Blinds or Shades? Your Guide to Popular Window Treatments in Bothell

There's a lot to consider when you're thinking about remodeling or replacing your window treatments. Take a look at our guide to learn what you need to know about popular window treatments.

How do you dress your windows?

Window treatments are an important part of your home as they blend style with function.

Window treatments add character, dimension, and texture to each room in your home. They let natural sunlight filter in while ensuring privacy when you need it.

When it comes to popular window treatments, there are options for every budget but expect prices to range from $100 to $800 per window.

So, blinds or shades...which are right for your windows? Let's take it room by room.

Blinds vs Shades, Wait...What's the Difference?

Before making any window treatment selections, it's important to know the difference between the two. It helps to think of blinds as a hard window treatment, and shades as being soft and smooth.

Blinds have slats or louvers, which rotate to let in light. Most are made from wood, faux wood, or metal and get controlled by a pull cord.

Shades are a piece of material that gets raised and lowered to control light and privacy. They come in a variety of fabrics and have different opacity levels to filter light.

When open, the shade can stack at the top of the window. Or it can move to the bottom for added privacy while still letting in the light. Roller, Roman, and, Cellular shades are the most common styles.

In need of extra insulation for your home? Cellular shades provide energy efficiency while still looking stylish. They help trap hot and cold air, which can reduce your home's energy costs by up to 20%.

Now, on to how to choose window treatments for each room in your home.

Living and Dining Spaces

Most of your time gets spent in these rooms, and it's also where you will be entertaining guests. So your shades or blinds should be functional while creating a focal point for your windows.

If you want to let in a lot of natural sunlight in these rooms, light or sheer textiles and fabrics are best. Layer blinds or shades with curtains to enhance the design and style of your living and dining room.

If you're going for a traditional look, try a neutral color blind or shade paired with crisp white or soft ivory curtains. Hang those curtains as high to the ceiling as possible and let them reach down to the floor. This will add height and aesthetic to the room.

Colors and patterns of your window treatments should blend well with decor, artwork and furniture layout. You can go simple and classic with bamboo blinds and sheer white curtains. Or decorative with textured shades and colorfully patterned curtains.

Bedrooms

The key to bedroom design is making sure your window treatments match or complement your bedding and decor.

You'll want privacy from blinds or shades and can also add drapery to make a statement. Roman shades also work well in bedrooms. They come in a variety of patterns and textures to add character without using curtains.

Shades with clutch mechanisms make it easy to adjust as needed. They also keep shades even for a clean look. Top down/bottom up shades provide the most control when in need of blocking the light and adding extra privacy.

If you have an impressive view from your bedroom, Venetian blinds blend well without pulling too much focus. Blinds for windows with views should never block a beautiful view.

If you're decorating a nursery, blackout shades are a recommended choice. Pair them with soft curtains for added style. It will help preserve those much-needed naps.

Bathrooms

The most private room in the house, you want the bathroom to be bright, without letting people peek in.

Think about humidity levels and choose materials that will not absorb excess moisture. You'll also want to take into consideration the shower curtain (if you have one) and the decor and theme of your bathroom.

If going with blinds for your bathroom, faux wood, aluminum or vinyl are good options. Plantation shutters are also popular for bathrooms, yet more expensive. Or use a Roman shade in a water-resistant material to add a pop of color.

Honeycomb cellular shades will also keep the right temperature in your bathroom. Letting you enjoy a nice steamy shower or relaxing soak in a bubble bath.

Kitchen

Who doesn't love a bright, sunny kitchen when cooking, cleaning and entertaining?

While window treatments are not always needed in this room, they can add to the design and style quite well. Roman shades are popular and look great hanging above your kitchen sink window. The fabric on these shades looks neat and elegant when rolled up during the day.

Or you can go with a simple valance, paired with woven wood shades or thin blinds for privacy.

Other Rooms of the House

Your office window treatments will depend on what type of environment you work best in. Be sure to keep the sun's glare off your computer screen.

Go dark and moody with beautiful wooden blinds or high opacity shades. Or you can be light and bright with a light simple shade or Venetian blinds.

If your laundry room has windows, try a simple roller shade for easy maneuvering. Pleated shades, faux wood, or mini blinds also work great in these spaces.

Often a part of the kitchen, breakfast nooks can have their windows enhanced with Roman shades in a cheery and colorful pattern. If windows have an arch to them, it may be best to consider a custom installation.

If your home has sliding glass doors, you'll need to go vertical. Try vertical blinds, vertical cellular shades, or woven wood blinds on panel tracks.

Popular Window Treatments to Enhance Style in Your Home

A lot comes into play when picking popular window treatments for your home. You want the curtains, shades, or blinds to blend with the home's design and style while being able to let in light and have your privacy.

Endless retail options are available, or you can go with a custom window treatment design. If installing your own treatments, measure the window width. Measure the distance from either inside the frame or to the edge of your window trim.

For inspiration, look at home design images on Houzz, Instagram or Pinterest.