The Essential Guide to Choosing Window Coverings

Photo Emily Minton Redfield

The world of window coverings is layered and beautiful. Not only can window coverings boost the overall comfort level, function and efficiency of your home, they can contribute to its mood and ambiance. When intentionally curated, window coverings can also enhance the overall design of the home. Here, we look at essential questions to ask when choosing window coverings for your home.

Are the windows worth covering?

If you are tackling a renovation project, spending thousands of dollars on beautiful new window coverings that’ll most likely need to be replaced in the near future might not be the best idea. That’s why asking if existing windows are in good enough shape are worth investing in updating.

Photo David Lauer

If so, how do I begin?

If you’ve decided to embark on choosing new window coverings, the next step is to closely examine how you live in your home. Feeling comfortable in your home requires a balance between light and privacy. What kind of lighting do you prefer—bright and sunny, filtered and hazy, or dark and moody? How do you like to sleep? Do you prefer total darkness or to coordinate your sleep pattern to the natural rhythms of the sun and moon?

How much privacy do you crave?  Is your home in close proximity to neighbors? Does the picture window in your primary bedroom face the street? Do the streetlights shine directly into your children’s rooms? Are you situated ideally on open space or have acres of unobstructed views? All of these factors can strongly influence your choices.

Photo David Lauer

How do I narrow down the options?

When it comes to window coverings, there are an unbelievable number of options to choose from. From blinds (wood, metal, vertical), shades (cellular, solar, roman, woven) and shutters, to drapery, tints and frosts, there are several possibilities. The question then becomes asking which option or combination will function best in your home? In addition to different functional forms, window coverings come in a plethora of colors, textures and styles. Whether you’re looking for neutral, organic, grainy or even modern, contemporary, there is a window covering to complement and elevate your home’s design.

Needless to say, having so many options can be overwhelming. After all, window coverings are an important long-term investment and making an educated, informed decision is critical. This might be the time to turn to a professional for guidance, one who’s familiar with the industry and the options available. On the high end, there are professionals who fall under the category of Window Concierge who can lead you through the entire process with ease.

Photo David Lauer

Finally, when do I begin?

Although window coverings create the finishing touch to a home’s design, they shouldn’t be an afterthought. It’s critical to plan for them in the early stages of conceptual design and at the onset of your build or renovation project. Bring in the entire team of professionals, architects, builders and designers, to help tackle the project in its entirety. Each team member brings a different perspective that can be useful. For example, if you are considering motorized window coverings, the team can plan for them to be hard-wired in before the finishing stage. 

Lastly, well-chosen window coverings contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of a home. They can complement the existing décor, add a layer of sophistication and enhance the visual harmony of each room. Just as accessories and jewelry complete an outfit, window coverings act as the finishing touch to a home’s interior design.

Jessica Work is CEO of Blinds Couture, a women-owned local Colorado business. As purveyors of quality custom drapery and window coverings, the Blinds Couture team aims to marry fashion with function, integrating fabrics and textures to create beauty, privacy, and comfort. Visit their website or call 720-729-0091 to schedule a complimentary consultation.

Content provided by Blinds Couture