There are so many different types of window and door treatments that choosing the right ones can be difficult or even stressful. Depending on the type of treatments you install, they can be smart or remote-controlled, add stylish flair, block light, provide privacy, dampen noise, and more.

Knowing your options, shopping around, and making an informed decision based on the needs you’ve identified for your home can help make the experience of buying window and door treatments more satisfying and successful overall.

What Function Should Your Window and Door Treatments Serve?

Window and door treatments do a lot more than decorate the glass. They can serve a variety of functions based on your needs. Ask yourself, what functions should your treatments serve before deciding which ones to buy. Knowing your goals can help you make the right selection.

Privacy. Most window treatments provide privacy of some kind, but some far more than others. If privacy is a goal of yours, consider that this can be achieved with a sheer curtain alone. Dark colors and thick fabrics are not needed to achieve privacy, and may set a dark tone indoors.

Light blocking. Light blocking curtains can be useful in the bedroom and guest rooms, as well as any other room where it’s important to block light (like in a home theater). For best results, look for curtains that are specifically labeled “blackout curtains,” to ensure best results.

Sound blocking. Soundproof curtains are a great feature in a bedroom where loud neighbors or loud landscaping tools are constantly getting in the way of good sleep. As with blackout curtains, it’s best to look for some curtains that specifically claim to block sound. Although many types of curtains can do this a little bit, not all curtains do it well.

Smart or remote treatments. Smart blinds or remote controlled window treatments make it easier to close curtains and block light, even when a window is difficult to access. This is a good option for windows that have been placed high up, or if you have mobility problems that prevent you from easily closing and opening your window treatments. Using smart window treatments is good for security as well, because your system can be programmed to automatically close and open window treatments to make your home look occupied, even when it’s not.

Is It a Window Or A Door?

One of the things to consider when trying to buy new treatments is whether you’re buying treatments for house windows or a door, or both. Decorative front doors and other door types often need a special type of curtain rod, so if you’re buying for doors, you’ll have to keep this in mind. For example, French door curtain rods may be necessary for installing on doors. These curtain rods are narrow enough to fit on a door and only have one rod for one curtain panel.

Also, remember that doors and windows may have a visual relationship inside the room, and should be dressed up with treatments at the same, in coordinating treatments. Buying fixtures for only one and not the other may require you to buy all new treatments in the future, should you decide that you would like both to be dressed in the same materials and styles.

What Colors and Materials?

Colors and materials play an important role in your home’s window and door treatments. The colors and materials you choose should coordinate with the colors and materials found elsewhere in your home. While the colors don’t have to match exactly, coordinating them with colors in the walls, floors and furnishings helps to create continuity that makes your home more attractive.

Not sure which colors are right for your home? Or perhaps the colors in your rooms change periodically? If so, a neutral color may be more appropriate for your home’s window and door treatments. Neutral colors like beige, gray, cream and black are easy to match with a range of colors, and even if you change the colors of your home’s decor, these neutral colors will continue to look just as good regardless.

Keep in mind that the materials that you choose for your window treatments can impact their functionality. Some materials are more see-through than others, for example. If it’s your goal to allow light to filter into your house while maintaining your privacy, a sheer material is the most sensible approach. If your goal is to block light and sound while ensuring privacy, look for a product that advertises sound and light blocking. You’ll need a much thicker material.

Some Tips

When you’re trying to find window or door treatments for your home, these tips can help make the process easier and more successful.

• Shop around. Don’t buy the first pair of window or door treatments that you find. Instead, shop around with a variety of suppliers until you find the treatments that exactly match what you were looking for.
• Measure twice. Measure all windows and doors twice before buying treatments. Measuring twice can prevent mistakes.
• Hire professionals if it makes you more comfortable. You don’t have to be the one to hang your window and door treatments. For the most professional look, hire a professional handyman or someone who specializes in installing window treatments.
• Switch window treatments periodically. Once you’ve installed window treatments you like, you may choose to keep them up for a few years. However, it’s good to switch out your old window treatments for new ones every few years. Switching window treatments periodically can help keep your home looking its best.
• Follow care instructions. Wash your window treatments once annually. Follow all treatment care instructions for washing and drying.

Keep Your House Windows and Doors Looking Their Best

Window and door treatments help your windows and doors look their best, by bringing the focus back to this important part of your home. Therefore, choosing the best treatments is important. Exploring various options, adhering to care instructions, and selecting window and door treatments that complement the room’s color scheme and decor are crucial steps to guaranteeing a well-coordinated, aesthetically pleasing, and seamlessly designed home.