What Can I Cover My Windows With Instead of Blinds?

Blinds remain a popular option for homeowners as they blend well with many decor styles. 

But you might be looking for a change as you upgrade your home and bring a new look to your living space. As you analyze your options, take the time to review the full range of alternative window coverings. 

Our experts at Window Blinds Direct can guide you in making the right choices for your home and, in this new post, we’re exploring your full array of window covering options.

Your Window Treatment Options

Before analyzing the unique window treatments and the alternatives to blinds, ensure you know the value these systems can provide. Shutters, for example, add a high level of privacy to your home, while sheer coverings offer a great degree of light access to the living space. You can also consider elements such as valances which can be integrated with or without other window treatments and offer a decorative touch to your home decor.

Questions to Consider Before Choosing a Window Covering 

You may wish to consider the following questions before you narrow down your options and select the product for your home space:

What’s our priority?

Is the priority decorative style, light control, insulation? Make sure you go into the purchase process with an understanding of your priorities. This understanding can help you when you speak with your local window treatment experts.

What’s our budget?

Take the time to learn the different pricing structures for each style of window treatment. Can you afford to extend your budget? Can you add to your window treatment over time if, for example, you want to add a motor to the system later?

What’s our timeline?

When you speak with window covering companies, they’ll want to know more about your timeline expectations. 

The highest quality products are not always available immediately. So it may be a process of selecting the best options and then waiting a short while for delivery. Discuss timelines with your chosen installation company well before making your final decision. 

Roller Shades

In Toronto Roller shades are a popular option for those looking for a modern aesthetic. They pair well with more sizable windows where a minimalist design approach may be more suitable. 

So, if you’re hoping to make the view from your windows the standout feature of the space, roller shades represent optimal value. 

One of the advantages of roller shades is they disappear when rolled up. So you can achieve that clean, unspoiled appeal not available with other styles of window covering. Your interior decorating team can use valances or headrails to hide the covering so that the view outside the window and the traditional frame are the only visual elements. 

Another reason many homeowners are selecting roller shades is that they provide a high degree of light control. 

There are several styles of roller shade available. The options include sheer and blackout products which help you set the perfect mood and tone for the room. For the ultimate in lighting control and modern aesthetics, roller shades are the top choice. 

Roman Shades

Roman shades are an elegant alternative to traditional window blinds. They provide a classic appeal and pair well with a modern decor aesthetic as an accent piece. When installing roman shades in the home, precision is imperative because of the value that sizing plays within their appeal. 

Slight errors in sizing can make roman shades look oversized and ill-fitting for the room. Ensure that you work with a qualified expert to size the shades and review the installation parameters before the project begins. 

A further consideration for choosing roman shades is the colour and tone. Many homeowners mistakenly choose patterns that can then look out of place in the home. 

Stick with neutral tones and a balanced colour profile to achieve the highest value from roman shades.

Vertical Blinds

If you have wide or tall windows, you might choose vertical blinds for the space. 

One of the main benefits of vertical blinds is that they’re low maintenance and budget-friendly. They also provide the highest levels of privacy when closed. They operate via a sliding track system which enables you to move the blinds from one side of the window to the other. 

Your installer may also be able to offer vertical blinds that tilt open for a customizable approach to light control. 

Pleated Shades

Pleated shades are similar to cellular shades but do not have a honeycomb design. They fold accordion-style when raised and are considered one of the easier window treatment styles to operate. 

Another key advantage is that pleated shades are available in a wide array of colours and fabrics, so you’re bound to find one to suit your living space. 

Transitional Shades

Transitional shades feature alternating opaque and sheer stripes, with a front and a back layer of fabric. Their design allows you to leave them partially open, fully open or closed, depending on your lighting needs at the time. 

Their horizontal stripes help create a sense of depth within the living space that works well in most large rooms. 

Cellular Shades

The honeycomb weave of cellular shades means they offer superior insulation within the home. It’s why many experts recommend the product for use in older properties where sealing in warm and cold air is a priority. 

Cellular shades are also highly customizable.

For example, you can build cellular shades that open at the top to allow lots of light into the space while remaining closed at the bottom for privacy. It’s what makes cellular shades the perfect choice for your home bathrooms and bedrooms. 

Many homeowners also choose to add motors to their cellular shades to achieve a greater level of in-home light control and convenience.

Turn to Window Blinds Direct for Product Guidance

Our trusted team at Window Blinds Direct has experience selling and installing a broad array of window treatment products. We’re here to guide you and answer your questions while ensuring you find the exact right option for your home. 
To learn more about window blinds, call Window Blinds Direct at 416-459-5600 or contact us here.