light control do you need?
If light control is an issue, consider horizontal or vertical blinds — you can redirect the light or change the complexion of a room by rotating or tilting the slats or louvers.
- Do you want to maintain a view?
Consider the Bottom Up/Top Down option available on cellular, roman, pleated and natural shades. It allows you to lower the shade from the top to let in natural light while retaining the view and still providing necessary privacy.
- Do you open the window frequently, or want easy access for cleaning?
Always consider the function of the window as well as the design. If you are opening and closing the window often, wood blinds may be too heavy and while they are beautiful, you may wish to consider a lighter blind or shade.
- Are there interfering factors that may affect the window or architecture?
Consider window cranks, window air conditioners, baseboard heaters, light switches, wall sockets, crown moldings, beams, chair rails, etc.
Consider your decorative needs.
- What is the overall mood you wish to convey?
Casual, comfortable, elegant, sophisticated?
- Are the windows the focal point of the room, or are they a component of
the background?
- What colors, textures and patterns do you prefer?
- What size is the room? How many windows in the room and are all the windows the same shape?
If you have a room with both windows and doors, consider using vertical blinds with coordinating 2" horizontal blinds. Several of our products come with specialty shapes, such as arches and various geometric shapes, as well.
Once you've answered these questions, you're ready to start your window fashion journey! We have the right solution for your window covering needs.
We have a variety of tools to help make your decision easier:
