Window treatments are often one of the most underrated elements of design. And like any home element, styling them isn’t always as easy as it may seem. But choosing the right window treatments is important, since it can make a huge difference to your home’s appearance and comfort.

If you’re in the market for new window coverings, below are our experts’ top “do’s” and “don’ts” for choosing the perfect window treatments.

Your Guide to Shopping for Window Treatments

Do: See what your treatments will look like before they’re hung.

Whether you’re picking out a couch, finding a new paint color, or looking for new window treatments, arguably the hardest part of designing a room is envisioning what your pick will look like once it goes from the show room to your living room.

But with our Window Visualizer Tool, you can upload a photo of your room or window and see which covering you like best before committing to it. With plenty of styles to click through, you can be confident in your choice when it comes time to buy.

Don’t: Forget to make safety a priority.

Even the most well-prepared parent can easily forget that window treatment cords account for hundreds of childhood injuries every single year. While it’s possible to cut loop cords or anchor them to the wall, the best way to protect your children and pets from window cord accidents is to eliminate them altogether.

No matter your preference — custom window shades, shutters, or blinds — each option can be motorized and opened with the push of a button or the sound of your voice.

Do: Put an emphasis on energy efficiency.

Did you know that the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that between 25 and 40% of annual heating and cooling costs are lost due to air leakage through windows?

When choosing window treatments, it’s easy to get caught up in color, style, and pattern. But window coverings are one of the best ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency and prevent air from escaping. Some of the most energy-efficient options include:

Cellular shades
Roman shades
Roller shades
Shutters

Don’t: Treat every room the same.

The treatments you buy for your bedroom need to serve a different purpose than the ones you have in your living room.

The office: If you’re choosing coverings for your office, it’s important to pay special attention to light and temperature control. Good lighting is needed when you’re trying to read, but you also don’t want a glare on your computer screen every day when the sun sets.
Your bedroom: Especially if your bedroom is south-facing or you’re designing for a nursery, room darkening shades can improve your (or your little one’s) quality of sleep by filtering out up to 99% of all light coming through a window.
The living room: If you have large windows or French doors, energy efficiency should be top of mind when choosing window treatments because they can allow for the most energy lost.

Do: Consider all of your color options.

The right color, lighting, and paint can make any room of your home look like something out of Better Homes and Gardens. But how do you find the right window treatment color that compliments your existing decor? A few things you can do are:

Match your blinds to the color of your window trim.
Match your blinds with your wall color.
Choose window treatments that compliment your furniture or floor.
Choose darker blinds in large, open rooms with lots of windows.

Don’t: Measure your windows incorrectly.

You may assume windows come in a standard size, but we’re here to clear up the misconception. There is no such thing as a “standard size” window so measuring yours accurately is incredibly important. From simply misusing a measuring tape to not adding width to outside mount blinds and not measuring to the exact 1/8th of an inch, it’s easy to incorrectly measure your window.

If you’re unsure about the measurements, you could always call our team at Bloomin’ Blinds. Our shutter installers provide custom window treatments that satisfy our customers nationwide.

Do: Avoid costly and preventable mistakes.

Buying blinds or shades isn’t something you should do in one afternoon after a quick online search. With more than 20 years in the industry, we’ve seen some of the most common mistakes people make when searching for treatments.

1. Focusing solely on design.

There’s no denying everyone wants their new coverings to look beautiful, but you can’t focus exclusively on how your treatments will look, you also need to think about energy efficiency, hypoallergenic options, and safety.

2. Not understanding all of your options.

Blinds, shades, and shutters are umbrella terms that often include many more options, like cellular, roman, and roller shades. You also have a variety of materials to choose from, like wood or composites.

3. Not investing in motorization.

Motorized blinds are energy-efficient, safe for children, and the most convenient way to control hard-to-reach coverings. Modern motorized window coverings can also be connected to the leading home assistants such as Amazon’s Alexa, Apple HomeKit and Google Home.

At Bloomin' Blinds, our greatest priority is your comfort and satisfaction. That is why we offer a wide variety of motorized blinds, shutters, and shades to meet all your needs. Contact us today to find your nearest location!