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We are an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. Our goal is to help you make smarter financial decisions by providing you with interactive tools and financial calculators, publishing original and objective content, by enabling you to conduct research and compare information for free - so that you can make financial decisions with confidence. Bankrate has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover.
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Imagine a window that’s just a pane of glass. Pretty bare-looking, right? But humans have an innate need to adorn things. And so they invented window treatments.
What exactly is a window treatment? Admittedly, it’s a bit of decorator-speak that isn’t used much outside of interior design circles. But even if you don’t know the term, you probably know examples — shades, blinds, curtains or shutters.
That’s a varied list, and there are infinite variations within each category, too. Often, the options can seem overwhelming. So here’s a beginners’ guide: a look at the different types of window treatments, what they do, and what to consider when deciding what’ll work in your home.
Technically, a window treatment is any decorative or functional item you hang, attach, or place on or around your window. Decorating and design pros divide window treatments generally into two types: hard and soft, based on the material they’re made of.
As the name suggests, hard window treatments — aka “furniture for windows” — are made of durable material. In the beginning there was wood; nowadays, there are vinyl, synthetic, and even metal options as well.
The two basic styles of hard window treatments are:
Soft window treatments are made of fabric; so if hard treatments are furniture for the window, they could be considered clothing for the window. They, too, fall into two major styles:
You sometimes see shades classified as hard window treatments, due to their substance they’re made of. or example, cellular shades are composed of three-dimensional, geometric cellular air pockets made from insulated synthetics. Then there are shades made of woven woods like bamboo or grasses (an ancient technique in Asia, though relatively new to the West). The technological advances have blurred the boundaries between hard and soft.
The major types of window treatments are intended to cover or expose the glass. But there are some styles that remain in place on top of the window and are purely decorative (though often they serve to hide the hardware).
Again, because of the materials they’re made of, valances are classified as “soft” treatments and cornices as “hard,” though both can work with blinds, shades, drapes and curtains.
Window treatments have been around almost as long as windows themselves have — there’s evidence the Egyptians were using curtains circa 3100 B.C. Slatted blinds have existed since the 18th century.
Which is not to say there haven’t been innovations, including:
The cost of window treatments varies widely depending on the style, technology, material and whether they’re standard or customized. Here’s a breakdown of the average costs of the basic types of window treatments. (All prices courtesy of HomeAdvisor).
Blinds are generally the most affordable. The average cost to buy and install blinds runs between $210 and $1,250 per set.
Shades are a bit more expensive than blinds, but they’re still a good option for those on a budget. The average cost of shades is $200 to $4,800 per window.
Shutters have a wide range: as little as $100 or as much as $8,600 per window. Installation takes longer, so labor costs are higher.
Curtains are the most expensive type of window treatment, since they so often have to be custom-measured and fit. The average cost of curtains runs $250 to $1,500 per panel, plus up to $350 per rod.
Obviously, the options are endless. Here are some of the most popular considerations for window treatments.
Different treatments come with different price points (see above). In general, customized or made-to-measure treatments will cost much more than standard or ready-made ones.
More specifically, you’ll want to consider any additional materials or hardware that may be required for the treatment. For example, if you need to build a track for your curtains, there will be a cost associated with that.
Also, if you want automated or smart windows, you’ll pay a premium — as much as double or triple the cost of the conventional, manual variety.
Window treatments serve three main purposes: to provide privacy, to keep out the light and to add warmth by preventing heat from escaping your home. Blinds and shutters provide the most options in light control, since their louvers can be adjusted (as opposed to curtains and shades, which only open or close). If energy efficiency is important, consider paying more upfront for cellular or solar treatments.
Since each type of window treatment has infinite varieties, generalizations are tricky. Overall, though, shades and blinds tend to have a sleeker, cleaner look — more fitting, some feel, with open layouts and minimalist modern decor. In contrast, curtains and drapes have a softening effect; when drawn, they tend to make a room seem smaller, more cozy — and somewhat fussy and old-fashioned to some eyes. That said, there are sheer and gauzy drapes that look quite contemporary, and patterned, poofy shades that look quite traditional.
As for shutters, they tend to give off a rustic or historic-home vibe. But different woods and finishes can make a big difference, and overall, they offer a unique, customized look.
You don’t have to choose between hard and soft treatments, either. It’s not unheard of for a window to boast both blinds and curtains, for example.
Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. Bankrate is compensated in exchange for featured placement of sponsored products and services, or your clicking on links posted on this website. This compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear. Bankrate.com does not include all companies or all available products.
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