Today’s window treatments serve a MULTITUDE OF PURPOSES

By Andrea Busche

Just a few short decades ago, there weren’t many choices when it came to window treatments. Mini blinds, curtains, and the simple pull-down shade dominated the market. And, while there have always been fun fabrics to choose from, window treatments of yore were designed primarily for functionality – that is, to keep our private lives private after the sun went down.

Today’s window treatments serve a variety of purposes. Privacy, décor, energy-efficiency, safety, and even automation are now common considerations. Blackout shades help allow a better night’s sleep, while automatic, remoteoperated window treatments make a carefree addition to any home. Certain types of shades are energy-efficient, while top-down/bottom-up “lifting systems” provide privacy while still allowing plenty of sunlight to stream in from the upper half of the window.

Madelyn Hiltner is an interior designer who specializes in window treatments at Duluth’s Bradley Interiors. She helps us break it all down, and shares some of the popular choices when it comes to all things window treatments, including styles, colors, safety, automation and more.

Trends

“Most people are looking for privacy or energy-efficiency,” Hiltner said of her customers. “More and more are also asking about drapery, as well, which is unusual, since drapes were going out of style. But with the new fabrics, which add extra coziness to a room, drapes are coming back.”

When it comes to colors, neutrals are hot.

“Ninety-nine percent of people want their window treatments in neutral shades,” Hiltner said. “Whites, beiges, greys, and ‘greiges’ are really popular right now.”

Energyefficiency

Does your home have drafty windows? The style of window treatments you select can help address this issue.

“There is a product called honeycomb

Contributed Photo shades (also called cellular shades), which are great for drafty windows,” Hiltner said.

“These types of window treatments have four layers of fabric that the air has to pass through. Air doesn’t pass through these pockets, or ‘honeycombs,’ as easily.” In addition to keeping the cold air out, honeycomb shades can also help keep your rooms cool in the summer.

Privacy and sleep

Blackout shades, also known as roomdarkening shades, are constructed of fabric that blocks all incoming light. While these are a great choice for bedrooms, Hiltner wouldn’t recommend them for other areas of the home.

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