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Beige sheer window shades on living room windows
March 20, 2025

How To Pick Between Different Types Of Window Treatments

Window blinds, shades, and plantation shutters–oh my! The number of available window treatments may seem staggering when choosing one for your Bluff City home. Knowing the pros and cons of each covering will help you decide the best treatment for your living space and specific needs. Read on to learn more about the different types of window treatments and how they can increase your enjoyment of your windows.

The Pros And Cons Of Interior Shutters

White Polywood shutters on a kitchen window

Typically called ”plantation” or “louvered shutters,” interior shutters are constructed of rigid materials. They include hinged panels set in a frame affixed to your window. All panels have a row of tiltable louvers. You can open and shut the panels and turn the louvers to your desired position.

The Pros

Thanks to their sturdy construction, plantation shutters are typically able to offer anything you want from a window treatment:

  • An elegant design element for windows
  • Classic colors to match your decor
  • Complete privacy 
  • Superb natural light control and redirection 
  • Easy operation
  • Unrivaled longevity and remarkable durability from Polywood® shutters 
  • Ideal fit for any window size or shape
  • Improved energy efficiency over other window treatments 
  • Greater home resale value 
  • Pet- and child-safe 
  • Numerous optional features to personalize how your shutters work

The Cons

Interior shutters aren’t right for everyone. If you want a softer fabric on your windows or wish to introduce a burst of color, you’ll need to consider some different types of window treatments in Bluff City. 

The Pros And Cons Of Window Shades 

Blue natural fiber shades on living room windows

Window shades are available in numerous styles, but they usually all utilize a section of fabric mounted above the window. Hold the bottom of the shade and pull it up or down to uncover or cover your window. You can also get powered shades. You adjust these with a remote, wall button, or even a cell phone app or vocal command if you choose smart shades. You can also program smart shades to lower or raise on a schedule. Motorized shades offer remarkable convenience. 

The Pros

Window shades and remote-controlled shades can do a terrific job of blocking daylight and the view into your living area. Their primary attraction is the numerous styles they come in. Select from your preference of: 

  • Colors
  • Patterns
  • Materials
  • Transparency levels 

The different window shades have their own benefits as well. Roller shades offer a minimalist feel. Cellular shades add efficiency. Motorized shades of any type provide easier control over light and home comfort for windows of any size. 

The Cons

Window shades don’t offer the durability of rigid window treatments and are usually difficult to clean. Their fabric panels will eventually fade from sunlight or could become spotted, rip, or grow mold. 

Window shades also give you fewer options in managing privacy and daylight than interior shutters. They may leave gaps around the edges or allow shadows to appear if your lights are on during the night. 

The Pros And Cons Of Window Blinds 

Brown wood window blinds on a large window

Window blinds feature a series of long slats made from a rigid material that you lower over your windows to shield them. You may also adjust the slats closed or open for extra governance over daylight. 

The Pros

By design, all blinds obstruct sunlight and visibility into your Bluff City home, but their quality and material decide how effectively they do this. While some blinds are regarded as insubstantial, premium wood and faux-wood blinds give you more durability and additional advantages like: 

  • Easy operation
  • Longevity
  • Lasting appeal

The Cons

Even the most well-built blinds have several disadvantages. They can permit sunlight to enter around the sides or shift in a strong breeze, revealing your home’s living space to outside viewers. They provide little insulation and, due to their construction, won’t hold up as long as sturdier shutters. They can also be difficult to clean. 

The Pros And Cons Of Drapes

White drapes on French doors in a formal dining room

Drapes are made of long, flowing fabric utilized to cover windows. Their material is typically heavier than curtains and lined for improved insulation and light-blocking ability. Drapes might feature a pair of panels that you pull apart from the middle or one larger panel that you draw across your window from the side. They may hang from and glide along a rod or a track. 

The Pros

Dense drapes are effective at blocking sunlight and air movement when shut. They are available in lots of different textures, patterns, and colors to match your home’s design. They lend a classy, time-tested appearance many homeowners like.

The Cons

Drapes can present a stiff, formal appearance that doesn’t suit every home. They can appear luxurious on tall windows but can be difficult to operate unless you get motorized ones. Drapes also offer limited options for governing sunlight and privacy–they’re either open or shut. 

Consult With Sunburst About The Different Types Of Window Treatments In Bluff City

Let the experts at Sunburst Shutters NW Tennessee help you determine the right window treatment. We have an impressive variety, and we’ll help you pick a product from all the different types of window treatments in Bluff City. Call us at 276-685-5343 or complete the form below to book a free in-home consultation and begin investigating your options!