How to Buy Window Treatments

Window treatments are a great way to add some personality and style to your home. But with so many options out there, it can be tough to know where to start.

Don’t worry. At Sunny Shutters, we’re whipping up a quick guide on how to buy the right window treatments for your home in Toronto.

Ready? Let’s go.

Consider your window type (size and shape)

Before you start looking for window treatments for your home, you need to start on the inside. Take a look at your own windows and note their shape and size – this will help you with choosing a design in the store.

The most common types of window shapes are:

• Double- and single-hung windows: Most traditional type, sliding vertically from the bottom upward.
• Sliding windows: Often seen in kitchens and bathrooms, these slide horizontally from the side.
• Casement windows: They open like doors, attached to a frame, and hinged on one side.
• Awning windows: They open from the bottom up and hinge at the top.
• Palladian windows: This style contains three vertical window panes separated by mullions (vertical bars).
• Bow or Bay Windows: These are curved and larger than other window types.
• Fixed-pane windows: Of course, there are stationary or fixed glass panes that don’t open at all.

What is your goal with the window treatment?

After you consider the shape of your windows, you’ll need to think about your functional needs. Why do you want window treatment in the first place?

Your reasons might be one or some of the following:

• UV blocking capabilities: South-facing windows will likely flood your home with natural light. It may sound nice, but trying to watch TV or work with the sun in your eyes isn’t. Ultraviolet rays can damage carpets and furniture, too. For blocking or diffusing sunlight, blinds or solar shades are probably the most suitable choices.
• Aesthetics: Maybe your window treatment needs are more decorative. You can breathe new life into a tired space with a new set of curtains, especially if you live in a rental with limited options. You could also customize the color of your shutters, shades, or blinds to complement your wall. You get the gist.
• Privacy first: Whether you need to control the amount of light coming into your home or block onlookers from peeking in, blackout drapes or cellular shades are the perfect solutions.

What are my window treatment options?

OK, now let’s talk about your options for window treatment. Anyone who’s browsed the many window treatments available knows that they come in a variety of styles and materials. The material choices are rather personal, based on a homeowner’s taste and end goal.

Let’s go over each of them.

• Typically made thin from sheer cotton or polyester, they’re often very light and serve more of an aesthetic purpose than a functional one – imagine vibrantly patterned cafe curtains covering the kitchen window or a see-through pair in the bedroom.
• Typically made from velvet, silk, linen, cotton, and polyester, a drape is essentially a thicker, heavier curtain. Usually, they have an additional lining, so they are perfect for blocking out light. To darken a room, choose a blackout material or add a blackout lining to your drapes.
• Window shutters. Made from real wood, faux wood, or vinyl, these are often installed outside the window frame (in the case of vinyl) or inside (in the case of most other materials). They can be closed to block light and provide lots of privacy. You can also paint them any color you like!
• Window blinds. Made from several horizontal (or vertical) slats of wood, vinyl, or aluminum, these offer moderate privacy and light control. They come in many styles: smooth and contemporary-looking faux wood blinds, motorized ones that can be programmed to open and close at certain times, vinyl blinds in vibrant colors, etc.
• Made from cotton, polyester, linen, and bamboo fabrics or vinyl, these come in many colors and styles. Shades are typically installed inside the window frame. The most popular styles are roman shades (typically decorated at both the bottom and top) and roller shades (similar to drapes, but they only cover the lower half of the window). They’re best for temperature and light control.

Need some help with window treatment for your Toronto home? Talk with us for FREE.

Sunny Shutters is a Toronto-based company specializing in high-quality window coverings and associated products.

If you need an expert opinion on which kind of window treatment works best for your home, then give us a call at 647 857 8669 or shoot us a message to schedule a free in-home consultation (following COVID-19 safety guidelines)!