Designers consider window shades and blinds essential for many reasons. But there are so many options — how do you choose the right ones?

Most windows need a little help from window coverings to manage light levels or provide privacy. But sometimes it’s just about making them look their best.

Window coverings “absolutely add a finishing layer to a space,” said Augusta Hoffman, an interior designer in New York. “A room doesn’t feel finished until you add them.”

Usually, the easiest way to add that layer is by installing shades or blinds. But there are so many styles, materials and installation choices available. How do you decide what’s best for your room?

Review Your Options

Roman shades are a designer favorite because they are made of fabric, so they offer a softening look similar to that of curtains, without dragging on the floor or getting caught up in the furniture.

For a more minimalist look, some people prefer a simple roller shade or a cellular.

A more casual, natural-looking option is a woven wood or matchstick shade, which is made with thin strips of wood, bamboo or natural grasses. 

Blinds, on the other hand, are made from individual slats of wood, metal or plastic, rather than a single sheet of material.

Choose Color and Pattern

Once you’ve chosen a type of shade or blind, find a material with the color, pattern or texture you want. If there are eye-catching decorative elements in the room — or if you simply prefer a sense of calm — the best choice could be a solid color that complements the walls.

For a room that needs a little decorative oomph, a material with a contrasting color or expressive pattern may be a better choice. 

How Much Opacity Do You Need?

Different materials block different levels of light. When you’re choosing from a range of options — from thin, light-softening sheers to blackout shades — consider not only how much sunlight the room gets, but also your preferences.

For bedrooms, some people prefer blackout shades, while others like to see a little light as the sun rises. In living rooms with ample sunlight, you may need a material that filters a lot of light, if not a blackout shade; in rooms that don’t get a lot of direct sunlight, a more transparent material is a better choice.

If you plan to buy Roman shades, they can be ordered with a light-filtering or blackout lining to adjust the amount of light they block. Roller and cellular shades are also available in various levels of opacity, and woven wood shades can do the same thing by employing a tighter or looser weave.

Just remember that the more transparent the material, the less privacy the shades will provide at night, so it’s worth looking at them from the street at night, with the lights on.

Consider Using Layers

What if you like the look of one type of shade, but need the functionality of another? In that case, some designers use two layers of window coverings.

Choose the Controls

The more often you open and close your shades or blinds, the more important the controls are. The simplest control is a string-pulling mechanism with a cleat. But these sometimes require a little muscle, and it can take more time to keep them from parking askew. Strings can also become tangled and may pose a safety hazard.

Some window coverings are available with a manual cordless mechanism. Allowing the shade or blind to be raised and lowered with a hand push. Making operation easier while offering a clean, uncluttered look. Another option is a continuous loop mechanism with a beaded chain that cranks the window covering up or down.

Motorized shades and blinds are increasingly popular, though more expensive than manual options. Many manufacturers now offer battery-powered shades and blinds. So the window coverings can be installed without having to run new wiring. The upside is that you don’t need to pull strings or chains.

For extra guidance the professional team of Couvrant, is ready to help you. Get your free consultation here.