When it comes to saving energy and protecting your home’s interior finishes, window coverings are an excellent choice. Whether you live in a cozy desert home or a mountain retreat, covering your windows can make a significant difference. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of window coverings available and their unique benefits.
Types Of Interior Window Coverings
The following list highlights the top five types of interior window coverings, from most expensive to least expensive:
Shutters
Cellular Shades
Roll Shades
Blinds or Mini Blinds
Vertical Blinds
Shutters
Shutters are a popular choice for their elegance and functionality. They’re typically made from basswood, a lightweight and stable wood that’s easy to work with. Rod DiGiovanni, a certified partner of Rosie on the House, recommends shutters for their ability to insulate and protect interior finishes. “Shutters can be painted or stained to match any room’s décor,” he says. To provide additional benefits, shutters have a frame that attaches to the wall around a window, creating an air pocket that helps insulate the space. This feature, combined with the frame, helps keep heat in or out. One modern feature, Clear View Tilt, allows for a more modern aesthetic. Instead of a center tilt rod, you tilt one louver, and the others follow. This design is becoming increasingly popular, and Rod suggests it for its sleek look.
Cellular Shades
Cellular shades, also known as pleated shades, offer excellent insulation quality. The two layers of pleating create two air pockets: one within the shade itself and the other between the window glazing and the outer shade. This design helps reduce heat transfer and keeps your home more comfortable. Rod recommends using a reflective, light color on the outside and an accent color on the inside to create a unique look. “The possibilities are endless,” he says, highlighting the versatility of cellular shades.
Roll Shades
Roll shades are a popular choice for their ease of use and versatility. They come in various fabric materials, including solid and opaque, as well as mesh and transparent options. The fabric winds up into a roll at the top of the window, making it easy to manage. Rod suggests using motorized shades for high and hard-to-reach windows or larger expanses of glass. Automated shades come with a handheld remote and are controlled through the motor. The rolled-up fabric is often exposed on smaller shades, and a housing unit can be installed for larger shades.
Blinds or Mini Blinds
Blinds, also known as Venetian blinds, feature horizontal slats that stack. The main difference between blinds and mini blinds is the width of the individual slats. Venetian blinds have 2″ wide slats, while mini blinds have 1″ wide slats. Both types of blinds offer adjustable features, allowing you to control the light coming through the window. When the slats are vertical, they can shut out most of the light.
Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds have slats that hang vertically from a track at the top or head of the window opening. They’re often made from vinyl and tend to be heavy-duty. Rod recommends vertical blinds for their ability to shut out light and provide long-lasting protection. Important Change in Window Covering Mechanics
A significant change in the mechanics of opening and closing window coverings has occurred due to legislation. Chords are no longer used, and new mechanisms have been introduced.
Pricing
The cost of window coverings varies depending on the type, size, and shape of the window. Shutters are generally the most expensive option, followed by roll shades. Vertical blinds are often considered the low-cost alternative. Rod compared the cost of a roller shade and vertical blind for the same opening, finding that vertical blinds were about half the cost.
Conclusion
Window coverings offer a wide range of benefits, from energy efficiency to protection of interior finishes. By understanding the different types of window coverings available and their unique features, you can make an informed decision when choosing the right solution for your home. Whether you’re looking to reduce energy bills or enhance your home’s décor, window coverings are an excellent choice.
