Updating your window treatments is an easy and affordable way to give your home a makeover. As an added bonus, some window coverings can even provide protection against drafts and help you save on energy costs. In this article, we’ll review window treatment ideas that you can recreate on your own.

---

Window Treatment Ideas

Whether you’ve just gotten new top-quality windows to replace old ones and need to find new coverings, or you’re looking to update your home decor, you’ll find there are many window treatments to choose from. Each one offers a different look and feel, transforming your space.

1. Double Layers

2. Roman Shades

Roman shades are a classic but rarely used window treatment. They’re ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and areas where you have shorter windows—and they can help prevent the movement of air. Opt for a lightweight fabric that won’t hold moisture if installed in a bathroom, and play around with color and pattern to add visual texture to the room. You can also vary fabric weight based on how much light you want to let in. 

3. Stained Glass

Stained glass provides color, texture, privacy, and personality to a room without sacrificing natural light. You can opt for designed glass panels, multicolored panels, or one cohesive color. If you want to save money or aren’t sure you want to commit to installing new glass, consider using glass paint or adhesive panels for a faux stained glass look. 

4. Sheer Curtains

If you have a room that feels dark or closed off, sheer curtains can help lighten and lift the space to make it feel bigger and more open. You can go with a simple curtain for an airy feel or choose a color or design that lets you express your style without blocking light. 

5. Solar Shades

Solar shades may be a good option if your room has too much sunlight coming in. These shades block UV rays, so consider them if you notice sun damage to your furniture, rugs, or wall art. They’ll also help lower your energy bills by keeping your home cool when it’s hot outside. You can choose from different weights to block your preferred amount of sun, and they come in various styles to suit your aesthetic.

6. Classic Shutters

7. Dramatic Curtains

You may think there’s no point in outfitting a window that’s exceptionally tall or wide, but adding a window treatment can give a room an entirely different feel. Tall curtains that extend to the floor can strike a mood and ambiance, while adding curtains to a particularly wide window can make it feel less stark. 

8. Eye Illusions

Most homebuyers don’t like low ceilings. While your window treatments can’t give a room extra height, they can provide the illusion of it. Try installing your curtain rod close to the ceiling so curtain panels start much higher than the top of the window, making your ceilings appear higher. Don’t go overboard—a foot or so above the window will do. Have your curtains drop below the bottom of the window as well. This will draw the eye upward and create the illusion of wall length. 

9. Valances

Valances may seem outdated, but they’re making a comeback as more young homeowners want to give their homes a traditional, nostalgic feel. Valances look especially great on tall windows and add texture and warmth to a room. If your home feels too modern or stark, adding valances can soften it and add the character of a more traditional space. 

10. Frosted Glass

Similar to stained glass, frosted glass gives you both privacy and plenty of natural light without obscuring the window. This is great for bathrooms or areas that feel dark or cluttered since you don’t have to hang any fabric or blinds to get the privacy you need.

11. Folding Screen

A folding screen is a practical and decorative option for those who don’t want to hang a window treatment. Folding screens add character, color, pattern, and function without the need for tools or a professional installer. They’re a classic way to update a room and impress with an out-of-the-box design choice. 

12. Farmhouse Shutters

Farmhouse shutters may be too bold a choice for all the windows in your home, but a few can provide a rustic, vintage look and allow you to control how much light comes in. This could even be a project you tackle yourself if you’re not afraid of do-it-yourself (DIY) options.

13. Cafe Curtains

Cafe curtains give you the best of both worlds. These provide light on top and privacy on the bottom. The half-panel look can make a room feel more quaint, so many use them in bathrooms or kitchens to give a space a cottage-like look. 

14. Tassel Details

15. Lambrequins

It’s possible you haven’t heard of lambrequins. This design choice can make a room feel both more modern and classically regal at the same time. Hanging a bunch of fabric or loud valances can be overwhelming in rooms that have a lot of windows. Lambrequins sit back into the window, letting you add style without overpowering the room. These are great for formal dining rooms or spaces where you have several windows that would feel too heavy with a bunch of hanging curtains or thick upholstery.

16. Shelves

If privacy isn’t a concern, running two or three minimalistic shelves across a window can break it up without overtaking it. We like this idea for kitchen windows where you may want to have a few potted plants or quick-grab herbs but you don’t have a deep windowsill. 

17. Pleats

You can’t go wrong with a simple pleated curtain to add a finishing touch to a window. You can keep your drapery panels understated or make them bold and eye-catching, but any pleated window treatment will make your window look more finished than plain window blinds. 

18. Seagrass Blinds

Woven seagrass blinds offer light control without adding bulk. We like these for beachy spaces or when you want a more natural feel. They’re a great focal point without being too distracting. 

19. Blackout Curtains or Blinds

Blackout curtains and blinds aren’t just useful for those who need to sleep during the day. They can also change the look and feel of a room. We like these for home theaters and entertainment spaces to not only help darken the room but also give it a more enclosed, at-the-theater vibe. 

20. Bay Window Dressings

---

Our Conclusion

Even if interior design isn’t your thing, there are plenty of ways to transform your home’s look just by switching up your window coverings. These ideas are affordable and don’t require major construction, so you can experiment with different options until you find what suits you. Have fun and make your space your own. Whether you prefer ruffles or vertical blinds, there’s something out there for everyone.

---

FAQ About Window Treatments

What is the current trend in window treatments?

The current trend in window treatments is to hang roller and solar shades. They’re increasingly popular as the market creates more design-focused color and pattern options. Long drapery and layered curtain panels are also making a comeback to give homes a more lush, dramatic feel.

What can I put instead of curtains?

There are many window treatment options instead of curtains, including blinds, valances, Roman shades, shutters, and window films.

What can I cover windows with instead of blinds?

The treatments you can use to cover windows instead of blinds include roller shades, vertical cellular shades, shutters, and drapery. These alternatives cover windows well if you don’t like the look of blinds. 

What is the cheapest way to do window treatments?

The cheapest way to do window treatments is to use fabric blinds, such as roller blinds, Roman shades, and cellular shades. Window clings are also an affordable way to block light and add privacy if you don’t want to commit to a window treatment.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.