I’m always looking for new and creative ways to refresh and update my client’s homes.
One of the easiest and most impactful changes you can make is with window treatments – and window blinds in particular offer a wide range of options to completely transform the look and feel of a space.
Now I want to provide plenty of tips and advice for choosing the right window blinds for each room in your home.
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Wooden Blinds
As for me, I love the warm, natural look of wooden blinds.
They instantly add texture and style to any room.
Wood blinds come in many different stains and finishes – from dark espresso to light natural wood tones.
This makes them versatile to match both traditional and contemporary décor schemes.
I advise considering real wood blinds made from basswood, poplar, or oak.
They will last longer and resist warping better than faux woods.
Look for wooden blinds with a crisp, clean finish and evenly cut slats.
The slats can be tilt to control light and privacy.
For a relaxed cottage or farmhouse feel, try distressed or whitewashed wooden blinds.
In living rooms, wood blinds look striking on the windows flanking a fireplace.
For bedrooms, light airy styles like bamboo or natural wood blinds help create a peaceful sleeping space.
In a kitchen or dining area, darker wood blinds complement granite counters and stainless steel appliances in a more elegant way than plain vinyl or aluminum blinds.
With so many options, it’s easy to find wood blinds that suit your personal style.
I always encourage clients to invest in real wood over faux wood for superior quality that will last for years to come.
Don’t underestimate the difference the right wooden blinds can make in giving your home a refreshed new perspective.
Faux Wood Blinds
For those wanting the look of real wood at a lower cost, faux wood blinds are a great option.
As an interior designer, I often recommend high-quality faux woods that mimic the natural wood grain patterns.
Made from synthetic materials like vinyl, plastic, or a wood/plastic composite, today’s faux wood blinds can closely approximate the beauty of real wood.
I advise selecting faux wood blinds with a realistic finish that avoids an obviously fake plastic look.
The slats should be thick and sturdy, with deep grain texture.
Opt for wider 2 or 2.5 inch slats over thin, flimsy ones.
When choosing faux wood blinds, look for durable materials resistant to cracking, peeling, and fading.
Faux wood blinds are ideal for kitchens and bathrooms where moisture can damage real wood over time.
The easy-wipe surface makes them simple to keep clean in family-friendly areas.
For contemporary styled rooms, the uniform man-made texture of faux woods lends a sleek unified look.
I often recommend white faux wood blinds for a bright and cheery cottage vibe as well.
While they lack the rich beauty of real wood, today’s faux wood blinds mimic it more affordably.
With smart shopping, you can find high-quality vinyl and composite blinds with convincing wood-like details to refresh your rooms.
I advise carefully reading reviews and comparing samples before purchasing to ensure a realistic faux wood style you’ll love.
Vinyl Blinds
Vinyl blinds offer an inexpensive way to refresh your windows that I often recommend to clients on a budget.
Made from durable PVC vinyl, these blinds feature thin slats similar to aluminum blinds.
However, vinyl blinds have a softer, more flexible feel and come in many colors.
I advise vinyl blinds for areas where a low-maintenance, moisture-resistant window treatment is needed.
Bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens will all benefit from vinyl blinds that can be easily wiped clean as needed.
The vinyl material also resists mildew, fading, and cracking over time.
Look for vinyl blinds with sturdy headrails, quality lift cords, and smooth slats that won’t warp.
When purchasing, consider upgraded hardware and features like cordless lifting.
Choose from glossy or matte vinyl finishes in white, black, tan, grey and more.
I often recommend neutral hues for universal appeal, but don’t be afraid to make a bold color statement too!
Vinyl blinds offer an inexpensive way to quickly update your windows.
I advise taking precise measurements and ordering custom fit blinds for the cleanest look.
With smart shopping, vinyl blinds can refresh your home’s style with hardly any investment.
Don’t overlook their potential to reinvigorate a room’s atmosphere with color, privacy, and soft light control.
Aluminum Blinds
Aluminum blinds are a classic choice that provides a clean, modern look.
As an interior designer, I often recommend aluminum blinds to clients wanting an unfussy style for contemporary rooms.
The thin metal slats have a sleek, uniform appearance perfect for a minimalist aesthetic.
When shopping for aluminum blinds, look for durable slats that are at least .006 inches thick to resist bending.
Wider 1-inch slats maintain crisp lines, while smaller .5-inch slats offer more flexibility for arched windows.
I advise blinds with an electrostatic baked enamel finish that won’t flake or fade over time.
Aluminum blinds work well in homes with large windows to provide privacy without dominating the room.
Adjust the slats to permit soft filtered light.
I love using black aluminum blinds in bedrooms for a cool, relaxing vibe.
Or go for bold hues like navy, hunter green, or copper to make a vibrant style statement.
To refresh a room, consider wide aluminum Venetian blinds grouped into visually striking paned configurations.
Clean metal blinds in neutral white or silver shades also keep the focus on your decor.
With their pared down aesthetic, aluminum blinds easily refresh rooms in need of a contemporary facial lift.
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Bamboo Blinds
For clients wanting a natural look, I frequently recommend bamboo blinds.
Bamboo is an eco-friendly renewable resource that offers the elegance of wood without heavy moisture damage concerns.
The reedy, informal texture and warm blonde tone of bamboo compliment both rustic and Asian-inspired interiors.
Bamboo blind slats can be left unfinished, stained, or painted.
Look for varieties with sturdy braided cords over flimsy plastic ones.
When purchasing bamboo blinds, buy them custom sized to your windows to get a flawless fitted look.
I also advise bamboo blinds with cordless lifting features for added safety and easy operation.
In kitchens and dining rooms, slatted bamboo blinds lend an organic feel when raised to let in cheerful daylight.
For living rooms, try sophisticated woven bamboos with a linen-like texture.
Bamboo blinds work equally well in contemporary environments when incorporated creatively.
With prices comparable to real wood, bamboo is an affordable way to get natural style.
As a designer, I’m always delighted by the relaxed yet elegant ambiance bamboo window blinds provide.
If you crave the warmth of wood without the maintenance, bamboo blinds are a fantastic way to refresh your home’s atmosphere.
Roman Shades
Roman shades offer soft folds that create beautiful draped window treatments perfect for bedrooms and living spaces.
Typically made from fabrics like linen, cotton, velvet, or silk, the gathered effect provides dimension and texture.
As an interior designer, I advise roman shades for rooms wanting a polished, elegant look.
The tailored folds create an upscale appearance, unlike casual roller shades.
Choose roman shades in muted solid hues or subtle patterns to craft a peaceful sanctuary in your home.
Look for high-quality fabrics and sturdy reinforced backing for long-lasting wear.
In family rooms, lightweight linen or cotton roman shades provide casual sophistication.
For bedrooms desiring a romantic ambiance, select lush fabrics like silk or velvet.
I recommend roman shades mounted inside the window frame to optimize the draped effect.
Uniquely shaped windows also benefit from the adjustable gathered silhouette of roman shades.
Roman shades require more effort to raise than blinds, but their beauty enhances windows in unforgettable ways.
For an updated yet classic look that never goes out of style, few treatments rival gracefully draped roman shades.
Make the most of your windows by adding this touch of tailored refinement.
Roller Shades
Roller shades offer my go-to recommendation for streamlined window solutions.
Consisting of a rolling sheet of fabric or faux wood slats, roller shades slide up and down neatly with minimal fuss.
I advise them for simplified window dressing that still adds beauty and privacy.
As an interior designer, I appreciate the clean look of unfussy roller shades.
They lend rooms an approachable, contemporary feel when done right.
Stick with neutral solids or simple patterns on the fabric for the most versatile style.
For bedrooms and media rooms, choose light-blocking fabrics in darker hues.
Look for details like hemmed edges and reinforced hems for durability.
I recommend spring-loaded rollers designed to prevent sagging over time.
Upgrade to motorized or remote-control shades if your budget allows for ultimate convenience.
I also advise ordering custom-fit roller shades whenever possible.
For kitchens, baths, and laundry areas, consider moisture-resistant vinyl roller shades that handle splashes and steam well.
Affordable paper roller shades work nicely in offices or kids’ rooms too.
With minimal presence, roller shades refresh your windows in clean, contemporary ways.
Sheer Shades
To softly diffuse incoming light, I frequently advise sheer shades.
These gauzy rolled shades allow sunlight to filter in while obscuring views.
I recommend sheer shades when you want illumination without sacrificing all privacy.
Look for finer sheer fabrics like silk organza versus polyester for the most elegant effect.
Cotton, linen, and bamboo sheers offer natural texture too.
I advise mounts that fully recess the rolled fabric into the window frame for a streamlined look.
For extra privacy at night, consider combination shades with optional blackout layers.
In living rooms and dens, hang sheer shades high to welcome daylight while obscuring views below.
For bathrooms, sheer vinyl shades maintain humidity resistance and a crisp appearance in steamy environments.
In bedrooms, try breeze-billowing sheer curtains on rods for an ethereal romantic vibe.
Sheer roller shades offer the perfect halfway point between exposed windows and heavy blackout shades.
With the right sheer materials, they maintain visible lightness while refreshing your rooms.
If you crave privacy without shutting out the sun, sheer shades are ideal window solutions.
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Layered Shades
One of my favorite window treatment recommendations involves using layered shades.
Multiple varied shades on a single window provide flexibility in controlling light, views, and ambiance throughout the day.
I love the dimensional, stylish look layering creates.
For the most versatility, I advise combining complementary fabrics and textures.
Try pairing soft translucent sheers with opaque blackout shades.
Or complement breezy linen roman shades with sleek wood blinds.
Mixing materials like cotton, vinyl, bamboo and more creates visual interest.
In home offices, layering blackout roller shades behind cordless faux wood blinds allows custom privacy and light control.
or bedrooms, overlap a bumpy woven shade with smooth silk sheers for an inviting layered effect.
The combinations are endless – have fun mixing weights, textures, colors, and styles!
Layering shades enables personalized environments fluctuating with your needs.
As sunlight shifts throughout the day, adjust the layers accordingly.
With smart layering, your windows can seamlessly transition from bright openness to cozy intimacy.
Experiment with layered shades to refresh your rooms with enchanting dimension.
Cordless Shades
For children’s rooms and pets homes, I always make it a point to recommend cordless shades.
Wand controls, motorization, and other cordless lifting systems enhance safety by eliminating dangling cords hazardous to kids and animals.
But beyond safety, cordless shades also offer superior convenience and a streamlined look that I love.
As an interior designer and mother myself, child safety is my top concern when selecting window treatments.
Cordless technology has improved tremendously in recent years.
Today’s options range from battery-powered motors to sleek wands that slide shades up and down effortlessly.
I advise cordless systems on any style shade, from wood blinds to roman shades.
Look for top-down/bottom-up options enabling lower and upper shade control in one unit.
Combine cordless convenience with other great shade features like blackout fabrics or faux wood construction.
Energy-efficient motorized units offering voice control and scheduling are an upgrade worth considering too.
Most manufacturers now offer cordless lifting systems for their shades.
Take advantage of this safer technology to refresh your home’s windows with peace of mind.
Combining convenience and safety, cordless shades embody smart, modern window solutions.
Motorized Shades
Motorized window shades take convenience to the next level, providing push-button, voice activated, or app-controlled remote operation.
As an interior designer, I often recommend motorized shades to clients wanting the ultimate high-tech experience.
They refresh rooms with both beauty and smart tech integration.
Look for motorized systems with customizable schedules, allowing your shades to automatically adjust throughout the day for privacy, light control, and energy efficiency.
Units with built-in light sensors that respond to outdoor brightness are especially handy.
I advise models with battery backup power to lower shades even during power outages.
In media rooms, scheduling movie blackout settings maximizes viewing environments.
For bedrooms, create sleep-enhancing circadian rhythm cycles mimicking natural light patterns.
Control security and ambiance from afar in vacation homes as well.
Integrations with smart home systems like Alexa allow voice command of your shades.
I encourage splurging on motorized shades at least in key living areas to discover their potential.
The programmable convenience can be a game changer for creating the perfect customizable atmosphere in your refreshed home.
Welcome your space into the future with high-tech motorized window shades.
Unique Shaped Shades
Windows come in all shapes and sizes, but traditionally window treatments were fairly rectangular.
Luckily, advances in shade manufacturing now allow for shades in unique arched, curved, and angled forms.
Look for shades designed specifically for round porthole windows, semicircular arches, and other uniquely angled openings.
This allows the window shape itself to shine as an architectural focal point.
I love the look of roman shades, roller shades, and cellular shades on round windows, tailored to continue the circular theme.
For arched windows, relaxed bamboo blinds or linen roman shades complement the curved form beautifully.
Faux wood blinds also follow unique angles and shapes with natural flexibility.
Gone are the days of awkwardly covering oddly-shaped windows with boxy, ill-fitting shades.
Today’s shades can be adapted to match virtually any window, opening up new possibilities for customizing your home’s style.
Make the most of your unique windows with shades tailored to refresh their natural beauty.
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Cellular Shades
Also known as honeycomb shades, cellular shades provide insulation and soft filtered light ideal for energy efficiency.
As an interior designer, I often recommend these shades for their versatile design possibilities.
The layered cellular construction traps air to reduce energy costs.
But it also creates an appealing texture adding depth to any room.
Cellular shades are available in a wide selection of colors, fabrics, sizes, and opacities.
Light-filtering translucent styles work beautifully to defuse and diffuse harsh direct sunlight.
Opaque blackout cellular shades insulate rooms from noise and outdoor views.
Top-down/bottom up units allow customizable privacy.
In bedrooms, cellular shades offer relaxation and insomnia relief by blocking excess light and noise.
During the day, alter opaque cells to transparent filters to let in refreshing daylight.
For picture windows, span multiple cellular shade units across a large expanse for seamless unified style.
With their subtle honeycomb texture, adaptable opacity, and energy-saving insulation, cellular shades refresh rooms in multi-functional ways.
If you seek style, soft lighting, and increased comfort, cellular shades are a fantastic option worth exploring.
They provide beauty, versatility, and practicality all in one window treatment.
My best advice is to choose window blinds and shades well-suited to the room’s existing decor and lighting needs.
Mixing materials, textures, and layers creates enticing dimension.
Focus on quality construction and durability to ensure long-lasting wear.
And don’t overlook new technologies like motorization and cordless lifting for added convenience.
With strategic planning, even small tweaks like new window blinds can make a dramatic impact.
Our windows are so essential for allowing in cherished daylight while maintaining privacy.
Treat them to the refresh they deserve!
Breathe new life into your home by taking advantage of beautiful window blinds and shade options.
