Interiors by Design

Window Treatments 2021

Everything You Need to Know

By Robyn V. Powell

After a year spent mostly indoors, it’s time to let in some light and fresh air. Refreshing your home’s interior with new window treatments is a step in the right direction! Homeowners are looking to simplify, declutter, and say goodbye to messy and overcrowded living spaces by embracing clean and simple window treatments to create a fresh vibe. Check out the latest trends to discover the best window treatments and welcome positive energy back into your home.

The best window treatment design is a blend of form and function that balances style with privacy, light control, and insulation needs. Many designers are addressing these various requirements by opting for a layered look, like combining a drapery with shades. Drapes hung high and wide will make the window look larger and the room more opulent, while installing a shade inside the window frame offers stylish texture as well as privacy and light control.

Consumers are opting for more organic and textural elements when choosing window treatments. Roller shades, especially those made from natural fibers like bamboo or rattan, are growing in popularity. Matchstick blinds and natural linen curtains have a calming effect, especially when paired with natural hues and soft colors. Tailored styles are also very popular right now. Designers are seeing lots of classic, clean-lined Roman shades that complement modern interiors. Neutrals remain popular, but pops of color such as fresh green are appearing in window fashions.

Classic plantation shutters add streamlined style and function to any space while adding value to your home. Wood and faux wood shutters provide excellent insulation, are easy to clean, and won’t fade like fabric shades and drapes. Composite shutters resist warping and staining and are ideal for high moisture areas such as bathrooms.

While most window treatments offer some energy savings, understanding the various features will help guide your decisions on how to provide optimum energy savings for your home. On average, about 30 percent of a home’s heating energy is lost through windows during cold weather, while about 76 percent of the sunlight that hits windows in summer enters to become heat. Cellular shades have a honeycomb construction that provides maximum insulating properties, reducing the transfer of both heat and cold through the window. Insulated cellular shades are a great choice for significant energy savings while providing style, privacy, and increased home value.

While most of us welcome natural light into our homes, ultraviolet rays from the sun can damage furniture, flooring, and window treatments. Adding UV protection to your window treatments ensures that your possessions don’t suffer from sun damage. Assess your needs and choose the UV-blocking solution that works best with your design plan. For example, blackout lining is very effective at blocking harmful rays and creating a darkened room on demand; they can be ideal for a nursery or daytime sleeping.

Blackout lining is also an excellent insulator because it increases the heat-preserving properties of the window treatment fabric, reducing both heating and cooling costs. Blackout lining can be added into draperies during manufacturing or purchased separately and attached to ready-made items. Manufactured window shades such as honeycomb or pleated shades with a blackout layer on the window side can reduce UV transfer.

Roller sun shades are constructed with mesh fabrics to reduce light transfer and serve as an effective heat shield, helping to keep your energy costs down. Depending on the tightness of the mesh weave, light can be reduced up to 90 percent. Sleek sun shades add refined, modern style while they gently filter light, reduce glare, and maintain a view. They can be installed indoors or on the exterior of your home and can even be operated by remote control.

Window treatments that block UV rays do come at the expense of keeping out natural light. If a bright, sunny space is a priority, window tinting can be one of the best investments you make in your home. Just like tinted windows on cars, a high-quality window tint that will block up to 99 percent of harmful UV rays and protect your interior can be added for a moderate cost. It’s best to bring in an experienced professional to determine your needs and install window tinting.

Whichever window treatments you choose, consider automation. Smart home automation is no longer in the future. It’s happening now! Automated window treatments offer the benefits of safety and convenience. Cordless blinds and shades, which eliminate the need for cords that pose a hazard to children and pets, are becoming standard. Pair window treatments with motorization and have full control with the push of a button. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy the view!

Sources for this article included: houzz.com, energy.gov, and consumerreports.org.