Follower Request: Window treatments that won't break the bank

A few months ago now probably (sorry for the delay!), I had a follower request a blog post on window treatments that aren't hideous and won't break the bank. This has come up a few times in the last few months, actually, so I felt like it was probably something that a lot of people would like to see!!

When we moved into our house, the window treatments on every single window on the first floor had been hand made by the previous owner. They were not exactly my style, but I slapped on some paint (they used to be unpainted wood) and decided to live with it for a while.

You can see them in this picture of our living room. They aren't HORRIBLE by any means, but they definitely are not my preferred style and they definitely don't vibe with the rest of the house that well.

Do you remember the transformation in the primary bedroom at our SaddleShack project when I installed windows in there? It made such a huge difference.

Window treatments CAN make a huge difference, but they can also be really expensive. When to use curtains (like we did in the SaddleShack project) vs blinds is also confusing for many! So here's a breakdown of what to use where, and also a round-up of my favorite of each type at a variety of price points.

Curtains vs Blinds vs Shades

First of all, blinds, shades and curtains are all different, and not an exhaustive list of what you can put on a window. There are also shutters, which is basically what we have now, but I only have so much time so I'm going to try to keep it to basics. Starting with, what is the difference between curtains, blinds and shades?

Curtains are fabric that usually hangs on either side of the window. They can be various lengths, but usually either the length of the window, or extending to the floor.

Blinds and shades are typically installed within the trim of the window. Shades are a full panel covering, whereas blinds are individual slats that can be adjusted to let more or less light in.

WHEN TO USE WHAT

Window treatments CAN make a huge difference, but they can also be really expensive. When to use curtains (like we did in the SaddleShack project) vs blinds is also confusing for many! So here's a breakdown of what to use where, and also a round-up of my favorite of each type at a variety of price points.

Curtains vs Blinds vs Shades

First of all, blinds, shades and curtains are all different, and not an exhaustive list of what you can put on a window. There are also shutters, which is basically what we have now, but I only have so much time so I'm going to try to keep it to basics. Starting with, what is the difference between curtains, blinds and shades?

Curtains are fabric that usually hangs on either side of the window. They can be various lengths, but usually either the length of the window, or extending to the floor.

Blinds and shades are typically installed within the trim of the window. Shades are a full panel covering, whereas blinds are individual slats that can be adjusted to let more or less light in.

WHEN TO USE WHAT

Blinds

Blinds are hard window coverings made up of slats or board-like pieces. You can usually close or open them with a cord. Blinds are perfect in rooms like bathrooms, closets and the kitchen where the goal is simply to block out some sun and gain privacy.

Shades

Shades are a softer material, often vinyl or fabric, and are great in bedrooms because of their ability to completely block out light. We also love them in smaller living spaces, where curtains would be overwhelming. In a bedroom we might pair a roller shade with a curtain, to get maximum darkening with the style of drapery.

Curtains and Drapery

Curtains (drapery when it's a heavy material) are best for larger rooms, where you really want to make a statement. Available in basically any texture and fabric, curtains, or drapery, can really leave an impact on a room. They can help cover up design-flaws like our SaddleShack bedroom above, and can cover all or only a portion of a window.