Some window treatments are primarily functional in nature, while others are more decorative and provide a sense of style to any residence where they’re installed. The specific type of window treatment you choose for your home will depend on what you’re trying to achieve. For instance, if energy savings is your primary goal, you would want to choose a window treatment which is highly energy-efficient, such as cellular shades. On the other hand, if you’re going for style, you may want to choose an elegant kind of Roman shade that will deliver great aesthetic appeal.
Hard Window Treatments
Blinds and shutters are most often considered to be hard window treatments, given the fact that they’re constructed either of wood or metal, and provide excellent light control for a homeowner. Hard window treatments are generally desirable for functionality, i.e. they accomplish a specific purpose, for instance managing the amount of light which comes in through windows, or maintaining interior temperature by insulating the home. Other functions you might want to accomplish with hard window treatments include privacy control, temperature control, blockage of ultraviolet sun rays, or greater insulation.
Soft Window Coverings
Shades and draperies or curtains are most commonly lumped into the ‘soft’ category of window treatments, and in theory at least, soft treatments are supposed to be more decorative and aesthetically pleasing than hard ones. This is certainly the case with draperies, although the distinction is not quite as appropriate with shades, since they do provide functionality as well. Even draperies can be functional to a certain extent, given the fact that they can be opened and closed to allow in more light, and can be closed to establish greater privacy.
