The older I get, the more I appreciate the function of things as much as the form

The Older I Get, the More I Appreciate the Function of Things as Much as the Form

Window treatments are one of those home purchase decisions that can affect the look and feel of your home as much as the balance on your energy bills. The right window treatment can minimize heat loss in winter and heat gain in the summer, which can significantly lower both heating and cooling costs. It can look good too, with more options than ever, from fabric to fiberglass and everything in between. In some cases, window treatments can also provide a tax credit.

Modern Features for Modern Homes

New motorization and automation features from companies like Bali make it easy to operate your window treatments from just about anywhere. Whether you’re doing it from a remote control or a switch on the wall, you no longer need to deal with hanging cords that are both cumbersome and worrisome, especially if you have kids. In some cases, cords are now built into the product; in others, they’ve disappeared altogether.

A few companies have introduced apps that allow you to operate window treatments from your smartphone. You can set it to sunrise or sunset and have it run on its own all week long, says Joe Jankoski, vice president of merchandising for Hunter Douglas, whose Platinum app allows you to control each window treatment individually, by room or throughout the house.

Choosing the Right Treatment

Before investing in window treatments, think about the room the treatments will be going into, what the room is used for, and how much you plan to open or close them. Also pay attention to the rhythm of the space, such as where it tends to be brighter or warmer at certain times of day. Once you’ve got that nailed down, you’ll find window treatments to be a lot less costly than buying new windows.

Popular Window Treatments for Energy Efficiency

Drapes

Perhaps the least expensive and most popular of the bunch, choosing the right fabric makes all the difference.

Upside: Drapes are excellent for privacy control when the proper fabric is selected. They’re easy to match to your home’s aesthetic and can be made to fit any window.

Downside: If you choose a light fabric, the energy savings won’t be significant.

Film

When combined with cellular shades, window film helps reduce heat gain and provides plenty of ventilation, something most other treatments don’t.

Upside: Good for controlling light and glare, especially in rooms with a lot of windows. The mirror-like, high-reflective options provide privacy, too.

Downside: In extreme climates, pairing with another treatment is necessary for maximum energy savings.

Shades

Shades are a good option if you need insulation in both the summer and winter. Exterior shades protect windows from the elements.

Upside: Glare control and privacy are tops with shades, especially roller or cellular varieties that trap air for stable temperatures.

Downside: Generally not ideal for noise control.

Interior and Exterior Blinds

Louvered blinds, often referred to as Venetian, can be hung horizontally or vertically.

Upside: Allow control of daylight and views.

Downside: Minimal insulation or sound absorption.

Awnings

Awnings are sort of like tilted roof extensions, providing shade to interior and exterior spaces.

Upside: Excellent at shielding windows from sunlight and keeping interiors cool, especially in summer.

Downside: Provide little privacy unless retractable.

Shutters

Shutters reduce unwanted heat more significantly than blinds or shades, making them popular in warm climates.

Upside: Protect privacy while controlling heat and glare. Roller varieties offer insulation and storm protection.

Downside: Expensive, especially motorized or programmable options.

Screens

Screens come in fixed or roller varieties and can be installed indoors or outdoors.

Upside: Provide airflow and UV protection. Retractable and automated options enhance convenience.

Downside: Limited heat control and privacy, but affordable.