Wonderful Windows: Choosing Window Treatments

When you’re decorating an entire home or simply refreshing one room, it’s natural to focus on the big elements, such as paint colors, furniture, and lighting. But one of the most overlooked elements (and one of the most impactful) is window treatments.

They’re the finishing layer that can make a room feel polished and complete. Maybe it’s easier to reuse what was already in place, or perhaps choosing the best type and style feels daunting. Let’s break down where to start.

Begin with Function First

Considering how you need the treatments to function takes priority. Go throughout the home and, for each room, answer these questions: 

• How much light do I want? Do you want soft, filtered light? Total blackout? Or flexibility throughout the day?
• Do I need insulation or energy efficiency? Certain treatments can help regulate temperature and reduce energy costs.
• What’s the visual goal? Clean and minimal? Soft and layered? A little drama?
• What’s my budget? Especially with drapery, fabric yardage adds up quickly, so this is a good place to prioritize where you want to invest.

Consider Different Types of Treatments

There are dozens of window treatments out there, but let’s look at the most popular ones: 

• Blinds:  Blinds are often the most practical and budget-friendly option. They’re made of slats that tilt open and closed, giving you more control over light without fully raising or lowering the treatment. They’re especially useful for sliding-glass door (vertical blinds) or secondary spaces (like the home office) where function is the priority. While they may not always be the most decorative option, they can absolutely be layered with drapery to elevate the look.
• Drapery (Curtains):  If you want softness, texture, and a more robust look, drapery is a timeless choice. It’s incredibly versatile and can work in almost any style of home, from relaxed and casual to more tailored and formal. And with thousands of fabric choices available, drapery is a great way to add color, pattern and texture to a room (like adding another piece of art to a wall). You can go light and airy with sheers, or opt for blackout panels for better sleep. When possible, order fabric swatches so you can see the material in your space first. 
• Shades:   If your style leans a bit more clean and tailored, shades may be for you. They typically sit neatly within the window frame and offer a more streamlined look than drapery. And there’s no shortage of styles from which to choose, including Roman, woven, cellular, solar, and roller. Shades also come in a variety of materials, such as bamboo, wood, paper, and many non-fabric materials, which can be easier to clean, making them a great choice for kitchens and bathrooms. Many of the materials used to make shades don’t hold onto dust, pollen, or dirt the way fabric can.

What Works Where

Window treatments don’t have to be the same in every room; in fact, they usually shouldn’t be. A popular combination includes drapery in living rooms and bedroom, woven shades in kitchen, Roman shades in family room, and blinds in home offices. 

Do They All Have to Match?

Absolutely not! But they should all coordinate to provide a cohesiveness as you move from room to room. As long as there’s a consistent thread, such as color, tone, or material, the home will feel connected from room to room.

Window treatments are one of those elements that quietly transform a space. If you’re unsure where to start, focus on function first, then layer in style. And don’t be afraid to mix solutions throughout your home; often, it’s what makes a space feel the most thoughtful.

I’d love to see your window treatments! Tag me on social media @saltwood.interiors. 

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Christine S. Cowles is the owner of Saltwood Interiors, an interior design company specializing in residential and vacation rental properties. She is a certified Short-Term Rental Stylist^TM, member of Santa Barbara Association of Realtors, and a proud WEV graduate. She can be reached at design@saltwoodinteriors.com.